Heroku Postgres, without the terminal

Heroku Postgres GUI

Q: Is Simple PostgreSQL only for Heroku?

No. Simple PostgreSQL works with standard local, Heroku-hosted, and other remote PostgreSQL databases.

Connect to your Heroku PostgreSQL databases, browse tables, inspect records, and run SQL through a focused desktop interface.

Download for Mac See how to connect

14-day free trial · SSL connections · Credentials stay on your machine

Paste a PostgreSQL URI or enter the Heroku Postgres connection details manually.

Heroku makes deploying applications remarkably simple. Managing the database can be a different story.

Developers often end up copying PostgreSQL connection strings, opening terminal windows, and running SQL commands just to inspect a table or verify a record. A Heroku Postgres GUI makes those everyday tasks significantly easier.

Simple PostgreSQL connects directly to your Heroku Postgres database so you can browse tables, run queries, and manage data visually from your Mac.

Why Developers Look for a Heroku Postgres GUI

The command line remains useful. Heroku developers commonly reach for heroku pg:psql or connect with psql. A graphical client complements that workflow when you need to explore and compare data quickly.

Browse tablesNavigate database content without a sequence of terminal commands.

View rowsInspect records in a readable, paginated data grid.

Explore schemasSee available tables and columns through visual navigation.

Run ad hoc queriesWrite SQL and review the results in the same workspace.

Inspect production dataInvestigate application issues with fewer context switches.

Verify migrationsConfirm expected tables, columns, and data after a deployment.

The Problem With Managing Heroku Databases

As applications grow, developers repeatedly need answers to practical questions:

Did the migration run?

Check that expected tables and columns are present after deployment.

Does this record exist?

Search and inspect application data without building a one-off admin screen.

Why is this query failing?

Run focused SQL and examine the database structure in one place.

Without a GUI, this can mean switching repeatedly between the Heroku Dashboard, terminal windows, documentation, and SQL output. A dedicated client keeps the database work together.

Connect to Heroku Postgres in Minutes

Heroku allows external clients to connect using the database URI. Heroku Postgres requires SSL for external connections, so make sure SSL is enabled when adding the connection.

1
Open your Heroku Postgres database
Choose the database from your app's Resources list or the Datastores area in Heroku.
2
Copy the database URI
Open the Credentials tab, select the credential, and copy the connection string from the URI section.
3
Add a connection
Open Simple PostgreSQL and paste the URI, such as postgres://user:password@host:5432/database.
4
Enable SSL and test
Keep SSL enabled, test the connection, then save it for future use.
5
Browse your database
Open the connection and explore schemas, tables, rows, and queries visually.

New PostgreSQL connection dialog with URI import and SSL option for Heroku Postgres — Add the database URI, verify SSL is enabled, and test the connection before saving.

Explore Heroku Postgres Tables Visually

Instead of writing SQL just to understand a database, use the connection tree to view schemas, browse tables, inspect columns, and preview data. This is especially useful when joining a project or debugging a production issue.

Heroku Postgres table rows displayed in the Simple PostgreSQL data viewer — Navigate the database tree and inspect table rows in a paginated visual data view.

Run SQL Queries Faster

A GUI does not replace SQL. It makes SQL easier to work with. Write queries with table and column autocomplete, execute statements, review results, and iterate without constantly moving between tools.

SQL query editor and results grid connected to a Heroku PostgreSQL database — Run SQL and inspect query results in the same desktop workspace.

Manage Multiple Heroku Applications

Many developers maintain development, staging, production, and client applications. Simple PostgreSQL saves multiple connections so you can keep those environments organized and switch between them quickly.

Heroku Postgres GUI vs Command Line

Task	Command line	Simple PostgreSQL
Browse tables	Multiple commands	Visual navigation
Inspect data	SQL required	Data grid
Run queries	Yes	Yes, with results view
Manage connections	Manual	Saved connections
Explore schemas	SQL or meta commands	Database tree
Switch environments	Manual	Connection sidebar

Both approaches are useful. A GUI reduces friction for visual exploration while keeping SQL close at hand.

Built for everyday database work

Why I Built Simple PostgreSQL

I use Heroku for my own projects. Most of the time I do not need advanced database administration features. I simply want to open a database, view tables, check records, and run queries.

Many existing tools felt larger and more complicated than necessary. Simple PostgreSQL was created to provide a faster, more focused PostgreSQL experience.

Common Use Cases

SaaS applications

Inspect customer data and troubleshoot application issues.

Internal tools

Verify records and understand current application state.

Development environments

Test migrations, queries, and schema changes before deployment.

Staging environments

Validate deployments and data changes before a production release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect directly to Heroku Postgres?

Yes. Simple PostgreSQL can connect using the database URI from your Heroku Postgres credentials.

Is SSL supported?

Yes. Simple PostgreSQL supports SSL connections, which Heroku Postgres requires for external clients.

Can I connect to staging and production databases?

Yes. You can save multiple database connections and switch between environments.

Is Simple PostgreSQL only for Heroku?

No. Simple PostgreSQL works with standard PostgreSQL databases hosted locally, on Heroku, or through other managed providers. See the PostgreSQL GUI for Mac guide for the broader workflow.

Manage Heroku Postgres without constant context switching.

Browse data, inspect schemas, and run queries from one focused PostgreSQL desktop client.

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