Open-source and Self-hostable
A modern alternative to Microsoft Access
A relational database with a spreadsheet interface that is not being phased out.
Database power, spreadsheet simplicity
A Microsoft Access alternative that combines the best of a spreadsheet and a relational database management system (RDBMS). Create summary tables, charts, and even drag-and-drop dashboards. And unlike Access’s aging Jet/ACE engine, Grist runs on modern SQLite.
More than a frontend
Grist handles data from top to bottom, from SQL to advanced visualizations, all without taking away control of your data.
SQLite engine as data store
Industry-standard database trusted by millions of devices.
Spreadsheet flexibility with database integrity
Familiar formulas meet relational structure.
No-code dashboard building
Create the reports and views you need without programming.
Python-powered automation
Replace VBA macros with modern Python formulas, with AI support.
Built for modern collaboration
As a database managed through a familiar UI, Grist is designed to be used by everyone, especially distributed teams.
Spreadsheet frontend allows non-technical users to get started immediately, just like Access.
Database structure ensures data is clean & consistent across all users.
Real-time sync means no more emailing Access files or dealing with SharePoint.
UI translated into over a dozen languages for global teams.
Advanced access controls Access can’t match
Enable cross-functional collaboration with granular access rules and permissions that go far beyond Access’ basic security.
Control access down to individual records, fields, and even cells, instead of just table-level.
Create secure public forms without exposing your entire database.
Share read-only views with clients while keeping sensitive data protected.
Audit trail tracks all changes so you know who changed what and when.
Let all users work securely from one source of truth, eliminating duplicate databases.
Fully open-source and future-proof
Grist’s open-source commitment ensures your data and applications remain accessible, unlike Access’ proprietary lock-in with its lack of support.
No vendor lock-in
Take your data anywhere, anytime.
Self-hostable
Run on your own servers for complete control.
Developer-friendly architecture
Extend with APIs, webhooks, and custom widgets.
Active community of contributors
Continuous improvements and community support.
Transparent development
See exactly how your data is handled.
GitHub“I love Grist. It’s crazy powerful. I still can’t believe what we’ve been able to achieve in it. It’s the dream that low-code was sold as for years – we can do incredible things in each column with Python and we can build our own widgets to run on those! Wild!”
Elliot Lee
User Researcher
“Grist has become our go-to for more complex, structured data. It sits somewhere between Excel and Access—powerful, relational, and flexible enough for prototyping real data-driven applications.”
Olivier Lambert
CEO at Vates
“The more I use Grist, the more I LOVE it. I have been surveying self-hosted database GUI tools, and I was consistently disappointed with their shortcomings or bugginess. Grist is the first to have tilted the balance the other way.”
Stephen S.
Publications, Personal City Guides
“Grist has given us incredible flexibility to solve data problems and find solutions, whether it is for a small team at the district, or at scale with the entire district staff. We’re really excited about the different ways we can use it going forward.”
Director of Product
EdTech Company
“What I like about Grist the most is its focus. It appears simple, but it’s very powerful in a focused way. Grist has really improved our workflow and communication.”
Chris Scott
Co-founder in Digital Marketing
“If people spend some time learning a new tool they’ll have more power to do their work and research. I said to one of my students, ‘You will be very very happy using Grist because you are miserable usin