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 using Excel!'”
Eduardo Dalcin, Ph.D.
Biodiversity Informatics Expert
“Most CRMs don’t work the way Grist works. Grist’s layouts are simple and do exactly what we need.”
Jennifer Bledsoe
IT Tech at Law Firm
“I discovered Grist after becoming frustrated with the limitations of Excel and Google Sheets. Grist has been a breath of fresh air, especially with its ability to handle structured data in a way that feels familiar to anyone with experience in relational databases, but with the added flexibility of Python.”
Will Bailey
Small Business Manager
“Sharing an Access database is near impossible, but Grist makes sharing a relational database simple.”
Walt Rice
IT Consultant
“I needed an open-source master database that could connect to n8n and AI tools. After trying Notion, Airtable, Siyuan, Baserow, and NocoDB, I chose Grist for its Python-native AI support, flexible integrations, and simple n8n connections.”
Robin A.
Project Manager
“I’ve worked extensively with NocoDB, Notion, SeaTable, and Baserow, and Grist really stands out. The balance between spreadsheet-style flexibility and structured, low-code database design is excellent.”
Andriy Kostyuk
Automation Engineer, Founder at Enceladus
Migrating from Microsoft Access to Grist
While Grist doesn’t offer Access-specific migration tools, its flexible import capabilities and strong support resources make the transition straightforward for most use cases.
- Export your Access data to CSV.
- Import into Grist using multiple methods:
- Drag-and-drop interface for CSV, Excel, JSON, TSV files.
- API endpoints for programmatic import (
/records). - Column type auto-detection and mapping tools.
- Incremental import options for large datasets.
- Recreate your Access applications:
- Forms: Use Grist’s dedicated Form widget for data collection.
- Reports: Build with Custom Widgets, Markdown widgets for printable documents, or interactive dashboards.
- Queries: Leverage linked widgets and summary tables for live data views.
- Convert VBA logic to Python formulas:
- Use Grist’s AI Assistant for natural language formula creation and complex logic conversion.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Build with an expert
Need a solution built in Grist? Let our experts do the work.
Plan your solution
Identify workflow pain points, and improvements.
Design for your needs
Leverage Grist’s flexibility to your advantage.
Build with experts
Work with our experts to get to your solution quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can Grist handle my complex Access queries and relationships?
Grist is a fully relational database. Your table relationships and queries should be able to be recreated, often more intuitively. Intuitive data linking is a primary reason businesses consider Grist when looking for a Microsoft Access replacement.
How much will it cost compared to Access?
Grist offers a generous free tier (up to 5,000 records), and you can see the other plans on our Pricing page.
Unlike Access’s one-time license that requires Windows and offers limited cloud options (and is currently phased out of support!), Grist is continuously updated and even self-hostable.
What about our existing VBA code and macros?
While VBA won’t run directly in Grist, most VBA logic can be replaced with Python formulas.
Our AI Assistant can help convert common VBA patterns, and our community has examples for typical use cases.
Can I try it with my actual Access data before committing?
Yes! Our free tier lets you test with up to 5,000 records indefinitely. You can import your Access data, build views, and evaluate fit without any time pressure. Many users run pilot projects before full migration.
What if we need help with migration?
Beyond our comprehensive documentation and migration guides, our community forum has Access migration experts who’ve helped hundreds of organizations make the switch.
For complex migrations, please contact us for professional services.
Get Started
Templates
General Ledger Template
Analyze income and expenses by project and over time using our user-friendly general ledger with dynamic charts.
View TemplatePayroll Template
Manage hourly payroll calculations and tracking in a single relational spreadsheet.
View TemplateLightweight CRM Template
Manage customer info and interactions in a user-friendly, spreadsheet-style CRM template.
View Template