Use psql for
Scripts, SSH sessions, repeatable commands, migrations, and exact text output.
psql GUI for Mac
Keep psql for the terminal. Use a GUI when you need to see the data.
PostgresGUI connects to the same PostgreSQL databases as psql. Browse tables, run SQL, inspect wide results, edit rows, view JSON, and export CSV in a native Mac app.
Use a GUI for
Table browsing, wide results, row editing, JSON inspection, and exploratory SQL.
Keep both for
A practical PostgreSQL setup that covers automation and visual investigation.
The result stays next to the query
Terminal output is efficient until a result has many columns, long JSON values, or enough rows to lose the context. A grid keeps column names, values, and the SQL visible together.
- Open several queries in tabs.
- Browse schemas and tables from the sidebar.
- Switch between table and JSON results.
- Export the current result as CSV.
psql and PostgresGUI handle different parts of the job
| Task | psql | PostgresGUI |
|---|---|---|
| Run SQL | Yes | Yes |
| Use in scripts and CI | Yes | No |
| Browse tables visually | Text commands | Yes |
| Edit a row directly | Write SQL | Yes |
| Inspect wide results | Terminal output | Scrollable grid |
| Connect over SSH | Through your shell | Built-in tunnel settings |
| Export data | \copy | CSV export |
Need psql itself first? Follow the Mac installation guide. For a task-by-task comparison, read psql vs PostgreSQL GUI.
Common questions
Does psql have a GUI?
psql is PostgreSQL's command-line client, so it does not include a graphical interface. You can keep psql for terminal work and use a PostgreSQL GUI such as PostgresGUI for visual table browsing and query results.
Can PostgresGUI connect to the same databases as psql?
Yes. Both can connect to local, remote, and cloud PostgreSQL databases. PostgresGUI accepts a PostgreSQL connection string or individual host, port, database, user, password, and SSL settings.
Should I replace psql with a GUI?
Usually not. psql is better for scripts, remote shells, and repeatable commands. A GUI is better for browsing tables, scanning wide results, editing a row, and keeping several queries open.
Is PostgresGUI available outside macOS?
No. PostgresGUI is a native Mac app. Use psql, pgAdmin, DBeaver, or another cross-platform client when you need Windows or Linux support.