Everything DB teams need in one browser tab
DBDesk lets you connect PostgreSQL or MySQL databases, run queries, edit tables inline, and manage schemas without installing desktop clients. Below is the exact workflow to follow inside the app.
Quick start (account → workspace)
1. Create your workspace
Visit the landing page, click “Get started free”, and complete the Supabase-powered signup. You’ll land inside DBDesk with a personal workspace.
2. Verify session
Once signed in, DBDesk stores a secure Supabase session. If you refresh the browser, the middleware syncs your cookies so you stay logged in.
3. Add your first project
Open the dashboard and click “New Connection”. Give the connection a friendly name (e.g. “Prod Orders”) so it’s easy to recognise later.
Connections
Connecting to Supabase or any host
Supabase pooler host only
DBDesk cannot connect to the direct `project-ref.supabase.co` host. Always use the transaction pooler host. Example: `aws-0-ap-south-1.pooler.supabase.com`.
Username format
Use `postgres.<project_ref>` as the username. Example: `postgres.abcd1234wxyz`. This is required for the pooler.
Port & SSL
Set port `6543` and enable SSL. DBDesk will warn you if SSL is turned off and you’re targeting Supabase, Neon, or other hosted providers.
Password placeholders
Never paste `[YOUR-PASSWORD]`. Replace placeholders with your actual database password. DBDesk blocks obvious placeholders to avoid failed tests.
Tip: If you’re unsure about a connection string, paste it in the “Connection String” tab on New Connection. DBDesk parses it, sets the correct host/port, and highlights Supabase-specific mistakes before you hit Save.
Working with tables & rows
Insert rows
Open any table, click “Add Row”, fill the modal (every column is editable), and press Create. The app runs an INSERT for you and refreshes the grid.
Edit cells
Double-click any cell or hit Enter to open the floating editor. JSON, boolean, numeric, date, and UUID fields get contextual validation before the UPDATE statement is executed.
Delete rows (single or bulk)
Toggle Delete Rows, select the entries, and confirm. DBDesk auto-detects the primary key column and runs a safe DELETE ... WHERE IN () query.
Add / alter columns
Use “Add Column” to append typed columns (text, uuid, numeric, etc.). Use the column header menu → Edit column to change the type or nullability.
Import CSV / JSON
Click Import, choose CSV or JSON, and DBDesk maps columns automatically. Files are processed in safe batches, so even large data drops run without timeouts.
Export tables
Use Export → CSV/JSON to download the current page, or choose Full Export to stream the entire table from the server. Ideal for audits or sharing with BI teammates.
Querying & navigation
Test connections safely
The dashboard shows a Test button on each saved connection. DBDesk decrypts the credentials on the server, verifies host reachability, and reports success/failure with logs.
Switch between databases
From the table browser, expand any database returned by the driver and click a table to load it. Schema filters help you focus on `public`, `auth`, or custom schemas.
Use the Query Studio
Open the Query tab, type SQL (multi-tab support), hit Ctrl/Cmd + Enter to execute, and export the results as CSV/JSON or copy as TSV for spreadsheets.
Multi-tab query drafting
Keep separate query tabs for read, write, and diagnostics work. DBDesk stores the result set per tab, so you can compare outputs without rerunning everything.
Share query results instantly
Use the Copy button to grab TSV, paste into Slack or Sheets, or trigger CSV/JSON downloads straight from the Query Studio toolbar.
Track execution stats
Every query response displays row count and execution time. You can keep the panel open while switching tabs; results are stored per-tab.
Security checklist inside DBDesk
• Every request passes through Supabase Auth middleware. • Passwords are encrypted with the configured key before saving to Supabase. • The client never sees decrypted credentials — all queries execute on the server.
Need more help?
Jump back into DBDesk and start building
Continue exploring the landing page for animated walkthroughs or head straight into your dashboard to create connections and run queries.