If we talk about databases that are easy to use and with a large number of features and integrations With both the rest of the Office applications and third-party applications, we have to talk about Access. Access is Microsoft’s application to create databases of any kind, an application practically unknown to many users, although it is available in all subscriptions to Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365).
Access stands out for being a very easy-to-use application to create all kinds of databases, databases where we can make queries (also related to other databases), present reports with data and forms so that interaction with the use is very similar to any application.
To get started in Access, the first thing we need to do is a table, where we are going to introduce all the data that we want to manage. Next, we can (it is not necessary, but it is recommended to make its use more intuitive) create a form from where we can enter the data with a user interface similar to an application and where we can add buttons to create queries, which is the third thing we must do. If we want the query data to be displayed in a clean and tidy way, we can create ireports.
Microsoft Access is included in all Microsoft 365 subscriptions, so if we use this subscription, we can start using this fantastic application to create databases right away.
We like
It is available in Spanish, includes a large number of functions and is one of the oldest on the market. It is ideal for users who are new to creating and managing databases.
We do not like it
It is only available using the Microsoft 365 subscription.
Claris Filemaker
Filemaker is one of the applications to create databases most used on macOS, where Microsoft Access is not available. However, it is not only available in the Apple ecosystem, since we can also use it in Windows. Filemaker is an interesting and powerful application to create databases that is very easy to use and with which we can obtain query results graphically to make it easier to access the results.
Filemaker works under a monthly subscription, subscription that is priced at 21 dollars per month. Before we decide to pay for the subscription, we can download a trial version for up to 45 days. We can download this function from its website by clicking on the following link.
Stands out for
Filemaker is one of the best alternatives to Access. The user interface is very intuitive, so we can quickly start creating tables and queries, queries that are represented visually.
should improve
It requires a subscription, so we will be tied to this platform to be able to use the application, this being its main negative point. It is only in English.
MyVisualDatabase
My Visual Databases is an application designed for users who want to create complex databases, but without the need to know SQL to create searches. With this application we can create any type of database, either to manage a business, including accounting, or simply to create and manage our collection.
The user interface is quite simple and intuitive, although we must dedicate some time to get hold of it, if we want to get the most out of this interesting paid alternative to Microsoft Access. My Visual Database is priced at $299, so it is not an application for all audiences or pockets. If we want to give it a try, we can download a trial version from its website.
good choice for
It includes a large number of support in video format from its website, and with which we will be able to get the most out of the application.
Not a good option if
My Visual Database is not an ideal application if what we want is to create a simple database, since we can do it with any other free application. It is only available in English and Russian.
air table
Airtable has a user interface that allows us to reminiscent of a spreadsheet, however, is a complete database that allows us to carry out any type of relationship, consult and work collaboratively, this being its main attraction for companies. It works via the web, so it is not necessary to install any application on the computer and we can access the data with just a browser and an internet connection.
Although we can use Airtable for free, this version limits the number of records to 1,200 and if we want to add more, we will be forced to pay a subscription. The maximum database size is 2 GB in the free version and includes 2 weeks of revision history. We can access Airtable and start creating our databases through this link.
excellent choice for
Airtable is ideal for creating databases collaboratively, since it allows us to access all the data from a browser without installing any application.
not a good option
The free version limits the number of records, just like the cheapest version within the subscriptions it offers, so if we are not sure how big the database will be, we should discard it.
Free database creation programs
Within the free solutions to create databases, we have at our disposal a large number of options that are just as valid as some of those that we have mentioned in the previous section.
mysql
Although it is not an easy application to use, MySQL is presented as an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Access. We could say that MySQL is the GIMP of photo editing applications, while Access is Photoshop. MySQL is an open source and completely free application that is characterized by having a large community of users behind it, so, although it may seem more complete to use than Access, thanks to the community it will be a piece of cake.
Although MySQL is mainly used in web servers, we can also use it to create our own databases, as long as we have very specific requirements that we do not find in simpler applications. We can download this application directly from its website by clicking on the following link.
Positive points
Open source application and completely free. It includes strong data protection and is easily scalable. It has very wide support from the community.
negative aspects
It is not an easy application to use, especially if we do not have previous experience in creating and managing databases.
Base, included in LibreOffice
The most popular alternative to Office is LibreOffice. The set of applications that LibreOffice makes available to us also includes an application that allows us to create databases in a very similar way to Access. We are talking about Base. Basis is an app included in LibreOffice with which we can tables, queries, forms and reports in a very simple way since it puts at our disposal an assistant that will help us at all times.
Both the design and the general operation of the application is very similar to Access, so if we have previously worked with this Microsoft application or if we are new to this field, thanks to the wizards we can quickly get used to it and get everything out of it the party, since, in addition, it is completely translated into Spanish. The Base download via LibreOffice is available here.
pros
Completely free application with a large number of functions. It is fully translated into Spanish and is completely free.
Cons
It requires that we install all the LibreOffice applications to be able to use it, since it does not allow us to install only this application.
SqliteMan
Another interesting application to create and manage databases in the form of a free application is found in SqliteMan, an application that puts at our disposal a large number of tools to create databases that we can open both in Windows and in macOS, since it also is available for Apple’s operating system for computers.
Like most database applications, we can use the same SQL syntax to perform queries, create indexes, statistics, and more. The user interface is initially somewhat confused, but if we dedicate some time to it, we can quickly get hold of it. We can download this application directly from the Microsoft Store by clicking on the following link. We can also use this application in portable mode, downloading it from PortableApps.
remarkable
Application very simple to use and completely free.
To improve
It is only available in English, which can be a problem if you do not have prior knowledge of databases and the language of Shakespeare.
Database Browser Portable
If what we want is to create a database that we can always take with us and run it on any computer without depending on whether the application with which we have created the database is installed or not (something quite unlikely), we can choose to use a portable application such as Database Browser.
Database Browser Portable is an application that we can copy to any USB stick and always carry with us to access our database. This application is characterized by being very simple to use and allows us to use the same commands as SQL, so if we have experience with the latter, using the application will be a piece of cake. It is compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, ODBC, among others, which allows us to share data easily and quickly. We can download this application through the following link.
Advantage
Portable application that we can run on any USB device, so we will always have the data we need at hand without having to install applications. It is a completely free application compatible starting with Windows XP and it works without problems on Windows 11.
drawbacks
The number of features is somewhat short compared to other apps. The user interface needs a renovation and it is not in Spanish, only in English.
Which is the best option?
Within the paid applications, if we are new to creating databases, one of the best, if not the best, is the solution that Microsoft offers us with Accessthanks to the wizards it includes, the high level of integration with the rest of the Office and third-party applications.
If we don’t want to invest money in an application that we don’t know if we’re going to like it, the simplest solution is to use Base of LibreOffice, because it is very similar to Access. If this is too small for us, the best option is mysqlthe most complete solution of all that we have mentioned in this compilation of applications to create databases.
