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How to Open an MDB File on Mac

Microsoft Access does not run natively on macOS, but you can still inspect old Access databases, export table data, and move the data into modern tools.

Updated: 2026-07-07

The quick answer

If you only need to look inside an Access database, use MDB Viewer in your browser. Drop the .mdb or .accdb file on the page, inspect the tables, and export the tables you need to CSV. The file is parsed locally in your browser, so it is not uploaded to a server.

If you need to edit forms, run Access macros, or modify relationships, you still need Microsoft Access through Windows, usually with a virtual machine or a remote Windows desktop.

Option 1: Use a browser-based viewer

  1. 1.Open MDB Viewer on your Mac.
  2. 2.Drag the .mdb or .accdb file into the file selection area.
  3. 3.Select a table from the table list.
  4. 4.Use Export CSV if you need the data in Numbers, Excel, Google Sheets, Python, or a database.
  • Best for previewing data and exporting tables.
  • Works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
  • No Microsoft Access licence is required.
  • Password-protected files need to be unlocked in Access first.

Option 2: Use mdb-tools from Terminal

For technical users, mdb-tools is a good command-line option. Install it with Homebrew, then list and export tables directly from Terminal.

  1. 1.Install Homebrew if you do not already have it.
  2. 2.Run: brew install mdbtools
  3. 3.List tables: mdb-tables database.mdb
  4. 4.Export a table: mdb-export database.mdb Customers > Customers.csv

Option 3: Use LibreOffice Base

LibreOffice can sometimes open Access database files through its Base application, but compatibility varies by file version, driver support, and the structure of the database. It is worth trying if you prefer a desktop app, but it is less predictable than exporting table data.

  • Good for simple table browsing.
  • May struggle with newer ACCDB features.
  • Forms, reports, macros, and VBA code are not portable.

When you still need Windows

Use real Microsoft Access when the database is an application, not just a data file. That means it depends on forms, reports, macros, VBA code, linked tables, or password protection. In that case, Parallels, VMware Fusion, a Windows PC, or a remote Windows machine is the safest path.

Ready to inspect your file?

Open MDB Viewer

Related guides

How to Convert MDB or ACCDB to CSV

CSV is the easiest bridge from Access databases to modern spreadsheets, scripts, and SQL databases. The main thing to remember is that each Access table becomes its own CSV file.

How to Open an ACCDB File Without Microsoft Access

ACCDB is the newer Microsoft Access format. You can often view and export its tables without Access, but full Access applications still need Microsoft Access.