At a glance
| Supported databases | SQLite 3 and encrypted variants: SQLCipher, WxSQLite3, System.Data.SQLite |
| Query editor | Hints, highlighting, formatter, error marking, history, multi-database queries |
| Data import and export | Import CSV or regex-parsed text; export SQL, CSV, HTML, XML, PDF, JSON |
| Deployment | Installer or portable package for Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Licensing | Free for any use; GPL v3 with OpenSSL exception; no paid edition |
Letos (still widely known as SQLiteStudio) is a strong free pick for anyone who works with SQLite files and wants more than a basic browser: an ERD editor, DDL history, custom SQL functions in JavaScript, Python or Tcl, and many export formats. It is SQLite only, and the rename means many tutorials and package names still use the old SQLiteStudio name.
Overview
Letos, formerly SQLiteStudio, is an open source desktop application for creating, browsing and editing SQLite databases, written by Pawel Salawa. The old sqlitestudio.pl site now redirects to letos.org. Version 4.0.4 (15 October 2026) is the current release; it fixes several bugs and updates the bundled SQLite to 3.54.0.
It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and is offered both as an installer and as a portable package that runs without installation or administrator rights. Beyond SQLite itself, it opens encrypted variants such as SQLCipher, WxSQLite3 and System.Data.SQLite, and plugins add scripting languages, import and export formats, SQL formatters and value renderers.
Key features
- SQL editor with syntax hints, highlighting, formatting, error marking and query history, with transparent attaching to query several databases at once
- ERD editor that can create diagrams or generate them from an existing database and apply changes back
- Import from CSV or any text file using regular expressions; export to SQL, CSV, HTML, XML, PDF and JSON
- Custom scalar and aggregate SQL functions written in JavaScript, Python or Tcl, plus custom collations
- DDL history window listing every DDL statement executed, useful for repeating changes elsewhere
- Data populating with strategies such as sequences, random values, dictionaries and scripts
- Drag and drop of tables and other objects between databases, with or without data
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source for commercial use, with no paid edition and no telemetry
- Portable build that needs no installation or administrator rights
- ERD editor, DDL history and custom functions go beyond a basic SQLite browser
- Regular releases in 2026, four in the 4.0 series since July
Cons
- SQLite only
- The 2026 rename means guides, forums and package managers may still use the SQLiteStudio name
- No paid edition, so there is no commercial support contract to buy
Pricing
Free for any purpose, including commercial use. The project states that there is no paid edition and no telemetry, and accepts voluntary donations. The source is licensed under the GNU GPL v3 with an exception that permits linking with OpenSSL.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
Developers and analysts who work with SQLite files regularly and want a free, portable editor with diagrams, scripting and wide export options.
Who should look elsewhere
- Anyone who needs MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQL Server in the same tool: see SQLite GUI tools for multi-database clients.
Verdict
Letos, the renamed SQLiteStudio, is one of the most capable free SQLite editors, with features such as an ERD editor, custom functions and a DDL log that simpler browsers lack. Choose it when SQLite is your main database; pick a multi-engine client if you also manage server databases.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to SQLiteStudio?
It was renamed Letos in 2026 to avoid confusion with the official SQLite project. sqlitestudio.pl redirects to letos.org, 4.0.0 in June 2026 was the first release under the new name, and 4.0.4 (October 2026) is current. It is still free and GPL v3 licensed.
Can I use Letos for commercial work?
Yes. The project says it is free for any purpose, including commercial use, and there is no paid edition.
Does Letos open encrypted SQLite databases?
Yes. Its features page lists support for SQLCipher, WxSQLite3 and System.Data.SQLite encrypted databases.
Sources
- Letos (formerly SQLiteStudio) website
- Letos features
- Letos GitHub repository
- Letos releases
- Letos licence file
Checked November 2026.
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