The multitool
for your databases.
IllusionDB connects directly to your existing PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, or SQLite database — no migration required — and turns it into a modern, spreadsheet-like application with a REST API in minutes.
Freeware. Forever.
IllusionDB is free, open-core software — self-hosted, no row limit, no user limit, and no per-seat pricing. No surprise bill at the end of the month, no feature locked behind a paywall.
Modern database management
Grid, Kanban, calendar, wiki, SQL terminal, and more — a look inside the application.
Built for teams who keep their data in their own hands
Six reasons IllusionDB is different from the rest of the low-code/backend landscape.
Runs on your database
No migration, no copy: IllusionDB reads the schema of your existing Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, or SQLite database directly.
One binary, no stack
No Docker Compose with a dozen containers. One Go binary with an embedded frontend — runs anywhere.
Modularly extensible
WASM field-type and view modules (Grid, CMS, Kanban, Wiki, Calendar) can be added by dropping in a folder — no rebuild needed.
Automatable
Built-in JavaScript engine for custom endpoints and event hooks, plus per-table webhooks.
Built in the EU
IllusionDB is developed entirely within the European Union — privacy considered from day one, not bolted on afterward.
No telemetry
No tracking, no usage data, no "phone home." Whatever runs on your server stays on your server.
Everything a modern data interface needs
From computed fields to your own automation — without losing the simplicity.
Formulas, lookups & rollups
Real computed fields just like in a spreadsheet app — including references across tables.
Kanban, wiki, CMS & calendar
The same data, different perspectives — including drag & drop, page tree, full-text search, and scheduling.
REST API with live documentation
Ready to use immediately and explained right inside the app, including example curl calls.
Roles & permissions
Table-, group-, and per-user permissions — the most generous rule wins, overrides remain possible.
Custom API endpoints & scripting
A JavaScript engine for custom endpoints and event hooks with full data access — build your own REST routes with no restart needed.
File attachments & media library
An attachment field type with preview, lightbox, and MIME-type checking, plus an instance-wide media library for every uploaded file.
Finished PDFs, straight from your data
Turn any table row into a PDF, PNG, or JPG with one click — invoices, quotes, certificates, delivery notes. Templates are designed in a Twig-like syntax right inside the app, no external design software needed.
- A field picker inserts
{{ fieldName }}with one click — no syntax to memorize - Markdown long text is automatically rendered to safe HTML
- Public or private per template — even external links with no login
- Test run against a real row before you save
Where IllusionDB fits in the field
A snapshot against the best-known self-hostable alternatives.
| IllusionDB | Pocketbase | Supabase | NocoDB | Directus | Airtable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| License cost (self-hosted) | $0 · Freeware | $0 · MIT | $0 software / cloud from $25 | $0 Community | $0 under $5M revenue | – no self-hosting |
| Deployment | 1 binary | 1 binary | ~13 containers | Node.js + DB | Node.js + DB | cloud/SaaS only |
| Usable on an existing DB | Yes — core idea | No, its own DB | Partially | Yes | Yes | No |
| Supported databases | Postgres, MySQL, MariaDB, SQLite | SQLite only | Postgres only | Postgres, MySQL, MSSQL, SQLite | 6 engines | own proprietary storage |
| Formula / lookup / rollup | All three | No | No | All three | Partially | All three (+ scripting) |
| Modular extension (WASM) | Field-type & view modules | No | No | No | No | No |
| Document generator (PDF/PNG/JPG from rows) | Yes — built in | No | No | No | No | No, extensions only |
| Telemetry | None | None | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price per user (team plan) | $0 — unlimited | $0 | from $25/mo/org | from $8/editor | from $15/mo | $45/user/mo |
Research as of: 2026-08-20. Competitor feature/pricing details may change — IllusionDB figures refer to the core without extensions.
Ready to go in minutes
One binary is all it takes: ./illusiondb starts the server,
setup runs in the browser. For production, IllusionDB works just as
well as a lightweight Docker image — for example self-hosted on Coolify.
- No external dependencies besides the target database
- Runs in Docker, directly as a binary, or behind Coolify/Traefik
- Healthcheck endpoint for zero-downtime deploys
- All data in one directory — easy to back up
Download IllusionDB
Version 1.1.7-beta · unpack, run ./illusiondb, done — no installer needed.
SHA-256 checksums: checksums.txt · What's new? Changelog · Beta version — test yourself before production use. The Linux package also includes a ready-made Docker Compose stack (docker/ folder) — just run docker compose up -d --build, no .env file needed.
Ready to see your database differently?
Self-hosted, freeware, ready to go in minutes — no migration of your existing data required.
Questions? Write to us.
Feature question, bug report, or interest in using it at your company — we'll get back to you.
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