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Saltcorn
What it is
Saltcorn is an open-source database app builder for creating custom applications, workflows, and interfaces with visual tools. Users can make relational tables, forms, dashboards, portals, and workflows using drag-and-drop builders. It runs on PostgreSQL or SQLite and provides a JSON REST API for other systems to read and write data. Plugins can add data types, views, themes, and extensions such as Apple Pay, CalDAV, CAPTCHA, charts, and AI agents. Apps can be packaged for iOS and Android, with offline use supported by local SQLite storage and later synchronization. Deployment choices documented by the maker include Docker, Kubernetes, npm, marketplace templates, desktop use, and air-gapped self-hosting. Self-hosted instances make no telemetry calls, and the platform can run offline behind a firewall. Saltcorn has been MIT-licensed since 2020, with no licence fee or per-seat cost. Its free shared evaluation hosting has weak tenant isolation and no availability or security guarantee, so it is not intended for production or real data. Paid deployment options include DigitalOcean marketplace hosting from ~$6/mo and managed hosting via Elestio from about $16/month.
For and against
For
- Visual tools build tables, forms, and workflows.
- Supports PostgreSQL or SQLite and a JSON REST API.
- Mobile apps can work offline and sync later.
- Self-hosted instances make no telemetry calls.
- No licence fee or per-seat cost.
Against
- Free shared evaluation hosting is not for production data.
- Evaluation hosting has weak tenant isolation.
- Evaluation hosting has no availability or security guarantee.
- Documented roles cannot express department-specific access rules.
The verdict
Saltcorn offers a broad set of app-building and deployment options, including self-hosting and offline use. Avoid treating its free shared evaluation hosting as a production environment; it has stated security and availability limits.
Who it suits
Saltcorn may suit power users, developers, agencies, businesses, enterprises, and local government building custom internal or customer-facing apps. Self-hosting is relevant for teams needing offline operation or control over deployment.
Plans and prices
Saltcorn free evaluation hosting
Shared instance · evaluation only · no availability or security guarantee · weak tenant isolation
Read 5 Oct 2026 · saltcorn.com
Saltcorn open-source platform
MIT-licensed · no per-seat fee · self-hosted
Read 5 Oct 2026 · saltcorn.com
DigitalOcean marketplace deployment
One-click droplet · database included
Read 5 Oct 2026 · saltcorn.com
Managed hosting via Elestio
Dedicated VM · managed installation, TLS/SSL, encryption, backups, monitoring and updates
Read 5 Oct 2026 · saltcorn.com
On the record
- Access control
- Saltcorn uses ordered public, staff, user and admin roles to control access, but its documented role system cannot express department-specific access rules.wiki.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Company
- Saltcorn Collective Ltd says it is UK-based and works internationally; the site identifies it as the platform's original developer.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Core capabilities
- Users can create relational tables and build forms, dashboards, portals and workflows with visual drag-and-drop builders.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Data and API
- Saltcorn runs on PostgreSQL or SQLite and includes a JSON REST API for other systems to read and write data.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The maker documents Docker, Kubernetes, npm, marketplace templates, desktop use and air-gapped self-hosting.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Evaluation limit
- The free shared evaluation hosting has no availability or security guarantee, weak tenant isolation and is not intended for production or real data.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The plugin store includes extensions such as Apple Pay, CalDAV, CAPTCHA, charts and AI agents, while plugins can add data types, views and themes.store.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes Saltcorn for individual power users and developers, agencies, growing companies, enterprises and local government.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Licence
- Saltcorn has been MIT-licensed since 2020, and the maker states that the platform has no licence fee or per-seat cost.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Mobile
- Saltcorn can package applications for iOS and Android, with offline use supported through a local SQLite database and later synchronization.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Saltcorn is an open-source database app builder for creating custom apps, workflows and user interfaces with visual builders.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Security and privacy
- Self-hosted instances make no telemetry calls, and the maker says Saltcorn can run fully offline behind a firewall.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- Saltcorn Collective offers application build, support, training and platform enhancement services, and says it aims to respond to enquiries within two working days.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker lists operational tools, approval and compliance apps, internal databases, customer and staff portals, reservations, payments and legacy replacements.saltcorn.com · read 5 Oct 2026
