pgAdmin 4 software logo
pgAdmin 4 software logo

PostgreSQL Administration and Development Workspace

pgAdmin 4 is an open-source administration and development platform built specifically for PostgreSQL and compatible EDB Advanced Server environments. It gives database administrators and developers a graphical workspace for registering servers, browsing databases, creating objects, editing data, and running SQL without depending entirely on command-line tools. The object browser exposes schemas, tables, views, functions, roles, and other PostgreSQL structures in a navigable tree, while dashboards summarize server and database activity. Users can work with local or remote systems, inspect properties, and manage routine operational tasks from one interface. The application can run as a desktop program or as a centrally deployed web application for browser-based access.

pgAdmin 4 extends beyond basic object browsing with tools for querying, schema comparison, ER diagrams, backups, restores, maintenance, and command-line access through an integrated PSQL tool. The Query Tool supports SQL editing, result grids, execution plans, history, data export, and session controls, while Schema Diff compares objects between databases or schemas and can generate synchronization SQL. Teams that also manage MySQL systems may use MySQL Workbench 8.0 CE alongside it while keeping PostgreSQL administration in its native toolset. Secure server connections can use SSL and SSH tunneling where configured, and server mode allows one hosted installation to serve multiple authenticated users through a browser.

Benefits of Using pgAdmin 4

pgAdmin 4 gives PostgreSQL users one consistent place to handle development, administration, diagnostics, and maintenance, reducing the need to assemble separate utilities for routine work. Its graphical browser helps users understand server structure before making changes, while the Query Tool keeps SQL execution, plans, history, and results close together for faster troubleshooting. Backup, restore, maintenance, and role-management dialogs make recurring DBA tasks easier to repeat with visible options instead of memorizing long command arguments. Schema Diff and ERD tools support change planning and documentation, and dashboards provide quick visibility into sessions, transactions, locks, and server activity. The desktop runtime suits individual workstations, while server mode lets organizations provide controlled browser access from a shared deployment. Because pgAdmin 4 follows PostgreSQL features closely and is distributed as open-source software, it offers a practical administration environment for development machines, test servers, and production-support workflows without requiring a proprietary database-management license.

pgAdmin 4 Software Information

  • Developer: The pgAdmin Development Team
  • Current Version: 9.18
  • File Size: 229 MB
  • License: Open Source
  • Language: English
  • Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux

System Requirements

  • Processor: 2-core CPU
  • RAM: 2 GB RAM
  • Storage: 2 GB
  • Graphics / GPU: Not required

Visit the official pgAdmin 4 website

pgAdmin 4 Features

Query Tool

pgAdmin 4 includes a SQL workspace for running statements, scripts, and ad hoc queries against connected PostgreSQL databases. It presents result grids, server messages, query history, execution plans, and analytical information in one place. Users can also export displayed data, stop long-running work, and review connection or transaction status while troubleshooting database behavior.

Object Browser

The object browser organizes registered servers and database structures in a hierarchical tree, giving administrators direct access to schemas, tables, views, functions, roles, extensions, and other PostgreSQL objects. Context menus open creation, modification, maintenance, and inspection dialogs, so routine structural work can be performed without manually composing every management statement from scratch.

Schema Diff

Schema Diff compares objects between two databases or two schemas and highlights structural differences that may need synchronization. Users can inspect the generated DDL before applying changes, which helps when development, staging, and production environments have drifted apart. The comparison workflow provides a controlled way to review schema changes before they affect a target database.

ERD Design Tool

The ERD Tool lets users create and inspect entity-relationship diagrams directly inside pgAdmin 4. Tables and relationships can be arranged visually, edited through object dialogs, and exported for documentation or planning. This helps developers understand database structure, communicate relationships, and prepare schema changes without relying only on text definitions or external diagramming software.

Backup Restore Tools

pgAdmin 4 exposes backup and restore workflows through graphical dialogs that map options to PostgreSQL utilities such as pg_dump, pg_dumpall, and pg_restore. Administrators can choose formats, objects, roles, encoding, and related options without building every command manually. This makes recurring backup, migration, and recovery tasks easier to configure and repeat consistently.

Dashboard Monitoring

Built-in dashboards provide a visual view of server and database activity, including sessions, transactions, locks, and performance-related statistics available from PostgreSQL. Administrators can use these views to spot active workloads or unusual behavior before opening deeper diagnostic tools. The dashboard is especially useful for quick operational checks during development, testing, or production support.

Secure Connections

pgAdmin 4 can connect to remote PostgreSQL systems using SSL settings and optional SSH tunneling when direct database access is restricted. Connection profiles store server details and authentication options for repeated use. This supports environments where databases sit behind secured network boundaries while still allowing administrators to manage them through the same graphical client.

Desktop Server Modes

The application can run with a desktop runtime for individual users or be deployed as a web application for centralized browser access. Server mode supports multiple authenticated users from one hosted installation, while desktop mode keeps the experience local to a workstation. This deployment flexibility suits both personal development setups and shared administrative environments.

pgAdmin 4 Old Versions

Version 9.17   Updated: 2026-07-31   Download

Version 9.16   Updated: 2026-06-18   Download

Version 9.15   Updated: 2026-05-11   Download

Version 9.14   Updated: 2026-04-02   Download

Version 9.13   Updated: 2026-03-05   Download

Version 9.12   Updated: 2026-02-05   Download

pgAdmin 4 FAQs

Is pgAdmin 4 free and open source?

Yes. It is distributed under the PostgreSQL Licence and is available in source and binary forms. The project provides official packages for several platforms as well as container and web deployment options.

Which PostgreSQL versions does version 9.17 support?

Version 9.17 officially supports PostgreSQL 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, along with the corresponding EDB Advanced Server releases listed in its release documentation.

Can it run in a web browser?

Yes. The application can be deployed in server mode as a web application and accessed through a browser by authenticated users. A desktop runtime is also available for individual workstation use.

Can I back up and restore PostgreSQL databases?

Yes. The interface provides backup and restore dialogs that work with PostgreSQL utilities such as pg_dump, pg_dumpall, and pg_restore. Available options depend on the selected object, server version, and backup format.

Does it support SSH tunneling?

Yes. Server definitions can use SSH tunneling to reach PostgreSQL hosts through an intermediary SSH server. SSL connection settings are also available when encrypted database connections are required.