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JMPer Cable

A technical blog for JMP users of all levels, full of how-to's, tips and tricks, and detailed information on JMP features
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Open source database (PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, or SQLite) connection configuration using ODBC on a Mac

Do you need to connect JMP to an open-source database- specifically PostgreSQL - from a Mac? Below are step-by-step instructions, involving two main parts:

  1. Configuring the ODBC driver and manager.

  2. Establishing the connection from within JMP.

Follow these steps to ensure a seamless connection.

 

Step 1: Configuring the ODBC driver and manager

1.1 Download the driver:

  • Download the Actual Technologies ODBC driver from https://www.actualtech.com/download.php.
  • Important: This driver is a licensed software. Without a license, only the first three rows of your database will be accessible.
  • Tip: Download the driver using Safari, not Chrome, to avoid installation errors. 

1.2 Run the installer

  • Double-click on the “Actual ODBC Pack.pkg” icon to run the installer.

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1.3 Open the ODBC manager

  • Go to Macintosh HD/Applications/Utilities folder and double-click ODBC Manager.

1.4 Add a System or a User DSN

  • Click on the System DSN or User DSN tab and select Add.

1.5 Configure the driver 

  • Select your driver (Actual Open Source Databases ) and click OK (see table below for note).

The table below lists which driver to choose based on the type of database you have:

Driver

Supported database(s)

Best for

Actual Access  

Microsoft Access (.mdb, .accdb)                 

Legacy Access files, cross-platform sharing.

Actual Open Source

PostgreSQL, MySQL/MariaDB, SQLite

Modern, open-source database use cases.

Actual Oracle

Oracle database             

Enterprise-grade Oracle database environments.

Actual SQL Server                 

Microsoft SQL Server, Azure SQL                 

Enterprise environments using SQL Server.

 

  • Click on Licenses to add your license keys (first-time setup). Without a license, only three rows of data will be accessible.
  • Give the Data Source a name and select PostgreSQL for type.

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  • Enter the server IP address, port number, login ID, and password as show below.

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  • Choose the database you want to connect to from the "Database" dropdown menu.
  • Click Continue, then Test Connection to confirm everything works. 

 

Step 2: Establishing the Connection in JMP

2.1 Create a new database connection

  • In JMP, go to File --> New --> New Database Query --> New Connection.
  • Select the Data Source Name (DSN) you created earlier.
  • Enter the username and password, then click Choose DSN.

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2.2 Select Schemas and Tables

  • Browse the available schemas and tables and select those you want to query.

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2.3 Build and run your query

  • Construct your query by choosing the columns you want to add, and any columns you want to Filter or Order By.
  • That's it! Your database is now connected and ready for analysis.

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Last Modified: Feb 9, 2026 9:08 PM
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