Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: With MySQL Workbench
• Method 2 of 2: With a word processing program

This article will teach you how to view and edit the content of a SQL (Structured Query Language) file. SQL files contain specific code that changes the contents of a relational database and database structure. You can open an SQL file in MySQL Workbench if you want to use MySQL's tools for database development, administration, design, and other maintenance tasks. If you just want to quickly view and edit your code manually, you can use a simple word processing program such as Notepad or TextEdit.

To step

Method 1 of 2: With MySQL Workbench

1. Open the MySQL Workbench app on your computer. The MySQL Workbench icon resembles a dolphin in a blue square. It's in your Start menu on Windows or in the Applications folder on Mac.
   • If you do not have MySQL Workbench installed on your computer, you can select your system and download the app installation file from https://dev.mysql.com/downloads/workbench.
2. Double-click on a model or database under "MySQL Connections". Your available model samples are here. Just double click on the one you want to use.
3. Click the tab at the top left File. This button is in the top left corner of the screen. This will open an expansion menu.
4. On the File menu, click Open SQL Script. This will open a new explorer window that allows you to select the SQL file you want to open.
   • You can also press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+O (Windows) or ⌘ Cmd+⇧ Shift+O (Mac) on your keyboard.
5. Find the SQL file you want to open and click on it. Use the explorer window to find your SQL file and click on its name to select the file.
6. Click at the bottom right To open. This button is in the lower right corner of the Explorer window. This will open the contents of your SQL file in the MySQL Workbench app.
   • Here you can view and edit the SQL script.

Method 2 of 2: With a word processing program

1. Find the SQL file and right click on it. This will show you the right-click options in a drop-down menu.
2. Move your mouse over Open with in the right-click menu. This will display a list of recommended applications to open this file.
3. Select Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). This will open your SQL file in your word processing program. You can easily view the SQL script and edit it manually in the word processing program.
   • If you don't see Notepad or TextEdit listed here, click "Choose another app" or "Other" at the bottom. This will display a list of all your applications.