Grist

Next-generation spreadsheet with relational structure, formula-based access control, and a portable, self-contained format (alternative to Airtable).

GitHub stars
11,944
License
Apache-2.0
Latest release
v1.7.21
9 October 2026
Last commit
13 October 2026
Runs on
Node.js, Python, Docker

Commits per month, last 12 months

1,122 commits

Replaces

Paid products Grist can stand in for.

How to self-host Grist

Grist runs on Node.js, Python and Docker. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.

  1. Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
  2. Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
  3. Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
  4. Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.

New to self-hosting? Start with the beginner's guide.

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Questions

Is Grist free?

Yes. Grist is open source under the Apache-2.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.

Can I self-host Grist?

Yes. Grist runs on Node.js, Python and Docker. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.

What does Grist replace?

People use Grist instead of Google Sheets, Smartsheet, Airtable or Microsoft Excel.

Is Grist still maintained?

The last change to Grist's code was on 13 October 2026, with 1122 commits in the last 12 months.

Topics

Office Suites

App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.