---
title: "Connecting to Your Reveal Review Database with Navicat"
slug: "connecting-to-your-reveal-review-database-with-navicat"
updated: 2026-09-28T14:38:32Z
published: 2026-09-28T14:38:32Z
canonical: "docs.revealdata.com/connecting-to-your-reveal-review-database-with-navicat"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.revealdata.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting to Your Reveal Review Database with Navicat

Navicat is a third-party database management tool that Reveal offers as an optional service. Navicat allows you to connect directly to the SQL Server back-end of your Reveal Review database to browse tables, run queries, and export results. Using Navicat requires some initial setup. Please use the instructions below to configure your connection.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Navicat access is an optional service and must be enabled for your organization by Reveal. If you're interested, contact your Reveal Account Manager or Reveal Support at [support@revealdata.com](mailto:support@revealdata.com).

## Prerequisites

- Access to the Reveal Load Machine. For instructions, see **Accessing the Reveal Load Machine**.
- Your Load Machine username. Each Load Machine has its own unique username.

## Navicat Connection Setup

To open the Navicat connection:

1. Log in to the **Reveal Load Machine**.
2. Wait a few seconds while Navicat syncs and loads your connections and databases.
3. Open **Navicat** from the Load Machine desktop.
4. In the Navicat connection pane, double-click your connection to open it.

## Database Access and Permissions

Navicat only displays the databases your account has access to. If you do not have access to a database, it will not appear in your connection.

User access and permissions are managed by Reveal. Your CSM receives a weekly update of your organization's users and their project admin access, so they can confirm who has access to what.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> If you need access to an additional database or require admin permissions, please reach out to your CSM.

## Browsing the Reveal Review Database

To view your project tables:

1. In the Navicat connection pane, double-click your new connection to open it.
2. Expand **dbo → Tables**.
3. Double-click a table to open its records in grid view.

## Running a Query

To run a query against your project database:

1. Select your project database and click **New Query** in the toolbar.
2. Enter your SQL statement in the query editor. For example:

```sql
SELECT TOP 100 * FROM dbo.[TableName];
```
3. Click **Run**. The results will appear below the query editor.
4. To reuse the query later, click **Save** and enter a query name.

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Reveal recommends using **TOP** or a **WHERE** clause to limit results when working with large tables. Queries against large tables can take a long time to complete and may affect performance during active review.

## Exporting Query Results

To export your query results:

1. Run your query.
2. In the results pane, click **Export Result**.
3. Select a file format (e.g., **Excel** or **CSV**) and follow the prompts in the Export Wizard.

> [!WARNING]
> Important
> 
> Do not insert, update, or delete records directly in the database. Changes made outside of Reveal can cause data inconsistencies and will not be reflected in the Reveal interface or audit history.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do I need to purchase or install Navicat?**

No. Reveal installs, configures, and licenses Navicat on your Load Machine. No action is required on your end.

**Navicat opened, but my databases are not showing yet?**

Navicat needs a few seconds to sync when it first opens. Wait until everything has loaded. If your databases still do not appear, close and reopen Navicat.

**I cannot see a project database I expected.**

Navicat only displays the databases you have access to. Please contact your CSM to request access.

**How do I get admin permissions?**

Please reach out to your CSM. Your CSM receives a weekly update of your organization's users and project admin access and can help with permission changes.

Please contact [support@revealdata.com](mailto:support@revealdata.com) with any additional questions you may have.