How to import an SQL file via HeidiSQL

Restoring a database dump or loading a framework's SQL files takes a few minutes with a free tool like HeidiSQL. This guide walks you through it.

Database Management Tools

You can use various tools to manage databases. Here are some popular options:

• HeidiSQL - Free
• Navicat - Paid, with a trial available

For this tutorial, we use the free HeidiSQL tool. Prefer not to install anything? The Open in phpMyAdmin button on your database card opens phpMyAdmin in the browser, where you can also import an SQL file.

1Locate Your Database Credentials

• In the game panel, open your server and click Databases under MANAGEMENT.
• Your database card lists the Host, Port, Database and Username, each with its own copy button. Press the eye icon to reveal the password, or copy it straight away.
• No database yet? Create one first.

2Open HeidiSQL and Create a Connection

1. Launch HeidiSQL.
2. If you don't have an existing connection, click on the New button to create one.

3. Enter the details from your database card:
   • Hostname / IP: the Host
   • User: the Username
   • Password: the password you copied
   • Port: the Port (3306)
4. Click Open to connect.

3Select Your Database

• Once connected, click on your database name to open it.

4Import the .SQL File

1. Click on the Query tab.

2. Right-click on the empty text field and select Load SQL File.

Alternatively, you can copy and paste the content of the .SQL file directly into the text field.

5Execute the SQL Queries

1. Open the .SQL file you want to import.

2. Click the Play button or press F9 to execute the queries.

Finished

Your .SQL file is now imported. An error message means one of the queries in the file failed; review the file, fix the reported line and run it again. Connect your framework to this database with the Connection string button on the database card, and if you get stuck our support team is happy to help.