Database Options
BlackBook supports two database types. Choose based on your needs.
📋 Quick Decision Guide
- Single computer, simple setup? → SQLite
- Access from multiple locations? → PostgreSQL + Tailscale
- No hardware to manage? → PostgreSQL on cloud (Supabase/Neon)
Option 1: SQLite (Recommended for Most Users)
Local SQLite Database
Your data stored in a single file on this computer.
✓ Pros
- • Zero configuration
- • No additional software
- • Easy backup (copy one file)
- • Works completely offline
✗ Cons
- • Single computer only
- • Not ideal for 10,000+ contacts
Option 2: PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is a powerful database that can be hosted locally, on your own server, or in the cloud.
Self-Hosted PostgreSQL
Run PostgreSQL on your own hardware for full control and privacy.
Popular options:
- Synology NAS - Great for home/office
- QNAP NAS - Similar to Synology
- Raspberry Pi - Low-cost option
- Home server - Any Linux/Windows machine
- Local installation - PostgreSQL on this computer
💡 Use Tailscale VPN to access your database securely from anywhere.
Cloud PostgreSQL
Use a managed database service - no hardware to maintain.
| Provider | Free Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | ✓ 500MB | Easy setup, recommended for beginners |
| Neon | ✓ 512MB | Serverless, auto-suspends when idle |
| Railway | $5 credit | Simple, developer-friendly |
| AWS RDS | 12mo trial | Enterprise-grade, complex setup |
| Azure | 12mo trial | Microsoft cloud |
| Google Cloud SQL | $300 credit | Google infrastructure |
Connection Settings
When using PostgreSQL, you'll need these connection details:
Host: localhost, your-nas.local, or db.supabase.co
Port: 5432 (default)
Database: blackbook
Username: your_username
Password: your_password
SSL: Enable for cloud providers
⚠️ SSL Required: Cloud providers (Supabase, Neon, AWS, etc.) require SSL connections. Make sure to enable "Require SSL" in the setup wizard.
Supabase Setup (Free)
- Create account at supabase.com
- Click "New Project" and choose a name
- Set a strong database password (save this!)
- Select region closest to you
- Wait ~2 minutes for provisioning
- Go to Settings → Database
- Find "Connection string" section and copy:
- Host:
db.xxxxx.supabase.co - Port:
5432 - Database:
postgres - User:
postgres
- Host:
- Enter these in BlackBook setup wizard
- Enable SSL (required)
Neon Setup (Free)
- Create account at neon.tech
- Create a new project
- Copy connection details from dashboard:
- Host:
ep-xxxxx.us-east-2.aws.neon.tech - Database:
neondb(or create "blackbook")
- Host:
- Enter these in BlackBook setup wizard
- Enable SSL (required)
Note: Neon auto-suspends after 5 minutes of inactivity. First connection may take a few seconds while database "wakes up".