What it does
Seal Report is a free reporting framework with SQL and other data sources, pivot tables, charts, exports and scheduling. Its Windows design tools are distinct from the web report server, which also supports Linux deployment.
Seal Report is a free reporting framework with Windows design tools and a separately deployed web report server. The designer and Server Manager need Windows; the web server can also run on Linux. The project uses the MIT licence.
In Report Designer, create a report and add a SQL data source under Sources. Set its connection string and use Check Connection or F7. Under Models, add a SQL model, select the source and enter the query. Drag result fields into the row area and add any restrictions that should filter the data.
Choose the model for the report's view, then use Execute or F5 to render the result. Close the preview and save the report definition. Sources, models and views remain separate, so a changed query or layout can be maintained without treating the whole report as one opaque file.
The current Windows tools require the .NET 10 desktop runtime and appropriate data drivers. Web publishing uses the ASP.NET Core runtime. Local report design runs without a hosted reporting account; operating and updating the server remains the team's responsibility.
Strengths
- Offers free report design, charting, export and scheduling tools.
- Separates data sources, models and presentation views.
Watch out for
- The graphical design and server-management tools require Windows.
- Operating the web server requires the documented .NET environment and data drivers.
Best for
- Teams maintaining recurring database reports with Windows design tools
Sources
- Seal Report free access and runtime requirements (Oct 27, 2026)
- Seal Report MIT licence (Oct 27, 2026)
- Seal Report SQL source, model and execution tutorial (Oct 27, 2026)
- GitHub - ariacom/Seal-Report: Database Reporting Tool and Tasks (.Net) · GitHub (Oct 25, 2026)