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N WFlag for United States of America

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Stupid-easy Offline Database Software?

I need an offline database solution for PC that is easy to use. I've created an Access database and it's causing me more trouble than it's worth. I'm thinking of just using a spreadsheet, but thought I'd pick your brains. Basically, I am totally cool with a spreadsheet of data, but I want to see all the fields on one page at a time. Google forms sound perfect GUI-wise, but I'd also like to be able to search and modify the spreadsheet data within the form (not just submit info). I tried with an Access form but I messed up the relationships or something so now the form is duplicating its own records sometimes and I'm over it. Any ideas for something I can't screw up and stays offline? Either offline or an online solution with the ability to encrypt the data using a key not available to the host organization.
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Martyn Spencer
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hmm, imho the "complexity" of any (offline) desktop database product is roughly equal..
It sounds like you've got just a single table database but want more flexibility than a spreadsheet can offer. Filemaker Pro can almost certainly do what you want and runs on Mac, Win and iOS (iPad and iPhone), you can develop on either Mac or Windows but FileMaker Go (iOS) is "runtime" only meaning you can run but not modify. I create databases in FileMaker offline, standalone apps, as well as online and hybrid, meaning networked + the ability to have a standalone app gather data and then sync to the main network db.
The best thing to do is to start by listing what the end result should be and not worry about what the program is.  Given your parameters, it will be easier to come up with a solution.  However, from what you are describing so far, I think you want a low code solution. Check out https://www.appian.com, https://airtable.com/, https://www.caspio.com/ are just a few low code options.

As example:
I have a list of about 5000 widgets.  A widget can come in one of 20 gizmo's.  I need to be able to add widgets and select which gizmo it is while I am adding from a gui form.  

I need another form that allows me to search by widget name, date entered or gizmo.

On the list, I need the ability to click on the name to go to a form that allows me to edit the widget.

I also need a report that shows a log of each widget that has been edited.

I don't mind if the database is online, but I need the ability to see the data offline as well.

I am not a programmer and require a low-code solution.