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

# Your first connection

> Connect FlexTable to your first database.

Getting connected takes about thirty seconds.

1. Open FlexTable and press `⌘N` (`Ctrl+N` on Windows/Linux) to create a new connection.
2. Paste a connection string, or fill in **host**, **port**, **user** and **database** manually.
3. Hit **Test** to verify, then **Connect** - your tables appear in the sidebar instantly.

## Connection strings

FlexTable accepts standard connection strings, for example:

```
postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/mydb
mysql://root:pass@127.0.0.1:3306/shop
mongodb://localhost:27017/analytics
```

<Note>
  Credentials are stored locally in your OS keychain - never uploaded.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting

* **Connection refused** - check the host/port and that the server is running.
* **SSL required** - enable SSL in the **Advanced** tab and point to your CA cert.
* **Timeout** - for remote databases, confirm your IP is allow-listed.

Need more help? Head back to the [Overview](/) or [contact support](https://flextable.dev/contact).