Flowfile

Flowfile is an open-source visual ETL tool that builds data pipelines on the desktop, with Python and Polars underneath.

Flowfile is an open-source visual ETL tool built on Polars that runs on your own machine. It lets users build data pipelines on a canvas and extend them in Python notebooks, syncing visual edits and code automatically. The software supports inputs and outputs like CSV, Excel, Parquet, JSON, Postgres, MySQL, SQLite, DuckDB, Amazon S3, Kafka, and REST APIs. Users can store tables in a catalog, analyze them with SQL or Python, create dashboards, publish flows as HTTP endpoints, and schedule runs. It also offers custom nodes, version history, and optional AI assistance.

Flowfile at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, Python, Docker, Self-hosted
Pricing: Free and open source
Released: October 2026
Category: AI productivity tool
Website: flowfile.io

Key features

Visual data pipeline canvas
Python notebook integration
Catalog for storing tables
SQL and Python data analysis
Dashboard and chart creation
HTTP endpoint publishing
Scheduler and failure notifications
Custom Python nodes and community packages

Use it for

Building visual data pipelines
Analyzing tables with SQL or Python
Creating charts and dashboards
Publishing flows as HTTP endpoints
Scheduling automated data refreshes

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All Flowfile alternatives