Convert Your Access Database to a PHP/MySQL Web App—Rebuilt Forms, No Access Runtime
We migrate Access data to MySQL (or PostgreSQL) and rebuild forms and VBA in PHP — browser-based, multi-user, no Access Runtime required.
Serving businesses across the United States
Quick Answer
Converting Access to PHP/MySQL means moving tables to MySQL, rebuilding screens in PHP, and rewriting VBA as application code. Typical departmental rebuilds take 6–16 weeks; backend-only MySQL moves are a cheaper phase-one option.
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Also called: convert Access database to PHP, Access database to PHP MySQL web app, migrate Access to PHP/MySQL, move Access to Laravel, or Access PHP/MySQL conversion. Same rebuild class — this page covers it fully.
Typical timeline
6–16 weeks
Typical rebuild cost
$15,000–$75,000
Typical concurrent users
Hundreds (host-sized)
Get a Free Access-to-PHP/MySQL Assessment
Tell us framework preference (Laravel, etc.), form count, and hosting. We reply with a rebuild plan and fixed-scope quote.
Signs You Should Convert Access to PHP/MySQL
If you only need the engine moved, do MySQL first. Choose PHP when the Access UI must go.
Convert Access to PHP/MySQL Without Confusing Export Tools for a Rebuild
Schema export into MySQL is not a PHP application. We price the database move and the web rebuild as separate bands so the project stays honest.
Backend-only first? Start with Access to MySQL migration. Prefer Python or JavaScript instead? See those rebuild pages from the migration hub.
Destination pricing overview: Access database migration cost.
Our 4-Phase Access to PHP/MySQL Web App Process
Access Application Assessment
We inventory tables, forms, reports, and VBA. You get an MVP screen list, framework recommendation, and a clear split between MySQL migration hours and PHP UI hours.
Schema & PHP Architecture
We design the target MySQL schema, auth/roles, and PHP module boundaries for VBA ports. Attachment storage and Access-only types get explicit mappings before import.
Build App, Load Staging Data
We build PHP screens and APIs against staging while Access stays live. Validation covers counts, critical workflows, and permissions under concurrent test users.
UAT, Cutover & Handoff
Users accept the PHP app, we cut over off-hours, and we hand off deploy docs, env config, and backup drills. Support covers the first production week.
Microsoft Access vs. PHP/MySQL Web App: Why Convert
| Factor | Microsoft Access | PHP + MySQL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Desktop licenses; ops cost from locks | Higher rebuild cost; commodity PHP/MySQL hosting |
| Scalability | 2 GB file ceiling; weak multi-writer behavior | Scales with web and database servers you size |
| Licensing | Access / Microsoft 365 | No Access Runtime for end users; OSS stack |
| Concurrent users | Roughly 10–25 practical concurrent editors | Hundreds with proper hosting and pooling |
| Hosting | Windows file share / VPN | Linux shared, VPS, or cloud app hosts |
| UI | Desktop Access forms | Browser PHP UI |
| Stack fit | Desktop Microsoft Office | Natural fit for PHP/MySQL teams and hosts |
Also comparing Microsoft web paths? See Access to .NET migration.
Who We Convert Access Databases to PHP/MySQL For
Our clients are US-based teams whose next host and developer bench are PHP-centric. Typical work overlaps the industries we cover under industry solutions.
- Small businesses replacing Access with a PHP/MySQL web app
- Retail operators standardizing on Linux hosting
- Agencies inheriting an .accdb that must feed an existing PHP product
- IT groups that will not deploy Access Runtime to every laptop
Access to PHP/MySQL Web App: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert an Access database to a PHP/MySQL web app?
You migrate tables to MySQL (or PostgreSQL), rebuild forms in PHP (Laravel, Symfony, or custom), reimplement VBA as PHP services, then validate and cut over. There is no honest one-click Access-to-PHP form converter — plan a rebuild with a data migration underneath.
Can I transfer an Access database into a PHP/MySQL app myself?
You can export tables into MySQL and point a CRUD generator at them, but Access forms, reports, and VBA still have to be redesigned in PHP. DIY tools that claim “Access to PHP” usually mean schema export — not a working application. Hire for the rebuild once more than a few screens or any real VBA is involved.
Should the app use MySQL or PostgreSQL under an Access-to-PHP migration?
MySQL is the common default for PHP hosting and is what most Access-to-PHP conversions target. PostgreSQL fits when you want stricter types or already standardize on it. We migrate Access with the engine your ops team will actually run — see also Access to MySQL migration for backend-only phase one.
How long does an Access to PHP/MySQL migration take?
Departmental rebuilds typically take 6–16 weeks. Clean data with modest screens land earlier; dense VBA and custom reports push later. A backend-only MySQL move without a new UI is a smaller, separate scope — typically $2,500–$12,000 and 2–5 weeks on our Access to MySQL path — not a proportional slice of a full rebuild quote.
How much does it cost to convert Access to PHP/MySQL?
Full PHP/MySQL application rebuilds commonly fall in our established $15,000–$75,000 range at $90/hour, with a fixed-scope quote after assessment. Backend-only Access-to-MySQL moves (no new UI) commonly fall in the $2,500–$12,000 range — same band as our Access to MySQL migration page — so ask for that quote separately when the Access forms can stay for now.
Will I lose data converting Access to PHP/MySQL?
No. We stage the database load, validate counts and keys, keep Access live during build, and cut over after critical workflows pass. Attachments get explicit file storage (local or object storage) with paths stored in MySQL.
What happens to Access VBA in a PHP/MySQL migration?
VBA becomes PHP: domain classes, jobs/queues, and controller logic. UI events become web forms and API handlers. We inventory modules so rules are not abandoned in the old file.
How many concurrent users can a PHP/MySQL app support vs Access?
Access tops out around 10–25 practical concurrent editors. PHP on MySQL with proper hosting routinely supports hundreds of concurrent users — limited by server sizing and query design.
Is a PHP/MySQL rebuild better than Power Apps?
PHP/MySQL wins for non-Microsoft hosting, existing LAMP skills, and avoiding Power Platform licensing. Power Apps wins for Microsoft 365 low-code speed. We compare total cost — including who will maintain the result.
Can Access stay live while we build the PHP/MySQL app?
Yes. Many teams migrate to MySQL first, optionally keep Access linked briefly, then replace screens with PHP module by module.
Do Access reports become PHP pages?
Some interactive reports do; printable packs more often become PDF libraries or BI exports. We catalog each Access report and assign an output before go-live.
Got a problem we can help with?
Book a free 30-minute call. Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll tell you how we'd approach it.