In short
Apache Directory Studio is the Eclipse-based LDAP client from the Apache Directory project, home of the ApacheDS server. It’s open source, runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, and goes beyond browsing, with a schema editor, an embedded ApacheDS server, and SASL and Kerberos sign-in.
Marten is a native Mac app for the directory work you do every day: browsing, searching, and making careful edits. It previews every change before saving, keeps passwords in your Keychain, and works with Spotlight, Siri, and Shortcuts.
At a glance
| Feature | Marten | Apache Directory Studio |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, with no subscriptions or in-app purchases | Free and open source under the Apache License 2.0 |
| Platforms | macOS 26 or later on Apple silicon | macOS, Windows, and Linux. The Mac download is built for Intel (x86_64). |
| Built with | Native SwiftUI and AppKit | Eclipse Rich Client Platform; requires Java 11 or later |
| Languages | More than 40 languages | English, French, and German |
| Latest release | Updated through the Mac App Store | 2.0.0-M17, July 2021 |
| LDAP connections | LDAP, StartTLS, and LDAPS | LDAP, StartTLS, and LDAPS |
| Authentication | Anonymous and simple bind | Anonymous, simple, SASL (DIGEST-MD5 and CRAM-MD5), and Kerberos (GSSAPI) |
| REST APIs | PingDirectory REST with OAuth 2.0 | Not included |
| Saved passwords | macOS Keychain | Stored by Studio, with an option for a password-protected keystore |
| Editing entries | Edit, create, rename, move, and delete, with a preview before each save | Edit, create, rename, move, and delete |
| Search | Paged search, a visual filter builder with a raw LDAP view, and saved searches | Paged search, a filter editor with content assist, and saved searches |
| Bookmarks | Bookmarks and saved searches in folders | Bookmarks for each connection |
| Schema | Browse live schema, with every definition linked | Browse live schema, and edit schema projects for ApacheDS and OpenLDAP |
| LDIF | Import with a summary of every operation before it’s applied; export as LDIF | LDIF editor with syntax highlighting; import and export |
| Other exports | CSV; share or print an entry | CSV, Excel, ODF, and DSML |
| Server tools | Not included | Embedded ApacheDS server, ApacheDS configuration editor, and ACI editor |
| Siri, Spotlight, and Shortcuts | Connections, bookmarks, and saved searches | Not included |
| Apple Intelligence | Ask Marten builds read-only searches from plain language (macOS 27) | Not included |
When Marten fits better
- You work on a Mac and want an app that looks and behaves like one, with no Java runtime to install.
- You edit live entries and want to preview each change. If someone else changes the entry first, Marten stops the save and shows both versions.
- You like building searches visually but still want to see the exact LDAP filter.
- You want connections, bookmarks, and saved searches in Spotlight, Siri, and Shortcuts.
- You use PingDirectory’s REST API with OAuth 2.0.
- You’d rather use the app in your own language.
When Directory Studio fits better
- You need Windows or Linux, or one tool across every platform.
- You sign in with SASL or Kerberos.
- You edit schema, run an embedded ApacheDS server, or manage ApacheDS configuration and access controls.
- You want a full LDIF editor, or exports to Excel, ODF, or DSML.
- You need source code you can inspect and change.
Switching from Directory Studio
Marten imports Directory Studio’s .lbc connection exports, including folders, bookmarks, saved searches, and saved bind passwords, which go into your Keychain. Importing only reads the export file, so Directory Studio keeps working as before.
The getting started guide walks through the export and import step by step.
About this comparison
Details about Directory Studio come from its website and user guide for version 2.0.0-M17, checked on November 6, 2026. If something here is out of date, let us know.
Apache, Apache Directory Studio, and ApacheDS are trademarks of The Apache Software Foundation. Marten isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by The Apache Software Foundation.