Neon is standard Postgres with a serverless, branchable backend. From a client like Dora, it behaves exactly like any other Postgres database — paste the string and go.
Each Neon branch has its own connection string, so you can point Dora at production, a preview branch, or a throwaway branch independently.
PostgreSQL connection string
postgresql://[USER]:[PASSWORD]@[ENDPOINT].neon.tech/[DBNAME]?sslmode=requireSteps
1.Open Connection Details in Neon
In the Neon Console, open your project and find the "Connection Details" widget on the dashboard. Pick the branch and database you want to connect to.
2.Copy the connection string
Copy the connection string. It looks like postgresql://[USER]:[PASSWORD]@[ENDPOINT].neon.tech/[DBNAME]?sslmode=require. Reveal and include the password.
3.Add a connection in Dora
Create a new connection in Dora and paste the string. Dora reads the host, database, user, and the sslmode parameter automatically.
4.Test and connect
Test the connection, then connect. Neon tables and schemas load into the sidebar.
Good to know
- Neon requires SSL (sslmode=require). Keep that parameter in the string and Dora will connect securely.
- Neon offers a pooled connection (an endpoint with a -pooler suffix) and a direct one. For a desktop GUI, the direct endpoint is usually the right choice.
- To inspect a different branch, copy that branch’s connection string from the Console and add it as a separate connection in Dora.