Diagramming tools bring structure to complexity. They surface design flaws early, improve collaboration across teams, and turn undocumented systems into shared infrastructure. These advantages are fueling widespread adoption. But not every tool is built to support the way modern teams design, scale, and deliver.
This guide profiles the 11 best database diagram tools of 2026, free and paid, selected for team building with speed, scale, and clarity in mind.
Let's dive in.
A database diagram tool is a type of data modeling tool, primarily focused on the visual design of database schemas such as ER diagrams. It enables engineering teams to design, inspect, and maintain schema architecture with greater precision, especially as systems scale and evolve.
However, the database landscape we have today is significantly different from when SSMS first became dominant. That means, despite its immense value, there are still some concerns.
At the heart of these tools are Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)—visual representations of tables, keys, and relationships. However, modern diagramming tools go beyond basic visuals. They connect directly to live databases, support forward and reverse engineering, and simplify SQL database schema design.
The use cases include:
Here's a quick snapshot of how the leading database diagram tools compare across essential features—platform, SQL Server support, collaboration options, and more.
| Tool | Free/Trial | SQL Server support | Team work | Export | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dbForge Studio | Free edition; 30-day free trial for the Enterprise edition |
Yes | Yes (version control) | SQL, reports | Multi-database environments |
| dbForge Edge | Free edition; 30-day free trial for the Enterprise edition |
Yes | Yes (version control) | SQL, reports | Enterprise SQL Server teams |
| dbdiagram.io | Free plan | Yes (via SQL) | Yes (link sharing) | PNG, SQL, PDF | Fast visual sharing |
| Lucidchart | Free plan | Yes (manual) | Yes (real-time) | PDF, PNG, SQL | Cross-functional teams |
| QuickDBD | Free plan | Yes | Yes (real-time) | SQL, PDF, PNG | Keyboard-first devs |
| ERDPlus | Free | Limited | No | Image, PDF | Students & educators |
| DrawSQL | Free plan | Yes | Yes (real-time) | SQL, PNG, PDF | Design teams |
| Miro | Free plan; 14-day free trial for the Business Plan |
No | Yes (chat, video, real-time) | Image, PDF | Workshops and early planning |
| Creately | Free plan | Yes (manual modeling) | Yes (live cursors) | PDF, PNG, SVG | Visual thinkers |
| DbSchema | Free Community edition; 30-day free trial for the Pro edition |
Yes | Limited (file sharing) | SQL, PDF, PNG | Cross-platform devs |
| SqlDBM | Free trial | Yes | Yes (versioning, sharing) | SQL, image, PDF | Cloud-native teams |
Our list is based on deep editorial review, real-world usability, and team fit. Each database diagram tool was chosen for its balance of functionality, clarity, and practical value to modern development teams. Selection criteria included usability, feature depth, workflow fit, collaboration support, and community feedback.
Let's explore the tools to help you make an informed decision.
Best for full-featured SQL Server development and visual schema design
dbForge Studio for SQL Server is an enterprise-grade IDE and one of the most complete SQL visual schema tools available for SQL Server database professionals. It brings together visual database design, SQL editing, data comparison, source control, and CI/CD tools—all inside a single, unified desktop environment.
Most ERD tools stop at diagramming—dbForge goes further. It combines advanced ERD design with live schema editing, version control integration, and deployment features. It's built for serious engineering teams managing complex SQL Server environments, where clarity, control, and speed all matter.
Features include a visual ERD designer with real-time sync to live databases, a powerful SQL editor with code completion and formatting, schema/data comparison tools, and built-in DevOps capabilities like version control, test automation, and CI/CD pipeline support.
Integrations include Git, SVN, TFS, Jenkins, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon RDS. It's fully optimized for SQL Server environments and supports efficient collaboration in larger development teams.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Visual ERD builder with bidirectional schema sync ✅ Built-in tools for schema and data comparison ✅ DevOps support with version control and automation ✅ Fast onboarding with clean UI and excellent documentation ✅ One IDE for design, coding, and deployment |
❌ Windows-native, support for macOS and Linux through CrossOver or Wine ❌ SQL Server only ❌ May feel heavy for teams needing just basic diagramming |
Learn more about dbForge Studio for SQL Server—download a free trial and explore its rich functionality.
Best for multi-database development
dbForge Edge is a database management and administration environment supporting four major databases: SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL. It provides a consistent user interface, feature set, and tools, creating a unified experience for developers, DevOps, administrators, and analysts working with multiple databases.
dbForge provides a range of database design features, from intelligent SQL support to visual database design with diagramming and visualization capabilities. The intuitive user interface allows building database diagrams without writing code, which makes the tool useful even for non-technical users.
Features include a visual ERD designer for SQL Server, MySQL, and Oracle databases, diagram export in different formats, a visual query builder, and schema and data comparison and synchronization.
dbForge Edge integrates with Git, GitHub, SVN, and Microsoft Azure. It supports database management across Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Unified interface for multiple databases ✅ Integrated AI Assistant ✅ Flexible customization ✅ Rich SQL editing and optimization capabilities |
❌ No database design support for PostgreSQL ❌ Not just a diagramming tool, but a complete multi-database IDE, which may be excessive for certain use cases ❌ Windows-native, support for macOS and Linux through CrossOver or Wine |
Learn more about dbForge Edge—download a free 30-day trial to enjoy a unified database management experience for multiple databases.
Best for quick, browser-based schema visualization and sharing
dbdiagram.io is a lightweight, browser-based tool for fast ERD creation using either a custom DSL or raw SQL. Designed for simplicity and speed, it's ideal for teams that need to sketch, share, and iterate on schema designs—without the overhead of installing full-scale software.
The tool is purpose-built for simplicity. Developers can generate ERDs in seconds using minimal syntax, then export diagrams or share them with a link. It's especially useful for remote teams, early-stage planning, or fast visual documentation of existing structures.
Features include real-time collaboration, export options (PDF, PNG, SQL, etc.), and a clean DSL for quickly describing schema components. It also supports reverse engineering via SQL import from databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server.
Integrations include GitHub and dbdocs.io for embedding diagrams into project documentation or version-controlled repositories.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Instant ERD creation via browser—no installation required ✅ Support for SQL and custom DSL input ✅ Easy export to image or SQL ✅ Great for documentation and quick sharing |
❌ Limited advanced features for enterprise workflows ❌ Limited collaboration features on the free tier ❌ Not ideal for deep schema editing or deployment work |
Best for collaborative, cloud-based ERD design
Lucidchart is a browser-based ERD and diagramming platform built for team collaboration. With real-time editing, version history, and broad template support, it's a strong fit for cross-functional teams mapping out databases or visualizing system architecture in distributed environments.
Lucidchart stands out for its flexibility. It allows teams to import database schemas or build diagrams from templates, while also supporting live collaboration with commenting and version history. It's cloud-native and easy to onboard, making it ideal for distributed teams or hybrid work environments.
Features include data import from SQL and CSV files, drag-and-drop ERD shapes, real-time collaboration, Salesforce schema visualization, and over 1,000 templates. Its ERD tool supports crow's foot notation, primary/foreign key linking, and schema export.
Integrations include Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Atlassian (Confluence/Jira), Salesforce, Slack, GitHub, and AWS.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Real-time collaboration with version tracking ✅ Works on any device via browser ✅ Import/export options for SQL, CSV, and Salesforce schemas ✅ Extensive template and shape library |
❌ Manual non-bidirectional database sync ❌ Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans ❌ Performance may lag with large, complex diagrams |
Best for fast, keyboard-first ER diagramming
QuickDBD is minimalist diagramming software for developers, built to translate typed schemas into visuals in seconds. Users can type schema definitions in plain text and instantly generate professional ER diagrams—no mouse or drag-and-drop required. It's ideal for developers who think in code but need a clean visual output.
QuickDBD is built for momentum. While other tools prioritize feature depth, QuickDBD streamlines the diagramming process for developers who just want to sketch ideas, share structure, and get back to building.
Features include a real-time diagram preview from plain text input, support for exporting to SQL, image, PDF, and RTF formats, as well as real-time collaboration and private/public sharing. It runs entirely in the browser, with no installation required.
Currently, QuickDBD is offering promotional free access to Pro features in exchange for public feedback or honest reviews.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Extremely fast and lightweight—designed for developers ✅ Keyboard-based diagram creation ✅ Exports to SQL, image, PDF, and more ✅ Real-time collaboration and sharing |
❌ Limited design customization ❌ No bidirectional live database sync ❌ Lack of advanced schema management and validation ❌ Basic UI; not ideal for large-scale enterprise work |
Best for academic use and quick, no-login ERD creation
ERDPlus is a completely free, browser-based ERD generator designed for academic use. It supports basic ER diagrams, relational schemas, and normalization forms, making it a go-to for students and instructors who need fast, no-login tools to illustrate core database concepts.
ERDPlus keeps things simple and distraction-free. It's especially useful in classrooms and introductory database courses where the goal is to understand relationships—not navigate complex software. No logins, no paywalls—just clean diagrams.
Features include support for entity-relationship diagrams, relational schemas, UML class diagrams, and multi-valued attributes. It runs fully in-browser and allows for exporting diagrams as image files or PDFs. While basic in design, it's fast and gets the job done.
No third-party integrations are provided, as the tool is focused on standalone academic use.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
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✅ 100% free, no account or installation needed ✅ Support for ER, relational, and UML diagrams ✅ Extremely lightweight and fast ✅ Great for teaching and learning database fundamentals |
❌ Not built for enterprise or production use ❌ Lacks real-time collaboration or export to SQL ❌ No integration with live databases or CI/CD workflows |
Best for collaborative, cloud-based ERD design
DrawSQL is a collaborative, web-based ERD platform that helps teams design, visualize, and document database schemas. Its real-time editing, intuitive interface, and SQL export make it especially useful for planning complex systems and maintaining up-to-date documentation.
DrawSQL stands out for its emphasis on collaboration and ease of use. Its real-time editing capabilities and version control features make it ideal for teams working on complex database structures. Additionally, the ability to generate SQL scripts from diagrams streamlines the development process.
Features include real-time collaboration, version history, export options (SQL, PNG, PDF), and a library of templates to jumpstart your designs. It supports major relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of projects.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Real-time collaboration with team members ✅ Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ✅ Export diagrams to SQL, PNG, and PDF formats ✅ Extensive template library for quick diagram creation |
❌ Limited to relational databases ❌ Advanced features require a paid plan ❌ No offline mode available |
Best for whiteboard-style database brainstorming and collaboration
Miro is a flexible online whiteboard used for brainstorming and planning, including early-stage database design. While not a dedicated ERD tool, it supports collaborative schema sketching, system mapping, and team workshops—especially valuable during the exploratory phases of architecture planning.
Miro's strength is its flexibility. It's not built for databases specifically, but its rich diagramming features, templates, and integrations make it a go-to tool for high-level system planning. It's especially valuable when database design is part of a broader product or architecture discussion.
Features include infinite canvas, drag-and-drop diagramming, customizable templates, sticky notes, mind maps, and voting tools. Miro also includes real-time collaboration, comments, video calls, and AI features for summarization and diagram automation.
Integrations include Jira, Confluence, GitHub, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Notion, and over 160 other tools.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Extremely flexible for early-stage schema design ✅ Rich collaboration features (chat, comments, video, AI) ✅ Ideal for team workshops, planning, and brainstorming ✅ Extensive template library and integration ecosystem |
❌ Not a dedicated database diagramming tool ❌ Requires manual formatting for ERD-specific notation ❌ Lacks live schema syncing or SQL generation |
Best for visually rich ERDs and cross-functional collaboration
Creately is a visual collaboration platform that makes ERD creation accessible to both technical and non-technical users. With a drag-and-drop interface, live collaboration, and support for multiple ER notations, it's well-suited for teams designing data flows alongside broader system diagrams.
The tool stands out for its combination of simplicity and functionality. Creately's drag-and-drop interface, coupled with real-time collaboration features, makes it an excellent choice for teams looking to design ER diagrams without a steep learning curve.
Features include support for multiple ERD notations (Chen's, Crow's Foot), real-time collaboration with live cursors, version history, and an extensive library of templates and shapes. Users can also embed documents and assets to centralize data around information system projects.
Integrations encompass popular tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Confluence, facilitating seamless collaboration across different platforms.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ✅ Real-time collaboration with live cursors ✅ Extensive template and shape library ✅ Supports multiple ERD notations |
❌ Occasional performance issues with large diagrams ❌ Some advanced features require higher-tier plans ❌ Limited offline functionality |
Best for cross-platform, schema-centric database modeling
DbSchema is a cross-platform database design and management tool that supports both relational and NoSQL databases. Its visual editor, schema sync, and support for diverse platforms make it ideal for teams managing hybrid environments or planning migrations across systems.
DbSchema stands out for its ability to handle complex database structures visually, regardless of the underlying database system. Its platform-independent approach and robust feature set make it a valuable tool for teams dealing with multiple database types or planning migrations.
Features include visual schema design, interactive layouts, schema synchronization, data explorer, and documentation generation. It supports reverse engineering from existing databases and offers tools for designing and deploying schema changes.
DbSchema integrates with various databases, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, and more, providing flexibility for teams working in heterogeneous database environments.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Support for a wide range of relational and NoSQL databases ✅ Visual schema design and synchronization tools ✅ Platform-independent (runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux) ✅ Comprehensive documentation and support resources |
❌ The interface may be overwhelming for new users ❌ Some advanced features require additional configuration |
Best for cloud-native, collaborative data modeling at scale
SqlDBM is a cloud-native data modeling tool built for collaborative database design. It supports platforms like Snowflake, SQL Server, and PostgreSQL, and includes features like version control, reverse engineering, and integration with dbt and Confluence—making it ideal for modern data teams.
SqlDBM stands out for its cloud-native approach, eliminating the need for installations or complex setups. Its intuitive interface and collaborative features make it ideal for distributed teams working on data modeling projects.
Features include visual database modeling, version control, reverse and forward engineering, and documentation generation. SqlDBM also offers integrations with platforms like dbt, Confluence, and Jira, enhancing its utility in modern data workflows.
Key pros |
Key cons |
|---|---|
|
✅ Cloud-based with no installation required ✅ Support for multiple database platforms ✅ Collaborative features for team-based modeling ✅ Integration with popular tools like dbt and Confluence |
❌ Advanced features may require higher-tier plans ❌ Limited offline functionality ❌ The interface may have a learning curve for new users |
While the tools listed above are among the most widely used, there are a few additional options worth mentioning for teams with different needs:
With dozens of ERD tools available, picking the right one depends less on features alone and more on how well the tool fits into your team's workflow, stack, and priorities. Here's how to evaluate what matters:
Web tools like dbdiagram.io, DrawSQL, and SqlDBM are ideal for remote teams, quick access, and easy sharing. They run in the browser, require no setup, and often include real-time collaboration. Desktop tools like dbForge Studio and DbSchema, on the other hand, offer deeper control, live database integration, and richer offline capabilities—ideal for complex enterprise environments.
If you're prototyping, teaching, or diagramming casually, free data modeling software like ERD Plus, QuickDBD (free tier), or Creately (free plan) may cover your needs. But for production systems, audits, or CI/CD workflows, paid tools like dbForge, SqlDBM, or Lucidchart offer advanced features, support, and scalability that free versions can't match.
Team collaboration is non-negotiable for modern development. Tools like Lucidchart, Miro, and DrawSQL are purpose-built for real-time teamwork, complete with live cursors, comments, and sharing links. If your team works asynchronously or across time zones, prioritize tools with built-in version control and cloud access.
Not all tools speak the same SQL dialect. Ensure compatibility with your stack—whether it's SQL Server (dbForge, SqlDBM), PostgreSQL (DbSchema, SqlDBM), MySQL (DbSchema, QuickDBD), or even MongoDB (less common in ERD tools). If your environment includes several databases, look for a tool that supports multiple databases in a unified interface, for example, dbForge Edge. The tighter the integration, the more value you'll get from reverse engineering, live sync, and schema deployment.
If speed and simplicity matter more than feature depth, lean toward tools like QuickDBD or dbdiagram.io. If your team needs schema validation, automation, DevOps pipelines, or regulatory compliance, tools like dbForge Studio and DbSchema provide more robust environments.
In addition to standalone tools, it's also worth mentioning that some database management environments offer built-in diagramming features. One notable example is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), which includes native support for creating and managing database diagrams directly within SQL Server environments.
Here are the key diagramming features built into SSMS in detail:
While SSMS offers basic diagramming for SQL Server, teams needing dynamic workflows often pair tools like dbForge Studio or platforms supporting ClickUp integrations for connected, real-time data modeling.
dbForge Studio for SQL Server is a full development environment designed for teams that view database design, deployment, and performance as strategic priorities. It brings advanced schema modeling, live database editing, version control, and DevOps workflows together in one streamlined platform.
At its core is a powerful, bi-directional ERD designer—tightly coupled with live database editing, schema comparison, and deployment tools. But the real advantage lies in how it supports professional workflows at scale:
dbForge Studio is built for teams who need more than a diagram. It's for those who manage databases at scale, prioritize repeatability, and demand full visibility across environments.
Start your free trial of dbForge Studio for SQL Server today and experience the difference of a development environment built for clarity, control, and scale.
dbForge Edge is your go-to solution if you work with multiple databases at the same time. In dbForge Edge, you will find a convenient space for managing and administering SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL databases (note, however, that for PostgreSQL, dbForge Edge does not support database design and diagramming features.)
For other supported databases, dbForge Edge offers a full range of features that allow you to design and build databases of various complexity:
dbForge Edge provides an efficient workspace for teams managing heterogeneous database environments, supporting all the key development, design, DevOps, and administration functions.
Download a free trial and explore the advanced database management capabilities of dbForge Edge.
A solid data architecture begins with well-planned schema design. And in 2026, diagramming isn't just a convenience—it's a necessity.
The right tool does more than visualize tables. It gives teams the clarity to scale, the precision to reduce risk, and the flexibility to stay aligned across workflows. Whether you're mapping new systems or managing production databases, choose the best tool for database diagram creation that fits how your team works—not just what your database supports.
For SQL Server teams, dbForge Studio is a standout. It offers more than ERDs: integrated DevOps support, live schema editing, and deployment pipelines make it an all-in-one environment for serious development.
For multi-database teams, dbForge Edge can be the tool of choice. With dbForge Edge, you are getting not only superior database design and diagramming features, but a comprehensive IDE providing a consistent development experience, no matter which of the four supported databases you use.
A database diagram tool is software used to visually design and document database structures, typically using Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs). These tools help teams map tables, keys, and relationships, making it easier to plan, communicate, and maintain database architecture.
Tools like ERDPlus and dbdiagram.io are widely considered among the best free options. They allow quick ER diagram creation in the browser, with features like SQL export, collaborative sharing, and no installation required. At the same time, you can find a wide range of ER diagramming features in the free Express editions of dbForge Studio and dbForge Edge.
Yes. Cloud-based tools like SqlDBM and dbdiagram.io support SQL Server schema design. While dbdiagram.io is ideal for quick sketches, SqlDBM offers deeper modeling capabilities and version control for team use.
dbForge Studio for SQL Server provides a powerful visual ERD designer with live schema editing, bidirectional sync, and integrated DevOps tools. It's especially valuable for engineering teams managing complex SQL Server environments who need full control and clarity.
As a technical content writer, I bring a unique blend of analytical precision and creativity to every article. I'm passionate about simplifying complex topics around data, connectivity, and digital solutions, making them accessible and practical for audiences across different industries.