Scalable systems thrive on schema clarity—without it, you pay in rework. That’s why 96% of engineers now use visual tools, particularly database diagram tools, to map and manage their databases.
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 10 best database diagram tools of 2025, free and paid, selected for team building with speed, scale, and clarity in mind.
Let’s dive in!
- What is a database diagram tool?
- How the top tools stack up
- How we selected the top 10 database diagram tools
- Other notable database diagram tools
- How to choose a database diagram tool
- Built-in database diagramming in management tools
- Why choose dbForge Studio for SQL Server?
- Conclusion
What is a database diagram tool?
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.
At the heart of these tools are Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs)—visual representations of tables, keys, and relationships. But 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:
- Greenfield design: A clean slate needs a clear plan. ERD tools help teams design schemas visually—before writing any SQL. It’s the smartest way to shape structure while ideas are still evolving.
- Migration planning: Platform shifts and refactors are risky. Diagrams expose structural issues early—missing keys, broken relationships, orphaned tables—before they become production problems.
- System documentation: When your schema only exists in someone’s head, continuity is at risk. ERDs give teams a reliable, shared reference that stays useful long after handoffs.
- Reverse engineering: Inherited a database with no docs? Plug it into an ERD tool and get instant clarity. It’s the fastest way to understand what you’re really working with.
In short, database diagram tools are about clarity, risk reduction, and faster delivery. Now, let’s explore the best database diagram tools in the market.
How the top tools stack up
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 Name | Free/Trial | Platform | SQL Server support | Team work | Export | Trial | Best for | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| dbForge Studio | Free plan + 30-day trial | Desktop | Yes | Yes (version control) | SQL, reports | 30 days | Enterprise SQL Server teams | ⭐ 4.8 |
| dbdiagram.io | Free plan | Web | Yes (via SQL) | Yes (link sharing) | PNG, SQL, PDF | N/A | Fast visual sharing | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Lucidchart | Free plan | Web | Yes (manual) | Yes (real-time) | PDF, PNG, SQL | 7 days | Cross-functional teams | ⭐ 4.5 |
| QuickDBD | Free plan | Web | Yes | Yes (real-time) | SQL, PDF, PNG | N/A | Keyboard-first devs | ⭐ 4.8 |
| ERD Plus | Free | Web | Limited | No | Image, PDF | N/A | Students & educators | ⭐ 4.3 |
| DrawSQL | Free plan + 14-day trial | Web | Yes | Yes (real-time) | SQL, PNG, PDF | 14 days | Design teams | ⭐ N/A |
| Miro | Free plan | Web | No | Yes (chat, video, real-time) | Image, PDF | N/A | Workshops and early planning | ⭐ 4.7 |
| Creately | Free plan | Web/Desktop | Yes (manual modeling) | Yes (live cursors) | PDF, PNG, SVG | N/A | Visual thinkers | ⭐ 4.4 |
| DbSchema | 30-day trial | Desktop | Yes | Limited (file sharing) | SQL, PDF, PNG | 30 days | Cross-platform devs | ⭐ 4.0 |
| SqlDBM | Free trial | Web | Yes | Yes (versioning, sharing) | SQL, image, PDF | 14 days | Cloud-native teams | ⭐ 5 |
From fast, browser-based apps to fully featured development environments, the tools in this list cover a wide range of use cases. Some are ideal for quick diagrams and lightweight planning, while others are built for deep integration, versioning, and team-scale workflows. If you’re looking for deeper insights into each tool, keep reading.
How we selected the top 10 database diagram tools
Our list is based on deep editorial review, real-world usability, and team fit. Each 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.
1. dbForge Studio for SQL Server
Best for full-featured SQL Server development and visual schema design
- Free trial available + free Express Edition
- From $259.95/user (one-time or subscription pricing
- Rating: 4.8/5 (Capterra)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Visual ERD builder with bidirectional schema sync | Windows-only; no native macOS or Linux version (works on macOS and Linux through crossover by CodeWeavers) |
| Built-in tools for schema and data comparison | May feel heavy for teams needing just basic diagramming |
| DevOps support with version control and automation | |
| Fast onboarding with clean UI and excellent documentation | |
| One IDE for design, coding, and deployment |
Learn more about dbForge Studio for SQL Server:
▶ Download Free Trial
▶ Compare Editions and Pricing
2. dbdiagram.io
Best for quick, browser-based schema visualization and sharing
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $8/month (billed annually)
- Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant ERD creation via browser—no install required | Limited advanced features for enterprise workflows |
| Supports SQL and custom DSL input | Collaboration features limited on the free tier |
| Easy export to image or SQL | Not ideal for deep schema editing or deployment work |
| Great for documentation and quick sharing |
Learn more about dbdiagram.io:
▶ Try it free in your browser
▶ Compare plans and pricing
3. Lucidchart
Best for collaborative, cloud-based ERD design
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $9/month (billed annually)
- Rating: 4.5/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time collaboration with version tracking | Database sync is manual—not bidirectional |
| Works on any device via browser | Advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans |
| Import/export options for SQL, CSV, and Salesforce schemas | Performance may lag with large, complex diagrams |
| Extensive template and shape library |
Learn more about Lucidchart:
▶ Try Lucidchart for free
▶ View pricing plans
▶ Explore ERD templates and documentation
4. QuickDBD
Best for fast, keyboard-first ER diagramming
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $14/month or $95/year
- Rating: 4.8/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely fast and lightweight—designed for developers | Limited design customization |
| Keyboard-based diagram creation | No bidirectional live database sync |
| Exports to SQL, image, PDF, and more | Lacks advanced schema management and validation |
| Real-time collaboration and sharing | Basic UI; not ideal for large-scale enterprise work |
Learn more about QuickDBD:
▶ Try the app now
▶ Explore pricing
▶ Read FAQs and roadmap
5. ERD Plus
Best for academic use and quick, no-login ERD creation
- Completely free
- Rating: 4.3/5 (G2)
ERD Plus 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.
ERD Plus 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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 100% free, no account or install needed | Not built for enterprise or production use |
| Supports ER, relational, and UML diagrams | Lacks real-time collaboration or export to SQL |
| Extremely lightweight and fast | No integration with live databases or CI/CD workflows |
| Great for teaching and learning database fundamentals |
Learn more about ERD Plus:
▶ Use ERD Plus now
▶ Access example use cases and educational materials
6. DrawSQL
Best for collaborative, cloud-based ERD design
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $19/month
- Rating: N/A
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Real-time collaboration with team members | Limited to relational databases |
| Intuitive drag-and-drop interface | Advanced features require a paid plan |
| Export diagrams to SQL, PNG, and PDF formats | No offline mode available |
| Extensive template library for quick diagram creation |
Learn more about DrawSQL:
▶ Try DrawSQL for free
▶ View pricing plans
▶ Explore features and templates
7. Miro
Best for whiteboard-style database brainstorming and collaboration
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $8/month per user (billed annually)
- Rating: 4.7/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely flexible for early-stage schema design | Not a dedicated database diagramming tool |
| Rich collaboration features (chat, comments, video, AI) | Requires manual formatting for ERD-specific notation |
| Ideal for team workshops, planning, and brainstorming | Lacks live schema syncing or SQL generation |
| Extensive template library and integration ecosystem |
Learn more about Miro:
▶ Try Miro for free
▶ Compare pricing plans
8. Creately
Best for visually rich ERDs and cross-functional collaboration
- Free plan available
- Paid plans from $5/month per user
- Rating: 4.4/5 (G2)
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.
Creately stands out for its combination of simplicity and functionality. The platform’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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive drag-and-drop interface | Occasional performance issues with large diagrams |
| Real-time collaboration with live cursors | Some advanced features require higher-tier plans |
| Extensive template and shape library | Limited offline functionality |
| Supports multiple ERD notations |
Learn more about Creately:
▶ Try Creately for free
▶ View pricing plans
9. DbSchema
Best for cross-platform, schema-centric database modeling
- Free trial available
- Paid plans from $63 (one-time license)
- Rating: 4.0/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Supports a wide range of relational and NoSQL databases | Interface may be overwhelming for new users |
| Visual schema design and synchronization tools | Some advanced features require additional configuration |
| Platform-independent (runs on Windows, macOS, Linux) | |
| Comprehensive documentation and support resources |
Learn more about DbSchema:
▶ Download Free Trial
▶ View pricing plans
10. SqlDBM
Best for cloud-native, collaborative data modeling at scale
- Free trial available
- Paid plans from $29.4/month
- Rating: 5/5 (G2)
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 and integrations
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.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cloud-based with no installation required | Advanced features may require higher-tier plans |
| Supports multiple database platforms | Limited offline functionality |
| Collaborative features for team-based modeling | Interface may have a learning curve for new users |
| Integration with popular tools like dbt and Confluence |
Learn more about SqlDBM:
▶ Try SqlDBM for free
▶ View pricing plans
▶ Explore features and integrations
Other Notable Database Diagram Tools
While the tools listed above are among the most widely used in 2025, there are a few additional options worth mentioning for teams with different needs:
- SmartDraw: A powerful diagramming tool that supports database modeling alongside flowcharts, org charts, and more. It offers templates for ER diagrams and integrates with tools like Confluence and Google Workspace.
- Canva: Although primarily known for graphic design, Canva offers templates and easy-to-use features that can be adapted for creating simple ER diagrams, especially for presentations or non-technical stakeholders.
- EdrawMax: A versatile diagramming platform supporting over 280 types of diagrams, including ER diagrams. It offers rich templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and cross-platform support.
- Visual Paradigm: A professional modeling tool offering database design, UML diagrams, BPMN, and more. It supports database engineering with forward and reverse engineering features and is ideal for large-scale system planning.
- ClickUp: A project management platform with powerful Whiteboard and Mind Map features for ERD creation. It offers templates, drag-and-drop entity mapping, and real-time collaboration—ideal for teams building complex data models alongside broader project workflows.
How to choose a database diagram tool
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:
1. Web-based vs. desktop
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.
2. Free vs. paid
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.
3. Collaboration features
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.
4. Integration with your database stack
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). The tighter the integration, the more value you’ll get from reverse engineering, live sync, and schema deployment.
5. Ease of use vs. feature depth
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.
Built-in Database Diagramming in Management Tools
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:
- Create new diagram: Start a fresh layout from any database. This gives you a canvas to visualize selected tables and how they relate.
- Add related tables: Automatically pull in tables that share relationships with those already on the diagram, helping expose joins and dependencies you might otherwise overlook.
- Remove tables: Clean up clutter or focus the diagram by removing unnecessary tables from view. This doesn’t affect the actual database—just the visual model.
- Auto arrange: Instantly reorder and space out tables to reduce overlap and improve readability. A time-saver when working with large diagrams.
- Auto-size tables: Resize each table box to fit its content, ensuring columns are visible without manual adjustment.
- Show key columns / relationships: Highlight primary keys, foreign keys, and their connections to make data relationships more explicit.
- Copy to clipboard: Take a snapshot of the diagram for use in documents, presentations, or quick team discussions.
- Export to Word/PDF: Save diagrams as files for sharing or offline review, particularly useful when documenting systems or preparing audits.
While SSMS offers basic diagramming for SQL Server environments, teams that need more than static visuals will find dbForge Studio a major step up.
Why choose dbForge Studio for SQL Server?
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:
- Version control and automation ensure that changes are tracked, reviewed, and deployed with precision—critical for teams managing sensitive data or compliance-heavy systems.
- Built-in DevOps support bridges the gap between design and release, enabling CI/CD pipelines for database code alongside application code.
- Team collaboration features reduce friction across development, QA, and operations—turning schema diagrams into shared, actionable assets.
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.
Conclusion
A solid data architecture begins with well-planned schema design. And in 2025, 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.
FAQ
What is a database diagram tool?
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.
What’s the best free tool for drawing ER diagrams?
Tools like ERD Plus 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.
Can I design SQL Server schemas online?
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.
How does dbForge Studio help with database diagramming?
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.
