Creating databases sounds like a complex process but with modern database diagram tools, this isn’t the case.
There are plenty of software products that enable users to create and import database diagrams to view relationships between database objects.
Here is our list of the eight best database diagram tools:
- Lucidchart This visual database designer is available online and it includes collaboration features to help you create, amend, and share database designs. Available in free and paid versions.
- DeZign Database modeler and diagram tool with synchronization capabilities.
- SqlDBM Online Database diagram tool with forward and reverse engineering so you can import from an existing database.
- dBForge Studio for SQL Server A database diagram tool for SQL Server that has a visual designer tool and schema synchronization.
- DB Designer Online database diagram tool and modeling tool for MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite.
- DbSchema Database diagram and schema synchronization for SQL and NoSQL databases.
- SmartDraw Database diagram tool that acts as an alternative to Microsoft Visio with Intelligent Formatting and content templates.
- Navicat Data Modeler Database diagram MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.
The best database diagram tools
Our methodology for selecting a database diagram tool
We reviewed the market for database diagram creation systems and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:
- The ability to interface with DBMSs to extract schemas from existing instances
- Suitable symbol library for EDR creation and schema diagrams
- Data dictionary compilation
- A utility to correct normalization errors
- The option to extract object creation scripts
- A free trial or a demo system for a cost-free assessment period
- A good deal, represented by a comprehensive tool that cuts database production time at a fair price
With these selection criteria in mind, we surveyed the market for database diagram tools and identified systems that we are happy to recommend.
1. Lucidchart
Lucidchart is a visual database design tool that allows you to automatically create, edit, and import database diagrams. The software is compatible with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. You can select from a library of shapes to build a new database.
Key Features
- An easy to use design creator
- Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
- Exportable directly into your database
- Integrates with collaboration and project management tools
- Free version available
Why do we recommend it?
Lucidchart is a chart creation tool that can be used for a range of business purposes, including process flow charts and organizational charts. The package provides a library of icons for the creation of Entity Relationship Diagrams. It won’t query the database and generate a diagram for you.
Once you’ve finished diagraming your database you can export it to your DBMS. Alternatively, you can publish and share it with other members of your team through another integrated service. Lucidchart has integrations for Google, Dropbox, box, Jive, Okta, one login, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Azure, Slack, HipChat, JIRA, and more.
Who is it recommended for?
Lucidchart can be used during the database creation phase and it is good for communicating ideas among project members and stakeholders. The system is also useful for mapping preliminary research for conceptual design.
Pros:
- Supports a wide variety of database types
- Is highly visual and scales well even in enterprise environments
- Makes collaboration easy by integrating with tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Jira
- Offers four plans, making Lucidchart accessible to any size team
Cons:
- Has many different options that can take time to fully explore
There are four versions of Lucidchart: Free, Individual, Team, and Enterprise. The Free version is designed for a single user, as is the Individual plan. An Individual account costs $7.95 (£6.00) per month when paid annually. The Free account only lets you create three charts per month but the paid version of that account has no limit on your turnover.
Collaboration features are reserved for the two higher plans. The Team version starts at $9 (£6.79) per user per month and requires a minimum of three users. The Enterprise version is priced by negotiation and adds features like centralized admin control and document retention. You can sign up for a free trial of the Individual or Team account or just access the Free plan.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Lucidchart is our top pick for a database diagram tool because it is hosted as a website, so it can be accessed from anywhere and doesn’t need any software installed. The Lucidchart system has a visual diagram creator that can also interpret existing designs imported into the system. It is very easy to create database designs with this tool and there are mechanisms within the package that let you share your design and even invite others to participate in the database design creation process. The tool has a free version
Sign up for free: https://lucid.app/pricing/lucidchart#/createAccount
Operating system: Web based
2. DeZign
DeZign is a data modeling and database diagram tool that enables the user to create and model databases. The tool automatically generates diagrams for popular databases. The tool uses entity-relationship diagrams to display the relationships between database entities. The database diagram editor is drag-and-drop so you can object elements easily.
Key Features
- ERD creator
- Automatic diagram generation for existing databases
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Generates reports as PDF, Word, or HTML
Why do we recommend it?
DeZign is a nice combination of an ERD generator and a graphical editor. The tool will access a database schema and extract out object descriptions. DeZign can also scan through object generation scripts to derive the database design. It then draws up the Entity Relationship Diagram from that existing instance. The designer can then manually adjust the ERD to add on new objects.
If you need to pass your databases on you can create customized reports and export them in PDF, Word, and HTML formats. You can also export diagrams as images in png, jpeg-image, bitmap, gif-image, and Windows metafile.
Who is it recommended for?
This system is a useful tool for documenting an existing database. The DeZign system can also spot differences between a design for a database and the actual structures in the database. The only problem with this option is that it can’t generate object-creation scripts.
Pros:
- Automatically generates diagrams based on the database its pointed to
- Supports relationship modeling
- Makes customization simple with simple drag-and-drop features
Cons:
- Visualizations are better suited for smaller environments
- Would like to see a longer trial period
There are four versions of DeZign available to purchase: Standard, Professional, Expert, and All Products Pack. The Standard version costs $19 (£14.34) per month on an annual plan. The Professional version costs $39 (£29.44) per month when paid annually with the ability to reverse-engineer existing databases.
The Expert version costs $59 (£44.54) per month on the yearly payment plan with additional features for collaboration and the option to update databases from a model. The All Products pack costs $99 (£74.74) per month with the yearly payment plan and includes access to a range of other products including Datanamic SchemaDiff Professional. All of these plans are available on a month-to-month payment plan but their prices are much higher. You can download the 14-day free trial.
3. SqlDBM
SqlDBM is an SQL diagram tool and database modeler that you can use to create and import databases. SqlDBM is compatible with SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and Amazon Redshift. You can create database objects such as tables, objects, and relationships through the intuitive GUI (which is available in dark and light themes).
Key Features
- Compatible with SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and Amazon Redshift
- Collaboration utility
- Free version available
Why do we recommend it?
SqlDBM is pretty hard to beat because it can model existing databases, support new database design, and also generate out object creation scripts. The fact that this tool is available online is another advantage because that lets team members in different locations access the design as it is developed.
One of the most useful features offered by the GUI is View Modes. View Modes allow you to change the perspective of your databases and choose which elements you see on the screen. For example, Table Names only and Keys only options enable you to prioritize monitoring particular elements.
To support collaboration, SqlDBM allows you to share diagrams and changes with other users with a URL. Just copy and paste the link into an email and your team will be able to click through to your diagram. All versions of your diagrams are saved in the cloud so if you ever need to revert to an earlier version you can do this.
Who is it recommended for?
This system is suitable for anyone who is developing a database. The full version that includes script generation is expensive, so small businesses would find that expense difficult to justify. That plan is only available for an annual subscription, so it is a suitable tool for a consultancy or a large organization.
Pros:
- Designed for enterprises and larger databases
- Supports multiple database types including PostgreSQL, Redshift, and MySQL
- Features an elegant interface that leverages color to keep things organized
Cons:
- Better suited for larger database deployments
There are four versions of the sqlDBM available: Free, Basic, Business, and Enterprise. The Free version supports one active project at a time. You can’t save the project and you don’t need to set up an account to access the service. The Basic plan costs $25 (£18.87) per month or $240 (£181.18) per year for unlimited projects and revisions. The Business plan has a minimum of three licenses and that package is only available on an annual subscription for $3,000 (£2264.75) – increasing the number of licenses increases the bundle price. The Enterprise plan is a custom package that is priced by negotiation. You can trial the sqlDBM system by accessing the Free system.
4. dBForge Studio for SQL Server
dBForge Studio for SQL Server is an SQL management tool with diagram capabilities. The user can create diagrams of a database from the Data Explorer with drag-and-drop. The container feature allows the user to store objects that are logically related in one place. The user places tables inside a container then minimizes it. Containers are ideal for those companies working with large databases.
Key Features
- An easy-to-use design creator
- Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
- Exportable directly into your database
Why do we recommend it?
There are extensive features in dbForge Studio for SQL Server that make this a more widely used system than just a database diagramming system. The tool can also be used to develop SQL statements and it includes services to help optimize database structures. For database design, this tool gives you the three most important services: instance extraction for modeling; manual design tools; and script generation for database creation.
The platform also offers the ability to manage logical relations between database tables through the Virtual Relation Manager. The manager allows the user to view visual displays of logical relations and edit them. The user can then use these virtual relations to generate schema scripts based upon selected table relations.
Once you’ve finished designing your diagram you can print it. You have complete control over the layout of your printouts through a range of page settings. Page settings you can adjust include page orientation, paper size and source, header and footer, printing margins, and more.
Who is it recommended for?
The dbForge system is suitable for database designers, DBAs, and developers. While coders always need access to an ERD to create efficient queries, the dbForge system offers an interactive service that provides the database structure within the development environment. Businesses that don’t want to use online or cloud-based tools will appreciate that dbForge Studio is an on-premises system for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
- Users can create diagrams through a simple drag-and-drop workflow
- Automatically pulls database properties and dependencies
- Preview pane makes it easy to search different columns and indexes
Cons:
- Designed specifically for SQL Server
There are four versions of dbForge Studio for SQL Server: Express, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. You pay a one-time fee to get the software and the base price includes one year of support. You can opt to get two and three years of support included in your purchase for a higher price. The first plan, Express, is free forever and doesn’t include any professional support.
With one year of support, the Standard version costs $299.95 (£226.44) and includes features like code completion. The Professional version costs $499.95 (£377.42) with data compare and sync functions. The Enterprise version costs $699.95 (£528.40) with DB Documentation and Source Control. You can get a 30-day free trial of the Enterprise edition. If you choose not to buy after that trial period, the software switches over to the Express
5. DB Designer
DB Designer is an online visual database design tool with reverse and forward engineering capabilities. You can import an existing database from MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle or export for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite. Databases can be exported in PDF and PNG formats. The tool is very user-friendly with a mini-map and keyboard shortcuts to help the user navigate.
Key Features
- An online package
- Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
- Import and export databases
Why do we recommend it?
DB Designer is a very similar system to sqlDBM. It is an online tool, it has a free version, and it can extract database structures from an instance, manual editing, tools, and script generation. You can print an ERD or just let someone else see the design in the online DB Designer environment.
The tool has several features that support collaborative environments. Users can share links to database diagrams and assign access levels: Owner, Editor, and Viewer. You can also manage projects through the dashboard where you can open or delete projects. There is the option to view a version history of projects to keep track of any changes made.
Who is it recommended for?
DB Designer will appeal to database design teams. This product competes very closely with sqlDBM. When deciding between these two options, the buyer will need to look at the DBMSs that each supports – sqlDBM is compatible with many more than DB Designer. All things being equal, DB Designer is probably going to be more appealing than sqlDBM because it is a lot cheaper.
Pros:
- Supports a variety of SQL database types
- Can export in image or document format
- Supports internal access controls and auditing
Cons:
- Visualizations are simple and better suited for smaller databases
There are three Individual Plans available to purchase: Starter, Basic, and Unlimited. All plans have the same features but the number and size of the project you work on in the system increase with higher plans. The Starter version is free and supports two database models with 10 tables per model. The Basic version costs $7 (£5.28) per month with five database models and 25 tables per model.
The top plan, Unlimited, costs $16 (£12.08) per month with unlimited models and unlimited tables. There is no annual payment plan and no deposit or lock-in, so you can switch between plans at the end of your paid month when the bill for the next period comes due. You can start with the Standard plan to assess DB Designer for free.
6. DbSchema
DbSchema is a database documentation and management tool for developers of SQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, and Cloud databases. It has an interactive layout feature that lets you design databases with diagrams. Elements like tables and foreign keys can be dragged and dropped onto the canvas. You can also create multiple layouts for different parts of the database schema. When you’ve finalized the diagram of the database you can print it in PDF or HTML5.
Key Features
- Create and manage databases
- Works with SQL, NoSQL, and MongoDB
- Collaboration features
Why do we recommend it?
DbSchema is an on-premises package, so it is a good option for businesses that don’t like to use remotely-hosted packages. The tool allows you to import a design from another package, extract the design from an instance, or draw an ERD from scratch. The tool also lets you compare schemas from different instances, which is a great way to keep track of linked instances for development, testing, and production. The service will implement your design and it also provides SQL development support, based on the actual database.
For MongoDB users, in particular, DbSchema offers a range of features including reverse engineering. You can reverse engineer schemas of other external databases. In addition, DBSchema has a Query Editor where the user can query the database. There is also a database visual query builder so the user can build queries in a visual format as well.
The schema synchronization feature is also great for environments where you want to apply the schema to multiple databases. The synchronization process highlights the differences between projects and databases. You can also share the Schema project with your team to collaborate on changes.
Who is it recommended for?
The Query Editor in DbSchema makes this tool a close competitor to dbForge Studio. The system is useful for documenting and managing existing databases and also for creating new databases or altering objects in an existing schema. Database designers, DBAs, and code developers could use this tool. DbSchema is considerably cheaper than dbForge Studio and it can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
- Works with both local and cloud-based databases
- Offers built-in collaboration features for teams
- Supports reverse engineering schemas
Cons:
- Could use a longer trial time
There are two editions of DbSchema – DbShema Free and DbSchema Pro. The free edition lets you import a design and reverse engineer it. You also get an SQL Editor and a schema design pad. However, the DbSchema Pro edition has many more features, including a logical design creator.
The DbSchema Pro edition is offered in three plans: Academic, Personal, and Commercial. The Academic plan costs $98 (£74) for educational institutions. The Personal version is $196 (£148) for a single user who can use the license on multiple computers. The Commercial version costs $294 (£222) for companies with support for one developer or administrator. Download DbSchema Free to assess the system without obligation. The package is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
7. SmartDraw
SmartDraw is a web-based diagram tool that allows you to automatically create your diagrams of databases. All you need to generate the diagram is to export a CSV file. Once the database has been created you can edit it through drag-and-drop. The diagram design function has intelligent formatting so that diagrams will be automatically adjusted when you edit, add, or delete a shape.
Key Features
- An online system
- Drag-and-drop function
- Writes out to CSV files
Why do we recommend it?
This tool is able to scan through an export of a database schema and generate an ERD. This creates very professional-looking database diagrams for presentations and you can edit the generated design to alter the database. You can also use SmartDraw to create network diagrams.
To further help new users use the program there are customizable diagram templates so you can build your diagram efficiently. There are over 34,000 different symbols to choose from.
Accessibility is something that SmartDraw does very well. There is a range of integrations with other tools such as Microsoft Office, G Suite, Confluence, and Jira so you can manage databases however you see fit. You can also import or export diagrams to and from Microsoft Visio.
Who is it recommended for?
SmartDraw doesn’t enable you to generate out object creation scripts, so DBAs wouldn’t choose this tool over many of the other options on this list that provide database design implementation features. This tool is a good choice for a consultancy that needs to demonstrate a new database design and would also need to create other types of business plans and charts.
Pros:
- Is a simple diagram tool that works for databases and other projects
- Accessible from any browser
- Makes it easy to create elegant diagrams
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer any database-specific features
There is a Single User version of SmartDraw and a Multiple Users version. The Single User version costs $9.95 (£7.68) per month and comes with over 4,500 templates. The Multiple User version costs $5.95 (£4.59) for five+ users with additional features like administration controls account consolidation. A Site plan covers a whole team and adds on single sign-on features to integrate the package into the corporate toolset. That costs $2,995 (£2260) per year. Access a free, live design editor at the SmartDraw website to try out the service.
8. Navicat Data Modeler
Navicat Data Modeler is a database diagram creation tool with support for MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. You can create and edit database models without needing to write SQL scripts. However, there is SQL Code Generation if you do want to generate SQL script.
Key Features
- Use for MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Generates object creation scripts
Why do we recommend it?
Navicat Data Modeler is an on-premises package that produces crisp, legible ERDs directly from a database connection. It also allows databases to be modified or designed from scratch. The tool can also generate creation and alter scripts to implement the new design.
Reverse engineering allows you to import existing database structures into the program. You can keep track of database changes with the Synchronize to Database function. After comparing the differences between your model and the database you can use synchronization to update the database.
Who is it recommended for?
Navicat Data Modeler is an affordable database design tool and it is available in an Essentials plan, which is free to use. This free option also includes database creation functions, which is very impressive and beats the free versions of all of the other tools on this list. This package runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Pros:
- Sleek and easy-to-use interface
- Includes a visual SQL builder
- Supports Linux, Windows, and MacOS
Cons:
- Would like to see a 30-day trial
Navicat is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. The Enterprise version of Navicat Data Modeler has three payment options: Monthly Subscription, Yearly Subscription, and Perpetual License.
The Monthly Subscription is $22.99 (£17.75) per month. The Yearly Subscription costs $229.99 (£177.54) per year. The Perpetual license costs $459 (£354.32) per license. You can download a 14-day free trial.
Choosing a database diagram tool
Creating databases through diagrams is the simplest way to create a database. You don’t need any coding knowledge to drag shapes into place to visualize database structures. With tools that can import data from external databases, creating diagrams is easier than ever before.
Visual database tools like Lucidchart, DbForge Studio for SQL Server, and DbDesigner are all top-tier platforms for managing database diagrams. If you need multiple users to work on diagrams then adopting a tool with collaboration capabilities is a must.
Database Diagram Software FAQs
How do you create a relational database schema?
- Define the purpose and boundary of the database
- Gather all data labels for the system
- Group the labels by type
- Open an ERD diagrammer
- Create an entity for each group
- Create attributes within each entity and name it with the relevant data label
- Identify candidate keys in each group
- Find a unique key – if none exists generate an attribute
- Normalize the groups so that each attribute in a group is dependent on the key, the whole key, and nothing but the key.
- Connect entities together with relationships
- Add foreign keys to entities where necessary
- If any many-to-many relationships exist, create an intermediate Entity to break that relationship down
How do you draw relationships in a database?
A relationship is shown in an ERD as a line between two entities. There should be one attribute in one table, called a foreign key, that will contain values that match those in the primary key of another entity. The relationship line links those two attributes together. This is a one-to-many relationship and that should be shown with a V drawn around the connection to the foreign key, which is called a “crow’s foot” and looks like a fork with the three prongs attaching to the side of the entity.
What are the four stages of designing a database>
The four stages of database design are:
- Conceptual Design – Name the purpose of the database and its boundaries.
- Logical Design – Build an ERD by collecting all data identities, grouping them into entities, and linking entities with relationships.
- Data Normalization – This is the process by which the ERD is refined. Make sure that each entity has a unique key, that every attribute in each entity is entirely and only dependent on the primary key, and that there are no many-to-many relationships.
- Physical Design – Translate the ERD into database objects.
