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DB Designer

What DB Designer is
DB Designer is a web tool for visually modeling database schemas without writing SQL. It can generate scripts for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite, and import existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts to reverse-engineer a model. Teams can edit models together, discuss them through live comments or chat, and assign Owner, Editor, or Viewer access. Diagram tools include a minimap, automatic layout, table cloning, notes, undo and redo, and saved history. Users can export diagrams as PNG or PDF and create a public view link. The free Starter plan allows two database models with ten tables per model; separate free plans with unlimited models and tables are restricted to eligible non-profit, academic, and open-source users. Basic costs $9 a month, and Unlimited costs $17 a month. The maker says the tool grew from a database consulting shop founded in 2006. DB Designer says communications use SSL encryption and data is stored securely and backed up regularly. Email support is available seven days a week, with live chat and phone support for premium users.
Who it suits
DB Designer suits individuals and teams building or documenting database schemas in a browser. Its free options may suit small projects or qualifying non-profit, academic, and open-source users; paid plans offer broader model capacity.
What it does well
- Generates scripts for five database systems.
- Imports MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts.
- Supports collaborative editing with role-based access.
- Exports diagrams as PNG or PDF.
- Free Starter plan is available.
What to know first
- Starter is limited to two models and ten tables per model.
- Unlimited free plans are restricted to specific user groups.
- Live chat and phone support are for premium users.
Limits
Starter includes two database models and ten tables per model. The Basic plan costs $9/Month and allows five models with 25 tables per model; unlimited free plans are limited to non-profit organizations, current students and educators, or open-source project contributors.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Free · 2 Database Models · 10 Tables Per Model | Free |
| Non-Profit | Free · Unlimited Models · Unlimited Tables · Non-Profit Organizations Only | Free |
| Academic | Free · Unlimited Models · Unlimited Tables · Current Students & Educators Only | Free |
| Open Source | Free · Unlimited Models · Unlimited Tables · Contributors of Open Source Projects Only | Free |
| Unlimited | $17/Month · Unlimited Models · Unlimited tables | $17 a month |
| Basic | $9/Month · 5 Database Models · 25 Tables Per Model | $9 a month |
As dbdesigner.net lists them, read 2 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the DB Designer website.
- Choose the Starter plan or an eligible free plan, or select a paid plan.
- Create or import a database model in the web app.
- Work on the model alone or invite collaborators with assigned access roles.
Verdict
DB Designer combines visual modeling, SQL generation, reverse engineering, and team collaboration in a web-based tool. Compare the Starter limits and eligibility for other free plans with the model capacity your work requires.
Questions
Is DB Designer free?
Yes. Starter is free and includes two database models with ten tables per model. Free plans with unlimited models and tables are available to non-profits, current students and educators, and open-source project contributors.
What do the paid plans cost?
Basic costs $9/Month and includes five models with up to 25 tables per model. Unlimited costs $17/Month and includes unlimited models and tables.
Which databases does it support?
It generates SQL for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite. It can import existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts for reverse engineering.
Which platforms can I use?
DB Designer is available on the web.
Can a team collaborate on models?
Yes. Teams can work on a model together, use live comments or chat, and assign Owner, Editor, or Viewer access.
Who makes DB Designer?
DB Designer says it began as a database consulting shop in 2006 and built a browser-based modeling tool for its remote team.
Facts from DB Designer's own pages
- Collaboration
- Teams can work on a model together, use live comments or chat, and assign Owner, Editor, or Viewer access. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Company history
- The maker says it began as a database consulting shop in summer 2006 and built a browser-based modeling tool for its remote team. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Diagram tools
- Modeling features include a minimap, keyboard shortcuts, instant save with history, undo and redo, table cloning, automatic layout, notes, and comments. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Enterprise
- The enterprise plan is available by contacting DB Designer for teams with more than five members or organizations needing a custom solution. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Exports
- Users can export schema diagrams as PNG or PDF and create a public view link. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2006 · dbdesigner.net, 28 Sept 2026
- Headquarters
- The site lists its address as 700 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Payment security
- The plans FAQ says cardholder information is not stored on DB Designer's servers and payments are encrypted and processed by Stripe; PayPal is also accepted. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says DB Designer does not sell or share personal information or user data with advertisers. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Product
- DB Designer is an online database schema design and modeling tool for visually designing databases without writing SQL. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Reverse engineering
- It supports importing existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts for reverse engineering. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Security
- The plans page says communication is encrypted through SSL and user data is stored securely and backed up regularly. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- SQL generation
- It generates SQL scripts for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Support
- The plans page says support is available seven days a week by email, while premium users can get live chat and phone support. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The maker describes the product for users ranging from freelancers and developers to government agencies, enterprise firms, and smaller companies. · dbdesigner.net, 2 Oct 2026
Where DB Designer stands on Freedom251
- Database Design Tools#7 of 35
