Free and open first
Best Database Design Tools in 2026
Database design tools help you create, inspect, and share database models. Compared on supported databases and deployment, the entries also differ in forward engineering and reverse engineering—the routes from a model to SQL or from an existing database structure to a model. SQL export, team collaboration, and version history add ways to compare design workflows; free-plan availability and paid-from pricing give cost context. Hackolade Studio, MySQL, and DbSchema are among the tools shown. Consider the database types you need to represent and whether your work depends on exporting SQL, collaborating on designs, or tracking revisions.
- 35 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Database Workbench
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsDatabase Workbench combines database design, SQL, data management, and testing tools, with additional connectivity and collaboration in higher editions.
- 2
dbdiagram.io
Free plan APIExtensionWebdbdiagram.io offers text-based diagramming with SQL support, editor integrations, and a CLI. Check the view and sharing limits before relying on the Free plan.
- 3
ChartDB
Free plan Self-hostedWebChartDB covers schema visualization, editing, exports, and team collaboration, with a free plan and self-hosted option. Consider its free-plan limits and AI data-processing notice when evaluating it.
- 4
DbSchema
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsDbSchema brings database modeling, queries, documentation, and schema synchronization into a desktop application.
- 5
Hackolade Studio
Free plan APILinuxMac+2Hackolade Studio covers data modeling, schema engineering, and documentation across many targets.
- 6
MySQL
Free plan APILinuxMac+2 - 7
DB Designer
Free plan WebDB Designer combines visual modeling, SQL generation, reverse engineering, and team collaboration in a web-based tool.
- 8
drawDB
Free plan Self-hostedWebdrawDB covers database diagram imports, exports, and multiple dialects, with collaboration and AI functions listed in its Pro plans.
- 9
DrawSQL
Free plan APIWebDrawSQL combines schema visualization, SQL import, exports, and team features in one web tool.
- 10
DBModeler
Free plan WebPick DBModeler for free browser-based database modeling with SQL generation, version history, and support for 14 engines.
- 11
ERD Designer
Free plan ExtensionWebChoose ERD Designer if you need a free, open-source way to build database schemas visually and work with DDL across its supported databases.
- 12
pgModeler
Free plan LinuxMacWindowspgModeler brings visual modeling and deployment workflows to a local PostgreSQL tool, with a free community edition and Plus features.
- 13
ERBuilder Data Modeler
Free plan WindowsERBuilder covers both forward and reverse database engineering, with a broad list of supported databases.
- 14
ER Designer
Free plan WebChoose ER Designer if you need browser-based ER diagramming with guided schema restructuring or classroom assignment tools.
- 15
Schemity
Free plan APILinuxMac+2Schemity combines schema design with a review step before migrations run, and supports a range of databases. Its trial is time-limited, and live database features require an active license afterward.
- 16
Model Xtractor
Free plan WindowsChoose Model Xtractor if you need a free Windows tool to inspect existing relational database structures and shape their diagrams.
- 17
OpenDBD
Free plan WebOpenDBD combines visual schema design, AI assistance, and a broad set of export formats in a free web app. Check provider charges and the browser-based storage model against your needs.
- 18
SQL Power Architect
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsSQL Power Architect brings database modeling, profiling, comparison, and OLAP schema work into a free desktop tool.
- 19
QuickDBD
Free plan WebQuickDBD offers browser-based diagramming with collaboration, SQL export, and support for several database systems.
- 20
Records Database
Free plan MacRecords Database combines visual form building with search, customization, and data export for personal collections. Its listed platform is macOS, and its Complete edition is free.
- 21
Oracle SQL Developer
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsOracle SQL Developer offers a free desktop toolkit with multiple database connections and practical query, editing, history, tunneling, and export features.
- 22
WorksCove ERD
Free plan WebChoose WorksCove ERD if you need a web tool for turning supported database schemas into editable diagrams, validating designs, or generating SQL and migration scripts.
- 23
YourERD
Free plan WebYourERD covers diagramming, exports and share links without requiring an account for drawing or exporting. Its DDL target is limited to MySQL 8, and shared viewers cannot edit.
- 24
Navicat Data Modeler
Free plan LinuxMacWindowsNavicat Data Modeler combines database modeling, engineering, export, and collaboration in a cross-platform desktop application.
- 25
A5:SQL Mk-2
Free plan WindowsA5:SQL Mk-2 provides a broad set of database connection and query tools at no listed cost. Its Windows-only desktop deployment is the main practical constraint for choosing it.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price
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