Side by side
DB Designer vs ERD Designer
Both stand on database design tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Web
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.
Visit DB Designer
Free plan ExtensionWeb
Choose ERD Designer if you need a free, open-source way to build database schemas visually and work with DDL across its supported databases. Look elsewhere if simultaneous editing of Google Drive files is essential or you need a migration command that applies changes rather than drafting SQL.
Visit ERD DesignerThe facts
| DB Designer | ERD Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Extension, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Basic: $9 a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | dbdesigner.net | kajitiluna.github.io |
| On database design tools | #7 of 35 | #11 of 35 |
DB Designer: 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.
ERD Designer: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Browser version requires no installation or account.
- Generates DDL for seven supported databases.
- Imports existing DDL.
- Exports table specifications and diagrams in multiple formats.
What to know first
- Google Drive files do not support simultaneous editing.
- Agent plugin and MCP server are experimental.
- CLI database comparison is read-only.
- Migration command drafts SQL rather than applying it.
Alternatives to DB Designer Alternatives to ERD Designer The whole list