Side by side
ErdDocs vs SchemaCrawler
Both stand on database documentation tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose ErdDocs if you need browser-based diagrams and schema documentation from exported relational schemas, especially if the free plan's 25-table drawing limit is enough. Look elsewhere if you need a live database connection or diagrams that represent Django on_delete and default behavior.
Visit ErdDocs
SchemaCrawler provides a broad set of schema discovery, documentation, comparison, and diagramming options at no software cost. Note that some drivers and templating engines must be downloaded separately, and its security guidance places responsibility for scripts on users.
Visit SchemaCrawlerThe facts
| ErdDocs | SchemaCrawler | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Lifetime license: $9, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | erddocs.com | schemacrawler.com |
| On database documentation tools | #15 of 27 | #11 of 27 |
ErdDocs: what it does well
- Reads schemas from PostgreSQL, MySQL, and multiple frameworks and diagram formats.
- Exports diagrams, SQL DDL, and a printable data dictionary.
- Browser parsing and rendering keep schemas from being uploaded.
- Diagrams support dragging, focusing, hiding tables, and link sharing.
- Lifetime license has no renewal and works offline after activation.
What to know first
- The free plan draws only 25 tables in full.
- Free dictionary access previews three tables, and exports carry branding.
- Schemas must be exported and pasted; ErdDocs does not connect to live databases.
- Django on_delete and default behavior are not drawn; only db_default is represented.
SchemaCrawler: what it does well
- Free and open-source software
- Outputs metadata in text, HTML5, JSON, or YAML
- Generates entity-relationship diagrams
- Supports almost any database with a JDBC driver
- Offers a browser-based command-line tutorial
What to know first
- Requires an operating system supporting Java SE 17 or better
- Some proprietary database drivers need separate downloads
- Templating engines are not included in the download
- Security guidance cautions that executed scripts are not vetted
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