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Designing a clear and organized database is an important step in managing data effectively. Whether you're building a new system or working on an existing one, visualizing the structure with a database diagram can help you plan better and avoid confusion later. It also helps you spot issues early and build a solid foundation for your data projects.
In this article, we’ve listed 11 free tools that make it easier to create database diagrams without needing advanced technical skills. These tools support data modeling, help you understand relationships between tables, and improve team collaboration, all at no cost.
Database design tools help you plan and organize how your data will be stored. Instead of directly building a database, these tools let you create a visual layout of various types of data models, that shows tables and how they connect.
This makes it easier to find and fix issues early on. Some tools even generate code from your design, saving time and lowering the chance of errors in designing the data model. It’s a smarter way to build clean, well-structured databases from the start.
Using a database diagram tool makes it easier to plan, understand, and manage your database structure more effectively.
The following are the key benefits of using a database diagram tool:
When choosing a free database diagram tool, it's important to check for features that make design, collaboration, and updates easier. Here are some key ones to consider.
A drag-and-drop interface makes it easier to build and edit your database structure. You can add tables, define fields, and connect relationships visually without writing any SQL. This feature helps both technical and non-technical users work faster by focusing on the layout and structure instead of coding every detail manually.
Some tools support real-time collaboration, allowing team members to work on the same diagram together. When connected with version control systems like Git, every change is saved and tracked. This keeps the whole team on the same page. It’s useful for avoiding conflicts, managing updates, and reviewing changes during database planning or redesign.
If you already have a database but no diagram, reverse engineering can help. It scans your existing structure and creates a visual layout automatically. This saves time and makes it easier to review or update the system. It's a helpful feature when working with older databases or stepping into a project mid-way.
Managing databases with thousands of tables can be overwhelming, but the right tool makes it easier. Some tools, like DbSchema, are designed to handle large and complex databases smoothly. They let you organize and view your data structure without confusion.
This helps teams stay productive, even when working with big systems or detailed database architectures.
Here’s a list of 11 free database diagram tools you can use to design, manage, and visualize your data models. These tools are great for both individual and team use.
Dbdiagram.io is an online tool designed for developers and data analysts. It lets you create ER diagrams using a simple, code-based interface. Users can write SQL queries in the code editor to generate tables, and then drag and drop them into position within the diagram.
The free version allows up to 10 diagrams. After that, a paid plan is available at $8 per month when billed annually. You can also import scripts from PostgreSQL and MySQL. Sharing is easy, with export options to images or PDFs for better collaboration.
Lucidchart is a cloud-based diagram tool that works well for database modeling and other visuals like flowcharts or org charts. It supports drag-and-drop design and works across devices. The free plan gives you 3 diagrams and up to 60 objects per diagram, and it has a $9 per month/user pricing plan.
Lucidchart is easy to use and great for team collaboration. It integrates with tools like G Suite and Microsoft Office, making it a solid choice for both technical and non-technical users.
OWOX BI goes beyond basic diagramming by helping you create a structured data model for analytics and reporting. It's built for data teams that want to organize data from different sources in one place. The platform focuses on self-service analytics, making it easier to build clear data flows without complex setups.
With OWOX BI, you can improve data quality, streamline reporting, and maintain a clean, well-documented data structure that supports better business decisions.
Figma is widely used for design projects, but it also supports database diagramming with ready-to-use ERD templates. You can easily create, edit, and share diagrams in real-time, making collaboration smooth across teams. The drag-and-drop interface is simple and intuitive, even for those without technical backgrounds.
Figma’s free plan includes basic features and limited projects. Paid plans range from $3 to $16 per month if billed annually, offering more advanced tools and collaboration options. It’s a great option for visually planning database structures while staying fully connected with your team.
QuickDBD helps you quickly create database diagrams by simply typing text. As you write, it builds the diagram in real-time, which makes it great for capturing ideas fast. The free version allows one public diagram with up to 10 tables.
If you need more, paid plans offer unlimited tables and private diagrams, with pricing at $7 per week, $14 per month, and $95 per year. You can also export your diagrams to SQL, PDF, or Word. It’s a handy tool for fast, keyboard-driven database planning with minimal setup.
ERD Plus is a free and easy-to-use tool for creating database diagrams. It lets you build Entity Relationship Diagrams, Relational Schemas, and Star Schemas. You can also convert your ER diagrams into relational schemas automatically.
The tool supports exporting SQL code and lets you download diagrams as PNG files. It’s web-based, so you can save your diagrams directly on their server and access them later. It’s a good fit for anyone learning database design.
Draw.io is a free online tool you can use to create ER diagrams, flowcharts, org charts, and more. It works in your browser and doesn’t need any installation. You can save your diagrams directly to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive or download them to your computer.
While its interface may not be as polished as some other tools like Lucidchart, it’s a solid option for creating diagrams without any cost.
DbSchema is a database design and management tool that works with both relational and NoSQL databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more. You can build databases without writing SQL using its drag-and-drop interface.
The free community edition includes features like schema diagrams, reverse engineering, and a basic SQL editor, and pricing for the pro edition is $19.6 per month with additional features. It runs as a desktop app on Windows, Mac, and Linux. While the interface takes some learning, it's a powerful option for managing complex database projects.
Erwin Data Modeler offers logical and physical modeling for relational, NoSQL, and Big Data databases. It centralizes model management so both technical and business users can collaborate more easily. It comes in multiple versions like Standard, Workgroup, ER360, Navigator, and Safyr to enhance data capabilities. You can extract data from systems like CRM or ERP for accurate modeling.
It has a clean, graphical interface and can automatically compare your models with actual databases. Erwin also supports structured and unstructured data, adding more flexibility. A 30-day free trial is available, but full pricing details are provided on request.
DBeaver is a free, open-source tool that works with many database systems, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite. It offers ER diagrams to help visualize and understand your database structure. You can run SQL queries, manage your data, and browse schemas with ease. DBeaver is available as a desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
It’s useful for developers, analysts, and DBAs who need a reliable, flexible tool for everyday database work, with additional plugins available for advanced features. Its pro version includes a 14-day free trial for users who need more powerful capabilities and integrations.
Vertabelo is an online database modeling tool that runs directly in your browser. It allows you to create and edit ER diagrams for popular databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle. You can build both logical and physical models, share them with your team, and track version changes.
Its simple interface makes it easy to organize and update database structures. Vertabelo also lets you export your designs into SQL scripts, which helps speed up implementation. It’s ideal for modern projects, and its Individual plan starts at $29 per month, offering more features for professional use.
Database diagram tools are useful in many real-world scenarios. They help teams plan, update, and manage databases more clearly, whether starting fresh or improving existing systems.
When creating a new database, a diagram tool helps you plan it clearly from the start. For example, a sales team could design a database to track customer information, product purchases, and sales activities. This ensures all data is organized correctly, helping the team analyze trends and make better decisions, saving time in future updates.
Older databases often lack clear documentation. For instance, a marketing team might have an outdated system for tracking leads. Using a diagram tool, they can reverse engineer the old database, creating a visual model of their data. This lets them update their system, fix inconsistencies, and streamline marketing efforts, aligning the system with modern needs.
Database design often involves developers, analysts, and business teams. For example, a sales and marketing team might collaborate on customer data management. By using a diagram tool, team members can review and update the database structure together, ensuring everyone is aligned. This collaboration improves communication and keeps the project on track, ensuring sales strategies are data-driven and efficient.
If queries aren’t working as expected, it could be due to incorrect table relationships. For instance, a sales team might struggle with reports if the relationship between customer information and sales records isn’t properly linked. A diagram tool helps them identify and fix this, ensuring accurate reports and a smoother workflow for making marketing and sales decisions.
Choosing the right database diagram tool depends on your project needs. Consider features, ease of use, and compatibility to make sure the tool fits your workflow and team setup.
When choosing a database diagram tool, check the features it offers. Look for support for different database types, reverse and forward engineering, version control, and export options. Tools with collaboration features, code generation, and SQL import options can make your work easier. A well-rounded feature set ensures the tool supports your project from start to finish.
Even the most powerful tool won’t help if it’s hard to use. Look for a clean interface, simple setup, and smooth navigation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, the tool should make tasks like editing, updating, or automating easy. A tool that's easy to learn and use will save time and improve team productivity.
Choose a tool that fits into your existing setup. It should work with the database types you use, whether relational or non-relational and be compatible with other software platforms. Smooth integration helps teams connect diagrams with data sources, reporting tools, and more. This makes the design process more connected and efficient for real-world business use.
A good diagram tool should make reporting easy. Look for one that can easily generate documentation based on your diagrams. This helps with sharing updates, reviewing structures, and keeping everyone on the same page. Having clear, built-in reporting saves time and ensures your database plans are always well-documented and accessible to the team.
Support from other users can be just as valuable as official help. A strong user community means you’ll find tips, solutions, and shared knowledge when you need it. Whether you’re facing issues or just want to learn faster, having an active community makes a big difference in how smoothly you can use the tool. It also helps you stay updated with best practices and new features.
Database diagram tools are evolving quickly. New features are making them smarter, more connected, and easier to use. Here are some advancements we can expect to see in the near future.
Future tools will work more closely with coding environments like VS Code. This means developers can switch between writing code and building database diagrams without changing tools. It saves time, reduces errors, and helps keep everything in one place. Integrating diagrams directly into IDEs will make database modeling a smoother part of everyday development.
Future database diagram tools will go beyond basic SQL output. They’ll support generating starter code that’s aligned with your database structure, helping teams kick off development faster. This includes creating code scaffolds that reflect the schema design, making it easier to connect your data model with the application layer. It streamlines setup and reduces repetitive manual coding work.
Future tools will connect better with version control systems like Git. This will allow teams to manage database changes just like code using pull requests, branches, and CI/CD pipelines. Schema updates can be reviewed, tested, and deployed automatically. It brings more structure and control to how database changes are tracked and shared.
AI features will help guide database design by analyzing your structure and suggesting improvements. These tools will learn from best practices and past designs to point out missing keys, suggest better table structures, or optimize relationships. This saves time and helps even experienced users avoid common design problems during modeling.
New tools will offer analytics on how your database diagrams are used. You’ll be able to see which diagrams or tables are viewed most, helping prioritize updates and improve clarity. These insights will also support data literacy by showing how different teams interact with the models, making it easier to refine and maintain documentation.
OWOX BI helps you move beyond basic diagramming by offering a complete solution for building structured, reliable data models. Whether you're working with raw data from multiple sources or trying to improve reporting accuracy, OWOX BI lets you map out your data clearly and consistently.
With its visual interface and powerful modeling features, teams can manage transformations, monitor data quality, and streamline analytics all in one place. It’s designed for data professionals who want more control and transparency without the need for complex coding or scattered tools.
