Creating databases sounds like a complex process but with modern database diagram tools, this isn’t the case.

There are plenty of software products that enable users to create and import database diagrams to view relationships between database objects.

Here is our list of the eight best database diagram tools:

  • Lucidchart This visual database designer is available online and it includes collaboration features to help you create, amend, and share database designs. Available in free and paid versions.
  • DeZign Database modeler and diagram tool with synchronization capabilities.
  • SqlDBM Online Database diagram tool with forward and reverse engineering so you can import from an existing database.
  • dBForge Studio for SQL Server A database diagram tool for SQL Server that has a visual designer tool and schema synchronization.
  • DB Designer Online database diagram tool and modeling tool for MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite.
  • DbSchema Database diagram and schema synchronization for SQL and NoSQL databases.
  • SmartDraw Database diagram tool that acts as an alternative to Microsoft Visio with Intelligent Formatting and content templates.
  • Navicat Data Modeler Database diagram MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and SQLite.

The best database diagram tools

1. Lucidchart

Our methodology for selecting a database diagram tool

We reviewed the market for database diagram creation systems and analyzed tools based on the following criteria:

  • The ability to interface with DBMSs to extract schemas from existing instances
  • Suitable symbol library for EDR creation and schema diagrams
  • Data dictionary compilation
  • A utility to correct normalization errors
  • The option to extract object creation scripts
  • A free trial or a demo system for a cost-free assessment period
  • A good deal, represented by a comprehensive tool that cuts database production time at a fair price

With these selection criteria in mind, we surveyed the market for database diagram tools and identified systems that we are happy to recommend.

Lucidchart is a visual database design tool that allows you to automatically create, edit, and import database diagrams. The software is compatible with databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. You can select from a library of shapes to build a new database.

Key Features

  • An easy to use design creator
  • Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
  • Exportable directly into your database
  • Integrates with collaboration and project management tools
  • Free version available

Once you’ve finished diagraming your database you can export it to your DBMS. Alternatively, you can publish and share it with other members of your team through another integrated service. Lucidchart has integrations for Google, Dropbox, box, Jive, Okta, one login, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Azure, Slack, HipChat, JIRA, and more.

There are four versions of Lucidchart: Free, Individual, Team, and Enterprise. The Free version is designed for a single user, as is the Individual plan. An Individual account costs $7.95 (£6.00) per month when paid annually. The Free account only lets you create three charts per month but the paid version of that account has no limit on your turnover. .

Pros:

  • Supports a wide variety of database types
  • Is highly visual and scales well even in enterprise environments
  • Makes collaboration easy by integrating with tools such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Jira
  • Offers four plans, making Lucidchart accessible to any size team

Cons:

  • Has many different options that can take time to fully explore

Collaboration features are reserved for the two higher plans. The Team version starts at $9 (£6.79) per user per month and requires a minimum of three users. The Enterprise version is priced by negotiation and adds features like centralized admin control and document retention. You can sign up for a free trial of the Individual or Team account or just access the Free plan.

2. DeZign

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Lucidchart is our top pick for a database diagram tool because it is hosted as a website, so it can be accessed from anywhere and doesn’t need any software installed. The Lucidchart system has a visual diagram creator that can also interpret existing designs imported into the system. It is very easy to create database designs with this tool and there are mechanisms within the package that let you share your design and even invite others to participate in the database design creation process. The tool has a free version

Sign up for free: https://lucid.app/pricing/lucidchart#/createAccount

Operating system: Web based

DeZign is a data modeling and database diagram tool that enables the user to create and model databases. The tool automatically generates diagrams for popular databases. The tool uses entity-relationship diagrams to display the relationships between database entities. The database diagram editor is drag-and-drop so you can object elements easily.

  • ERD creator
  • Automatic diagram generation for existing databases
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Generates reports as PDF, Word, or HTML

If you need to pass your databases on you can create customized reports and export them in PDF, Word, and HTML formats. You can also export diagrams as images in png, jpeg-image, bitmap, gif-image, and Windows metafile.

There are four versions of DeZign available to purchase: Standard, Professional, Expert, and All Products Pack. The Standard version costs $19 (£14.34) per month on an annual plan. The Professional version costs $39 (£29.44) per month when paid annually with the ability to reverse-engineer existing databases.

  • Automatically generates diagrams based on the database its pointed to

  • Supports relationship modeling

  • Makes customization simple with simple drag and drop features

  • Visualizations are better suited for smaller environments

  • Would like to see a longer trial period

The Expert version costs $59 (£44.54) per month on the yearly payment plan with additional features for collaboration and the option to update databases from a model. The All Products pack costs $99 (£74.74) per month with the yearly payment plan and includes access to a range of other products including Datanamic SchemaDiff Professional. All of these plans are available on a month-to-month payment plan but their prices are much higher. You can download the 14-day free trial.

3. SqlDBM

One of the most useful features offered by the GUI is View Modes. View Modes allow you to change the perspective of your databases and choose which elements you see on the screen. For example, Table Names only and Keys only options enable you to prioritize monitoring particular elements.

To support collaboration, SqlDBM allows you to share diagrams and changes with other users with a URL. Just copy and paste the link into an email and your team will be able to click through to your diagram. All versions of your diagrams are saved in the cloud so if you ever need to revert to an earlier version you can do this.

There are four versions of the sqlDBM available: Free, Basic, Business, and Enterprise. The Free version supports one active project at a time. You can’t save the project and you don’t need to set up an account to access the service. The Basic plan costs $25 (£18.87) per month or $240 (£181.18) per year for unlimited projects and revisions. The Business plan has a minimum of three licenses and that package is only available on an annual subscription for $3,000 (£2264.75) – increasing the number of licenses increases the bundle price. The Enterprise plan is a custom package that is priced by negotiation. You can trial the sqlDBM system by accessing the Free system.

  • Designed for enterprises and larger databases

  • Supports multiple database types including PostgreSQL, Redshift, and MySQL

  • Features an elegant interface that leverages color to keep things organized

  • Better suited for larger database deployments

4. dBForge Studio for SQL Server

dBForge Studio for SQL Server is an SQL management tool with diagram capabilities. The user can create diagrams of a database from the Data Explorer with drag-and-drop. The container feature allows the user to store objects that are logically related in one place. The user places tables inside a container then minimizes it. Containers are ideal for those companies working with large databases.

  • An easy to use design creator
  • Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
  • Exportable directly into your database

The platform also offers the ability to manage logical relations between database tables through the Virtual Relation Manager. The manager allows the user to view visual displays of logical relations and edit them. The user can then use these virtual relations to generate schema scripts based upon selected table relations.

Once you’ve finished designing your diagram you can print it. You have complete control over the layout of your printouts through a range of page settings. Page settings you can adjust include page orientation, paper size and source, header and footer, printing margins, and more.

There are four versions of dbForge Studio for SQL Server: Express, Standard, Professional, and Enterprise. You pay a one-time fee to get the software and the base price includes one year of support. You can opt to get two and three years of support included in your purchase for a higher price. The first plan, Express, is free forever and doesn’t include any professional support.

  • Users can create diagrams through a simple drag and drop workflow

  • Automatically pulls database properties and dependencies

  • Preview pane makes it easy to search different columns and indexes

  • Designed specifically for SQL Server

With one year of support, the Standard version costs $299.95 (£226.44) and includes features like code completion. The Professional version costs $499.95 (£377.42) with data compare and sync functions. The Enterprise version costs $699.95 (£528.40) with DB Documentation and Source Control. You can get a 30-day free trial of the Enterprise edition. If you choose not to buy after that trial period, the software switches over to the Express

5. DB Designer

DB Designer is an online visual database design tool with reverse and forward engineering capabilities. You can import an existing database from MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle or export for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite. Databases can be exported in PDF and PNG formats. The tool is very user-friendly with a mini-map and keyboard shortcuts to help the user navigate.

  • An online package
  • Compatible with MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL
  • Import and export databases

The tool has several features that support collaborative environments. Users can share links to database diagrams and assign access levels: Owner, Editor, and Viewer. You can also manage projects through the dashboard where you can open or delete projects. There is the option to view a version history of projects to keep track of any changes made.

There are three Individual Plans available to purchase: Starter, Basic, and Unlimited. All plans have the same features but the number and size of the project you work on in the system increase with higher plans. The Starter version is free and supports two database models with 10 tables per model. The Basic version costs $7 (£5.28) per month with five database models and 25 tables per model.

  • Supports a variety of SQL database types

  • Can export in image or document format

  • Supports internal access controls and auditing

  • Visualizations are simple and better suited for smaller databases

The top plan, Unlimited, costs $16 (£12.08) per month with unlimited models and unlimited tables. There is no annual payment plan and no deposit or lock-in, so you can switch between plans at the end of your paid month when the bill for the next period comes due. You can start with the Standard plan to assess DB Designer for free.

6. DbSchema

DbSchema is a database documentation and management tool for developers of SQL, NoSQL, MongoDB, and Cloud databases. It has an interactive layout feature that lets you design databases with diagrams. Elements like tables and foreign keys can be dragged and dropped onto the canvas. You can also create multiple layouts for different parts of the database schema. When you’ve finalized the diagram of the database you can print it in PDF or HTML5.

  • Create and manage databases
  • Works with SQL, NoSQL, and MongoDB
  • Collaboration features

For MongoDB users, in particular, DbSchema offers a range of features including reverse engineering. You can reverse engineer schemas of other external databases. In addition, DBSchema has a Query Editor where the user can query the database. There is also a database visual query builder so the user can build queries in a visual format as well.

The schema synchronization feature is also great for environments where you want to apply the schema to multiple databases. The synchronization process highlights the differences between projects and databases. You can also share the Schema project with your team to collaborate on changes.

There are two editions of DbSchema – DbShema Free and DbSchema Pro. The free edition lets you import a design and reverse engineer it. You also get an SQL Editor and a schema design pad. However, the DbSchema Pro edition has many more features, including a logical design creator.

  • Works with both local and cloud-based databases

  • Offers built-in collaboration features for teams

  • Supports reverse engineering schemas

  • Could use a longer trial time

The DbSchema Pro edition is offered in three plans: Academic, Personal, and Commercial. The Academic plan costs $98 (£74) for educational institutions. The Personal version is $196 (£148) for a single user who can use the license on multiple computers. The Commercial version costs $294 (£222) for companies with support for one developer or administrator. Download DbSchema Free to assess the system without obligation. The package is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

7. SmartDraw

SmartDraw is a web-based diagram tool that allows you to automatically create your diagrams of databases. All you need to generate the diagram is to export a CSV file. Once the database has been created you can edit it through drag-and-drop. The diagram design function has intelligent formatting so that diagrams will be automatically adjusted when you edit, add, or delete a shape.

  • An online system
  • Drag-and-drop function
  • Writes out to CSV files

To further help new users use the program there are customizable diagram templates so you can build your diagram efficiently. There are over 34,000 different symbols to choose from.

Accessibility is something that SmartDraw does very well. There is a range of integrations with other tools such as Microsoft Office, G Suite, Confluence, and Jira so you can manage databases however you see fit. You can also import or export diagrams to and from Microsoft Visio.

There is a Single User version of SmartDraw and a Multiple Users version. The Single User version costs $9.95 (£7.68) per month and comes with over 4,500 templates. The Multiple User version costs $5.95 (£4.59) for five+ users with additional features like administration controls account consolidation. A Site plan covers a whole team and adds on single sign-on features to integrate the package into the corporate toolset. That costs $2,995 (£2260) per year. Access a free, live design editor at the SmartDraw website to try out the service.

  • Is a simple diagram tool that works for databases and other projects

  • Accessible from any browser

  • Makes it easy to create elegant diagrams

  • Doesn’t offer any database-specific features

8. Navicat Data Modeler

Navicat Data Modeler is a database diagram creation tool with support for MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. You can create and edit database models without needing to write SQL scripts. However, there is SQL Code Generation if you do want to generate SQL script.

  • Use for MySQL, Oracle, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and SQLite
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Generates object creation scripts

Reverse engineering allows you to import existing database structures into the program. You can keep track of database changes with the Synchronize to Database function. After comparing the differences between your model and the database you can use synchronization to update the database.

Navicat is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. The Enterprise version of Navicat Data Modeler has three payment options: Monthly Subscription, Yearly Subscription, and Perpetual License.

  • Sleek and easy to use interface

  • Includes a visual SQL builder

  • Supports Linux, Windows, and MacOS

  • Would like to see a 30-day trial

The Monthly Subscription is $22.99 (£17.75) per month. The Yearly Subscription costs $229.99 (£177.54) per year. The Perpetual license costs $459 (£354.32) per license. You can download a 14-day free trial.

Choosing a database diagram tool

Creating databases through diagrams is the simplest way to create a database. You don’t need any coding knowledge to drag shapes into place to visualize database structures. With tools that can import data from external databases, creating diagrams is easier than ever before.

Visual database tools like Lucidchart, DbForge Studio for SQL Server, and DbDesigner are all top-tier platforms for managing database diagrams. If you need multiple users to work on diagrams then adopting a tool with collaboration capabilities is a must.

  • Conceptual Design – Name the purpose of the database and its boundaries.
  • Logical Design – Build an ERD by collecting all data identities, grouping them into entities, and linking entities with relationships.
  • Data Normalization – This is the process by which the ERD is refined. Make sure that each entity has a unique key, that every attribute in each entity is entirely and only dependent on the primary key, and that there are no many-to-many relationships.
  • Physical Design – Translate the ERD into database objects.