13 Best FREE Database Diagram Design Tools (2025)
Database design is a collection of processes that facilitate the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of database management systems (DBMS). Properly designed databases help you improve data consistency for disk storage.
There are a wide range of software that help you design your database diagrams with ease. These database design tools can be used to create a physical model or ERD of your database so that you can quickly create tables and relationships.
After dedicating over 80+ hours to research, I have thoroughly reviewed 30+ tools to bring you the ultimate list of the Best free database diagram design tools. My well-researched and professional guide evaluates both free and paid options, offering a comprehensive look at their features and pricing. Dive into the full article to discover exclusive and credible insights that will help you choose the ideal tool for your needs. Read more…
Miro’s database design tool does the heavy lifting and helps you design systems everyone understands. It provides a digital canvas so teams can brainstorm, plan, and collaborate while managing projects.
Best Free ER Diagram Tools (Database Design Tools)
Name | Features | Free Trial | Link |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Miro |
• 2500+ Miro and community-made templates. • 100+ apps and integrations. |
Lifetime Free Basic Plan | Learn More |
EdrawMax |
• 20,000 free templates. • Use AI to generate and optimize diagrams. |
Lifetime Free Basic Plan | Learn More |
Visme |
• Full Access to templates and assets. • 25+ chart and graph types. |
Lifetime Free Basic Plan | Learn More |
DbSchema |
• Deploy schema on multiple databases. • DbSchema supports the dark theme. |
Download for Free | Learn More |
Figma |
• Access templates for various diagram types. • Export diagrams in various formats. |
Lifetime Free Basic Plan | Learn More |
1) Miro
Miro is a free network database design software solution whose digital canvas allows teams to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate efficiently on projects. As per my experience, it is one of the most effective tools for managing team efforts.
Miro is particularly great for remote or distributed teams. Its interactive workspace is ideal for teams of all sizes. It helped my team streamline their workflow and improve collaboration. Thus making it a top-notch tool for project success.
Supported Database: Database diagram, Flowchart, Pyramid, Gantt Chart, etc.
Traceable Version History: Yes
Export File Formats: PDF, CSV, JPEG, or PNG
Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Features:
- Visual Process Explanation: You can explain the visual process and system with clear mapping and intuitive drawing features. This ensured more accuracy during my team meetings.
- Zoomable Canvas: It offers a zoomable canvas that allows you to focus on detailed areas of your project easily.
- Collaborative Idea Development: This software helped me build and develop ideas collaboratively with a distributed team, hence enabling seamless workflow.
- Screen Sharing: You can easily share the screen with others to present ideas and concepts. This provided me with a great way to collaborate effectively.
- Embedded Commenting and Chat: It has embedded commenting and chat features. Thus making communication efficient within teams and enabling faster decision-making.
- Team Progress Tracking: Miro allowed me to track the work of my team. Hence, I could monitor progress and address issues early, and it kept me informed in real time.
- Price: Plans start at $8 per month per member billed annually.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Lifetime Free Basic Plan
2) EdrawMax
EdrawMax is an online visual database design tool that offers great flexibility. I love that it helps me design databases at both logical and physical levels. The tool allowed me to easily create many diagrams, like Flowcharts and Mind Maps, for database planning. I suggest considering it if you need a reliable solution for your design tasks.
Supported Database: Database diagram, Flowchart, ER, UML, etc.
Traceable Version History: No
Export File Formats: PNG, JPG, ICO, SVG, PDF
Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Features:
- Diagram Creation: I was able to create different types of diagrams, such as flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps, and network diagrams, effortlessly. This also helped me present information in the most effective way possible.
- AI-powered: It offers AI diagramming, analysis, chat, drawing, and copywriting to enhance productivity and creativity.
- Templates: I could easily explore over 20,000 templates for diagrams, mind maps, and graphic design, hence making it one of the most versatile tools I have used.
- Model Sharing: EdrawMax allowed me to share models with three access levels—owner, editor, or viewer—offering flexibility in collaboration.
- Easy Deployment: My teams and business definitely benefited from its simple installation process. Thus allowing rapid setup without complications.
- Platform Compatibility: It works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for users on different platforms.
- Price: Plans start at $45.99 a Year.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Lifetime Free Basic Plan
3) Visme
During my review, I found that Visme is an amazing ER diagram tool. It allowed me to simplify the database design process with ease. The tool provides an impressive range of ready-made shapes and assets, which helped me create my designs quickly. I particularly liked how it made documenting my database design seamless, regardless of my experience level. I also discovered that sharing charts, graphs, and flowcharts can be done through links, QR codes, or social media platforms using Visme.
Supported Database: ER, Class, Use Case, and Flowchart
Traceable Version History: Yes
Export File Formats: PDF, JPEG, PNG, GIF, MP4, MP3
Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Features:
- Visual Content Tools: It offers a wide variety of tools for creating presentations, infographics, reports, and other visual content.
- Publishing & Downloading: I could access multiple export options, which helped me share my projects seamlessly in different formats such as JPG, PNG, PDF, and HTML5.
- Integrations: I was able to integrate it seamlessly with Wistia, Loom, Vidyard, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more for efficient collaboration.
- Templates: Visme offers pre-built templates for infographics, documents, videos, website graphics, reports, proposals, and more.
- Price: Plans start at $29 a month. 50% Discount on yearly payments.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Lifetime Free Basic Plan
4) DbSchema
When I evaluated DbSchema, I discovered that it is one of the most popular database design tools for SQL and NoSQL systems. I recommend it for teams that want to design and deploy schemas together, as it provides seamless collaboration. In fact, its ability to generate HTML5 diagrams is amazing for documenting database structures. The tool also helped me explore my data visually and create queries effortlessly.
Supported Database: PostgreSQL, AzureSQL, MariaDb, SQLite etc.
Traceable Version History: Yes
Export File Formats: CSV, XML, XLS, and XLSX
Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Features:
- Documentation & Visualization: I could access HTML5 documentation with interactive diagrams, a relational data explorer, and a visual query builder.
- Data Management Tools: The schema synchronization feature, random data generator, and database reports are great for data management.
- Team Collaboration: It helped me design schemas within a team and deploy them across multiple databases effortlessly.
- Version Control: This tool allows you to compare various schema versions and generate migration scripts as needed.
- SQL Autocompletion: The SQL editor offers autocompletion, which helped me write code more efficiently with fewer errors.
- Query Building: The visual query builder helps you write SQL queries, apply filters, order data, and group it quickly. It also allowed me to access data more effectively.
- Price: Pro Plans start at $29.4 per month.
- Free Trial: Lifetime free community edition.
Download for Free
5) DrawSQL
I evaluated DrawSQL, and as per my review, it is one of the best database design tools for teams. I particularly liked how it allows users to collaborate and create detailed entity-relationship diagrams. It provided me with an updated schema document that helped me onboard team members faster and add features smoothly.
Supported Database: MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server
Traceable Version History: Yes
Export File Formats: PNG & DDL
Free Trial: Lifetime Free Basic Plan
Features:
- Database Diagram Generation: It allows you to automatically generate a comprehensive database diagram by importing its SQL script seamlessly.
- Diagram Exportation: I could easily export my database diagrams via MySQL DDL. This is helpful for simplifying sharing diagrams with your team.
- Laravel Migration Generation: It automatically generates Laravel Migrations from your diagrams. Thus, it provides a smooth development process.
- Diagram Notes Feature: As per my experience, it allowed me to add helpful notes to the database. This enhanced my documentation clarity.
- Database Diagrams Collection: It provides access to 200+ database diagrams of famous applications, hence offering a wide range of useful references.
- DBMS Compatibility: I could access full support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL servers. Thus ensuring flexible database management.
- Price: Plans start at $19 per month.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Lifetime Free Basic Plan
6) Moqups
Moqups is an ER diagram editor software that I tested, and I liked how easy it was to create diagrams according to my needs. I found it great for working with my team visually. It helped me access it from any device and avoid the hassle of constant file uploads or downloads.
Features:
- Easy Sharing: I could easily share my ER diagrams with team members for collaborative feedback and quicker revisions.
- Real-time Collaboration: This app allows you to collaborate online in real time, thus allowing you to work simultaneously with your entire team.
- Comprehensive Diagram Tools: It provides tools like Stencils which made it easy for me to create comprehensive and detailed diagrams effortlessly.
- Linking Visual Assets: It allows you to link diagrams and flowcharts with other visual assets like mockups, wireframes, and charts within the same project.
- Innovative Annotation Features: My team could add comments, callouts, sticky notes, or annotations, thus making collaboration and feedback more efficient for everyone involved.
- Price: Pro Plans start at $9 per month, billed annually.
- Free Trial: Lifetime free basic plan. No credit card is required.
Link: https://moqups.com/
7) Slickplan
Slickplan is great for making diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. Throughout my assessment, I discovered that it works well for managing both small and large tasks. I particularly liked how Slickplan helps organize even complex workflows with ease.
Features:
- Build Website Flow: Slick Plan helped me create the optimal website flow by effortlessly plotting detailed diagrams. I could also create an intelligent user flow and make the customer journey a breeze.
- Visualize User Flows: It lets you visualize complex user flows on your website with an organized and easy-to-understand diagram interface.
- Plot Conditional Elements: I could plot conditional elements and page transitions to create dynamic flows that enhance user experience.
- Draw Diagrams Effortlessly: You can create diagrams with minimal effort using a simple drag-and-drop feature. It helped me build desired diagrams instantly.
- Price: Plans start at $11.99 per month. 10% off on the Annual plan.
- Free Trial: 14-day free trial, no credit card required.
Link: https://slickplan.com/diagram
8) Dbdiagram.io
I reviewed Dbdiagram.io during my search for the best database design tool. It allowed me to quickly draw ER diagrams using code. I particularly liked that it is great for developers and data analysts looking for a free solution. The tool helped me share diagrams online with just one click.
Features:
- SQL Statement Generation: I could generate SQL statements directly from my diagrams to streamline my database management process.
- Diagram Sharing: It allowed me to share my diagrams with my team seamlessly for easier collaboration and feedback.
- Web Framework Integration: You can integrate this tool with popular web frameworks like Django, Rails, and others for smoother database management.
- SQL Diagram Generation: It helped me access diagrams generated from SQL databases. Thus making it easier to understand complex structures.
- Export Options: Dbdiagram.io diagrams can be exported as image or PDF files for documentation and presentation purposes.
- Engineering Support: I was able to use this tool for forward and reverse engineering. Thus making it a versatile option for database design and updates.
- Price: Plans start at $14 per month. 42% off on the Annual plan.
- Free Trial: Lifetime free basic plan.
Link: https://dbdiagram.io/home
9) SqlDBM
SqlDBM is the ideal database diagram design tool, as it allowed me to design databases directly from my browser. According to my review, this tool is one of the most effective options since it requires no other database modeling tools to function. I particularly appreciate its awesome interface, which is user-friendly and eliminates the need for additional apps.
Features:
- Schema Import: SqlDBM is one of the best database design tools, thus allowing you to import existing database schemas seamlessly.
- Database Management: I could easily manage both large and small databases and data models with this powerful tool.
- Diagram Zooming: The tool allows you to zoom in or out on diagrams. Hence offering better clarity and precise navigation.
- Themes Customization: SqlDBM offers two themes, dark and light, which allowed me to customize the interface to my preference.
- Project View Customization: I was able to customize project views by displaying table names, descriptions, or keys only, depending on my needs.
- Column Movement: It helps you copy or move columns across different tables, thus streamlining data structure adjustments efficiently.
- Model Creation: This tool allows you to create a physical model or ERD for your database. It makes sure that you get a clear visualization of database architecture.
- Project Sharing: The program enables you to share company projects with colleagues to encourage effortless collaboration and teamwork.
- Free Trial: Contact sales for pricing and free trial.
Link: https://sqldbm.com/Home/
10) Dbdesigner.net
Dbdesigner.net is a database diagram tool that helped me build complex database models without needing any SQL coding. I could quickly invite team members, providing them access as Owners, Editors, or Viewers. It is best for those who want to design and collaborate on databases in a streamlined way.
Features:
- User Interface: The tool offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners and professionals to design database structures.
- Team Collaboration: It allows your team to collaborate seamlessly by sharing projects within your organization for real-time updates.
- Database Import: I could import an existing database or start a new project from scratch. This ensured complete flexibility in design.
- Real-Time Collaboration: It helped me access and collaborate with my team efficiently. Hence, we could work on the model simultaneously.
- Export Options: The tool helped me export my database designs in PNG and PDF formats. I found it perfect for documentation purposes.
- Price: Plans start at $7 per month.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Link: https://www.dbdesigner.net/
11) Erwin Data Modeler
I reviewed Erwin as a database diagram tool and found it great for building logical, physical, and conceptual data models. I particularly appreciate how it helps centralize model management for both business and technical teams. As per my research, this makes it an amazing choice for simplifying complex workflows. I could access all model-related data in one place, thus making collaboration easier.
Features:
- Data Extraction: It allows you to extract data from CRM and ERP systems for accurate modeling and seamless management.
- Graphical Environment: Erwin Data Modeler provides an easy-to-use graphical environment. Hence, I received an intuitive interface for better workflow.
- Automated Comparison: It automatically compares the model and database to ensure consistency. Thus making the modeling process more efficient.
- Data Management: I could manage structured and unstructured data from any database. This gave more versatility and comprehensive data integration.
- Price: Contact sales for pricing.
- Free Trial: 30-day free trial.
Link: http://erwin.com/products/erwin-data-modeler/
12) QuickDBD
QuickDBD allowed me to draw a database diagram fast. I could access all the tools I needed, and it helped me ensure my documents looked professional. This program is one of the best options for anyone looking to avoid complex setups. QuickDBD is a top-rated choice for those who want a reliable and efficient database diagram tool.
Features:
- Diagram Sharing: You can seamlessly share your diagrams online. Thus allowing easy collaboration and feedback across your team.
- Keyboard-Based Schema Drawing: It allows me to draw database structures directly from my keyboard, which makes the process fast and efficient. Quick DBD also helped me access features quickly without moving my hands from the keyboard.
- User-Friendly Interface: This database diagram tool offers a user-friendly graphical interface, hence making it one of the most accessible tools to navigate.
- Typing-Based Diagram Creation: Diagrams can be drawn by typing, which is a great way to simplify and speed up diagram creation. I benefitted from using the tool, as typing diagrams improved my efficiency.
- Price: Plans start at $14 per month.
- Free Trial: A lifetime-free basic plan is available.
Link: https://www.quickdatabasediagrams.com/
13) Draw.io
During my research, I found Draw.io, a free ERD tool that simplifies online diagram creation. I liked how it helped me manage diagrams with ease as it is essential for keeping projects organized. According to my review, it is compatible with browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Hence making it a great option for working across platforms.
Features:
- Database Diagram Creation: You can create various database diagrams, including UML, ERD, and more, offering versatile modeling options.
- Customization Options: It allowed me to save the model in my preferred location, thus providing flexibility in organizing your work.
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: This app offers a drag-and-drop feature. Hence, it is one of the easiest ways to design diagrams.
- Readymade Templates: It provides ready-made templates for designing a database, which can help you save time creating complex models.
- Accessibility: Draw.io can be accessed from desktop and mobile devices. Thus ensuring flexibility when working from different platforms.
- Offline Mode: I could work both online and offline, which makes it a great option for users in low-connectivity environments.
- Unlimited Diagram Sizes: The number of sizes is unlimited, so I could create diagrams of various scales without restrictions.
- Price: Free-to-use tool.
Link: https://app.diagrams.net/
What is Database Design?
Database design is a collection of processes that facilitate the designing and development. It also includes the implementation and maintenance of enterprise data management systems. Check out these Best MongoDB tools to help streamline your database design and management tasks.
What is Database Design Tools?
Database design tools can be used to create a physical model or ERD of your database so that you can quickly create tables and relationships. Additionally, to simplify and streamline the process of writing complex SQL queries, you might want to look into the best SQL query builders available.
How Did We Choose Best Database Design Tool?
At Guru99, we are committed to providing accurate, relevant, and objective information through rigorous content creation and review processes. After dedicating over 80 hours to research, we have thoroughly examined 30+ tools to compile the ultimate list of the best free ER diagram tools. This guide evaluates both free and paid options, offering insights into their features and pricing. We aim to offer an unbiased, comprehensive review to answer your doubts. However, before choosing a database design tool, you must carefully consider several important factors to ensure you select the right tool.
- User Interface and Ease of Use: The tool should have an intuitive interface that will make it easier to navigate and design databases without requiring extensive training.
- Database Compatibility: Ensure that the tool supports the databases you plan to work with, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Oracle.
- Collaboration Features: If you are working in a team, I suggest you choose a tool that allows multiple users to collaborate and share designs in real time.
- Scalability: The tool should support the scale of your project, from small databases to more complex systems with multiple relationships.
- Automation and Code Generation: I suggest looking for tools that offer automation features, such as generating SQL scripts or ER diagrams, to streamline development processes.
- Cost and Licensing: Consider the pricing model, whether it’s subscription-based, one-time payment, or free with limited features. Ensure it fits your budget and project requirements.
- Integration with Other Tools: I recommend checking if the tool integrates with your existing software stack. The above tools can integrate with IDEs, database management systems, and version control systems.
- Support and Documentation: Strong customer support and detailed documentation can be essential, especially for complex projects.
- Cross-Platform Availability: I advise confirming if the tool is compatible with different operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Verdict:
When choosing the best database design tools above, I highly focused on features like ease of collaboration, comprehensive database modeling capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces. However, here are my top picks that stood out the most:
- 👍 Miro is my top choice for its powerful and customizable canvas that fosters real-time collaboration. These features make it a superior choice for distributed teams.
- EdrawMax offers excellent flexibility and robust design options. It is great for users who need a comprehensive tool for complex diagrams.
- Visme impresses with its user-friendly interface and advanced visual customization. Hence, it is one of my top recommendations for solving design needs efficiently.
Miro is a free network database design software solution whose digital canvas allows teams to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate efficiently on projects. It is one of the most effective tools for managing team efforts.