Developer Tools·Standings
Data Modeling Software
Data modeling software helps you map database structures and turn designs into database changes; the choice hinges on supported platforms, database engines, and engineering features.
See how the tools compare on free access, starting prices, reverse and forward engineering, database engines, deployment, version history, and export formats. Read the signal score out of 10 with the marks for a public API, open-source code, and a free tier.
- 27 platforms
- 1 with a public API on this page
- 18 with a free tier
- Checked 7 Oct 2026
- 1 HS
Hackolade Studiohackolade.comHackolade Studio visually models schemas for relational and NoSQL databases, APIs, and storage or exchange formats using ER diagrams and hierarchical schema…
- 2 M
MySQLmysql.com - 3 PpgModelerpgmodeler.io
Desktop PostgreSQL tool for visual schema design, reverse engineering, comparison, and synchronization.
- 4 D
DbSchemadbschema.comDatabase design app for mapping schemas and managing SQL and NoSQL systems on desktop.
- 5 SSchemaSpyschemaspy.org
Free tool that turns database details into browsable HTML reports and relationship diagrams.
- 6 S
SchemaCrawlerschemacrawler.comFree database tool that documents schemas, compares them, and creates diagrams and reports.
- 7 DDrawSQLdrawsql.app
Browser-based workspace for drawing, reviewing, and updating database schemas with a team.
- 8 C
ChartDBchartdb.ioWeb or self-hosted tool for importing database schemas, editing diagrams, and exporting SQL or images.
- 9 D
drawDBdrawdb.appBrowser-based editor for database diagrams, with SQL import and exports in several file formats.
- 10 ED
ERBuilder Data Modelersoft-builder.comWindows app for drawing database models, generating SQL scripts, and reverse-engineering databases.
- 11 TDToad Data Modelerquest.com
Windows software for designing database diagrams and generating SQL and synchronization scripts.
- 12 DI
dbdiagram.iodbdiagram.ioWeb tool for making database relationship diagrams with DBML and importing or exporting SQL.
- 13 QQuickDBDquickdatabasediagrams.com
Web app for sketching database layouts by entering schema details and sharing diagrams.
- 14 DFDeZign for Databasesdatanamic.com
Windows software for maintaining database models with Crow’s Foot or IDEF1X diagrams.
- 15 MMMoon Modelerdatensen.com
Visual modeling app for MongoDB and related NoSQL systems, with script generation.
- 16 ES
ER/Studio Data Architecterstudio.comWindows software for logical and physical data models, with database generation and extraction.
- 17 OS
Oracle SQL Developeroracle.comFree desktop database tool for Oracle and selected other systems, with SSH tunneling.
- 18 SESAP Extended Enterprise Content Management by OpenTextsap.com
Connects emails, documents, and other content to core business processes for document and records management, information retrieval, and collaboration.
- 19 NDNavicat Data Modelernavicat.com
Database modeler with SQL export, team collaboration, and support for several database systems.
- 20 DMDB-MAINdb-main.eu
Free desktop tool for database modeling and engineering across SQL and other formats.
- 21 AMApexSQL Modelapexsql.com
Desktop software for SQL Server schema design and reverse engineering, with version history.
- 22 WSWWW SQL Designergithub.com
Free web-based database designer that imports existing structures and exports SQL scripts.
- 23 DDbWrenchdbwrench.com
Desktop database modeler that reverse-engineers and generates SQL scripts and HTML documentation.
- 24 SMSQL Maestro for MySQLsqlmaestro.com
Windows database management software for MySQL and MariaDB, with roles and permissions.
- 25 SPSAP PowerDesignersap.com
Data modeling software for Windows and web, with database engineering and version history.
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How to choose
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose a tool that matches your working environment. Options in this list span Windows, Linux, macOS, browsers, self-hosted environments, and API access.
A web option runs in a browser, while self-hosted deployment keeps the service in your environment. Confirm the platform mark before paying.
Is there a free plan or trial?
Start with a free plan when you need to map a small project or compare workflows without an upfront charge. A free trial can help you assess paid features before subscribing.
For example, ChartDB offers a free plan and paid options starting at $25 per user monthly; dbdiagram.io has a free plan and a 7-day trial.
Does it support reverse and forward engineering?
Check both engineering fields for your workflow. Reverse engineering turns an existing database into a model, while forward engineering uses a model to create database structures.
A tool that lacks the direction you need can add manual work, so compare these marks with your starting point.
Which database engines and export formats does it support?
Match the database engines and export formats to the systems you already use. These fields show whether a model can move into your chosen database and file workflow.
Review the listed formats before selecting a tool for handoff, migration, or documentation.
How should deployment and version history affect the choice?
Use the Deployment and Version history fields to check how a tool fits release work and design changes over time.
If several people will review models or you need to revisit earlier designs, favor the workflow marks that match those needs.
Questions
What is data modeling software?
It provides a way to design and document database structures, examine relationships, and prepare models for database work.
Which data modeling tools have a free plan?
Free-plan examples are ApexSQL Model, ChartDB, dbdiagram.io, DB-MAIN, DbSchema, drawDB, DrawSQL, ERBuilder Data Modeler, and Hackolade Studio.
Does data modeling software run on Windows, Linux, or macOS?
The list includes tools for Windows, Linux, macOS, browser use, self-hosted environments, and APIs. Check the platform mark for the tool you are considering.
What is reverse engineering in a data modeler?
Reverse engineering brings an existing database structure into a model. Forward engineering creates database structures from a model.
How much does data modeling software cost?
Options range from free plans to paid products, including DbWrench at $99, DrawSQL starting at $19 per month, and DeZign for Databases from €19 per user per month with annual billing.
Some top positions on this board can be paid placements, standing where they were sold. The facts on each platform are not for sale. How we rank · Disclosure