DbSketch
DbSketch is a free, command-line tool that turns live relational database schemas into version-controlled documentation.
What DbSketch is
DbSketch is a free, command-line tool that turns live relational database schemas into version-controlled documentation. It reads tables, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. It can generate Graphviz DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown files containing diagram text in a fenced code block. A YAML configuration sets one database connection and can define named diagram targets, allowing multiple focused diagrams with different output and renderer settings. DbSketch can include native database comments where supported and apply YAML comment overrides. Its DOT renderer keeps foreign-key links tied to the specific columns involved. The maker describes uses including repository documentation, CI, and compact schema snapshots for people and AI coding assistants. It is distributed as the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch, which installs the dbsketch command, and the getting-started guide requires the .NET 10 SDK. The software is MIT-licensed, self-hosted, and supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Connection strings can be supplied through configuration or environment-variable placeholders; the documentation does not state a security certification or compliance claim.
Good
- Reads schemas from four listed database systems.
- Generates DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown output.
- Supports multiple focused diagram targets.
- Free under the MIT license.
Watch out
- Requires the .NET 10 SDK.
- Distributed as a command-line tool.
- Documentation does not state a security certification.
Who it suits
It suits developers who need reviewable schema documentation for repositories or CI, and people preparing compact schema context for AI coding assistants. Users need the .NET 10 SDK before installing or running it.
Verdict
DbSketch can generate version-controlled diagrams from supported relational schemas, with configurable targets and comment handling. Its command-line distribution and .NET 10 SDK requirement are important setup considerations.
Plans and prices
From DbSketch's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| DbSketch | Free | MIT-licensed software |
The facts
Each one read from DbSketch's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Comments
- It can include native database comments where supported and apply YAML comment overrides.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- DbSketch uses a YAML configuration file with one database connection and optional named diagram targets.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Database providers
- It reads tables, columns, primary keys, and foreign keys from SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- DbSketch is distributed as the .NET tool DimonSmart.DbSketch, which installs the dbsketch command.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker says DbSketch is for humans and AI coding assistants that need a compact, reviewable schema snapshot.checked 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository provides DbSketch under the MIT License.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Multiple diagrams
- One configuration can generate multiple focused diagrams with per-diagram output and renderer settings.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Output formats
- It generates Graphviz DOT, Mermaid ER, or Markdown files wrapping diagram text in a fenced code block.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DbSketch is a command-line documentation generator that turns live database schemas into version-controlled schema documentation.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Relationships
- The DOT renderer preserves precise column-to-column foreign-key edges.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Requirement
- The getting-started guide says to install the .NET 10 SDK before installing or running DbSketch.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security and data handling
- The documentation shows database connection strings supplied through configuration or environment-variable placeholders; it does not state a security certification or compliance claim.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker welcomes issues and pull requests, including provider, renderer, and documentation improvements.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker describes DbSketch as useful for repository documentation, CI, and compact schema context for AI coding assistants.checked 4 Oct 2026
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