17.9
MySQL is an open-source database for web, e-commerce, SaaS, and online transaction processing applications.
Free planAPILinuxmacOS
Best Data Modeling Software in 2026
Data modeling software helps you draw database structures, turn designs into database code, and work back from existing databases. The chart covers tools with Windows, Linux, macOS, web, self-hosted or API access. If you need to view or edit a model on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO phone, check the product page for Android support. Compare free plans and trials, paid starting prices, engineering features, database…
27.8
Hackolade Studio is a data modeling and schema design tool for relational and NoSQL databases, APIs, and data exchange formats.
Free planWebAPILinux
37.0
DbSchema is a desktop tool for designing, documenting, and working with SQL and NoSQL databases.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows
- 4
pgModeler
pgModeler is a desktop PostgreSQL schema engineering tool for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.9From $59.90 a month - 5
ChartDB
ChartDB is a database visualization and diagramming tool for developers and product teams who need to understand, design, and manage database schemas.
Free planWebSelf-hosted6.8From $25 a month - 6
DrawSQL
DrawSQL is a browser-based tool for designing, reviewing, and evolving database schema diagrams with a team.
Free planWebAPI6.8From $19 a month - 7
dbdiagram.io
dbdiagram.io creates database relationship diagrams by letting users write DBML, its Database Markup Language.
Free planWebAPIExtension6.7From $20 a month - 8
ERBuilder Data Modeler
ERBuilder Data Modeler is a Windows desktop application for designing databases with graphical entity relationship diagrams and generating SQL databases.
Free planWindows6.7From $139 a year - 9
QuickDBD
QuickDBD is a web application for drawing database diagrams by typing schema details.
Free planWeb6.7From $95 a year - 10
DeZign for Databases
Windows6.4 - 11
Moon Modeler
LinuxmacOSWindows6.4$99 one-time - 12
SAP Extended Enterprise Content Management by OpenText
AndroidiOSWebLinux6.4 - 13
drawDB
drawDB is a browser-based database diagram editor for designing schemas and exporting them in multiple formats.
Free planWebSelf-hosted6.3Free plan - 14
SchemaCrawler
SchemaCrawler is a free database schema discovery and comprehension tool for database documentation and data governance.
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.3Free plan - 15
ER/Studio Data Architect
ER/Studio Data Architect is a paid, self-hosted Windows solution for individuals and small teams creating, documenting, and optimizing data structures.
Windows6.2From $2,687 a year - 16
SchemaSpy
SchemaSpy is a free command-line application that reads database metadata and produces HTML documentation to help teams examine data models.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.2Free plan - 17
Toad Data Modeler
Free planWindows6.1Free plan - 18
Oracle SQL Developer
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows5.8Free plan - 19
Navicat Data Modeler
Navicat Data Modeler is desktop software for designing database models on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
LinuxmacOSWindows5.6$1,299 one-time - 20
DbWrench
LinuxmacOSWindows5.4$49 one-time - 21
SQL Maestro for MySQL
Windows5.4$99 one-time - 224.9
- 23
DB-MAIN
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 24
SAP PowerDesigner
WebWindows4.7 - 25
SqlDBM
Web4.7
Choosing well
Check where the model runs
The platform facts cover Windows, Linux, macOS, web, self-hosted and API options. Pick the form that matches your work setup, and confirm Android support separately if a phone is part of the workflow.
A web tool such as ChartDB, drawDB or dbdiagram.io may suit browser-based work, while a self-hosted or API option can fit an internal process.
Match the engineering workflow
Reverse engineering reads an existing database structure; forward engineering turns a model into database code. Check which direction the tool supports before choosing it.
Database-engine choice also matters. Review the engines listed for the product and confirm that they match the systems you need to model.
Compare free access and paid terms
A free plan is available from tools such as ApexSQL Model, DB-MAIN and drawDB. Freemium products can add a paid tier, while paid products may instead offer a trial.
Listed starting prices range from $19 per month for DrawSQL to $139 per user per year for ERBuilder Data Modeler, with other terms shown as monthly, annual or one-time pricing. Check the billing period and trial length.
Review delivery and change tracking
Deployment support affects how a finished model reaches its target environment. Version history helps you follow changes over time, so check both before adopting a tool for a shared project.
Export formats determine how easily a diagram or model moves to another system. Confirm the formats you need, along with any licence terms for using or changing generated code.
Questions people ask
Can I start with a free data modeling plan?
Yes. The list includes products with free plans, including ApexSQL Model, DB-MAIN, drawDB and others. Freemium terms can add paid features.
Which tools offer a trial?
Trial terms listed include seven days for dbdiagram.io, 14 days for DeZign for Databases, ERBuilder Data Modeler and Hackolade Studio, and 15 days for DbSchema.
What is reverse engineering in this category?
Reverse engineering builds a model from an existing database. Forward engineering takes a model toward database code. Check the product details for the direction you need.
Why do export formats matter?
Export formats control how a model or diagram can move into another tool or workflow. Compare the formats offered with the systems you use.