DB Designer vs DbSchema

DB Designer is a web tool for visually designing database schemas without writing SQL. It generates scripts for MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and SQLite, and imports existing MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle scripts for reverse engineering. Teams can work on models together, use live comments or chat, and assign Owner, Editor, or Viewer access. Diagram tools include a minimap, keyboard shortcuts, instant saving with history, undo and redo, table cloning, automatic layout, notes, and comments. Users can export diagrams as PNG or PDF, or make a public view link. The free Starter plan costs nothing and allows two database models with 10 tables per model. Other free plans with unlimited models and tables are restricted to non-profits, current students and educators, or open-source project contributors. Basic costs $9 a month and Unlimited costs $17 a month. DB Designer says it encrypts communications through SSL and stores data securely with regular backups; support is available by email seven days a week, with live chat and phone support for premium users.

DbSchema is a desktop tool for designing, documenting and working with SQL and NoSQL databases on Linux, macOS and Windows. It connects to more than 70 databases through JDBC and can download the needed driver. Users can build interactive schema diagrams, split designs into subsystem diagrams, or create physical schemas while offline and save them as local.dbs files. For connected databases, schema synchronization compares the model with the database and can produce migration SQL for review. The SQL editor offers schema-aware autocomplete, and a visual query builder lets users arrange tables, joins and filters and inspect generated SQL before execution. DbSchema can also publish interactive HTML5 schema documentation that opens in a browser without an installation or license. Connections run directly from the user's computer to the database, with configured SSL and SSH tunnels available. Community Edition is free forever. Pro Monthly is $29.40 a month, and Architect Monthly is $47.04 a month, plus taxes. The shared installer requires no registration and includes a 15-day Architect trial that can be extended by 15 days.