DB Designer vs drawDB

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.

drawDB is a browser-based database diagram editor for modeling schemas, importing existing definitions and exporting SQL. It supports Generic, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle diagrams. Imports include drawDB JSON and DDB files, DBML, and SQL scripts for the listed database systems; exports include SQL, image and document formats, drawDB JSON, DBML, Mermaid and Markdown. The free plan is listed at free and includes local diagrams, SQL dialects, and import and export. In the open-source editor, diagrams and custom templates live in browser IndexedDB, tying them to that browser profile. The maker says it can also be self-hosted with Docker. Pro options add cloud storage and sync, public sharing, AI assistance and version history; team options include workspaces, roles, diagram permissions and live collaboration. The AI assistant can create or edit schema elements from prompts, while the MCP server provides read-only access for compatible coding tools to schemas in Pro cloud workspaces. Schema context is sent to the AI service when it operates on a diagram.