dbdiagram.io is an online database relationship diagram design tool for developers and data analysts. Its core feature is drawing entity-relationship diagrams (ER diagrams) by writing code, rather than traditional drag-and-drop operations.
Purpose: This tool is mainly used to visually create and edit database schemas, helping product, data, and engineering teams design complex database structures. It was developed by the Singapore-based business intelligence company Holistics.io, initially as an internal tool for quickly visualizing customer database schemas, and later became an independent product for the data community.
Main capabilities:
- Generate diagrams by writing code: users enter DBML code, and the ER diagram is displayed instantly, without leaving the keyboard.
- Real-time collaboration: invite team members to edit the diagram simultaneously, with changes visible in real time, similar to Google Docs.
- Large-scale design management: supports collapsible table groups, custom views, and color coding to simplify large diagrams.
- AI-assisted design: describe database requirements in natural language, and AI completes the design, suitable for iterative design.
- Import from SQL: quickly generate diagrams from a database or SQL dump file.
- Generate SQL statements: directly generate SQL statements for creating database tables.
- Export and share: export as images and PDF, and share online with colleagues or clients with one click.
- Version history: view the complete change history, compare versions, restore previous states, or create copies from any point in time.
- Embed in documents: embed diagrams in internal wikis, blogs, or documentation sites (such as Notion, Confluence).
How to use: Users define database structures by writing DBML (Database Markup Language) code. DBML is a markup language first created by dbdiagram and is fully open source. The tool provides a free ERD generator. Without registration, users can paste DBML or SQL to generate a shareable real-time diagram, supports dragging, embedding, and can be opened in the full editor at any time.
Use cases: Suitable for developers and data analysts who need to quickly draw ER diagrams, as well as product, data, and engineering teams that need to collaboratively design databases. It is also suitable for embedding database diagrams in documents to keep documentation up to date.
Limitations and notes: The basic application is free forever, and paid plans provide more features and unlimited diagrams. Specific paid pricing and feature details are not yet provided. The tool follows SOC2 compliance and has terms of service and a responsible disclosure policy. Users can report bugs or request features through the community forum or feedback form.
