ChartDB

ChartDB is a database visualization and diagramming tool for creating, editing, and managing database schemas. It retrieves a schema with a single query and says it can generate a diagram in about 15 seconds. Its editor supports tables, fields, relationships, layouts, colors, and filters. Diagrams can be exported as SQL, images, diagram JSON, or DBML. Listed database systems include PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, MariaDB, SQLite, Cloudflare D1, CockroachDB, and ClickHouse. Teams can invite colleagues to view and edit diagrams in real time, and the feature set includes database synchronization, schema-change diffs, and version history. AI tools generate schema diagrams and ERD visualizations; ChartDB notes that third-party AI providers, including OpenAI, may process inputs, outputs, and personal information. Its free plan includes one user, one database, and up to 10 tables per diagram. Pro costs $25 per month for one person, and Teams costs $59 per month. ChartDB also describes a free, open-source self-hosted option that gives users control over data and setup.

ChartDB combines schema visualization, editing, export, and collaboration in one tool. Its free plan is limited, while self-hosting is available at no cost and paid plans add capacity and team features.

ChartDB suits developers and product teams who need to understand, design, or share database schemas. Teams needing real-time diagram collaboration or self-hosting may also find its options relevant.

ChartDB is a web-based database schema visualization and diagramming tool for developers and product teams. It suits people who need to inspect, edit, and share database diagrams; its tight free-plan caps make it less suitable for larger or multi-database projects.

Overview

ChartDB retrieves a schema with a single query and says it can turn it into a diagram in about 15 seconds. That quick route from existing database to visual model is useful when a team needs to understand a schema before changing it. ChartDB also supports designing and managing schemas, so it can serve both documentation and modeling work.

Users can edit tables, fields, relationships, layouts, colors, and filters, then export diagrams as SQL, images, diagram JSON, or DBML. The breadth of export formats gives teams options for sharing a visual, retaining a structured diagram, or carrying the design into SQL-oriented workflows.

Key features

Schema coverage and change tracking

ChartDB supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, MariaDB, ClickHouse, CockroachDB, and Cloudflare D1. Database synchronization, schema-change diffs, and version history help teams keep diagrams aligned with evolving schemas rather than treating them as one-time drawings.

Collaboration and AI

Real-time collaboration lets teams invite others to view and edit diagrams, while Teams adds auto-sync. These features are most relevant when diagrams are shared work products; solo users may not need to pay for team capacity. AI tools can generate schema diagrams and ERD visualizations, but the privacy notice says inputs, outputs, and personal information may be processed by third-party AI providers, including OpenAI. Organizations should consider that before submitting sensitive material.

ChartDB says its BigQuery integration reads schema metadata only, not data stored in BigQuery tables. It also describes organizational and technical safeguards for personal information, while acknowledging that absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Pricing

The free plans cost nothing and include one user, one database, two diagrams, and up to 10 tables per diagram. Free users get a community support forum and can choose self-hosted or cloud deployment. Those caps make the free tier a sensible starting point for a small schema, but restrictive for larger diagrams or ongoing work across multiple databases.

Pro costs $25 a month, billed $25/month for one person. It includes one user, one database, up to 100 tables in one database, three-day email support, and hosting by ChartDB. This is the straightforward upgrade for an individual whose diagram exceeds the free table limit, but it does not add multi-user or multi-database capacity.

Teams costs $59 a month, with monthly pricing shown for the Basic team tier. It supports up to three users, five databases, and 200 tables per database, and adds priority support, real-time collaboration, and auto-sync. It fits small teams managing several schemas; the three-user ceiling may be limiting for larger groups.

The Custom plan has custom pricing and payment terms, with SAML SSO, a user activity log, and granular permissions (RBAC). It is the relevant tier for organizations that need those controls. ChartDB also describes its self-hosted version as free and open source, with control over data and setup; teams choosing it should weigh that control against the hosted Pro and Teams support and capacity options.

Platforms

ChartDB is available on the web and as a self-hosted deployment. Self-hosting is a meaningful option for users who want control over deployment and data; the hosted Pro plan instead places hosting with ChartDB.

Who it's for

ChartDB is a strong fit for developers and product teams that need to visualize an existing schema, refine a model, track changes, and share diagrams. Its free plan suits a small project, while Pro is better for a solo user with larger diagrams and Teams for a small group collaborating across databases. Look elsewhere if your project needs more than the listed team limits or if third-party processing of AI inputs is unacceptable.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Schema import, editing, synchronization, diffs, and version history support work across the lifecycle of a database model.
• Pro: SQL, image, JSON, and DBML exports make diagrams useful beyond the editor.
• Pro: Free, open-source self-hosting gives users control over deployment and data.
• Con: Free is capped at one database, two diagrams, and 10 tables per diagram, so it can be outgrown quickly.
• Con: Pro remains limited to one user and one database; collaboration and broader database capacity require Teams.
• Con: AI inputs and outputs may be processed by third-party providers, a consideration for sensitive schemas.

Alternatives

Browse database design tools to compare options in the category. Choose DB Designer if its web-based free Starter plan, with two models and 10 tables per model, better matches a compact project.

MySQL is an alternative for readers seeking a database system rather than a dedicated schema-diagramming tool. Database Workbench, DbSchema, DrawSQL, ERBuilder Data Modeler, and Hackolade Studio are other options to compare. Tap Forms Pro is another listed alternative.

Verdict

Choose ChartDB if you want a focused way to turn database schemas into editable, shareable diagrams, with change tracking and a free self-hosted option. Its main drawback is the sharp jump from a tightly capped free plan to paid capacity, while AI use also warrants care with sensitive inputs. For small teams that value collaboration and can work within the stated limits, Teams offers the clearest fit; solo users should start free and move to Pro only when its 10-table diagram cap becomes a barrier.