ChartDB - Database schema diagrams visualizer
Database diagram and data modeling tool to visualize and design schemas with a single query. Create ER diagrams, collaborate, and export DDL scripts.
Categories:
ChartDB is a powerful open-source database diagrams editor that allows developers and teams to visualize, design, and collaborate on database schemas using a single 'Smart Query', without needing database access or installations.
🚀 Overview
ChartDB solves the challenge of quickly understanding and documenting complex database schemas by enabling instant ER diagram generation from a simple SQL query that outputs JSON. It eliminates the need for heavy tools, DB credentials, or setups, making it perfect for onboarding new engineers, planning migrations, and team documentation.
It's built for database engineers, software architects, backend developers, and dev teams handling relational databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and more.
Created to offer a free, collaborative, AI-enhanced alternative to proprietary tools like dbdiagram.io or DrawSQL, emphasizing open-source freedom, self-hosting, and real-time features.
✨ Key Features
- Instant schema visualization: Import full DB schema via one 'Smart Query' (15s for most databases)
- Real-time collaboration: Live editing, cursors, invites (Teams plan), just like Figma for schemas
- AI-powered tools: ER diagram generation, DDL exports for migrations (e.g., MySQL to Postgres)
- Auto-sync & versioning: Track schema changes, diffs, history; embed live diagrams
- Interactive editor: Undo/redo, sticky notes, colors, DBML support, visual search
- Optional: Upcoming MongoDB support, advanced AI inference
🛠 Tech Stack
- Frontend: React, TypeScript, Vite, Tailwind CSS
- Deployment: Docker (single container self-hosting)
- Other: OpenAI API (optional for AI), Fathom Analytics
- Auth: Custom (cloud)
- Hosting: Self-hosted or ChartDB Cloud
👥 Who Is This For?
This project is useful for:
- Developers who want to quickly visualize schemas when joining projects or debugging
- Teams looking for collaborative DB design and auto-updating documentation
- Indie makers building self-hosted tools for data visualization
📸 Screenshots / Demo
- Live demo: https://chartdb.io
- GitHub: https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb
🔥 Project Status
- 🟢 Actively building
Last updated: 2026-03-24
❓ FAQ
Is this project free?
Freemium — Free cloud tier (2 diagrams, 10 tables), Pro ($25/mo), Teams ($59/mo+). Self-hosted fully free & open source. (Cloud for hosted collab/sync; self-host for unlimited.)
Is the source code available?
Yes — https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb
Can I contribute?
Yes — Report bugs/feature requests via GitHub Issues, submit PRs, or discuss in Discord community.
📬 Contact & Links
- Website: https://chartdb.io
- GitHub: https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/jonathanfishner
- Discord: https://discord.gg/QeFwyWSKwC
Built with ❤️ and kept warm on WarmIndex.
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