chartdb
ChartDB is an open-source, web-based database diagram editor that visualizes and designs database schemas by importing them via SQL queries. It supports multiple databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, MariaDB, SQLite, CockroachDB, ClickHouse) and offers AI-powered schema migration, interactive editing, and SQL export—no installation or database credentials required.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | chartdb/chartdb |
| Owner | chartdb |
| Primary language | TypeScript |
| License | AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 22.6k |
| Forks | 1.4k |
| Open issues | 160 |
| Latest release | v1.20.1 (2026-04-07) |
| Last updated | 2026-06-20 |
| Source | https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb |
What chartdb is
TypeScript/React-based SPA using react-flow/xyflow for graph visualization. Ingests database schemas as JSON via database-specific introspection queries, provides interactive ERD editing, and generates DDL scripts across database dialects using LLM-assisted translation. Deployable as Docker container with optional OpenAI or custom inference endpoint integration.
Get the chartdb source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb.gitcd chartdb# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- AGPL-3.0 copyleft: any server-side modifications or SaaS deployment require source code disclosure—evaluate commercial licensing separately.
- AI features (schema migration, export) require external LLM: either OpenAI API key or custom vLLM/inference endpoint. Evaluate cost and latency.
- Self-hosted Docker deployment straightforward but requires managing secrets (OPENAI_API_KEY) and persistent storage if needed.
- Schema import via 'magic query' is database-specific; validate query syntax for your target database version before automation.
- Analytics enabled by default (Fathom); disable with DISABLE_ANALYTICS flag if required by compliance.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Real-time Collaborative Schema Editing at Scale — ChartDB is currently in Public Beta; concurrent multi-user editing performance and conflict resolution are not documented.
- Requirement for Closed-Source, Proprietary License — Licensed under AGPL-3.0, which requires source code disclosure if deployed as a service. Proprietary use demands commercial licensing (not covered in public repo).
- Offline-First or Air-Gapped Environments — Cloud version requires network access; self-hosted Docker deployment requires external LLM endpoint or OpenAI API key for AI features.
- Enterprise SLA & Support Guarantees — Community-driven project with Discord support. No commercial support tier or SLA documented in public repository.
License & commercial use
GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0). Copyleft license requiring source code disclosure for derivative works and network-accessible deployments. Use as-is for internal tools is permissible; SaaS or embedded commercial deployment requires explicit commercial licensing agreement.
AGPL-3.0 permits internal use and evaluation. Commercial deployment (SaaS, embedded, or proprietary derivative) requires separate commercial license negotiation with copyright holders. Not explicitly mentioned in public repo; contact ChartDB maintainers for terms. Do not assume permissive commercial use without written agreement.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Good |
| Assessment confidence | High |
Schema import does not require database credentials (query-based), reducing exposure. Self-hosted deployments must secure OpenAI API keys and custom LLM endpoints in environment variables. Fathom Analytics enabled by default; review privacy implications. AGPL copyleft requires source transparency; no third-party security audit mentioned in public repo. AI-generated SQL outputs should be reviewed before execution.
Alternatives to consider
dbdiagram.io
Proprietary freemium SaaS for ERD design. Simpler UX, no self-host complexity, but limited schema import and no AI migration features.
DBeaver (Community/Enterprise)
Desktop/web IDE with native database connections, SQL execution, and schema visualization. Steeper learning curve; broader feature set but not diagram-focused.
Dataedo
Commercial documentation and diagram tool with live database sync. Higher cost, strong support, but requires vendor dependency.
Build on chartdb with DEV.co software developers
Try ChartDB free at app.chartdb.io, or self-host with Docker. For commercial SaaS deployment, contact maintainers for licensing.
Talk to DEV.coRelated on DEV.co
Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.
chartdb FAQ
Do I need to give ChartDB my database password?
Can I use ChartDB in a commercial SaaS product?
What LLM models are supported for schema migration?
Is the generated SQL production-ready?
Software development & web development with DEV.co
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like chartdb into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source databases stack.
Ready to Visualize Your Database Schema?
Try ChartDB free at app.chartdb.io, or self-host with Docker. For commercial SaaS deployment, contact maintainers for licensing.