Open-Source Databases · drawdb-io

drawdb

DrawDB is a free, browser-based database diagram editor that lets you design entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs), generate SQL scripts, and export schemas without requiring an account. It supports major databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, SQL Server, and SQLite.

Talk to DEV.co Discuss Implementation

Source: GitHub — github.com/drawdb-io/drawdb

38k

GitHub stars

3.1k

Forks

JavaScript

Primary language

AGPL-3.0

License (OSI-approved)

Key facts

Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.

Field	Value
Repository	drawdb-io/drawdb
Owner	drawdb-io
Primary language	JavaScript
License	AGPL-3.0 — OSI-approved
Stars	38k
Forks	3.1k
Open issues	226
Latest release	Unknown
Last updated	2026-07-08
Source	https://github.com/drawdb-io/drawdb

What drawdb is

Built in JavaScript/React with Tailwind CSS, DrawDB is a client-side SPA that uses IndexedDB for local persistence. It provides ERD visualization, SQL import/export, migration generation, and optional server-side sharing via drawdb-server. Licensed under AGPL-3.0.

Quickstart

Get the drawdb source

Clone the repository and explore it locally.

terminalbash

1git clone https://github.com/drawdb-io/drawdb.git2cd drawdb3# follow the project's README for install & configuration

Need it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.

Best use cases

Individual Schema Design & Documentation

Solo developers and small teams designing database schemas locally without cloud dependencies or account requirements. Suitable for quick prototyping and schema documentation in agile workflows.

SQL Learning & Database Education

Students and junior developers learning database design patterns. Visual ERD editor lowers entry barriers and immediate SQL generation reinforces schema-to-code mapping.

Cross-Database Schema Migration Planning

Teams planning migrations between PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, or SQL Server. Import existing schemas and export targeted SQL dialects for validation before execution.

Implementation considerations

AGPL-3.0 licensing: Any network-accessible deployment must provide source access. Clarify whether your deployment model (SaaS, internal tool, embedded) triggers copyleft obligations.
Optional server component for sharing: Default client-only use requires no backend; sharing features need drawdb-server deployment and environment variable configuration.
Local storage via IndexedDB: Schemas persist in browser storage. No automatic cloud backup; users must export manually or set up server-backed sharing.
SQL dialect support: Import/export covers PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle, SQL Server, SQLite. Validate target database syntax if using advanced features.
No authentication layer: Desktop/local deployments have no user identity. Sharing relies on optional server; self-hosted instances need external auth if multi-user isolation required.

When to avoid it — and what to weigh

Proprietary/Closed-Source Deployments — AGPL-3.0 requires source code disclosure for network-accessible deployments. Requires careful legal review if integrating into proprietary products or SaaS offerings.
Enterprise Audit & Compliance Requirements — No evidence of audit logging, role-based access control, or compliance certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001). Not suitable for regulated industries requiring formal security posture.
Large-Scale Collaborative Teams — Sharing requires optional server setup; no built-in multi-user conflict resolution, real-time collaboration, or permission granularity. Better for small teams or individual use.
Real-Time Data Sync or Live Schema Monitoring — No indication of live database connection or change-data-capture capabilities. Designed for design-time schema editing, not runtime monitoring.

License & commercial use

Licensed under AGPL-3.0 (GNU Affero General Public License v3.0). This is a copyleft license requiring that network-accessible modifications disclose source code. Desktop/local use without network sharing is less restrictive; hosted or integrated deployments require legal review.

Commercial use is permitted under AGPL-3.0, but with caveats: if you deploy DrawDB as a service or integrate it into a product accessible over a network, you must provide users access to the modified source code. Internal business tools and self-hosted deployments may be acceptable if not externally accessible. Legal review is strongly recommended before commercial deployment. Requires careful evaluation of your distribution model.

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

Security considerations

Client-side processing means schemas never leave the browser unless exported or server sharing is used. No documented security audit or vulnerability disclosure policy. AGPL-3.0 source is publicly available; review code for secrets, input validation, and XSS/injection risks before deployment. Optional sharing server introduces additional attack surface; secure that component separately. IndexedDB storage is not encrypted at rest; sensitive schema data in local storage could be exposed if device is compromised.

Alternatives to consider

Lucidchart

Commercial, feature-rich, multi-user real-time collaboration, audit trails, compliance certifications. Higher cost; no open-source option.

DbSchema

Desktop + cloud options, advanced versioning and team collaboration, multiple database support. Proprietary licensing; steeper learning curve.

DBeaver (with ERD plugin)

Free, open-source (Apache 2.0), desktop-based, live database connectivity, schema reverse-engineering. Heavier client; less polished UI for pure ERD editing.

Software development agency

Build on drawdb with DEV.co software developers

DrawDB is ideal for teams needing lightweight, free schema design without vendor lock-in. Verify AGPL-3.0 licensing compliance for your deployment model. Contact us to assess fit with your architecture and commercial requirements.

Talk to DEV.co

Related open-source tools

Surfaced by semantic similarity across the DEV.co open-source index.

chartdb orientdb erd-editor

Related on DEV.co

Explore the category and the services that help you build with it.

Open-Source Databases Web App Development Custom Software / Enterprise Talk to DEV.co

drawdb FAQ

Can I use DrawDB commercially?

AGPL-3.0 allows commercial use, but network-accessible deployments must disclose source. Desktop/internal tools have fewer restrictions. Consult legal counsel before deploying as a service.

Do I need a server to use DrawDB?

No. Default is client-only (browser + IndexedDB). Optional drawdb-server enables file sharing; without it, users export/import manually.

What databases are supported?

PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Oracle Database, SQL Server, SQLite. Import/export works via SQL text; visual editor is database-agnostic.

Is there real-time collaboration?

No built-in real-time sync. Optional server supports sharing, but no live multi-user editing or conflict resolution. Designed for individual or small-team, non-concurrent workflows.

Work with a software development agency

Need help beyond evaluating drawdb? DEV.co is a software development agency offering software development services and web development for teams of every size. Our software developers and web developers build custom software, web applications, APIs, and open-source databases integrations — and maintain them long-term.

Evaluate DrawDB for Your Database Design Workflow

Talk to DEV.co Schedule a Consultation