Data modeling is one of the most important steps in database design because it lets organizations visually model and structure their data. Be it a brand-new database or an already built one, the right data modeling tool becomes an essential step. This blog talks about 20 of the best data modeling tools in use today-from completely free and open-source to some premium options. If you’re a small startup or an established business, you’ll find the right tool to fit your needs.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Free and Open-Source Data Modeling Tools
1. pgModeler
Description:
pgModeler is an open-source data modeling tool designed for PostgreSQL databases. It offers advanced features like reverse engineering, model validation, and automated SQL code generation.
Price:
Key Features:
- It supports all PostgreSQL-specific features.
- It has in-built SQL code generation for quick database deployment.
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2. DB Designer
Description:
DB Designer offers both a free and premium version for database design and modeling. It’s known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it user-friendly for beginners.
Price:
Free and Paid plans are available starting at $9/month.
Key Features:
- Comes with easy to use Drag-and-drop interface.
- Supports Real-time collaboration with team members.
3. SQL Power Architect
Description:
SQL Power Architect is a free tool that allows you to model your data visually and reverse engineer databases. It’s suitable for complex data modeling with support for ERD creation.
Price:
Key Features:
- Supports Visual ERD creation.
- Multiple database support (Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server).
4. DBeaver
Description:
Primarily known as a universal database tool, DBeaver also has strong data modeling capabilities. It’s great for users who need a comprehensive solution that works with many databases.
Price:
Free (Open-source) and Paid versions are available.
Key Features:
- Offers multi-platform support (MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.).
- Provides in-built SQL editor for advanced queries.
5. HeidiSQL
Description:
HeidiSQL is a lightweight tool that helps you browse and edit databases. It includes features for data modeling and generating SQL scripts.
Price:
Key Features:
- Database management and SQL generation.
- Allows connecting to multiple servers.
6. Moon Modeler
Description:
Moon Modeler is a visual data modeling tool for both NoSQL and relational databases. It supports MongoDB, Mongoose, and PostgreSQL.
Price:
Free and Paid plans are available starting at $149 per user.
Key Features:
- Support for NoSQL (MongoDB) and SQL databases.
- Easy-to-use interface for entity relationship diagrams.
- Allows exporting diagrams in various formats.
7. MySQL Workbench
Description:
MySQL Workbench is a popular free and open-source data modeling tool that helps in designing, developing, and managing MySQL databases. It includes features for data modeling, SQL development, and server administration.
Price:
Free
Key Features:
- Allows visual representation of database structure.
- Allows reverse engineering and model synchronization.
8. DataGrip
Description:
DataGrip by JetBrains is a database IDE that also offers data modeling features. It’s great for developers who need a versatile tool for database management and analysis.
Price:
Free for students and Paid version starts at $19.90/month.
Key Features:
- Support for multiple databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle.
- Intelligent query analysis and completion.
- Has version control integration.
9. DBSchema
Description:
DBSchema is an intuitive database designer that allows you to visually design schemas for SQL, NoSQL, and cloud databases.
Price:
Free for educational use and Paid plans starting at $196.
Key Features:
- Interactive layouts for visual schema design.
- Support for multiple relational databases.
- It has schema synchronization with the database.
10. ER/Studio Data Architect
Description:
ER/Studio Data Architect by IDERA is a feature-rich data modeling tool that supports cross-platform modeling and collaboration.
Price:
Free trial is available and Paid version starts at $1,000 per year.
Key Features:
- Allows Cross-platform modeling and database management.
- It has in-built collaboration features for teams.
Top 10 Premium Data Modeling Tools
11. Erwin Data Modeler
Description:
Erwin Data Modeler is a top-tier enterprise-level tool used for data modeling, database design, and metadata management.
Price:
The pricing plan starts at $5,000 per year.
Key Features:
- It supports metadata management and model-driven database design.
- It supports both relational and NoSQL databases.
12. IBM InfoSphere Data Architect
Description:
IBM InfoSphere Data Architect helps enterprises with the design, deployment, and maintenance of data models in large-scale environments.
Price:
Contact sales for pricing details.
Key Features:
- It has support for big data integration.
- It offers advanced data governance features.
13. SAP PowerDesigner
Description:
SAP PowerDesigner is a robust data modeling and architecture tool for both data and enterprise architecture.
Price:
Contact sales for pricing details.
Key Features:
- It has comprehensive data modeling and diagramming features.
- It supports enterprise architecture and impact analysis.
14. Toad Data Modeler
Description:
Toad Data Modeler by Quest is an affordable tool for visual database modeling, designed for both small teams and large enterprises.
Price:
Pricing plan starts at $344 per year.
Key Features:
- One can create both logical and physical database design.
- It has support for more than 20 database platforms.
15. Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler
Description:
Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler is a comprehensive modeling and design tool, ideal for Oracle databases.
Price:
Free
Key Features:
- It supports multi-dimensional modeling.
- It easily Integrates with Oracle SQL Developer.
16. Aqua Data Studio
Description:
Aqua Data Studio is a powerful database management tool with advanced data modeling capabilities for both SQL and NoSQL databases.
Price:
The pricing plan starts at $499 per year.
Key Features:
- It supports over 30 database platforms.
- It offers comprehensive SQL debugging and execution tools.
17. DeZign for Databases
Description:
DeZign for Databases is a popular database modeling tool that provides a user-friendly interface with professional-level features.
Price:
The pricing plan starts at $299.
Key Features:
- Offers automated database generation.
- Allows reverse engineering of existing databases.
18. Visual Paradigm
Description:
Visual Paradigm is an all-in-one design tool that supports both UML and database design with data modeling features.
Price:
The pricing plan Starts at $6/month.
Key Features:
- It Supports both UML and ERD diagramming.
- Comes with code and database generation features.
19. Navicat Data Modeler
Description:
Navicat Data Modeler allows database architects to create, design, and model databases visually.
Price:
The pricing plan starts at $299.
Key Features:
- Support for MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and more.
- It has an Intuitive user interface with diagramming tools.
20. SmartDraw
Description:
SmartDraw is a versatile diagramming tool that offers data modeling features in addition to flowcharting and project management tools.
Price:
The pricing plan starts at $9.95/month.
Key Features:
- It has an easy-to-use diagramming interface.
- It supports making of ERD diagrams.
- Come with Cloud-based collaboration features.
Comparison Table for Top 20 Data Modelling Tools
| Tool Name | Pricing | Free Trial Available | Multi Database Support | Collaboration Features | Reverse Engineering |
| pgModeler | Free (Open-source) | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| DB Designer | Free / 9$ per month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SQL Power Architect | Free | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| DBeaver | Free / $99.99 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HeidiSQL | Free (Open-source) | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Moon Modeler | Free / $149 per user | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| MySQL Workbench | Free | No | No | No | Yes |
| DataGrip | Free / $19.90 per month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DBSchema | Free / $196 per user | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| ER/Studio Data Architect | $1000 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Erwin Data Modeler | $5000 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IBM InfoSphere Data Architect | Contact Sales | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SAP Power Designer | Contact Sales | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Toad Data Modeler | $344 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Oracle SQL Developer | Free | No | No | No | Yes |
| Aqua Data Studio | $499 per year | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DeZign for Databases | $299 per year | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Visual Paradigm | $6 per month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Navicat Data Modeler | $299 per month | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SmartDraw | $9.95 per month | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Conclusion
Choosing the right data modeling tool depends on your specific requirements, such as the type of database, budget, and whether you need collaboration features. Free and open-source tools like pgModeler and DBeaver are excellent for small projects and PostgreSQL users, while premium options like Erwin and SAP PowerDesigner cater to enterprises that need advanced capabilities. Whether you’re starting out or looking for a comprehensive enterprise solution, the tools listed above cover a wide range of needs and budgets.
FAQs
Is SQL Data Modeler free?
Yes, Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler is free to use and offers a comprehensive set of features for database modeling, especially for Oracle databases.
Does Microsoft have a data modeling tool?
Yes, Microsoft offers Power BI for data modeling and analysis, but for database-specific modeling, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) includes some modeling features, although not as comprehensive as dedicated tools like Erwin.
What is the best tool for data modeling?
The best data modeling tool depends on your specific needs. For enterprises, Erwin Data Modeler is a leading choice, while DBeaver and pgModeler are popular among developers seeking free, open-source solutions.
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