Top 10 Free ER Diagram Tools in 2025

A good database is the backbone of any app, but understanding its structure can be tricky. That’s where Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) help. An ERD is like a flowchart that shows how different parts of a system such as customers, products, or orders are linked. Dr. Peter Chen, who created the ER model, showed how useful this method is for planning and explaining databases. Experts at DAMA International also say that clear data models are key for avoiding mistakes and keeping data organized. In this guide, we’ll make things easy for you. We’ve collected the top 10 free ER diagram tools in 2025, so you can design your database clearly and correctly without paying a cent.

Table of Contents

• Quick Comparison of the Top ER Diagram Tools
• The 10 Best Free ER Diagram Tools
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick Comparison of the Top ER Diagram Tools

For a quick overview, here’s a table comparing our top picks based on what they do best.

1. GitMind

First on our list of the best ER diagram tools is GitMind. and it earns that spot for good reason. GitMind is an online tool for mind mapping and diagramming that you can use completely free. What makes it stand out is its large collection of ready-to-use shapes and symbols, which makes creating any kind of diagram, including ERDs, very easy. You can choose to keep your work private or share it with others using a password-protected link. If you want a free tool that is both reliable and packed with features, GitMind is a great place to start. On top of that, it now includes an AI feature that can automatically create a mind map for you when you need a little extra help.

Key Features:

• AI-powered assistance for brainstorming and mapping
• Completely online and free to use
• Vast library of figures and shapes for any diagram type
• Secure project sharing via private links

2. Gliffy

If collaboration is key for your team, Gliffy is a powerful ER diagram tool designed for working together remotely. One of its standout features is the ability to track all changes made to a diagram, allowing you to easily revert to a previous version if needed. This version control is a lifesaver for complex projects. Beyond its collaborative strengths, Gliffy also allows you to import images and export your finished diagrams in various formats.

Key Features:

• Real-time collaborative diagramming
• Full access to version history
• Supports importing and exporting diagrams

3. Visual Paradigm

Visual Paradigm is another fantastic option, especially if you want to get started quickly. Its free online version gives you access to hundreds of diagram templates, including detailed ERDs, so you don’t have to start from scratch. You can create as many diagrams as you need without worrying about an expiration date. Best of all, this ER diagram maker lets you export your work to high-quality image files with no watermark—a rare and valuable feature for a free tool.

Key Features:

• Export diagrams to images without a watermark
• Huge library of professional diagram templates
• No limit on the number of diagrams you can create

4. Draw.io (now diagrams.net)

For those who value privacy and simplicity, Draw.io. is a top contender. This web-based tool lets you start creating entity-relationship diagrams immediately, with no registration required. When you begin, it asks you where you’d like to save your files—choose from Google Drive, Dropbox, or your local computer hard drive. This gives you complete control over your data. Draw.io is also available in multiple languages and integrates seamlessly with productivity tools like Jira and Confluence, making it a favorite among agile teams.

Key Features:

• Excellent integrations with Jira and Confluence
• You choose where to save your diagrams (cloud or local)
• No registration or sign-in needed to start

5. Lucidchart

Lucidchart is a powerhouse in the world of online diagramming, and its ER diagram maker is no exception. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes building diagrams easy. But its killer feature is the ability to automatically generate an ERD from your existing DBMS. Just upload your database tables, and Lucidchart will map them out for you. Furthermore, you can export your completed ERD directly to popular database services like MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server, streamlining your entire workflow.

Key Features:

• Export diagrams directly to various database services
• Smooth drag-and-drop interface
• Automatically generate ERDs from an existing database schema

6. SqlDBM

If you’re looking for a professional-grade, browser-based ER diagram tool, SqlDBM is an excellent choice. One of its most powerful features is the version history, which allows you to compare revisions and instantly spot changes in nullability, data types, and default values. This attention to detail can prevent costly database errors down the line. SqlDBM also provides customizable light and dark themes and different viewing modes tailored for tasks like presentations.

Key Features:

• Works seamlessly in any modern web browser
• Detailed revision comparison to track changes
• Customizable viewing modes and themes (light/dark)

7. DBDiagram.io

Pricing: Free; Professional- $9.00/month

DBDiagram.io offers a unique approach that developers will love: it generates diagrams by writing code. If you prefer working with your keyboard and defining your schema with a simple, clean syntax, this tool is for you. This “database-as-code” method makes it incredibly fast to create and modify complex diagrams. You can easily export your diagrams to Image or PDF files and even upload your database schema from web frameworks like Django to keep your documentation perfectly in sync with your application.

Key Features:

• Upload and sync with database schemas from popular web frameworks
• Generate ER diagrams by writing simple code (DSL)
• Save and share diagrams as Images and PDFs

8. QuickDBD

Similar to DBDiagram.io, QuickDB is an ER diagram tool designed for users who prefer a keyboard-first approach to diagramming. By typing out the schema, you can focus directly on the structure without the distraction of using a mouse. The tool also supports online collaboration, letting you share your diagrams publicly to work with your team. QuickDBD makes it fast and easy to get started by allowing schema imports from MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server.

Key Features:

• Supports schema import from MySQL, SQL Server, and Oracle
• Create ERDs quickly by typing the schema
• Save and share projects publicly for collaboration

9. Creately

Creately is a versatile diagramming tool that excels at more than just ERDs. If you need a flexible solution for various types of charts and diagrams, this is a great option. Creating an ERD is simple thanks to its drag-and-drop elements and intuitive interface. It also has strong collaboration features, including a comment thread that allows multiple users to discuss and work on a single diagram at the same time.

Key Features:

• Drawing shortcuts to speed up your workflow
• Save diagrams in multiple formats, including SVG, PNG, and JPG
• Built-in comment thread for easy team collaboration

10. ERDPlus

Last but not least is ERDPlus, a free, web-based tool dedicated specifically to creating ER diagrams. Because it’s a specialized tool, you won’t find distracting options for other diagram types—everything is focused on helping you build the best ERD possible. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of paid software, ERDPlus is refreshingly easy to use, with a clean interface that won’t confuse you. For students, casual users, or anyone needing a straightforward, no-cost tool, it’s a fantastic alternative.

Key Features:

• Provides direct database support for its users
• Specialized for ERDs and star schema diagrams
• Completely free and easy-to-use interface

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an ER Diagram and why is it important? An Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) is a visual representation of your database structure. It shows the different tables (entities), the data they hold (attributes), and how they connect (relationships). It’s important because it helps you plan, debug, and communicate your database design to others before writing any code, saving significant time and preventing errors.

2. What are the key components of an ERD? The three main components are:

• Entities: Nouns that represent objects or concepts, like “Customer” or “Product.” These become tables in your database.
• Attributes: Properties or characteristics of an entity, like “CustomerName” or “ProductPrice.” These become columns in your tables.
• Relationships: Verbs that describe how two or more entities interact, such as “a Customer places an Order.” This defines how tables are linked together.

3. Can I generate an ERD from an existing database? Yes! Several tools, like Lucidchart and SqlDBM, offer a “reverse engineering” feature. You can connect them to your live database (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server), and they will automatically generate an ERD based on your existing schema.

4. Are free ER diagram tools good enough for professional work? Absolutely. For many professional tasks, especially for smaller projects, planning, and documentation, free tools like GitMind and Draw.io are more than powerful enough. Paid plans typically offer more advanced features like larger storage, more integrations, and enhanced team management, which may be necessary for large enterprise-level projects.

Conclusion

We’ve looked at some of the best free ER diagram tools, but the right one depends on how you like to work. If you prefer a visual, drag-and-drop style, tools like GitMind, Lucidchart, or Creately are a good fit. If you’d rather type out your database structure as code, DBDiagram.io or QuickDBD will suit you better. And if teamwork is important, Gliffy or Lucidchart offer strong collaboration features. No matter which you choose, the key to building a solid and scalable database is to map it out first—these tools make that process easier and more organized.