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#database#tutorial#tools

dbdiagram.io vs dbdiagramr vs DrawSQL: Honest Comparison

The real differences between dbdiagram.io, dbdiagramr, and DrawSQL -- pricing, features, Supabase integration, and which one fits your workflow.

The short version

dbdiagram.io is the original -- great for writing schemas in code (DBML), but no live database connection. DrawSQL is a paid desktop GUI with good auto-generation. dbdiagramr is free, runs in the browser, connects directly to Supabase/Neon/Railway, and generates diagrams from your live database in seconds.

Feature comparison

Featuredbdiagram.iodbdiagramrDrawSQL
PricingFree (1 diagram), $9/moFree (unlimited)$8/mo individual
Live database connectionNoYes (Supabase, Neon, Railway)Yes (MySQL, Postgres)
DBML supportYes (native)NoNo
Auto-generate from DBNoYesYes (desktop)
Supabase integrationNoYesNo
Browser-basedYesYesNo (desktop)
AI context (llms.txt)NoYesNo

Which one should you use?

  • Diagram an existing Supabase/Neon database: dbdiagramr
  • Design a schema from scratch in code: dbdiagram.io
  • Desktop GUI with export options: DrawSQL
  • Free, unlimited diagrams: dbdiagramr
  • Team collaboration: dbdiagram.io or DrawSQL
  • AI context for your schema: dbdiagramr

FAQ

Can I import a dbdiagram.io diagram into dbdiagramr?
Not directly. Deploy your DBML schema to a database first, then connect dbdiagramr to it.

Does dbdiagramr support MySQL?
Not yet. PostgreSQL only. MySQL support is planned.

Is DrawSQL worth the money?
If you need a desktop GUI with exports and team collaboration, yes. If you just need to see your schema, dbdiagramr does it for free.

Visualize your own database

Paste your PostgreSQL connection string and get an interactive ER diagram in under 10 seconds. No signup required.