# An open-source alternative to dbdiagram.io

> EntityModel.com is a free, MIT-licensed alternative to dbdiagram.io. It imports and exports DBML, keeps models private in your browser, and adds logical and physical models, reference data, dbt tests and design documents.

Source: https://entitymodel.com/docs/compare/dbdiagram-alternative/

[dbdiagram.io](https://dbdiagram.io) is a popular tool for drawing database diagrams by writing DBML, a small text language. EntityModel.com reads and writes DBML too, so you can move a diagram across in either direction, but it's a visual data *modeling* tool rather than a diagram-from-text tool, and it is free and open source.

*Comparison as of November 2026. Check dbdiagram.io's own site for its current plans and features.*

## At a glance

| | EntityModel.com | dbdiagram.io |
| --- | --- | --- |
| License | Open source (MIT) | Proprietary, hosted |
| Price | Free, no paid tier | Free plan with limits; paid plans for private diagrams and more |
| Where your model lives | In your browser, or files in your repo; nothing uploaded | On dbdiagram.io's servers |
| How you edit | Visual canvas and inspector (plus JSON, CLI and AI agents) | Writing DBML code beside the diagram |
| DBML | Import and export | Native |
| SQL | Import DDL; export PostgreSQL, MySQL, Snowflake, Databricks | Import and export for common databases |
| Conceptual, logical and physical models | Tabs of one model, derived from each other, with compare and migration SQL | One schema per diagram |
| Reference data with values | Yes, exported as lookup tables and `INSERT`s | Not a modeling concept |
| Documentation | PDF design document and data dictionary tables | Diagram exports (PDF, PNG, SVG) |
| dbt tests, data contracts, JSON Schema, Avro | Yes | No |
| Works offline | Yes, installable | No |

## Moving from dbdiagram.io

1. In dbdiagram.io, copy your DBML (or export it).
2. In [EntityModel.com](/), click **Import SQL or DBML** and paste it. Tables, references, notes and table groups come across; a "Reference data" group becomes reference lists.
3. Lay out, document and extend the model, then export DBML again whenever you need it.

See [SQL to ER diagram](/docs/sql-to-er-diagram/) for what the importer recognizes.

## When dbdiagram.io is the better choice

- You prefer writing a schema as code and seeing the diagram update as you type.
- You want a hosted diagram you can embed or share as a public URL, with team features managed by a vendor.

## When EntityModel.com is the better choice

- Your schemas are confidential and shouldn't sit on a third-party server, or you need an open-source license.
- You're designing, not just drawing: business names, descriptions, reference data, logical and physical versions, naming standards.
- You need outputs beyond the diagram: DDL for Snowflake or Databricks, dbt tests, data contracts, a PDF design document, or migration SQL between versions.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a free, open-source alternative to dbdiagram.io?

Yes. EntityModel.com is MIT-licensed, free, and runs in the browser without an account. It imports and exports DBML, so existing dbdiagram.io diagrams can be brought across.

### Can I convert DBML to SQL without dbdiagram.io?

Yes. Import the DBML into EntityModel.com and export SQL DDL for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Snowflake or Databricks.