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ChartDB

Rivendica

ChartDB is a database schema diagramming tool for visualizing, editing, and sharing ER diagrams. Cloud or self-hosted, with schema import, collaboration, and DDL or image export.

ChartDB

Overview

ChartDB is a database schema diagramming tool for visualizing, editing, and sharing ER diagrams. The site positions it around a simple workflow: import a schema with a single query, work on the diagram in a visual editor, and export SQL DDL scripts or images when needed.

It is offered as both a cloud product and a self-hosted option, which gives teams a choice between convenience and control. The product pages also emphasize real-time collaboration, database sync, and embeddable diagrams, making it suitable for individual schema work as well as shared engineering workflows.

Features

Instant schema import

Retrieve an entire database schema with a single query, then turn it into a diagram in seconds. The product positions this as a fast import path for existing databases.

Advanced query editor and canvas tools

Edit tables, relationships, notes, and areas with a diagram editor that supports undo, redo, copy, paste, and duplication. This keeps schema work inside one visual workspace.

SQL and image export

Generate clean DDL scripts in a chosen SQL dialect, or download diagrams as images for documentation. This supports both schema changes and sharing outside the editor.

Database sync

Keep diagrams aligned with a live database through automatic sync. The sync feature is presented as a way to reduce drift between the diagram and the source database.

Real-time collaboration

Invite teammates to view and edit diagrams in real time with live cursors, synced changes, and collaborator avatars. This feature is included in the Team plan and above.

Embeddable diagrams

Create customizable, embeddable diagrams for documentation and sharing. The site also highlights live embeds for use in tools such as Notion, Miro, and Confluence.

Use cases

  • Reverse-engineering a live schema

    Turn an existing schema into an ER diagram quickly when you need a visual reference for a live database. This suits engineers who are trying to understand a system they did not design from scratch.

  • Team schema review and planning

    Co-edit diagrams during architecture discussions, schema reviews, or onboarding sessions. Live cursors and synced edits make it easier for multiple people to stay aligned while the model changes.

  • Maintaining schema documentation

    Keep documentation aligned with the database by syncing diagrams to live changes and exporting them as images or DDL scripts. This is useful when diagrams need to stay current across engineering and documentation workflows.

  • Sharing diagrams in documentation

    Embed diagrams in internal knowledge bases or collaborative tools so others can inspect the structure without leaving the document. The product highlights embeddable diagrams for this kind of sharing.

  • Choosing cloud or self-hosted deployment

    Use cloud deployment for fast browser-based access or self-hosted deployment when control over setup matters more. The product pages frame this as a choice between convenience and control.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Single-query schema import makes it easier to visualize an existing database quickly.
  • Supports both cloud and self-hosted deployment models.
  • Includes diagram editing, SQL DDL export, and image export for documentation.
  • Offers live collaboration with cursors, avatars, and synced edits.
  • Provides database sync to help keep diagrams current with live schemas.
  • Supports embeddable diagrams for sharing in external documentation tools.

Cons

  • The source pages do not spell out a full import/export matrix, so teams needing specific interoperability details may need to verify supported formats.
  • Some capabilities are plan-dependent, including real-time collaboration on Team plans and above.

FAQ

How does ChartDB fit into a schema design workflow?

ChartDB is presented as a database diagramming tool that supports live diagramming, collaboration, and schema synchronization. The source pages do not explicitly state the full setup flow, but they do show cloud and self-hosted deployment options and a workflow centered on importing a schema, editing the diagram, and exporting results.

What pricing options does ChartDB offer?

The pricing page shows a Free plan, a Pro plan for one person, a Teams plan, and a Custom plan with sales contact. The pages do not provide enough detail to confirm trial terms beyond the general free entry point and plan-specific access model.

Can multiple people edit the same diagram at once?

The collaboration page says real-time collaboration is included in the Team plan and above. It also describes shared editing with avatars, live cursors, and synced changes, with teammates invited by email or a team-wide link.

What can I export from ChartDB?

ChartDB supports export to SQL DDL scripts and image output, and the home page describes exporting DDL scripts after generating or editing diagrams. The source pages do not list every supported export or import format beyond those references.

Are there any platform or integration limits I should know about?

The source pages indicate ChartDB can work with cloud or self-hosted deployment, but they do not provide enough detail to confirm every platform limitation, supported database connector, or supported embedding destination beyond the examples shown on the site.

Quick Facts

Category
Database diagramming tool
Primary workflow
Import schema → edit diagram → export DDL or image
Deployment
Cloud and self-hosted
Collaboration
Real-time collaboration on Team plans and above
Source domain
chartdb.io
Pricing model
Free, Pro, Teams, and Custom plans