drawDB vs Lucidchart
A database-specific tool versus a general diagramming suite.
Lucidchart is a general-purpose diagramming suite where ER diagrams are one shape library among many; drawDB is built specifically for database schema design. That difference shows up in the output. drawDB understands tables, fields, data types, keys and relationships as real database objects, so it can generate runnable SQL DDL for seven dialects and reverse-engineer a diagram from an existing script. Lucidchart's free tier is limited to 3 documents and 75 editable objects per document. drawDB's free editor is open source, unlimited and needs no account. Choose Lucidchart if you need flowcharts, org charts and mind maps in one workspace; choose drawDB if the artifact you actually need is a database schema.
drawDB vs Lucidchart at a glance
| Feature | drawDB | Lucidchart |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 (open source) | Proprietary |
| Free tier | Unlimited diagrams, no account required | 3 documents, 75 objects per document |
| Account required to start | No | Yes |
| SQL (DDL) export | 7 dialects | Not a SQL-first tool |
| SQL import / reverse engineering | Yes (paste DDL, get a diagram) | Limited |
| DBML | Import and export | Not supported |
| Self-hosting | Yes | No |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, official MCP server | Not offered |
| Paid plans from | $14 / month | $9 / month |
Figures taken from each vendor's public pricing page. Last checked 2026-09-09.
Which should you pick?
Choose Lucidchart if
- You need one workspace for flowcharts, org charts, wireframes and mind maps, not just schemas.
- Your company already licenses Lucidchart and it is the standard.
- You need enterprise administration and compliance features across a large organisation.
Choose drawDB if
- You need real SQL DDL out the other end, not a picture of a schema.
- You want to paste an existing CREATE TABLE script and get a diagram automatically.
- You want an unlimited free tier with no document or object caps.
- You want an open-source tool you can self-host.
drawDB vs Lucidchart
Yes, if your goal is specifically a database schema. drawDB models tables, fields, types, keys and relationships as database objects and generates runnable SQL DDL for seven dialects, which a general diagramming tool does not do.
Lucidchart's free plan allows 3 documents with up to 75 editable objects each. drawDB's free editor has no document or object limit and requires no account.
Yes. drawDB exports SQL DDL for Generic, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server and Oracle, and can import a DDL script to build the diagram for you.