drawDB vs MySQL Workbench
No install and seven dialects, versus a desktop app for MySQL.
MySQL Workbench is Oracle's free desktop client for MySQL, and its EER diagram editor does forward and reverse engineering well if MySQL is the only database you care about. drawDB runs in the browser with nothing to install and covers seven dialects, so the same diagram can produce PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server or Oracle DDL. Workbench is the heavier, more complete tool for administering a live MySQL server; drawDB is the faster tool for designing and sharing a schema, especially across dialects or when you cannot install software.
drawDB vs MySQL Workbench at a glance
| Feature | drawDB | MySQL Workbench |
|---|---|---|
| License | AGPL-3.0 (open source) | GPL-2.0 (Community edition) |
| Free tier | Unlimited diagrams, no account required | Free, full Community edition |
| Account required to start | No | No, but a desktop install is required |
| SQL (DDL) export | 7 dialects | MySQL only |
| SQL import / reverse engineering | Yes (paste DDL, get a diagram) | Yes, MySQL |
| DBML | Import and export | Not supported |
| Self-hosting | Yes | Desktop application |
| MCP server for AI agents | Yes, official MCP server | Not offered |
| Paid plans from | $14 / month | Free |
Figures taken from each vendor's public pricing page. Last checked 2026-09-09.
Which should you pick?
Choose MySQL Workbench if
- You work exclusively with MySQL and want one tool for design and administration.
- You need to run queries, manage users and tune a live server, not just draw a schema.
- You prefer a desktop application and are comfortable installing it.
Choose drawDB if
- You work with more than one database engine and want DDL for each from one diagram.
- You cannot or would rather not install desktop software.
- You want to share a diagram by sending a link.
- You want AI agents to read your schema through an official MCP server.
drawDB vs MySQL Workbench
Yes. drawDB runs entirely in the browser with no install and no account, and it generates SQL DDL for MySQL as well as PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle and a generic dialect.
No. MySQL Workbench is specific to MySQL. drawDB supports seven dialects, so one diagram can generate DDL for several databases.
Yes, the Community edition is free under GPL-2.0. drawDB's editor is also free, under AGPL-3.0.