ChartDB v2

Product Introduction

1. ChartDB v2 is an open-source database visualization tool that automatically generates editable ER diagrams from existing database schemas using a single SQL query. It supports major relational databases including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite, and MariaDB without requiring direct database access. The tool enables real-time collaboration and schema migration workflows while maintaining data security.
2. The core value of ChartDB v2 lies in its ability to transform complex database structures into intuitive visual diagrams within 15 seconds, eliminating manual diagramming. It bridges the gap between database exploration and actionable design changes by providing exportable SQL scripts for migrations and compatibility with team documentation platforms.

Main Features

1. Instant schema visualization generates ER diagrams through database-specific SQL queries, requiring no credentials or direct database connections, with support for 9+ DBMS including CockroachDB and Oracle. Users can import schemas containing thousands of tables while maintaining performance through optimized rendering.
2. Real-time collaborative editing allows multiple engineers to modify diagrams simultaneously, with version control and auto-save functionality ensuring team alignment during database redesigns or migration planning. Changes sync across all users' interfaces within sub-second latency.
3. Migration-ready SQL export produces DDL scripts with AI-assisted optimization, enabling direct execution on production databases. Diagrams can also be exported as PNG/SVG for documentation or shared via embeddable links in platforms like Notion and Confluence.

Problems Solved

1. Eliminates manual ER diagram creation and maintenance by automating schema visualization, reducing hours of drag-and-drop modeling to a 15-second query execution. Engineers no longer need separate diagramming tools like DrawSQL or Lucidchart for documentation.
2. Serves database administrators and engineering teams requiring secure schema visualization, particularly in regulated industries where direct database access is restricted. The self-hosted option provides full data control for air-gapped environments.
3. Accelerates database refactoring and onboarding by providing visual context for complex schemas, with use cases including legacy system modernization, multi-team schema reviews, and audit-compliant documentation updates.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike dbdiagram.io or DBeaver ERD, ChartDB v2 operates without database credentials through schema dump analysis, combining the security of SchemaSpy with the interactive editing of DrawSQL. The hybrid architecture supports both cloud convenience and on-premise deployment.
2. Innovative single-query import system adapts to specific database dialects, automatically detecting relationships and constraints while preserving comments and custom data types. The AI diagram assistant suggests normalization improvements during editing.
3. Competitive differentiation comes from combining open-source flexibility (16.9K GitHub stars) with enterprise-grade features like team permissions and Jira integration. No other tool offers simultaneous schema visualization, collaborative editing, and production-ready DDL exports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does ChartDB modify my database? ChartDB operates in read-only mode for schema analysis and never executes write operations on source databases. All diagram edits occur in isolated sessions until users explicitly generate and review migration scripts.
2. How do I keep diagrams in sync with the database? Users manually re-execute the schema import query to update diagrams after database changes. The self-hosted version offers optional schema change listeners for PostgreSQL and MySQL to trigger auto-refreshes.
3. Do you generate DDL for migrations? Yes, ChartDB exports complete SQL DDL scripts reflecting diagram changes, including table alterations, constraint updates, and index modifications. These are validated against target database syntax rules before download.