ChartDB: Simple Database Visualization Tool for Developers
Ever felt confused when trying to understand your own database structure or someone else’s? Too many tables, unclear relationships, and outdated documentation often slow down development. ChartDB comes as a simple and effective solution to visualize database structures in a clean and easy-to-read diagram.
What Is ChartDB?
ChartDB is a free and open-source tool designed to generate database diagrams automatically. By running a single query, you can instantly see a visual representation of your database schema without manually drawing diagrams.
ChartDB supports many popular databases, including:
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- SQL Server
- MariaDB
- SQLite
- CockroachDB
- ClickHouse
One of the best parts is that ChartDB is completely free, open-source, and does not require user accounts or data collection.
How ChartDB Works
flowchart TD
A[Database Schema Query] --> B[ChartDB Engine]
B --> C[Diagram Generation]
C --> D[Visual Database Structure]
The tool reads your database schema, processes relationships, and generates a diagram that can be explored and edited through the user interface.
Installing ChartDB
Using npm
If you prefer running ChartDB locally with Node.js, you can install it using npm:
git clone https://github.com/chartdb/chartdb.git
cd chartdb
npm install
npm run dev
After that, open the following URL in your browser:
http://localhost:5173
Using Docker
For a simpler setup, ChartDB can be run using Docker without worrying about dependencies:
docker run -p 8080:80 ghcr.io/chartdb/chartdb:latest
Then access it via:
http://localhost:8080
Building for Production
If you want to deploy ChartDB in a production environment, run:
npm install
npm run build
Key Features of ChartDB
- Database Visualization – Instantly view tables and relationships in a clean diagram
- MySQL Export – Export database schema to MySQL format
- Live Editing – Modify tables and relationships directly from the UI
- Privacy First – No login required and no data tracking
- Fully Open-Source – Transparent and community-driven
When Should You Use ChartDB?
ChartDB is especially useful in the following scenarios:
- Creating clean and readable database documentation
- Discussing database structure with team members
- Helping new developers understand the system faster
- Planning database design before implementation
- Keeping a visual backup of database structures
Conclusion
ChartDB is a must-have tool for developers, backend engineers, and data engineers who frequently work with databases. With a minimal setup and no cost involved, it provides a fast and effective way to visualize database schemas directly from your local environment.
No complex configuration. No subscription. Just install and run.
Try it now on the official repository: github.com/chartdb/chartdb
Have you tried ChartDB already? Share your experience in the comments section.