DrawDB is a free, browser-based tool that makes designing database entity-relationship diagrams (ERDs) simple, fast, and enjoyable. Whether you’re building complex database schemas or sketching a quick model for a side project, DrawDB gives you all the essentials — without asking for an account or charging a fee.
With DrawDB, you can easily:
- Create and customize database diagrams visually
- Generate ready-to-use SQL scripts instantly
- Export your work whenever you’re done
- Work fully offline, if needed
DrawDB focuses on offering a clean, intuitive experience. You get everything you need right inside your browser — just open the site, start creating, and export your work when you’re ready.
Resource
Hugging Face
Link: https://github.com/drawdb-io/drawdb
Step-by-Step Process to Install DrawDB – Free, Simple Database Schema Editor and SQL Generator Locally
For the purpose of this tutorial, we will use a CPU-powered Virtual Machine offered by NodeShift; however, you can replicate the same steps with any other cloud provider of your choice. NodeShift provides the most affordable Virtual Machines at a scale that meets GDPR, SOC2, and ISO27001 requirements.
Step 1: Sign Up and Set Up a NodeShift Cloud Account
Visit the NodeShift Platform and create an account. Once you’ve signed up, log into your account.
Follow the account setup process and provide the necessary details and information.
Step 2: Create a Compute Node (CPU Virtual Machine)
NodeShift Compute Nodes offers flexible and scalable on-demand resources like NodeShift Virtual Machines which are easily deployed and come with general-purpose, CPU-powered, or storage-optimized nodes.
- Navigate to the menu on the left side.
- Select the Compute Nodes option.
- Click the Create Compute Nodes button in the Dashboard to create your first deployment.
Step 3: Select Virtual Machine Uptime Guarantee
- Choose the Virtual Machine Uptime Guarantee option based on your needs. NodeShift offers an uptime SLA of 99.99% for high reliability.
- Click on the “Show reliability info” to review detailed SLA and reliability options.
Step 4: Select a Region
In the “Compute Nodes” tab, select a geographical region where you want to launch the Virtual Machine (e.g., the United States).
Step 5: Choose VM Configuration
- NodeShift provides two options for VM configuration:
- Manual Configuration: Adjust the CPU, RAM, and Storage to your specific requirements.
- Select the number of CPUs (1–96).
- Choose the amount of RAM (1 GB–768 GB).
- Specify the storage size (20 GB–4 TB).
- Predefined Configuration: Choose from predefined configurations optimized for General Purpose, CPU-Powered, or Storage-Optimized nodes.
- If you prefer custom specifications, manually configure the CPU, RAM, and Storage. Otherwise, select a predefined VM configuration suitable for your workload.
Step 6: Choose an Image
Next, you will need to choose an image for your Virtual Machine. We will deploy the VM on Ubuntu, but you can choose according to your preference. Other options like CentOS and Debian are also available to Install DrawDB.
Step 7: Choose the Billing Cycle & Authentication Method
- Select the billing cycle that best suits your needs. Two options are available: Hourly, ideal for short-term usage and pay-as-you-go flexibility, or Monthly, perfect for long-term projects with a consistent usage rate and potentially lower overall cost.
- Select the authentication method. There are two options: Password and SSH Key. SSH keys are a more secure option. To create them, refer to our official documentation.
Step 8: Additional Details & Complete Deployment
- The ‘Finalize Details’ section allows users to configure the final aspects of the Virtual Machine.
- After finalizing the details, click the ‘Create’ button, and your Virtual Machine will be deployed.
Step 9: Virtual Machine Successfully Deployed
You will get visual confirmation that your node is up and running.
Step 10: Connect via SSH
- Open your terminal
- Run the SSH command:
For example, if your username is root, the command would be:
ssh root@ip
- If SSH keys are set up, the terminal will authenticate using them automatically.
- If prompted for a password, enter the password associated with the username on the VM.
- You should now be connected to your VM!
Step 11: Install Docker, Docker Compose and Docker Plugin
Run the following command to install docker, docker compose and docker plugins:
apt update && apt install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release
install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | \
gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg
echo \
"deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg] \
https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | \
tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
apt update && apt install -y \
docker-ce \
docker-ce-cli \
containerd.io \
docker-buildx-plugin \
docker-compose-plugin
Then, run the following command to verify docker, docker compose installed successfully or not:
docker --version
docker compose version
Step 12: Clone the Repository
Run the following command to clone the DrawDB repository:
git clone https://github.com/drawdb-io/drawdb
cd drawdb
Step 13: Build the DrawDB Docker Container
Run the following command to build the DrawDB docker container:
docker build -t drawdb .
Step 14: Start the Server
Run the following command to start the server:
docker run -p 3000:80 drawdb
Step 15: Access the DrawDB
Open your app in the browser:
Visit: http://84.32.34.54:3000
Step 16: Play with Database
Conclusion
Setting up DrawDB on your own server or Virtual Machine is a straightforward process that unlocks a powerful, lightweight database design tool right at your fingertips. Whether you’re modeling a simple project or architecting a complex system, DrawDB makes it easy to create, visualize, and export professional-quality database diagrams — without the overhead of account signups or hidden costs.
With just a few simple steps — spinning up a VM, installing Docker, building the container, and running the service — you can have a fully functional, private DrawDB instance accessible anytime you need it. Plus, by using NodeShift or your preferred cloud provider, you ensure maximum flexibility, performance, and control over your environment.
Now that your DrawDB instance is live, you’re all set to design smarter, export faster, and build better — no friction, no limits.
