Companies that interact with Big Data use Data Modeling tools to construct new databases and prepare IT strategies for growth and expansion. However, at times, it can be challenging for businesses to manage such large data. This is where Data Modeling comes into action.
Data Modeling helps in constructing, arranging, and managing data for smooth business operations. It allows management teams to examine different data objects and derive or build data connections with other elements.
Data Modeling Tools visually represent complex data and reduce software and database development pitfalls. They improve the flow of information, streamline Data Mapping, and enhance the database performance of your systems.
In this guide, we will discuss the basics of Data Modeling and its types. We’ll also look at some of the most popular & free Database Modeling Tools that can benefit your business in various operations like upselling, improving customer service, and maintaining high retention rates. Have a look at these free Database Modeling Tools to compare and select the one that suits you best.
Table of Contents
What is Data Modeling?
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Data Modeling is the practice of creating a visual representation of a software system and its data elements to represent the nature of data and how it flows. The central role of Data Modeling is to help organizations effectively use data and meet their business requirements.
Data Modeling uses text and symbols to illustrate the types of data, its relationships, formats, and attributes. With the help of a Data Model, Data Management and Analytics Teams can identify errors before writing the code for development plans and manage data requirements for applications.
The process of modeling data is a simple three-step plan. It begins with the collection of information from stakeholders and end-users. The second step is to define the structure of available data, and the third step is to translate this information into data structures with corresponding data associations and constraints. Data Modeling also plays a key role in Data Architecture Processes and the development of Business Intelligence Applications.
Find more information about Data Modeling techniques and applications in the following guides:
Three Types of Data Modeling
Here are the three different types of Data Models that help businesses determine what data is needed, how it should be organized, and how data associations must be established between them:
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Logical
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Companies involved in Data Warehousing often use Logical Data Models to define how the system must be organized regardless of the DBMS. The role of Logical Data Models is to develop a technical map of rules and differentiate relationships and attributes for each entity. These Data Models are generally used by Data Architects and Business Analysts.
Conceptual
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Business Stakeholders and Data Architects design Conceptual Data Models to define the business concepts and rules. This type of Data Model focuses more on defining what the database system contains and not its processing flow. Such an arrangement helps in aligning all the concerned team members on the same project and on the same data requirements.
Physical
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Database Administrators (DBA) and Developers design and use Physical Data Models for the implementation of the actual database structure. These Data Models function as the last step in the Data Modeling process and they define precisely how the system will be implemented once the company starts using the DBMS system.
10 Best & Free Database Modeling Tools
Today, a large number of Data Modeling Tools are available online for different database platforms. They provide standardized schemas and formal Data Modeling techniques to create optimal Data Models and help businesses better understand the nature of data flow.
In this free Database Modeling Tools guide, we have shortlisted some of the top free Database Modeling tools to meet your user needs and help you save time.
ER/Studio
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ER/Studio is a free Database Modeling Tool for Database Administrators to quickly identify Data Assets across multiple Database Systems, construct Data Models, and track them. It accommodates both Logical and Physical Database Designs. Also, this Data Modeling Tool works cross-platform and supports Windows, Linux, and Mac devices.
The best part about ER/Studio is that it supports all display formats (HTML, PNG, JPEG, etc.) along with scripting and automation. It also allows running analysis for new modifications at the database level.
DbSchema Free
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DbSchema Free is one of the best and free Database Modeling Tools that allows users to write and execute queries, explore data and build insightful reports. Using DbSchema Free, you can create and edit schema tables visually, define database schema directly in diagrams, and execute SQL queries with support for autocompletion.
In DbSchema, the Conceptual and Logical Database Designs are abstract and database-independent. It also enables the business to build reports, charts, and queries with different filters and grouping. However, the support for dynamic HTML page generation and report creation is only available on the DbSchema Pro version. You can sign up for a two-week free trial to avail its pro features.
Erwin Data Modeler
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Erwin Data Modeler is another great option if you are looking for a free Database Modeling Tool. It helps users create Logical, Physical, and Conceptual Data Models at a minimal cost. One can discover, visualize, design, and deploy their Data Assets easily using this tool.
Erwin Data Modeler supports both structured and unstructured data regardless of its location. Further, with the help of its simple Graphical User Interface (GUI), businesses can automatically create Data Models and designs to improve efficiency, reduce cost and minimize database errors.
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Archi
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Many Data Architects and Data Modelers recommend Archi over other free Data Modeling Tools as it can be used for analysis and visualization of the database architecture in different business sectors. Also, this is one of the most cost-effective solutions in the market with an open-source profile.
Archi Data Modeler supports ArchiMate language. Using Archi’s free Database Modeling Tool, you can get quick access to element information and alter ArchiMate’s viewpoint at any moment. It works cross-platform and allows users to build and customize canvas as per their data elements and its flow.
SQL Database Modeler
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SQL Database Modeler allows Developers to construct a SQL Database online without writing any code. It is much easier to build scripts and import them using this tool. SQL Database Modeler is compatible with MS SQL Server and MySQL.
Using its user-friendly interface, you can create and make quick changes to the tables. You and your workgroups can also collaborate on projects seamlessly. Another feature of SQL Database Modeler is it supports different view modes.
Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler
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Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler is another outstanding free Database Modeling tool that enables businesses to capture, manage, and gain insights from the data and boost productivity. It supports forward and reverse engineering and collaborative development among teams. Another feature of Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler is it works with both traditional and cloud settings.
It is a free graphical tool that can be used to create, browse and edit different data type models. It offers a full spectrum of Data Models which includes Logical, Relational, Physical, and Multi-dimensional Data Type Models.
IBM InfoSphere Data Architect
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IBM InfoSphere Data Architect offers a quick and simple Data Model development facility and allows team collaboration. This free Database Modeling Tool is best for companies that require tools for Business Intelligence & Statistics. One can simplify and accelerate Database Integration Design and align services and Data Structures using IBM InfoSphere Data Architect.
This tool also allows users to import and export custom mapping. Furthermore, it supports Physical and Logical Data Models.
MySQL Workbench
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MySQL Workbench is the perfect solution if you are looking for a free Database Modeling Tool. Most SQL Development & Server Configuration users, Database Architects, Developers, and Database Administrators trust MySQL Workbench over other Data Modeling Tools because it helps construct complicated ER models and can generate, run, and optimize SQL queries.
Moreover, the MySQL Workbench tool is compatible with all major operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac. It also supports both forward and reverse engineering features.
Lucidchart
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Lucidchart is a cloud-based free Database Modeling Tool that requires no additional need for downloading bulky software. You can create Data Models easily using this online tool. It consists of intelligent features that make it a top choice when choosing a free Database Modeling Tool. Also, its interface is easy to navigate and supports multiple information assets.
If you are looking for a tool that will help increase productivity, go for Lucidchart. You can easily style shapes and expand your canvas using this tool. Users can also add necessary context, thoughts, or feedback using the notes function in Lucidchart.
pgModeler
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pgModeler is an open-source, free Database Modeling Tool for PostgreSQL that helps in constructing Database Models. If due to any technical reason, the event fails, all your prior work will be restored. pgModeler also supports XML files, which means the user can handle the same database files in third-party software.
With the help of its simple and intuitive interface, users can quickly create and edit PostgreSQL Database models. Another feature of this tool that makes it suitable for your business is you can create your own extension for pgModeler without making any changes to the core code.
pgModeler works cross-platform including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Conclusion
In this post, you learned about Data Modeling, and its various aspects and types. Further, we discussed the different and free Database Modeling Tools that can be advantageous for your business.
Data Modeling is a practice that helps examine different Data Objects to construct a database representing the nature of data and how it flows. You can use various text and symbols to illustrate the types of data, formats, attributes, etc., using these amazing tools. Logical, Conceptual, and Physical are the three types of Data Models that determine what data is needed, and how it must be organized and helps discover the relationship between different items.
When it comes to mapping schema from your source DBMS to a target destination like Data Warehouse, Hevo Data provides you an option to automatically map Event Types and fields from your Source to the corresponding tables and columns in the Destination, thereby eliminating the need for any human intervention.
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Let us know your thoughts on the top 10 & free Database Modeling Tools in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!