DB-MAIN

Free#18 of 26 in Data Modeling Software

DB-MAIN: A deep, cross-platform modeling toolkit for rigorous schema design and analysis. Ranked #18 of 26 in Data Modeling Software by our editors (7.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free users doing rigorous conceptual database design.

7.4/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
7.4 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Free users doing rigorous conceptual database design
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Reverse engineering
Yes
Facts checked
24 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Covers conceptual, logical, and physical database design.
- Reverse-engineers source files and generates DDL from physical schemas.
- Includes normalization, schema transformation, and quality evaluation.
Where it doesn't
- Desktop deployment may not suit teams seeking a hosted modeling tool.
- No AI features are listed.
- Integrations are not listed.

Our verdict on DB-MAIN

DB-MAIN is a free desktop CASE tool from REVER S.A. for database application engineering, aimed at people who need to design, inspect, transform, and maintain schemas. It supports conceptual, logical, and physical database design, with ER and UML class diagram representations. Its scope reaches beyond drawing schemas: it includes schema integration, normalization, quality evaluation, mapping, and analysis, as well as code analysis such as dependency graphs and program slicing. That breadth makes it a fit for solo users and small or mid-market teams doing rigorous modeling work, rather than buyers looking primarily for a collaborative hosted service.

The engineering workflow is the clearest strength. DB-MAIN can reverse-engineer source files into schemas, including SQL and other listed sources, and generate DDL from physical schemas. The supported database-engine and source list includes Oracle, DB2, CODASYL, COBOL, XML, SQL, Access, Firebird, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. Schema transformation and integration can help when a project involves reconciling or evolving structures, while normalization and quality evaluation address design analysis. Exports include ISL, XML, DDL, SQL, and DocBook. This makes it more suitable for technically demanding schema work than for users seeking only a simple diagramming canvas.

According to the vendor's official site, DB-MAIN is free of charge and not sold, and it is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. That combination is appealing when a downloadable desktop tool is acceptable and budget matters. The trade-off is fit: desktop deployment and integrations that are not listed may make it less attractive to teams prioritizing shared cloud workflows or a documented connected ecosystem. It is also not positioned around AI features. Choose DB-MAIN for deep modeling and reverse-engineering capabilities at no software cost; consider alternatives if hosted collaboration or explicit integrations are central requirements.

Your product? Our editors can test DB-MAIN in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

DB-MAIN pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on db-main.eu

DB-MAIN fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Reverse engineering	Yes
Forward engineering	Yes
Database engines	Oracle, DB2, CODASYL, COBOL, XML, SQL, Access, Firebird, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite
Deployment	Desktop
Version history	Not verified
Export formats	ISL, XML, DDL, SQL, DocBook
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, Linux, macOS
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	db-main.eu
Facts checked	24 Sep 2026

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update