Skipper
Skipper: A capable visual ORM workspace, but its lifetime price limits broader database-design appeal. Ranked #26 of 34 in Database Design Tools by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: 14-day trial; best for ORM-focused developers needing visual models.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- Pricing14-day trial
- Best forORM-focused developers needing visual models
- Free planNo
- Reverse engineeringYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Imports ORM projects and database structures
- Generates classes, migrations, and framework-specific definitions
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Where it doesn't
- The lifetime license costs $595 one-time
- Does not export SQL
- Primarily targets ORM modeling rather than general database design
Our verdict on Skipper
Skipper is a desktop visual ORM editor for PHP and JavaScript development workflows. It supports visual entity and relationship modeling, existing ORM project imports, database structure imports, and framework-specific exports. Developers can work with SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Microsoft SQL Server, then generate classes and migrations for supported application workflows. Native versions are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for developers who want a visual model connected to application code rather than a standalone SQL design environment.
Pricing is centered on a $595 one-time Lifetime license, which includes the license and free 12-month maintenance. After that period, the Maintenance plan costs $199 per 12 months and provides access to updates and support. VIP support is listed at $240 per hour for custom application adaptation. A 14-day free trial is available, and the vendor states that a credit card is not needed. This structure suits teams that expect to keep using the tool across projects, but the upfront cost is significant for occasional modeling work.
The strongest fit is an ORM-centered workflow. Skipper supports Doctrine, Doctrine2, Laravel, MongoDB, CakePHP, Propel, Knex.js, Symfony, Zend Framework, and customized or in-house ORM systems. It also offers custom ORM templates and import/export scripts, model validation, schema comparison, shared modules across projects, and exports to XML, PDF, and PNG. These features give application developers useful control over model definitions and generated artifacts. However, Skipper does not export SQL and is primarily an ORM modeling and code-generation tool. Choose it when framework integration and visual ORM editing are central; choose a broader database design tool when SQL output is essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Skipper in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Skipper pricing
All 3 Skipper plans and prices →
Skipper fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Reverse engineering | Yes |
| Forward engineering | Yes |
| SQL export | No |
| Supported databases | SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server |
| Team collaboration | Yes |
| Version history | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Free trial | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 10 integrations: Doctrine, Doctrine2, Laravel, MongoDB, CakePHP, Propel … |
| Pricing | 14-day trial (source) |
| Website | skipper18.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Skipper integrations
Skipper lists 10 integrations on its own site.
- Doctrine
- Doctrine2
- Laravel
- MongoDB
- CakePHP
- Propel
- Knex.js
- Symfony
- Zend Framework
- Customized and in-house ORM
Alternatives to Skipper
- DbSchemaA broad cross-platform modeler for database design, migration, documentation, and review.9.4
- SqlDBMA broad modeling workspace for teams aligning schemas, warehouses, lineage, and documentation.9.2
- Hackolade StudioA broad modeling workspace for teams managing complex, multi-model data architecture.9.1
See all Skipper alternatives →
Used Skipper? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Skipper for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Skipper is listed in our Database Design Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/skipper-database-design-tool/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/skipper-database-design-tool.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update