At a glance
| Supported databases | SQL Server (to 2025), Azure SQL Database, Azure Synapse, Oracle (to 23ai), Db2, PostgreSQL (to 16), MySQL 8.0, Teradata, Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, MongoDB and others |
| ER diagrams and notation | Logical and physical models; IDEF1X or IE (James Martin, Crow's Feet, Filtered IE) |
| Reverse engineering | Yes, from existing databases |
| Forward engineering (DDL) | Yes, DDL generation |
| Collaboration | Pro: central repository with check-in/check-out and version history; Enterprise: web portal and governance integrations |
| Deployment | Windows desktop (64-bit Windows 10 or 11) |
| Licensing | Per-user subscription: Data Architect $2,687, Pro $3,693 (term not stated); Enterprise by quote |
ER/Studio Data Architect suits data architects who want a mature Windows modeller with broad platform support and a published per-user price for the individual and small-team tiers. Shared repositories and governance integrations need the Pro or Enterprise tiers, so match the tier to how many people edit the models.
Overview
ER/Studio Data Architect is the modelling application in Idera's ER/Studio family. It builds logical and physical data models, generates DDL for target databases and reverse-engineers existing databases into models. Idera sells it as Data Architect for individual modellers, Data Architect Pro, which adds a central repository with check-in and check-out and version history for teams, and Enterprise, which adds cross-team collaboration, business glossaries, a web portal and integrations with governance tools such as Microsoft Purview and Collibra.
The 21.1.x technical specifications list 64-bit Windows 11 or Windows 10, at least 4 GB of RAM and 2.5 GB of disk space. Relationships can be drawn in IDEF1X or in three IE variants (James Martin, Crow's Feet and Filtered IE). Idera's site lists release 21.1 as current and announces a 21.2 release focused on Microsoft Fabric.
Key features
- Logical and physical models, with relationship notation switchable between IDEF1X and IE variants
- Forward engineering to DDL and reverse engineering of existing databases
- Broad platform list in the 21.1.x specifications, from SQL Server, Oracle, Db2 and Teradata to Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift and MongoDB
- Central repository with check-in, check-out and version history in Data Architect Pro
- Enterprise tier with business glossaries, a web portal and integrations with Purview and Collibra
- Support for SQL Server 2025 and Db2 LUW 12 and Db2 z/OS 13 in release 21.1
Pros and cons
Pros
- Published per-user prices for the Data Architect and Pro tiers
- Wide list of supported database platforms, including cloud data platforms
- Choice of IDEF1X or IE notation per model
- Clear upgrade path from single-user modelling to a shared repository and governance
Cons
- Windows only
- Team repository features need Data Architect Pro, and governance features need the quote-based Enterprise tier
- The pricing page does not state the subscription term for the listed prices
Pricing
Idera's ER/Studio pricing page lists Data Architect at $2,687 and Data Architect Pro at $3,693 per user as a total subscription price, each with a workstation licence; the page does not state the subscription term, and taxes may be added at checkout. Enterprise is quote-only, multi-year discounts are available through sales, and a free trial is offered.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
Data architects on Windows who want an established enterprise modeller with broad platform support and a path to shared repositories and governance.
Who should look elsewhere
- Mac or Linux users, or teams who want browser-based modelling: see SqlDBM or our ER diagram tools guide.
Verdict
ER/Studio Data Architect is a capable, long-standing Windows modeller with broad platform coverage and, unusually for this class of tool, published prices for its lower tiers. It is a sound choice for architecture teams on Windows; collaborative and governance work costs more through the Pro and Enterprise tiers.
Frequently asked questions
Who makes ER/Studio?
ER/Studio is an Idera, Inc. product. Its documentation is also published on the Embarcadero docwiki, Embarcadero being part of Idera.
How much does ER/Studio Data Architect cost?
Idera's pricing page lists Data Architect at $2,687 and Data Architect Pro at $3,693 per user as a total subscription price. Enterprise pricing is by quote.
Does ER/Studio run on macOS?
No. The 21.1.x technical specifications list 64-bit Windows 11 and Windows 10 only.
Sources
- ER/Studio (Idera)
- ER/Studio pricing
- ER/Studio Data Architect 21.1.x technical specifications
- ER/Studio Data Architect IDEF1X notation (documentation)
Checked November 2026.
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