At a glance
| Supported databases | SQL Server and Azure SQL, Oracle, Db2 (LUW, z/OS, for i), PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, Teradata, Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, Azure Synapse, MongoDB, Cassandra, Couchbase, Neo4j and more |
| ER diagrams and notation | Logical, physical and (since 15.2) conceptual models |
| Reverse engineering | Yes, from databases into models |
| Forward engineering (DDL) | Yes, DDL generation per target; AI-assisted DDL validation in 15.2 |
| Collaboration | Workgroup Edition: shared mart with concurrent access, versioning and security; Navigator Edition for read-only users |
| Deployment | Desktop on Windows 10/11 and macOS; Mart Portal on Windows |
| Licensing | Commercial; Standard, Workgroup, Navigator and Lite editions; no published list prices found |
erwin Data Modeler is a fit for data architecture teams that maintain many models across many database platforms and need versioned, multi-user model management. It is a desktop product with quote-based pricing and more process than a single application team usually needs; start with the trial edition and the supported target list for your platforms.
Overview
erwin Data Modeler (erwin DM) is a long-established data modelling tool, owned by Quest Software, which announced its acquisition of erwin, Inc. in January 2021. It is used to build logical and physical data models, generate DDL for a target database, and reverse-engineer existing databases into models. Quest's documentation lists editions called Standard (all modelling features, no workgroup features), Workgroup (adds a shared model mart), Navigator (read-only viewing and reporting) and Lite; the Academic Edition has been discontinued.
The release 15.0 system requirements list 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 (with optional Windows Server 2016 to 2025) and macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura and Sonoma, noting that macOS Sequoia is not certified. The 15.2 release added conceptual modelling, Neo4j edge mapping, a REST API report with access tokens, and AI-assisted DDL script validation.
Key features
- Logical and physical modelling, with conceptual modelling added in release 15.2
- Forward engineering to DDL and reverse engineering of existing databases for a long list of targets
- Target support that spans relational engines (SQL Server, Oracle, Db2, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Teradata), cloud platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Redshift, Azure Synapse) and NoSQL (MongoDB, Cassandra, Couchbase, Neo4j)
- Workgroup Edition mart on SQL Server, Oracle or PostgreSQL with concurrent access, version history, difference reports and rollback
- Web-based Mart Portal for administering the mart, libraries and security profiles
- Navigator Edition for read-only model viewing and HTML or PDF reports
- Dimensional modelling and data movement features for warehouse design
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very broad list of supported target databases, including NoSQL and cloud platforms
- Mature multi-user model management with versioning and difference reports
- Read-only Navigator Edition for people who only need to view models
- Runs on macOS as well as Windows in current releases
Cons
- No published list prices; expect a sales process
- Team features need the Workgroup Edition and a mart database plus Mart Portal on Windows
- macOS Sequoia is not certified in the 15.0 system requirements
Pricing
erwin Data Modeler is sold by Quest in Standard, Workgroup and Navigator editions, plus a Lite edition. We could not find published list prices on Quest's official pages; purchases go through Quest sales, and a Standard Trial Edition is available for evaluation.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
Enterprise data architecture teams that manage many models across several database platforms and need a shared, versioned model repository.
Who should look elsewhere
- Developers who want a quick schema sketch for one application: a browser tool such as dbdiagram.io or the options in our ER diagram tools guide fit better.
Verdict
erwin Data Modeler remains one of the broadest enterprise modelling tools, with forward and reverse engineering across relational, cloud and NoSQL targets and a mature mart for team work. It suits organisations that treat data models as governed assets; smaller teams will likely find it heavier and costlier than they need.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns erwin Data Modeler?
Quest Software, which announced its acquisition of erwin, Inc. in January 2021. Documentation and downloads are on Quest's support site and the erwin bookshelf.
Does erwin Data Modeler run on a Mac?
Yes. The release 15.0 system requirements list macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura and Sonoma alongside Windows 10 and 11, and state that macOS Sequoia is not certified. The Mart Portal must be installed on Windows.
What is the difference between the Standard and Workgroup editions?
Standard includes the modelling tools without workgroup features. Workgroup adds a central mart on SQL Server, Oracle or PostgreSQL with concurrent access, version management and security, administered through the Mart Portal.
Sources
- erwin DM editions (release 15.0 documentation)
- erwin DM system requirements (release 15.0)
- erwin DM database support (release 15.0)
- erwin DM 15.2 feature tour
- Quest acquires erwin, Inc. (press release)
- erwin DM Workgroup Edition (documentation)
Checked November 2026.
How we research reviews and what star ratings mean: our editorial method.