At a glance
| Supported databases | PostgreSQL only |
| ER diagrams and notation | PostgreSQL ER diagrams with orthogonal or straight relationship lines; multi-scene canvases |
| Reverse engineering | Plus edition only (from 2.0.0-beta) |
| Forward engineering (DDL) | SQL export in both editions; diff and sync scripts in Plus |
| Collaboration | Git-friendly XML models; split-model format and built-in Git client in Plus |
| Deployment | Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux (64-bit) |
| Licensing | Community: GPLv3 source code, free; Plus: paid binaries, 6 or 12 months or perpetual |
pgModeler is the specialist choice for designing PostgreSQL schemas as diagrams, with model validation, SQL export and Git-friendly XML files. Since version 2.0, the free Community edition is source code you build yourself and covers design and SQL generation; installers, reverse engineering of live databases and diff and sync need a pgModeler Plus licence.
Overview
pgModeler (PostgreSQL Database Modeler) is a locally installed schema design tool built only for PostgreSQL, written in C++ with Qt by Raphael Araujo e Silva, founder of Nullptr Labs. It models PostgreSQL-specific objects, validates the model at design time with automatic fixes for many problems, and exports SQL, PNG, SVG and HTML data dictionaries. Models are stored as human-readable XML.
In May 2026 the project announced a new model for long-term funding: from 2.0.0-beta, reverse engineering, database diff and synchronisation and live database management continue only in the commercial Plus edition, while the Community edition keeps receiving fixes and PostgreSQL compatibility work. The code for those features remains available under the original licence up to the 2.0.0-alpha1 tag. Version 2.0.0 (30 October 2026) adds multi-scene canvases for large models, orthogonal relationship lines, a translatable interface and initial PostgreSQL 18 support.
Key features
- Modelling of PostgreSQL-specific objects, with initial PostgreSQL 18 support in 2.0.0
- Design-time model validation with automatic fixes
- Export to SQL, PNG, SVG and HTML data dictionaries
- Command-line interface for automation and CI/CD pipelines (both editions)
- Open XML model format; a split-model format and embedded Git client in Plus
- Reverse engineering, diff and sync with ALTER, DROP and CREATE output, and a database explorer (Plus)
- Multi-scene canvases for very large models (2.0.0)
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built around PostgreSQL objects rather than a generic SQL model
- Community core remains free and open source under GPLv3
- Model validation, SQL export and a CLI are in both editions
- Plain XML model files work well with version control
Cons
- PostgreSQL only
- The Community edition is source code only; ready-made installers require a Plus licence
- Reverse engineering of live databases and diff and sync moved to the paid Plus edition
- Plus prices are not listed openly; you get them from the quote calculator
Pricing
The Community edition is free, open source software under GPLv3, distributed as source code that you compile yourself. Pre-built binaries for Windows, macOS and Linux come with the paid pgModeler Plus edition, sold as single-user licences of 6 or 12 months, a perpetual two-seat team licence, or custom licences; prices are shown only in a quote calculator (USD or BRL). Students get 50 percent off a 6-month single-seat licence, and a 3-day Plus trial key is available. GitHub Sponsors donations do not include binaries.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
PostgreSQL teams that want a dedicated desktop modeller with validation and versionable model files, and will either build from source or buy Plus for installers and reverse engineering.
Who should look elsewhere
- Projects that span several database engines: see ER diagram tools for multi-engine modellers.
- Users who only need a diagram of an existing PostgreSQL database for free: see pgAdmin or DBeaver.
Verdict
pgModeler remains the most PostgreSQL-focused modeller, with validation, SQL export and a CLI in its open source core. The 2.0 licensing change matters: plan to compile the Community edition yourself or pay for Plus, and budget for Plus if you need to reverse-engineer or sync live databases.
Frequently asked questions
Is pgModeler free?
The Community edition is free and open source under GPLv3, but it is distributed as source code that you compile. Pre-built binaries and the professional features, such as reverse engineering and diff and sync, come with the paid pgModeler Plus edition.
Can pgModeler reverse-engineer an existing database?
Yes, in pgModeler Plus. Since 2.0.0-beta (May 2026), reverse engineering, diff and synchronisation and live database management are developed only in Plus. Their older open source code remains available up to the 2.0.0-alpha1 tag.
What is the current pgModeler version?
pgModeler 2.0.0 became the stable release on 30 October 2026, replacing the 1.2 series. It adds multi-scene canvases, orthogonal relationship lines, a translatable interface and initial PostgreSQL 18 support.
Sources
- pgModeler official site
- pgModeler download (stable 2.0.0)
- pgModeler Plus purchase options
- The future of pgModeler project (blog, May 2026)
- pgModeler source repository and releases (GitHub)
Checked November 2026.
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