Toad Data Modeler was a capable, practical data modeling tool. It became a well-regarded desktop application for building entity-relationship diagrams, generating SQL DDL, and reverse-engineering database schemas across Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, and more.
In January 2021, Quest acquired erwin, Inc. — a direct competitor in the data modeling space. Since then, Quest has been investing in erwin Data Modeler as its primary modeling product.
Luna Modeler is a natural landing point for Toad Data Modeler users. The team behind it built Luna Modeler to cover the same practical workflow: visual ER diagrams, platform-specific SQL generation, reverse engineering, and ALTER scripts, in a modern desktop application that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
A familiar workflow, actively maintained
Toad Data Modeler users will find Luna Modeler's core workflow immediately recognizable. You work on a visual canvas, place tables, define columns and data types, draw relationships, and the tool generates the SQL. The conceptual model is the same: a local project file, a diagram you can navigate visually, and engineering tools that produce real, database-specific output.
What is different is that Luna Modeler is actively developed. New database support, UI improvements, and workflow refinements ship regularly. You are not inheriting a product on maintenance mode — you are switching to one with a clear roadmap.
What Luna Modeler covers
The feature set maps directly onto what Toad Data Modeler users rely on:
- Visual ER diagram creation for Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, and SQLite
- Forward engineering with platform-specific SQL DDL — each database gets its own dialect, not a generic output
- Reverse engineering from live databases — connect to an existing schema and generate a visual model automatically
- ALTER script generation for synchronizing changes between a model and a live database
- Schema conversion between database platforms
- Interactive HTML documentation reports for sharing with stakeholders
- Works fully offline — no internet connection required for any core functionality
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Perpetual license — buy once, no subscription required
Project files are stored locally as .dmm files. They work with any version control system, file share, or backup workflow your team already uses. There is no cloud account, no server dependency, and no vendor lock-in.
Cross-platform where Toad Data Modeler was Windows-only
Toad Data Modeler ran on Windows. For teams that have moved to mixed environments — developers on macOS or Linux, CI pipelines on Linux servers — this was an ongoing friction point, as workarounds had to be put into practice. Luna Modeler runs on all three platforms without workarounds. Every team member works with the same application and the same project file format, regardless of their operating system.
The honest case for making the switch
If you have used Toad Data Modeler, you already understand visual ER modeling, forward and reverse engineering, and what a local project file-based workflow looks like. Luna Modeler does not require you to learn a new paradigm — it requires you to learn a new tool that works the same way, runs on more platforms, and will be supported for years to come.
The transition is intentionally low-friction. Luna Modeler's 14-day free trial gives you enough time to bring in a real project, validate that the workflow maps, and make the decision with confidence.
Try Luna Modeler free for 14 days
Is Toad Data Modeler discontinued?
Quest has not formally announced end-of-life, but after acquiring erwin in 2021, active development has shifted away from Toad Data Modeler. If you rely on it for daily work, planning a migration now is prudent.
Will my modeling workflow change significantly when switching to Luna Modeler?
No. Luna Modeler uses the same visual ER diagram approach — canvas-based design, forward and reverse engineering, ALTER script generation. The interface is modern but the workflow is conceptually similar. Most Toad Data Modeler users find Luna Modeler immediately familiar.
Does Luna Modeler support the same databases as Toad Data Modeler?
Luna Modeler supports Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, and SQLite with full forward and reverse engineering. If your workflow depends on DB2, Ingres, or MS Access specifically, check whether Luna Modeler's supported list covers your stack before switching.
Can I use Luna Modeler without an internet connection?
Yes. All core functionality works fully offline. License activation requires a one-time internet connection. After that, no network access is needed.
Are my project files stored on Datensen's servers?
No. Project files are stored as local .dmm files on your own machine. Nothing is uploaded to cloud or any third party. Full privacy details here.
What happens to my models if I stop renewing the update subscription?
Nothing. Your license is perpetual — the software continues to work and your project files remain accessible. Update renewals are optional. You never lose access to your models.
Disclaimer: Ideamerit s.r.o. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Quest Software or Toad Data Modeler. The mention of Toad Data Modeler is for comparison and informational purposes only.
