> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chartdb.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cloud vs. Self-Hosted

> Understand the differences between ChartDB Cloud and Self-Hosted options

ChartDB is an open-source tool that offers flexible deployment options to suit your workflow and security requirements. Whether you choose the convenience of ChartDB Cloud or the control of self-hosting ChartDB, you gain powerful database visualization features.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="ChartDB Cloud" icon="cloud" iconType="solid">
    Visualize databases instantly in your browser. Best for ease of use and team
    accessibility.
  </Card>

  <Card title="ChartDB Self-Hosted" icon="server" iconType="solid">
    Maintain complete control over your data and setup. Ideal for security and
    customization.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Feature Comparison

| Feature | ChartDB Cloud | ChartDB Self-Hosted |
| - | - | - |
| **Deployment** | Hosted by ChartDB ([app.chartdb.io](https://app.chartdb.io)) | Host it yourself (Docker, npm) |
| **Data Control** | Private cloud diagrams | Full control over your data and server |
| **Collaboration** | Team features (private diagrams, user sharing, versioning) | Share diagrams manually via export/import |
| **User Management** | 1 user (Free/Pro), 3-25+ users (Teams plans) | No built-in user accounts |
| **Support** | Community Discord (Free), Email support (Pro), Priority support (Teams+) | Community |
| **AI Features** | AI Assistant included in Teams plans; optional with OpenAI API key on other plans | Optional, OpenAI API key required |
| **Privacy** | Secure cloud storage | Host within your secure environment |
| **Customization** | Basic UI settings within the app | Modify source code for deep customization |
| **Automated Sync** | Programmatically sync database changes to diagrams via API (no credentials required) | N/A |
| **Embedding** | Embed interactive diagrams in documentation, websites, or applications | N/A |
| **Table Limits** | 10 tables (Free), up to 100 (Pro), up to 200 (Teams) [Pricing →](https://chartdb.io/pricing) | No table limits - visualize as many tables as you need |
| **Cost** | Free tier available; paid plans for Pro and Teams [Pricing →](https://chartdb.io/pricing) | Free (open-source), infrastructure costs for self-hosting |

<Note>
  Some features like embedding, automated sync, and team collaboration are exclusive to ChartDB Cloud. Supporting these features locally comes with a lot of additional complexity, syncing, and maintaining a consistent experience across different environments. For now, we've prioritized making the cloud version as seamless as possible so we can move fast, iterate, and offer the best experience.
</Note>

## Making the Right Choice

**Choose ChartDB Cloud if:**

* You need a quick and easy way to visualize databases.
* You prefer a managed solution without server setup.
* Team collaboration and private diagrams are important.
* You want to get started right away with minimal hassle.
* [Learn more about pricing →](https://chartdb.io/pricing)

**Choose ChartDB Self-Hosted if:**

* You need unlimited tables with no caps or restrictions.
* Data security and compliance are critical requirements.
* You require complete control over your data and infrastructure.
* Offline access is necessary.
* You need extensive customization or integration capabilities.
* Note: Cloud features like team collaboration and private diagrams are not directly available in the self-hosted version.

<Check>
  Start with ChartDB Cloud to experience its benefits immediately with team
  collaboration and private diagrams, or consider self-hosting for full control.
  [Learn more about pricing →](https://chartdb.io/pricing)
</Check>


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.