> ## 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>