A JDBC driver is a Java library file (.jar) that enables Java applications — including DbSchema — to communicate with a database over a standard API. The driver translates generic JDBC calls into the network protocol understood by MSSql, so you never have to write low-level socket code. Drivers are typically distributed by the database vendor or as open-source projects.
Every JDBC driver identifies the target database through a connection URL. The URL encodes the hostname, port, database name, and any driver-specific parameters as a single string. The exact syntax varies per driver — the details for MSSql are listed in the section below.
Microsoft SQL Server is a leading enterprise RDBMS available both on-premises and as Azure SQL Database in the cloud. It supports T-SQL, CLR integration, Always On availability groups, and deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.
DbSchema can connect to Azure Cloud database! Just connect using host 'servername.database.windows.net', port 1433 and configured user and password.
We support all versions of SqlServer including SqlServer 2014, under the name 'SqlServer'. For SqlServer 2000-2005 we have created a different entry in DbSchema because of compatibility problems with the versions after.
The driver archive is a zip file. Extract it and load the .jar files using DbSchema's Driver Manager.
In the SQLServer Configuration Manager go to Protocols and enable TCP/IP
Click on the protocols for SqlExpress, right-click on the TCP/IP and choose Properties.
Go to the IP Addresses tab, scroll to the bottom and
you'll find the option IP All enter the desired port by default it should be 1433. 
To be able to connect to the database using the 'sa' user or other database user, the mixed authentication mode should be enabled.
Take this steps to enable mixed mode authentication:
First, login to your server. Click on Start > Programs > Microsoft SQL Server Select "SQL Server Management Studio Express" / "SQL Server Management Studio", depending on your version of SQL Server.
Right click the server name and select "Properties". Click "Security".
A dialog will open. Under "Server authentication" select "SQL Server and Windows Authentication Mode".
Right click the server name and select "Restart". Wait a few moments for the service to restart before proceeding.
To review the current configured authentication method, from the previous dialog 'Server Properties'
choose the 'View Connection Properties' in the bottom. In the Properties Dialog the configured authentication will
show up.
DbSchema supports SQL Server schemas, including linked server objects and computed columns. The Git integration lets teams version their SQL Server schema alongside application code, making rollbacks and branch-based deployments reliable.
Have connection issues? Contact the DbSchema team for help.
Once the JDBC driver is configured, DbSchema connects to your MSSql database and gives you a full graphical workbench — no command-line required. Available as a free Community Edition and a full-featured PRO Edition. No registration needed to get started.
Reverse-engineer your MSSql schema into a drag-and-drop ER diagram. Arrange tables visually, add new columns, define foreign keys, and let DbSchema generate the DDL — all without writing SQL by hand.
Compose MSSql queries by clicking on tables and columns — no SQL knowledge required. Add joins, filters, groupings, and aggregations through a point-and-click interface, then copy the generated SQL or run it directly against the live database.
Browse MSSql table data and follow foreign key relationships across tables in a single view. Edit cells inline, filter rows, and paginate through large datasets — all without leaving the explorer.
Compare your MSSql schema across development, staging, and production environments. DbSchema generates the exact ALTER statements needed to close the gap and lets you review every change before executing — reducing the risk of unintended schema drift.
Write and execute MSSql queries in the integrated SQL editor with schema-aware autocomplete, syntax highlighting, and instant result display. Run scripts, inspect execution plans, and export results to CSV or JSON from a single interface.
Generate a static HTML site documenting every table, column, type, index, and relationship in your MSSql schema. Share it with your team or embed it in your project wiki — no extra tooling required.
For the full feature list and edition comparison, visit the DbSchema PRO Edition page.