How does database branching work with deploy previews?

When you open a pull request, Netlify creates a deploy preview with a database branch that is a copy of the production schema. You can freely modify the schema and data without affecting production.

What ORMs are supported?

Netlify Database has native support for Drizzle ORM, and you can use the `--boilerplate=drizzle` flag to set it up automatically.

Is database storage free?

Database storage space is free until July 1, 2026. After that, storage may incur costs. Compute and bandwidth consume credits.

How do I migrate from an existing database?

Netlify provides a phased migration process: first, create a baseline migration and test on a preview; then swap the code and data import. The source database remains live until the switch is complete.

What is the local development experience?

Use `netlify db init` in the CLI to set up a local database instance with the required environment variables, ensuring a best-in-class local dev workflow.

Netlify Database

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What is Netlify Database

Netlify Database is a fully managed PostgreSQL database integrated into the Netlify platform, offering automatic database branching for deploy previews, built-in migration support, and a seamless local development experience. It simplifies data-driven app development by handling provisioning, migrations, and branching automatically.

Key Features

Automatic database branching for each deploy preview

Built-in migration system that tracks schema changes in the repository

Native integration with Netlify CLI and Drizzle ORM

AI-friendly design for agent-based development workflows

Seamless local development with `netlify db init`

Use Cases

Developers building data-driven web apps on Netlify can use branching to test schema changes safely in previews.
Teams using AI agents to automate development can leverage Netlify Database's seamless agent integration.
Startups needing a fully managed Postgres with minimal ops overhead can rely on Netlify Database for auto-provisioning and migrations.
Developers migrating from legacy databases (e.g., Neon extension) to a platform-native solution.

Why do startups need this tool?

Startups need to move fast without worrying about database ops. Netlify Database eliminates manual provisioning and migration management, allowing teams to focus on building features. Its automatic branching for previews reduces errors and accelerates iteration, while the built-in migration system ensures schema consistency across environments.