--- description: Learn how to use Drizzle ORM with the Capacitor SQLite plugin to build type-safe database layers in your cross-platform mobile apps. title: How to Use Drizzle ORM with Capacitor and SQLite - Capawesome image: https://capawesome.io/docs/assets/images/social/blog/how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite.png --- [Skip to content ](#how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite) [🔐 Introducing the **Capacitor Vault** plugin — store secrets behind biometrics or a device passcode. ](/blog/announcing-the-capacitor-vault-plugin/) * [ SDKs ](/docs/sdks/) * [ Formbricks ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/formbricks/) * [ Geocoder ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/geocoder/) * [ Google Sign-In ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/google-sign-in/) * [ Grafana Faro ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/grafana-faro/) * [ libSQL ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/libsql/) * [ Live Update ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/live-update/) * [ Managed Configurations ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/managed-configurations/) * [ Media Session ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/media-session/) * [ ML Kit ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/mlkit/) * [ Navigation Bar ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/navigation-bar/) * [ NFC ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/nfc/) * [ OAuth ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/oauth/) * [ Pedometer ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/pedometer/) * [ Photo Editor ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/photo-editor/) * [ PostHog ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/posthog/) * [ Printer ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/printer/) * [ Purchases ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/purchases/) * [ RealtimeKit ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/realtimekit/) * [ Screen Orientation ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/screen-orientation/) * [ Screenshot ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/screenshot/) * [ Secure Preferences ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/secure-preferences/) * [ Speech Recognition ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/speech-recognition/) * [ Speech Synthesis ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/speech-synthesis/) * [ Share Target ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/share-target/) * [ Square Mobile Payments ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/square-mobile-payments/) * [ SQLite ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/) * [ Superwall ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/superwall/) * [ Torch ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/torch/) * [ Vault ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/vault/) * [ Wifi ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/wifi/) * [ Zip ](/docs/sdks/capacitor/zip/) * [ Cordova ](/docs/sdks/cordova/) * [ Cloud ](/docs/cloud/) * [ Integrations ](/docs/cloud/live-updates/integrations/) * Concepts * Reference * [ Troubleshooting ](/docs/cloud/live-updates/troubleshooting/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/cloud/live-updates/faq/) * [ Native Builds ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/) * [ Set Up Environments ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/environments/) * [ Overwrite Native Configurations ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/native-configurations/) * [ Auto-Increment Build Numbers ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/auto-incrementing-build-numbers/) * [ Configure the Web Build Script ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/web-build-script/) * [ Build from a Monorepo ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/monorepo/) * [ Use pnpm, Yarn, or bun ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/package-managers/) * [ Install Private npm Packages ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/npm-private-registry/) * [ Override the Java Version ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/override-java-version/) * [ Custom iOS Provisioning Profiles ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/custom-ios-provisioning-profiles/) * [ Build without Git ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/build-without-git/) * [ Access Git Behind a Firewall ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/firewall-access/) * [ Integrations ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/integrations/) * Reference * [ Troubleshooting ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/troubleshooting/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/faq/) * [ App Store Publishing ](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/) * [ Submit a Build ](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/submit-a-build/) * [ Submit Automatically After a Build ](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/submit-automatically/) * [ Troubleshooting ](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/troubleshooting/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/cloud/app-store-publishing/faq/) * [ Automations ](/docs/cloud/automations/) * [ Reference ](/docs/cloud/automations/reference/) * [ Troubleshooting ](/docs/cloud/automations/troubleshooting/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/cloud/automations/faq/) * [ Assist ](/docs/cloud/assist/) * [ CLI ](/docs/cloud/cli/) * APIs and SDKs * [ Webhooks ](/docs/cloud/webhooks/) * [ Integrations ](/docs/cloud/integrations/) * Account * [ Organization ](/docs/cloud/organizations/) * [ Two-Factor Enforcement ](/docs/cloud/organizations/two-factor-authentication/) * [ Audit Logs ](/docs/cloud/organizations/audit-logs/) * [ Billing ](/docs/cloud/organizations/billing/) * [ License Keys ](/docs/cloud/license-keys/) * [ AI ](/docs/ai/) * [ Insiders ](/docs/insiders/) * [ Billing & Plans ](/docs/insiders/billing-and-plans/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/insiders/faq/) * [ License ](https://capawesome.io/legal/eula/) * [ Support ](/docs/support/) * [ Contributing ](/docs/contributing/) * Contributing code * [ Code of Conduct ](/docs/contributing/code-of-conduct/) * [ Questions ](https://docs.github.com/en/discussions/collaborating-with-your-community-using-discussions/participating-in-a-discussion#creating-a-discussion) * [ Blog ](/blog/) * Categories * [ Relational Queries ](#relational-queries) * [ Transactions ](#transactions) * [ Migrations ](#migrations) * [ Stay Updated ](#stay-updated) * [ Conclusion ](#conclusion) * Related links # How to Use Drizzle ORM with Capacitor and SQLite[¶](#how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite "Permanent link") If you're building a Capacitor app that needs a local database, you've probably dealt with writing raw SQL strings and mapping results manually. It works, but it's error-prone and doesn't scale well. Drizzle ORM offers a better approach: a lightweight, type-safe ORM that lets you define your schema in TypeScript and write queries that feel like SQL — with full autocompletion and compile-time checks. In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Drizzle ORM with the [Capacitor SQLite plugin](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/) using the new `@capawesome/capacitor-sqlite-drizzle` adapter. For the **Capacitor SQLite plugin** itself, see the [plugin documentation](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/#api). [ ![Build and deploy your Capacitor app with Capawesome Cloud](https://capawesome.io/assets/banners/cloud-build-and-deploy-capacitor-apps.png?t=1) ](/) ## What is Drizzle ORM?[¶](#what-is-drizzle-orm "Permanent link") [Drizzle ORM](https://orm.drizzle.team/) is a TypeScript ORM designed to be lightweight, type-safe, and close to SQL. Unlike heavier ORMs that abstract SQL away entirely, Drizzle uses a query API that mirrors SQL syntax. If you know SQL, you already know most of Drizzle. Here's what makes it a good fit for Capacitor apps: * **Type safety** — Your schema is defined in TypeScript, so queries are checked at compile time. No more runtime surprises from mistyped column names. * **No code generation** — Unlike some ORMs, Drizzle doesn't require a separate code generation step. Your schema files are regular TypeScript. * **SQL-like syntax** — Queries read like SQL, which makes them easy to understand and debug. * **Built-in migrations** — Drizzle Kit can generate and manage SQL migrations from your schema changes automatically. * **Lightweight** — Drizzle has zero runtime dependencies and a small bundle size, which matters for mobile apps. ## Prerequisites[¶](#prerequisites "Permanent link") Before you begin, make sure you have a Capacitor project with the [Capacitor SQLite plugin](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/) installed. To install the plugin, please refer to the [Installation](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/#installation) section in the plugin documentation. ## Installation[¶](#installation "Permanent link") Install the Drizzle adapter along with Drizzle ORM: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-0-1)npm install @capawesome/capacitor-sqlite-drizzle drizzle-orm ` You'll also want to install Drizzle Kit as a dev dependency for schema migrations: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-1-1)npm install -D drizzle-kit ` ## Setting Up the Database[¶](#setting-up-the-database "Permanent link") To get started, open a database using the [Capacitor SQLite plugin](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/) and pass it to the `drizzle()` function: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-2-1)import { Sqlite } from '@capawesome-team/capacitor-sqlite'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-2-2)import { drizzle } from '@capawesome/capacitor-sqlite-drizzle'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-2-3) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-2-4)const { databaseId } = await Sqlite.open({ path: 'my.db' }); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-2-5)const db = drizzle(Sqlite, { databaseId }); ` The `drizzle()` function accepts the `Sqlite` plugin instance and a configuration object. The `databaseId` is the unique identifier returned by [open(...)](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/#open) and is required to route queries to the correct database. You can also pass additional Drizzle configuration options like `schema` and `logger`: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-3-1)import * as schema from './schema'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-3-2) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-3-3)const db = drizzle(Sqlite, { databaseId, schema, logger: true }); ` Passing `schema` enables Drizzle's relational query API (more on that later), and `logger: true` logs all executed SQL statements to the console — useful during development. ## Defining a Schema[¶](#defining-a-schema "Permanent link") Drizzle uses a schema-as-code approach. You define your tables as TypeScript objects, which Drizzle uses for type inference and query building. Create a `schema.ts` file in your project: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-1)import { integer, sqliteTable, text } from 'drizzle-orm/sqlite-core'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-2) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-3)export const users = sqliteTable('users', { [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-4) id: integer('id').primaryKey({ autoIncrement: true }), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-5) name: text('name').notNull(), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-6) email: text('email').notNull().unique(), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-7) createdAt: integer('created_at', { mode: 'timestamp' }) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-8) .notNull() [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-9) .$defaultFn(() => new Date()), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-10)}); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-11) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-12)export const posts = sqliteTable('posts', { [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-13) id: integer('id').primaryKey({ autoIncrement: true }), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-14) title: text('title').notNull(), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-15) content: text('content'), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-16) authorId: integer('author_id') [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-17) .notNull() [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-18) .references(() => users.id), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-4-19)}); ` A few things to note here: * `sqliteTable` defines a table with its columns and constraints. * Column types like `integer` and `text` map directly to SQLite types. * The `mode: 'timestamp'` option on `createdAt` tells Drizzle to automatically convert between JavaScript `Date` objects and integer timestamps. * `references(() => users.id)` creates a foreign key constraint linking `posts.authorId` to `users.id`. * `$defaultFn` sets a default value at the application level, not in the database. This schema definition serves as the single source of truth for both your TypeScript types and your database structure. ## Running Queries[¶](#running-queries "Permanent link") With the schema in place, you can run type-safe CRUD operations. All queries return promises and use the familiar SQL patterns. ### Insert[¶](#insert "Permanent link") `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-5-1)await db.insert(users).values({ [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-5-2) name: 'Alice', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-5-3) email: 'alice@example.com', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-5-4)}); ` ### Select[¶](#select "Permanent link") `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-1)import { eq } from 'drizzle-orm'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-2) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-3)// Select all users [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-4)const allUsers = await db.select().from(users); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-5) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-6)// Select with a filter [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-7)const user = await db [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-8) .select() [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-9) .from(users) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-6-10) .where(eq(users.email, 'alice@example.com')); ` ### Update[¶](#update "Permanent link") `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-7-1)await db [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-7-2) .update(users) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-7-3) .set({ name: 'Bob' }) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-7-4) .where(eq(users.id, 1)); ` ### Delete[¶](#delete "Permanent link") `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-8-1)await db.delete(users).where(eq(users.id, 1)); ` Every query is fully typed. The `allUsers` variable, for example, is automatically inferred as an array of objects matching the `users` table schema — no manual type annotations needed. ## Relational Queries[¶](#relational-queries "Permanent link") When you pass a `schema` to the `drizzle()` function, you unlock Drizzle's relational query API. This lets you load related data in a single query without writing manual joins: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-9-1)const usersWithPosts = await db.query.users.findMany({ [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-9-2) with: { posts: true }, [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-9-3)}); ` This returns all users along with their associated posts, based on the foreign key relationship defined in the schema. The result is fully typed and nested — each user object includes a `posts` array. You can also use `findFirst` to retrieve a single record: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-10-1)const user = await db.query.users.findFirst({ [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-10-2) where: eq(users.id, 1), [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-10-3) with: { posts: true }, [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-10-4)}); ` ## Transactions[¶](#transactions "Permanent link") For operations that need to succeed or fail together, use transactions. Drizzle sends `BEGIN`, `COMMIT`, and `ROLLBACK` statements automatically: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-1)await db.transaction(async (tx) => { [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-2) const [user] = await tx [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-3) .insert(users) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-4) .values({ name: 'Alice', email: 'alice@example.com' }) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-5) .returning(); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-6) await tx [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-7) .insert(posts) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-8) .values({ title: 'Hello World', content: '...', authorId: user.id }); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-11-9)}); ` If any statement inside the callback throws an error, the entire transaction is rolled back. This is essential for maintaining data integrity, especially when inserting related records across multiple tables. ## Migrations[¶](#migrations "Permanent link") Manually managing database schema changes with raw SQL is tedious and error-prone. Drizzle Kit solves this by generating SQL migration files from your schema changes. The adapter provides a `migrate()` function to apply these migrations at runtime. ### 1\. Configure Drizzle Kit[¶](#1-configure-drizzle-kit "Permanent link") Create a `drizzle.config.ts` file in your project root: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-1)import { defineConfig } from 'drizzle-kit'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-2) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-3)export default defineConfig({ [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-4) schema: './src/schema.ts', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-5) out: './src/drizzle', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-6) dialect: 'sqlite', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-7) driver: 'expo', [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-12-8)}); ` Note The `driver: 'expo'` setting is required. It tells Drizzle Kit to generate a bundled `migrations.js` file that works in non-Node environments like Capacitor. ### 2\. Generate Migrations[¶](#2-generate-migrations "Permanent link") Whenever you change your schema, run the following command to generate migration files: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-13-1)npx drizzle-kit generate ` This creates SQL migration files and a `migrations.js` bundle in the output directory (e.g. `./src/drizzle/`). Note The generated `migrations.js` file imports `.sql` files as strings. Depending on your bundler, you may need a plugin to handle this. For Vite-based projects, use [vite-plugin-plain-text](https://www.npmjs.com/package/vite-plugin-plain-text). For Babel-based setups, use [babel-plugin-inline-import](https://www.npmjs.com/package/babel-plugin-inline-import). ### 3\. Apply Migrations[¶](#3-apply-migrations "Permanent link") Import the generated migrations and apply them when your app starts: `[](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-1)import { Sqlite } from '@capawesome-team/capacitor-sqlite'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-2)import { drizzle, migrate } from '@capawesome/capacitor-sqlite-drizzle'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-3)import migrations from './drizzle/migrations'; [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-4) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-5)const { databaseId } = await Sqlite.open({ path: 'my.db' }); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-6)const db = drizzle(Sqlite, { databaseId }); [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-7) [](#%5F%5Fcodelineno-14-8)await migrate(Sqlite, databaseId, migrations); ` Each migration runs inside its own transaction. The adapter automatically creates a `__drizzle_migrations` table to track which migrations have already been applied, so calling `migrate()` multiple times is safe — only pending migrations are executed. ## Stay Updated[¶](#stay-updated "Permanent link") Want to stay up to date with the latest features and guides? Subscribe to the Capawesome newsletter. [Subscribe to the Capawesome Newsletter](/newsletter/) ## Conclusion[¶](#conclusion "Permanent link") With the `@capawesome/capacitor-sqlite-drizzle` adapter, you can use Drizzle ORM's type-safe queries, schema-as-code approach, and automated migrations in your Capacitor apps. The setup is straightforward: define your schema in TypeScript, generate migrations with Drizzle Kit, and run queries using a familiar SQL-like API — all without sacrificing type safety. **Resources and related readings:** * [Adapter on GitHub](https://github.com/capawesome-team/capacitor-sqlite-drivers/tree/main/packages/drizzle) * [API Reference](/docs/sdks/capacitor/sqlite/#api) * [Exploring the Capacitor SQLite API](/blog/exploring-the-capacitor-sqlite-api/) * For decorator-based ORMs, make sure to read [TypeORM](/blog/how-to-use-typeorm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite/) * For a query-builder approach check [Kysely](/blog/how-to-use-kysely-with-capacitor-and-sqlite/) Join the Capawesome [Discord](https://discord.gg/VCXxSVjefW) server for questions and subscribe to the Capawesome [newsletter](/newsletter/) to stay updated. June 10, 2026 Back to top ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "How to Use Drizzle ORM with Capacitor and SQLite", "description": "Learn how to use Drizzle ORM with the Capacitor SQLite plugin to build type-safe database layers in your cross-platform mobile apps.", "image": "https://capawesome.io/assets/banners/cloud-build-and-deploy-capacitor-apps.png", "datePublished": "2026-02-25T00:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-03-09T00:00:00+00:00", "author": [ { "@type": "Person", "name": "Robin Genz", "url": "https://github.com/robingenz" } ], "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Capawesome", "url": "https://capawesome.io", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://capawesome.io/assets/images/logo.svg" } }, "articleSection": "Capacitor", "keywords": ["Capacitor", "Guides", "Plugins"], "mainEntityOfPage": "https://capawesome.io/blog/how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite/", "url": "https://capawesome.io/blog/how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite/" } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://capawesome.io/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://capawesome.io/blog/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "How to Use Drizzle ORM with Capacitor and SQLite", "item": "https://capawesome.io/blog/how-to-use-drizzle-orm-with-capacitor-and-sqlite/" } ] } ```