How to export schema SQLServer in PostgreSQL

How do I export only the schema from a SQL Server database?

export schema SQLServer generates a schema-only script or BACPAC from a SQL Server database so you can migrate or back up object definitions without data.

Welcome to the Galaxy, Guardian!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Description

Example H2

Example H3

Why export only the schema from SQL Server?

Exporting just the schema lets you version-control tables, views, and procedures without moving sensitive data. It also speeds up migrations to PostgreSQL or test servers.

Which tools let me run an export?

Use the sqlpackage CLI for repeatable automation, or SSMS “Generate Scripts” for a one-off UI workflow. sqlpackage is preferred for CI/CD pipelines.

What permissions are required?

The login must have db_owner or the db_ddladmin role to read metadata for all objects in the database.

How do I export the whole schema with sqlpackage?

Run sqlpackage /Action:Export with /p:ExtractSchemaOnly=true. The command creates a .bacpac file containing object definitions only.

Can I limit the export to selected tables?

Yes. Pass /p:TableSelectionSet with a colon-separated list such as schema.[dbo].Customers:schema.[dbo].Orders. All other objects are excluded.

How do I convert the result to PostgreSQL?

Use an automated converter like SQLines or open the generated script in Galaxy’s editor and let the AI copilot suggest PostgreSQL-compatible syntax.

Best practices for reliable exports

Always set /p:CommandTimeout=0 for large schemas, keep BACPACs in VCS, and tag each export with the application build number.

When should I use SSMS instead?

Use SSMS when you need a quick visual selection of objects or when you cannot install sqlpackage on the server.

How to automate nightly schema backups?

Place the sqlpackage command in a PowerShell script and trigger it with Windows Task Scheduler or a CI runner; store the output in an artifact repository.

Why How to export schema SQLServer in PostgreSQL is important

How to export schema SQLServer in PostgreSQL Example Usage


sqlpackage /Action:Export \
          /SourceServerName:"localhost,1433" \
          /SourceDatabaseName:"ecommerce" \
          /SourceUser:"sa" \
          /SourcePassword:"StrongP@ssw0rd" \
          /TargetFile:"C:\backups\ecommerce_schema.bacpac" \
          /p:ExtractSchemaOnly=true \
          /p:TableSelectionSet:"schema.[dbo].Customers:schema.[dbo].Orders:schema.[dbo].Products:schema.[dbo].OrderItems"

How to export schema SQLServer in PostgreSQL Syntax


sqlpackage /Action:Export \
          /SourceServerName:<server>[,<port>] \
          /SourceDatabaseName:<database> \
          /SourceUser:<user> \
          /SourcePassword:<password> \
          /TargetFile:<path>\schema.bacpac \
          /p:ExtractSchemaOnly=true \
          [/p:TableSelectionSet:"schema.[dbo].Customers:schema.[dbo].Orders:schema.[dbo].Products:schema.[dbo].OrderItems"] \
          [/p:CommandTimeout=0]

Common Mistakes

Omitting /p:ExtractSchemaOnly=true. Without it, sqlpackage creates a full data-and-schema BACPAC, slowing transfers and exposing sensitive customer data. Always include the parameter when you need schema only.
Running the export under a low-privilege login. The command will silently skip objects the login cannot read, producing an incomplete script. Grant db_owner or db_ddladmin before exporting.