Database Schema Diagram Tool

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On the File menu, point to New, point to Software and Database, and then click Database Model Diagram. On the Database menu, point to Import, and then click Import. Type the path and file name for the model that you want to import, or click the Browse button to locate the model file, and then click Open.

Powerful and easy database modeling tool in the browser. Can highly recommend it. Bob Dust Reynolds Community College - School of Business. I have been using #SQLDBM for my data modeling projects at Reynolds Community College for the past two semesters. This is perhaps the best #ERD tool yet and I have used many of them. A database diagram is a visual tool used to build and organize databases. It can showcase an entire database system or only some parts of it. Also known as the database schema, this tool organizes data and illustrates the relationships that develop between various objects within the system.

Applies to: SQL Server (all supported versions) Azure SQL Database Azure SQL Managed Instance Azure Synapse Analytics Parallel Data Warehouse

The Database Designer is a visual tool that allows you to design and visualize a database to which you are connected. When designing a database, you can use Database Designer to create, edit, or delete tables, columns, keys, indexes, relationships, and constraints. To visualize a database, you can create one or more diagrams illustrating some or all of the tables, columns, keys, and relationships in it.

For any database, you can create as many database diagrams as you like; each database table can appear on any number of diagrams. Thus, you can create different diagrams to visualize different portions of the database, or to accentuate different aspects of the design. For example, you can create a large diagram showing all tables and columns, and you can create a smaller diagram showing all tables without showing the columns.

Each database diagram you create is stored in the associated database.

Tables and Columns in a Database Diagram

Within a database diagram, each table can appear with three distinct features: a title bar, a row selector, and a set of property columns.

Title Bar The title bar shows the name of the table

If you have modified a table and have not yet saved it, an asterisk (*) appears at the end of the table name to indicate unsaved changes. For information about saving modified tables and diagrams, see Work with Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools)

Row Selector You can click the row selector to select a database column in the table. The row selector displays a key symbol if the column is in the table's primary key. For information about primary keys, see Working with Keys.

Property Columns The set of property columns is visible only in the certain views of your table. You can view a table in any of five different views to help you manage the size and layout of your diagram.

For more information about table views, see Customize the Amount of Information Displayed in Diagrams (Visual Database Tools).

Relationships in a Database Diagram

Within a database diagram, each relationship can appear with three distinct features: endpoints, a line style, and related tables.

Database Schema Diagram Tool Photoshop

Endpoints The endpoints of the line indicate whether the relationship is one-to-one or one-to-many. If a relationship has a key at one endpoint and a figure-eight at the other, it is a one-to-many relationship. If a relationship has a key at each endpoint, it is a one-to-one relationship.

Line Style The line itself (not its endpoints) indicates whether the Database Management System (DBMS) enforces referential integrity for the relationship when new data is added to the foreign-key table. If the line appears solid, the DBMS enforces referential integrity for the relationship when rows are added or modified in the foreign-key table. If the line appears dotted, the DBMS does not enforce referential integrity for the relationship when rows are added or modified in the foreign-key table.

Related Tables The relationship line indicates that a foreign-key relationship exists between one table and another. For a one-to-many relationship, the foreign-key table is the table near the line's figure-eight symbol. If both endpoints of the line attach to the same table, the relationship is a reflexive relationship. For more information, see Draw Reflexive Relationships (Visual Database Tools).

In this Section

See Also

Work with Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools)
Work with Tables in Database Diagram (Visual Database Tools)
Work with Diagram Layout (Visual Database Tools)

You will find several data modeling and management tools on the market including Gleek.

It’s a text-to-diagram tool that makes it easier to perform data modeling. Like other options on this list, Gleek is free and requires no signup. It can be used to create information, class, entity-relationship, or UML object diagrams by using the keyboard – no drag and drop.

Let’s get started:

What are data modeling tools?

Database Schema Diagram Tool Download

The logical structure of a database, including its relationships and constraints, is called a data model. The design of the structure decides how the data is accessed and stored.

Businesses need correct and reliable data to make decisions. Even a small error can cause the data to go ‘unreliable’ and be unsuitable for decisions. Counting on such data can result in losses.

Data modeling comes as a savior here. A data modeling tool can create a data model to store the data in a database. These tools can use diagrams to create a database so that you can get the structure that you require.

There are many free and open source data modeling tools out there. In this article, we’ll have a look at the ten best options.

Using

#1 Edraw Max’s Database Model Diagram

Edraw Max’s Database Model Diagram is among the best and quickest free and open source tools to create a Database Model Diagram.

It comes with rich, neat, and pre-made shapes that make it easy to complete jobs. The drag-and-drop feature makes the tool user-friendly. The shapes are vector-based, which makes it possible to redesign them. The modeling tool comes with a bunch of advanced and automated functions that make customization easy. This free tool has some paid packages as well for users who want more.

Edraw Max has several entity relationship shapes, view, relationship, entity, parent to category, category to child, category, dynamic connector, strong entity, line connector, strong relationship, attribute, weak relationship, etc.

#2 Visual Paradigm

Visual Paradigm comes with a drag-and-drop editor that makes it easy to build apps.

With this tool, you will be able to export the database from Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD). New users can count on the REST API for designing purposes. In case you have trouble, you can count on the brilliant wizard that provides step-by-step instructions on how to make a database.

One of the highlights of this data modeling tool is the collaboration feature that allows team members to work on a project simultaneously.

With Visual Paradigm, you will be able to build reports. Plus, unlike some other tools out there, it works on almost all operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.

#3 Draw.io

Here’s another free tool that’s perfect for new users. It’s compatible with all browsers including Firefox and Chrome, and works well on mobile devices as well.

Few free tools offer the kind of flexibility that this one does. It has no limit on sizes. Plus, the tool even lets users decide where they wish to save the model. Plus, it has an ‘offline’ mode as well.

You can pick from several readymade templates and use the drag and drop feature for quick results. It lets users create a variety of diagrams including ERD and UML.

#4 PowerDesigner

Diagram

PowerDesigner is best for complex data. Its free version comes with limitations but is quite easy to use. Some of the best features include metadata management and link-and-sync technology.

The mapping editor is pretty fast. Plus, it has the ability to perform impact analysis and manage multi-model documents. The tools support three extensions (.pdm, .cdm, and .bpm), and offers web-based reporting.

#5 SPSS Amos

You might be surprised to see IBM SPSS on this list. After all, it is best known as a powerful structural equation modeling tool designed to help during the research process by extending standard multivariate analysis methods such as regression, correlation, variance, and factor analysis.

However, very few people know that SPSS Amos doubles as a data modeling tool. Amos offers intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. Marketed as a paid tool, it’s available for free for most students who can get access to it via university.

There’s PSPP for those who want a free, open source version of the app.

#6 isee systems

This powerful tool charts, diagrams, and makes use of animations to help learners discover relationships between a variety of variables.

The drag-and-drop functionality makes it fun to use. This tool can handle sensitivity, simulation, and time series models.

While it’s a paid tool, you can get your hands on a free trial to know more about how it works.

#7 DBDesigner

The world’s most popular data modeling tool works online and can be used for free. The UI is simple, but don’t let it fool you. It’s easy to use and even allows exports of existing databases.

The tool is user-friendly and offers multiple view modes. Moreover, it has some amazing sharing tools that make teamwork a piece of cake.

#8 Lucidchart

Here’s another free data modeling tool that can be used without having to download it.

This powerful tool combines collaboration, diagramming, and data visualization to drive innovation and accelerate understanding.

While it does lack some features you will find on other options on this list, it does work well for users who want a simple data tool.

#9 SQLDBM

This design tool is only used to design SQL databases without having to write a single code.

The free version comes with limited features. You can opt for a 14-day trial to use all the features for free. Paid features include team collaboration, PNG exports, and reverse engineering.

It’s said to be suitable for students and teachers but is also used by project managers.

#10 Sonadier

Database Schema

Last on the list is Sonadier, a data modeling tool for commercial use. It features drag-and-drop functionality with a bunch of features that make management easier.

It allows team members to work together. You will be able to manage permissions so that there’s no risk of losses. Moreover, it also offers third-party integrations.

Database Schema Diagram Tool Download

Conclusion

Database schema diagram tool free

These were some of the best free and open source data modeling tools. Compare all these options and pick what fits you the best.

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