Developing Entity Relationship Diagrams

Entity Relationship diagrams are the powerful tool for clear and visual modeling the relationships between database entities. When developing Entity Relationship Diagrams are used a set of common block objects and lines to describe the structure of a database.

Use the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software extended with Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) solution from the Software Development area of ConceptDraw Solution Park for designing ER diagrams, which offers the predesigned commonly used Entity relationship symbols and ER objects. Thanks to them you can make the ERDs easy understandable for all your colleagues.

Sample 1. Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD), crow's foot notation

How to Build an Entity Relationship Diagram

When you need to visually represent the structure of relational database, Entity relationship diagram (ERD) is the best type of diagram for that case.

Most entity-relationship diagrams can be built with objects from Flowchart solution or ERD Solution which contains inbuilt templates. Follow these steps to create your own custom ERD diagram.

Don't be frightened if it looks complex, ConceptDraw DIAGRAM makes it easy to create an ERD, and hundreds of other diagrams, in minutes.

• Start drawing with Entity object from Crow's foot ERD object.
  Note: This object contains several levels:
  1 - object itself
  2 - lines in the object
  3 - separate cell.
• It is possible to set different setting to each level.
• To switch from level to level, click on object with separate clicks when it's selected.

  

• Add text.
• Change object's color.

  

• Copy Teachers table.
• Add new rows via drop-down menu.
  Note: Adding and removing is always performed from a bottom row.
• New added row will have same preferences as bottom one.

  

• Paste copied table as many times as you need.

  

• Filling the table.
  Note: To fill a separate cell, select it clicking with 3 separate clicks.
• Delete excess rows via drop-down menu for each table.

  

• Use M:1 (many-to-one) connector from ERD Crow’s Foot Notation library.
• Connect needed rows of tables.

  

• If you want to change connectors' type, select all connectors with held Shift button and click on Smart connector icon at ribbon.
• To change connectors' elbow position, pull the yellow control dot.

  

• Select tables from left and set the same distribution.

  

• You may block the horizontal moving for object, so figure might be moved only vertically.

  

• Use M:M (many-to-many) connector from ERD Crow’s Foot Notation library.
• Set the needed connection.
  Note: When connector's end reaches connection point, it changes its appearance.

  

• Edit connector's path manually with yellow control dots.

  

• Select all with command+A.
• Inspectors - Line - remove object lines (stroke).

  

• Export your document to one of graphic formats.

  

• Set the format and quality.

  

• Your file is ready!

  

The Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) solution from ConceptDraw Solution Park extends ConceptDraw DIAGRAM ector graphics and diagramming software with the ability to describe successfully a database using the Entity-Relationship model and easy create ERD.

Video. How to Build an Entity Relationship Diagram (2min 05sec)

Use ConceptDraw DIAGRAM enhanced with Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) solution to draw you own ER diagrams using Chen's or Crow's Foot notations.