How To Create Erd Diagram In Sql Server

Generate Database Diagrams from Data

SmartDraw can generate a visual representation of your database automatically using data from your database. Simply take a CSV of your table definitions from your server and launch the Automatic ERD Database Extension in SmartDraw to generate a visual of your database. Learn more about automatic ERDs and database diagrams.

Once generated, you can continue to edit your database diagram using intuitive tools. Move shapes around, add new tables, delete existing ones, and so on. It's simple and intuitive.

ER database diagram

Watch the video to see how you can create an ER diagram automatically with SmartDraw.

Build an ER Diagram Manually

If you want to design a plan for a database that isn't set up yet or don't have access to the data, SmartDraw can help you create entity relationship diagrams (ERD) manually too with built-in templates and intuitive, but powerful tools. Pick any of the ER diagram templates included and customize it with your own information, drag and drop ERD symbols, and plan your design. SmartDraw's ERD diagram tool helps you keep shapes aligned and connected automatically.

ER diagram tool

Four Reasons Why SmartDraw is Perfect ER Diagram Tool

True Automation
You can automatically generate an ER diagram from data. No drawing required. Just export a CSV file from your database and SmartDraw will visualize your database structure for you. Learn more about generating ERDs from data.
Intelligent Formatting
Add or remove a shape, and SmartDraw realigns and arranges all the ERD elements so that everything looks great.
Quick-Start Templates
Dozens of professionally-designed ERD examples and other software design diagrams make you instantly productive. Simply choose the entity relationship diagram that is most similar to your project, and customize it to suit your needs.
Free Support
Have a question? Call or email us. SmartDraw experts are standing by ready to help, for free!

Entity relationship diagram templates

Effortless Collaboration

You and your team can work on the same er diagram by saving it to a shared SmartDraw folder or by using your favorite file sharing apps like Dropbox^®, Google Drive^™, Box^® or OneDrive^®. You can also share files with non SmartDraw users by simply emailing them a link.

SmartDraw collaboration

Smart Integration

You can make ERD diagrams on your computer, browser or mobile device—Windows^®, Mac^®, Android^®, iOS^®, or any other platform with an internet connection. Whether you're in the office or on the go, you'll enjoy the full set of features, symbols, and high-quality output you get only with SmartDraw.

Once you're diagram is complete, export it as a PDF or insert it into any Office^® or Google Workspace^™ application in just a few easy clicks. SmartDraw also works Atlassian's Confluence, Jira, and Trello.

SmartDraw works with the tools you use

ER Diagram Examples

The main reasons more software developers choose SmartDraw is the breadth and depth of content included. This means lots of ERD templates and other software design diagrams to help you become more productive.

You can choose an automatic template called the Automatic ERD (Database) Diagram and generate your ER diagram using data from your database or choose one of the manual ERD templates included and design your database from scratch.

Spend more time coding and less time struggling to diagram. Let SmartDraw's ERD diagram tool make it easy.

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Discover why SmartDraw is the best ER diagram tool available.