How to Make an ER Diagram
Part 1: What is Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)?
In the context of database design, an entity is an object or data component. To illustrate the structure of a database, you must first define the entities and show the relationships between them. An entity-relationship diagram (ER Diagram) is used for this very purpose. It allows you to create a new database or document an existing one to manage or maintain it.
ER diagrams offer a visual representation of a database structure, making it more digestable for non-technical stakeholders. Databases can become very complicated, very fast. By having a visual representation of the database on hand, IT professionals can better analyse a database and identify problems more quickly.
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Part 2: ER Diagram Symbols
Below are pre-made and editable entity relationship symbols in EdrawMax including entity, view, parent to category, category to child, dynamic connector, line connector, strong entity, weak entity, strong relationship, weak relationship, attribute, derived attribute, constraint, and participation, etc.
Entity Relationship Symbols
Object Relationship Symbols
Chen ERD Symbols
Express-G Symbols
Martin ERD Symbols
ORM Diagram Symbols
EdrawMax: a swiss knife for all your diagramming need
- Effortlessly create over 280 types of diagrams.
- Provide various templates & symbols to match your needs.
- Drag and drop interface and easy to use.
- Customize every detail by using smart and dynamic toolkits.
- Compatible with a variety of file formats, such as MS Office, Visio, PDF, etc.
- Feel free to export, print, and share your diagrams.
Part 3: How to Make a ER Diagram
Step 1: Open EdrawMax from your computer, and navigate to [New] > [Database Modeling]. You can see all the pre-made tempaltes of ER Diagrams.
Step 2: Open and modify an ERD template selected from the gallery, or you can create a new one with ERD symbols provided by EdrawMax. The handy and powerful editing and formatting tools will also give you great help to create the diagram in minutes.
Step 3: When you have made your ERD in EdrawMax, you can save and export the drawing to graphics(JPG, PNG), PDF, SVG, Visio vsdx file format, editable MS Office file format, and HTML.
Step 4: Alternatively, you can share your ER diagram with your team via social media and sharing links. You can also publish your drawings into EdrawMax's template gallery and present it online.
Part 4: ER Diagram Examples
Example 1: Standard Entity Relationship Diagram
An Entity Relationship Diagram is a visual representation of how several entities exist in a system and their relationship with one another. A standard ER diagram shows department ids and their relationship with other service providers within the same industry.
Example 2: ER Diagram for Accounts Receivable Systems
An ER Diagram for Accounts where a complete transaction flow happens can be visually illustrated using receivable systems’ mockup. An accounts receivable system shows who owes them money and how much they owe. It also reveals the ways to improve the cash flow that will directly impact a business’ workflow.
Here shows more editable ER Diagram examples created by EdrawMax.
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| Forum Chen ERD | Faculty Information Chen ERD | Company ER Diagram |