What is an entity relationship diagram tool?

An ER diagram presents a graphical representation of entities and their connections. A software program that enables users to build and edit ER diagrams is known as an ER diagram tool. These tools typically provide an intuitive interface for creating and modifying elements like entities, attributes, and relationships. Some ER diagram tools also include features for generating database schemas directly from the diagrams or exporting them into formats like DBML (Database Markup Language) for further database management.

ER Diagram Maker

Effortlessly Visualize Databases and Systems with an ER Diagram Tool

Quickly create your ER diagrams online, collaborate with your team, maintain and track changes as the design evolves.

Make an ERD

Visualize and model with ease using a fast, clutter-free ER diagram maker
Create an ER diagram online in real-time, bring your team on board
Access thousands of customizable ER diagram templates and shapes

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How to make an ER Diagram?

PLAN

Design Better Database Models with ER Diagram Creator

Snapshot of Creately's ER diagram tool depicting a Customer database for an Accident Repair Center

Simple to use drag and drop tools to draw conceptual, logical, or physical data models.
ERD maker that supports multiple formats and notations, including Chen’s, Crow’s Foot, and database tables.
Purpose-designed ER diagram tools for efficient ER diagram & database designing.
Professional shape libraries to create databases, network diagrams, UML, DBML references, and more.

Snapshot of Creately's ERD tool depicting an ER diagram for a Project Funding System

COLLABORATE

Create ER Diagrams Collaboratively

Real-time cursors allow multiple participants to collaborate on an ER diagram online.
Comment with context, have discussions & follow-ups on the same canvas. Async!
Embed ER diagrams on any site or intranet or share with anyone with a workspace link.
Version history to save and revert back to each iteration of your ER diagram.

CONNECT & ORGANIZE

Create an ERD with a Shared Database Repository Effortlessly

Snapshot of Creately's Entity Relationship Diagram Tool depicting a Student Management System for a University

Embed documents & assets to centralize data around information system projects.
ERD tools with an infinite canvas to build databases, enabling effective knowledge sharing across projects.
Visualize database schema with detailed notes for each element inline.
Multiple access & role levels to manage sharing and reviewing ER diagrams.

Snapshot of Creately's ER diagram creator depicting a Laboratory Management System for a University

IDEATE & ANALYZE

ER Diagram Tools to Help You Explore Ideas Faster

Store more details on entity sets, relationships, and attributes with shape data.
Organize your data, group similar content, or build a presentation flow for clients with ER Diagram tool.
Universal text search to easily find specific nodes in complex ER diagrams.

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Make an ERD Request a Demo

An ER Diagram Maker is a specialized software designed to create Entity Relationship (ER) Diagrams, which are essential for high-level conceptual data modeling. These diagrams help systematically analyze and identify data requirements, ensuring effective database design. As the first step in planning a system’s data architecture, an ER Diagram Maker provides a logical and scalable foundation, simplifying the process of visualizing complex data relationships.

How to Make an ER Diagram Collaboratively with Creately?

Open a Creately Workspace

Open a Creately workspace for your ER diagram. Creately offers an intuitive interface for drawing ER diagrams online with use-case based ER diagram templates. You can use Creately’s collaboration features such as real-time mouse cursors and synced previews to easily track the changes other participants make in the workspace.

Enable ER Diagram Library and Share

Once you open the Creately workspace, enable the ER diagram library. You can share the workspace with other key team members to collaborate with them as you identify all the entities in the system. An entity should appear only once in a particular diagram. Create rectangles for all entities and name them properly.

Identify and Connect Relationships

Then identify relationships between entities. Connect them using a line and add a diamond in the middle describing the relationship. With Plus Create, Creately intelligently suggests the set of next shapes you need to add, cutting back the time taken to manually drag and drop them to the canvas.

Add Attributes to Entities

Add attributes for entities. Give meaningful attribute names so they can be understood easily.

Organize and Export ER Diagram

Organize the ER diagram in a logical way to increase comprehension. Once completed, you can export it in PDF, PNG, or SVG formats to embed in other sites or share it with others.

Use Version Control

Use version control and history to track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary. This can help your team keep track of the progress of the diagram and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Create ER Diagrams Instantly with These Ready-to-Use Templates

Insurance Company ER Diagram Example

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Enrollment System ER Diagram

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Total Participation Constraint ER Example

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E-R Diagram for Supplies Contract System

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Project Management System ER Diagram

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Music Records Entity Relationship Example

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Online Mobile Shop System ER Example

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e-Commerce Database

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New Hotel Reservation System ER Diagram

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College Database ER Diagram

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Database Mapping of a Fitness Application(ER Diagram Example)

Fitness Application Database ERD

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Online Book Store ER Diagram

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FAQs about ER Diagram Tool

Where can I draw an ER diagram for free?

Creately’s ER Diagram Tool lets you create, edit, and share ER diagrams for free. It offers easy-to-use features and export options in multiple formats, making professional database design accessible to everyone.

What are the symbols in an ER diagram?

ER diagrams utilize specific symbols to represent the components of a database: Entities: Represented by rectangles, entities are objects or concepts about which data is stored.

Attributes: Depicted by ellipses (ovals), attributes are properties or details of entities.
Relationships: Shown by diamonds, relationships illustrate how two entities share information in the database. Lines: Used to connect attributes to entities and entities to relationships, indicating associations.

What is the difference between a UML diagram and an ER diagram?

UML diagrams model entire software systems, including structure and behavior, while ER diagrams focus on database relationships. UML is used in software design, whereas ER diagrams are for database schema modeling.

What are the three main components of an entity relationship diagram?

The main components are entities (objects stored in the database), attributes (properties of entities), and relationships (connections between entities).

Is Creately ER diagram tool free?

Yes, Creately offers a free version of its ER diagram tool. Users can create ER diagrams online, collaborate with team members in real-time, and access a variety of customizable templates and shapes. For advanced features and additional functionalities, Creately also provides premium plans.

How do I read an ER diagram?

Identify entities (rectangles), attributes (ellipses), and relationships (diamonds). Follow the lines to understand how entities relate and their cardinalities (one-to-one, one-to-many).