Best practices for ERDs
Check out these tips for creating effective Entity-Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) with Dataedo.
Focus on readability
Large, complex ER diagrams can become overwhelming. Instead of attempting to represent an entire database in a single diagram, consider breaking it down into logical modules, such as:
- Functional areas (e.g., Sales, Customers, Orders)
- Business processes (e.g., Order Processing, Inventory Management)
- Critical relationships that require detailed understanding
Use naming conventions consistently
ER diagrams should reflect database best practices with clear and meaningful names. Ensure that table and column names are descriptive, avoiding abbreviations that could cause confusion.
Keep it up to date
As databases evolve, so should their documentation. Regularly update ER diagrams to reflect schema changes, ensuring they remain an accurate reference for developers, analysts, and business users.
Leverage dataedo features
- Descriptions – Add business context directly in the ER diagram.
- Export & sharing – Generate interactive HTML or PDF exports for easy distribution.
- Filtering & visibility – Show only the most relevant tables and relationships to keep diagrams useful.
Do you need a huge ERD?
While comprehensive diagrams might seem useful, they often become impractical. Instead, focus on diagrams that serve a specific purpose. A targeted ER diagram provides clarity and is more effective for:
- Onboarding new team members
- Explaining database structures to non-technical users
- Planning modifications and enhancements
