Docs

How to use ERD Studio.

This guide explains the product workflow: project setup, DBML editing, visual ERD controls, category colors, relationship views, storage, export, and sharing.

Quick Start

01

Create or import DBML

Start with an empty project, paste DBML, or import a .dbml file.

02

Arrange the canvas

Use fit, layout, line display, and saved positions to make the ERD readable.

03

Edit visually

Double-click table or column names, add columns from the table footer, or use context menus.

04

Share or export

Export images/documents or create a read-only DBML share link.

Choose Your Path

Start from the workflow that matches your situation.

I have DBML

Import the file, review the generated ERD, then decide whether to keep browser storage or save to a directory.

I need to model visually

Start in Edit mode, create tables from the canvas, add columns inline, and connect relationships.

I need feedback

Create a read-only share link or export a diagram so reviewers can inspect structure without editing source.

Task Guides

Find the workflow by the job you are trying to finish.

Start a workspace

  • Create a project
  • Name the first DBML file
  • Choose browser or directory storage
  • Import a .dbml file when you already have source

Edit DBML source

  • Open the DBML tab
  • Type tables and refs
  • Use save after meaningful changes
  • Use the preview canvas to catch structure mistakes

Edit on canvas

  • Switch to Edit mode
  • Create tables from the toolbar
  • Add columns from the table footer
  • Use Enter to continue adding columns inline

Review relationships

  • Use detailed relation view while modeling
  • Use simple relation view for review
  • Highlight internal or external relationships
  • Inspect bundled relationship counts

Share and export

  • Create read-only source share links
  • Export SVG, PNG, PDF, SQL, or Excel
  • Use examples when explaining the product to a new user

Recover and persist

  • Keep browser storage for quick work
  • Use directory storage for real files
  • Reload existing project state
  • Watch toasts for storage failures
Workflow Videos

Watch the two core editing paths.

Canvas Demo

Create tables without leaving the ERD.

Use edit mode to add tables, continue adding columns inline with Enter, then connect relationships on the same canvas.

DBML Demo

Type DBML and watch the ERD update.

Write tables and refs in the source editor while ERD Studio renders the diagram with the same table styling, category colors, and orthogonal relationship lines.

Category settings

  • Create categories
  • Assign tables
  • Choose category colors
  • Use the same color in table headers

Relationship tools

  • Create Relationship mode
  • Detailed relation view
  • Simple relation view
  • Internal and external relation highlights

Storage modes

  • Browser local storage
  • User-selected directory
  • DBML file create/read/update/delete
  • Storage failure toasts