How to Draw a Context Diagram in Visio, Word, and Best Online Tool
A context diagram helps you explain the system process and its relationship with the external entities. It is pretty difficult to explain them by mouth, especially when there is no illustration presented. On that note, we suggest you make a context diagram when the stakeholders want to understand the boundaries and details of a system that will be designed in a project.
This visual tool shows the flow of information between the external components and the system. In line with that, this guide post will demonstrate the procedure on how to make a context diagram in Word, Visio, and using the best online program. Without further talking, let us dive into this post.
- Part 1. Draw Context Diagram Online
- Part 2. Draw Context Diagram Using Visio
- Part 3. How to Make a Context Diagram in Word
- Part 4. FAQs About Creating Context Diagrams
Part 1. Draw Context Diagram Online
You may construct and develop your context diagram with the best web-based application, such as MindOnMap. Furthermore, the program lets you brainstorm ideas, create concept maps, project plans, etc. Every diagram starts with a single central topic when made from scratch. On the other hand, you may draw your context diagram with pre-designed themes and templates. As a result, you can instantly make a professional and comprehensive context diagram.
Customization-wise, users can format text, shape, and insert icons, links, and images to elaborate topics or points. Aside from that, you can also add a cross-link symbol using the relation feature. Besides this, the app supports keyboard shortcuts to create your context diagram quickly. Now, let us create a context diagram online using this program.
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Access MindOnMap’s website
First off, open your favorite web browser and visit the program’s website by typing its link on your browser’s address bar. Afterward, you will arrive at the tool's main page or home page. From here, you will see the Create Your Mind Map button. Tick it to start creating a context diagram.
Select a layout
After that, you will reach the dashboard window. From here, choose your desired layout for your context diagram. Then, it will bring you to the main editing panel. Alternatively, you can select from one of the recommended themes below to get started.
Edit text and customize context diagram
This time, edit the template according to your preference. Simply double-click on a particular node and key in the necessary information. You can also format the text or the shape by going to the Style menu on the right side menu.
Share the context diagram
Once you are done, you may let others see your project. Tick the Share button on the top right portion of the interface. Then, a dialog box will appear. From here, you can set a password and valid date. After that, hit the Copy Link and Password button and distribute the link to your target people.
Export the context diagram
Finally, you export your context diagram to various image and document formats. Hit the Export button and tick on your target format. That is how to draw a context diagram online using MindOnMap.
Part 2. Draw Context Diagram Using Visio
We all know how popular the Microsoft Visio app is for diagramming programs. Its capabilities are advanced for making vector graphics and diagrams, like context diagrams. The tool provides basic diagram symbols, process steps, ER diagrams, and more. However, the tool is not included in the Microsoft Office suite. You will need to purchase the program separately. Follow the steps below for a quick tutorial on how to do a context diagram in Visio.
Launch Visio on your computer and select Data Flow Model Diagram on the dashboard window. The editor panel will then launch.
Next, add the symbols you need for creating a context diagram. You can easily do that by quickly dragging and dropping the symbols from the Shapes menu on the left side of the canvas.
Afterward, arrange the shapes according to your preferences and adjust the size or fill color. Then, add text to your context diagram using the Text Box at the upper portion of the interface.
Once you are finished creating a context diagram, go to File, followed by the Export menu. Finally, select an appropriate format. That is how to make a context diagram in Visio.
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Part 3. How to Make a Context Diagram in Word
Another tool that you can utilize in making a context diagram is Microsoft Word. Aside from its character as a word processing tool, the app lets you create various illustrations and diagrams. Creating a context diagram through the tool’s SmartArt graphic function can help you possibly do that. Moreover, it offers shapes that you can use for making diagrams. This feature is helpful, especially if you are a Microsoft Word user. On the other hand, here is how to draw a context diagram in Word.
Access the Word app on your PC and open a new blank page.
Afterward, go to the Insert tab on the ribbon and select SmartArt. Choose a template that suits your desired illustration from the SmartArt Graphic window.
Then, the template will be added to the main editing panel. This time, draw a text box and type in the text you want to insert. You can also customize the template as you like from the Design tab.
Lastly, go to File > Export. After that, select your target format. That is quickly how to make a context diagram in Word.
Part 4. FAQs About Creating Context Diagrams
What do you mean by context diagram in DFD?
In DFD, you will need to create a context diagram or the very first level of the whole process. It displays a basic overview of the system, allowing you to understand it at a glance.
What are the types of DFD?
Data flow diagram comes in two distinct types. That includes physical and logical DFD or data flow diagrams.
What do you mean by context view?
When you need to determine interactions between system and environment, interactions, dependencies, and relationships, we call that action context view.
Conclusion
That is it! You have just learned to draw a context diagram using Visio and Word. Additionally, you have learned to make a context diagram online. You can pick between offline and online methods based on the introduced tools. However, if you seek to draw a context diagram online for free, you should go with MindOnMap. Otherwise, go with Visio and Word if budget is not an issue.
