ER Diagram Tools: 6 of the Best Online and Offline Makers This 2024
A database is one of the essential things a company should have. It is because it is in the database where all the transactions and information of the company are put. So, what are we saying here? We need to clarify that making a database in the form of ER diagram should be intelligently handled because it is very crucial. For this reason, you should be very meticulous in searching for an ER diagram tool, and you should use the best one. That is why we have gathered nothing but the finest tools you can choose from into this article. In addition, we won't just let you know them by their appearance, but also by their features, advantages, and disadvantages, for you have a profound understanding of them.
- Part 1. 3 Best Offline ER Diagram Tools
- Part 2. 3 Best Online ER Diagram Tools
- Part 3. FAQs Regarding ER Diagram Makers
As one main writer of MindOnMap's editorial team, I always provide real and verified information in my posts. Here are what I usually do before writing:
- After selecting the topic of ER diagram tool, I always do a lot of research on Google and in forums to list the software to make ER diagrams that users care about the most.
- Then I use all the ER diagram creators mentioned in this post and spend hours or even days testing them one by one. Sometimes I need to pay for some of these ER diagram tools.
- Considering the key features and limitations of these programs, I conclude what use cases these tools are best for.
- Also, I look through users' comments on these ER diagram makers to make my review more objective.
Part 1. 3 of the Best ER Diagram Tools (Offline)
1. Software Ideas Modeler
The first stop is this amazing diagram maker, the Software Ideas Modeler. This ER diagram creator offers tons of great features that will let you design your ERD in the most appealing one for your company. Consequently, it allows users to customize the elements and symbols of the diagram as well as its visibility in the sense that they can set it publicly or privately. Not to mention the other stencils it has, such as the margins, fonts, colors, borders, images, and more. Although it is used offline, it still allows you to add pictures taken online by attaching the image's URL. Despite that, the Software Ideas Modeler is also skilled in making mind maps and charts, aside from being a great ER diagram maker.
PROS
- It comes with great templates.
- It comes with a free version.
- It’s flexible.
CONS
- All the great features are in the premium version.
- It’s a little bit pricey.
- The interface is confusing for beginners.
2. PowerPoint
Yes, you read it right; it is the PowerPoint that everyone knows can also do the job efficiently. In fact, it is one the software that makes always makes on the list of great tools for visual representations such as diagrams, mind maps, charts, and more. In addition, if you still don't know, PowePoint contains great stencils such as SmartArt, 3D models, shapes, icons, symbols, fonts, etc., which are really a great help in producing beautiful illustrations. However, you can't have this ER diagram tool for free. In fact, acquiring this program and the other Microsoft office suits will cost you dearly.
PROS
- It offers tons of ready-made templates for ERD.
- Very flexible in many tasks.
- It has almost every shape you need for your ERD.
CONS
- Not applicable on Mac.
- It is pricey.
- It is challenging to navigate.
- It’s time-consuming to use.
3. ClickCharts
Our last offline diagram maker is non-other than this ClickCharts. Yes, it's a tool mainly for charts, but believe it or not, it also shows a significant function in making diagrams. The moment you launch the ER diagram tool and start a new project, you will spot various templates for diagrams such as Venn, UML, Brainstorming, and ER. Moreover, this ER diagram maker holds all the symbols needed to make a persuasive and meaningful entity-relationship, along with the various formats it offers users to produce the output for keeping or printing purposes.
PROS
- It has a very simple interface.
- It’s easy to understand.
- It offers multiple elements of an ER diagram.
- It’s affordable.
CONS
- You will need its tech support for its home version.
- The templates were old.
- The interface is simple but looks dull.
Part 2. 3 Best Online ER Diagram Tools
1. MindOnMap
Now, going of the online tools, this MindOnMap is the greatest. Why? Well, it's an online mind mapping tool that gives users the monopoly in navigation when it comes to creating maps, diagrams, and charts. It means that MindOnMap has the most straightforward, simple, yet beautiful interface and canvas among the ER diagram creators you know. In addition, it offers excellent themes, icons, shapes, fonts, colors, and styles to make your projects exciting and compelling. What else? It allows users to import their images from their Computer devices, links online, and Drives. Oh, not to forget that you can use all of those for free!
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PROS
- Full of stencils and tools.
- It's completely free to use.
- Very easy-to-use.
- It doesn't contain Ads.
- It supports collaboration.
- It supports multiple image formats, even Word and PDF.
- It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
CONS
- It won't work without the help of the internet.
- You need to log in to your email to use it.
2. Visio
Up to our following best ER diagram online is this all-time time favorite Visio. If you want to create constructive diagrams, maps, and charts, Visio is always on point. Furthermore, it is owned by Microsoft, which extends its popularity online. However, unlike MindOnMap, Visio could only give users a one-month free trial. Otherwise, you have the option to avail of its grand version. Nevertheless, this web-based diagram maker offers beautiful templates and stencils specifically for the entity-relationship diagram and its other features that you will enjoy with your friends within your collaboration session.
PROS
- Infused with thousands of symbols and arrows.
- It offers real-time collaboration.
- Flexible in diagram making.
CONS
- Internet-dependent.
- It requires sign-up.
- Great features are only on the grand version.
3. Creately
Finally, we have this Creately as one of the most amazing online ER diagram makers. This tool will help you all the way with your task. Imagine, it will only require you to drag and drop shapes and symbols on the main canvas, where you need to arrange them accordingly. It lets you work with your friends through an online collaboration, where they can also use everything you see on your screen. If you happen to want a manual process for making a diagram, you are free to use its drawing shortcuts.
PROS
- It's full of beautiful templates.
- It's intuitive.
- It offers block shapes.
- It enables collaboration.
CONS
- It works with the internet.
- You can't use it without signing up.
- The free version has minimal features.
Part 3. FAQs Regarding ER Diagram Makers
Is the Word also an ER diagram tool?
Microsoft Word is a processing software that you could also use in making ER diagrams. This program is infused with basic stencils to help to create compelling ER diagrams.
Are arrows important in ER diagram?
Yes. Arrows are part of significant symbols of the entity diagram. Through the arrows, different kinds of entity elements are depicted with relationships.
What are the elements used in ER diagram?
The elements your entity diagram should have are the entity, action, and attribute symbols. To know more about them, click here.
Conclusion
Ther you have it, the six best online and offline ER diagram makers. Try all of them to see which one deserves your time and effort. However, if you were to ask us which one is really deserving? We will always say it is the MindOnMap because it is reliable and has incredible features. So, what are you waiting for? Try it now!
