Database Diagram 15 ruled column limit?

[Guest]

I am creating a database model, before we build the database. This
means that I cannot have Visio build this for me. I am using column
shapes with connectors and just setting everything up.

It has been going fine, but I have 1 issue. I searched for table and
then for column. A shape called 15 ruled column is what I found.
This works fine unless I have a table with more than 15 columns. Then
it doesn't frame my field list after that.

Any suggestions out there? I am frustrate that I can't find another
shape, change this one to work or something. I have so much of this
done, but it looks yucky to have the few tables that have more than 15
columns have field names hanging off the end of the shape and not
bordered like the rest of the shape.

Has anyone had this issue? Can anyone please help me? I am so
excited to finish this, and this one issue is stumping me.

Thanks!

 

[Steve]

If I understand what you are doing correctly, you are designing a database.
In this case, you should be using the Entity shape and adding (database)
columns in the Database Propoerties window.

The 15-ruled column shape you are using is just a text column and doesn't
really mean a database column.

HTH

 

[macrojunkie]

I think you are probably, right. Thank you for responding. When I
type entity into the shape search, I get some results and they look
like they might be ones for tables, but the ones that say table, wont
let me edit where it says table and put the name of the table. Also,
the column box I have been using is framed for every row (up to 15
rows) with looks a lot like a db diagram would. Should I search a
different way?

One other thing. I see in this search results that ther is a Parent
to category connector. I have been using a different type of
connector, but the ones I have all over my map have the text edited
with what the link is (table/field --> table field 1 - 1 / 1 - Many)
I did this all manually. Any way to switch the connector type without
losing that text that I set up in the existing connectors?

Thanks!

 

[Steve]

Rather than searching for shapes by keyword, I suggest that you create a new
drawing by selecting File -> New -> Software and Database -> Database Model
Diagram. When you do, you'll have two shape stencils titled Entity
Relationship and Object Relationship. I suggest that you use the Entity
Relationship shapes to start with.

Unfortunately, I think that you'll need to recreate your work. I don't know
of any way to convert shapes from one type to another.

Basically, you drag an Entity shape onto the page, and then use the Database
Properties window to add columns, etc.

When you have two tables (Entities) that are related, you use the
Relationship connector to join them.

HTH

I think you are probably, right. Thank you for responding. When I
type entity into the shape search, I get some results and they look
like they might be ones for tables, but the ones that say table, wont
let me edit where it says table and put the name of the table. Also,
the column box I have been using is framed for every row (up to 15
rows) with looks a lot like a db diagram would. Should I search a
different way?

One other thing. I see in this search results that ther is a Parent
to category connector. I have been using a different type of
connector, but the ones I have all over my map have the text edited
with what the link is (table/field --> table field 1 - 1 / 1 - Many)
I did this all manually. Any way to switch the connector type without
losing that text that I set up in the existing connectors?

Thanks!

 

[macrojunkie]

Thank you for providing an answer to me. I would have gone forward,
but it would have been annoying not to understand where I was going
wrong. I may use your suggestion just on the tables that are more
than 15 rows for now, and then fix the others later. The saving grace
is that I can just copy and paste the info into the entity shape once
I create it, I think.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.