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Full Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) entry
How-to guide

Use Schema Builder to view and build your data model

Schema Builder is the fastest way to see your org as an ERD and to build on it. Here is how to open it, read the diagram, and use it to add to your model.

By Dipojjal Chakrabarti · Founder & Editor, Salesforce DictionaryLast updated Jun 16, 2026

Schema Builder is the fastest way to see your org as an ERD and to build on it. Here is how to open it, read the diagram, and use it to add to your model.

  1. Open Schema Builder

    From Setup, type Schema Builder in the Quick Find box and select it. The canvas opens showing whichever objects were last on your layout.

  2. Add the objects you want to see

    Use the Objects panel on the left to select objects, then click them onto the canvas. Drag boxes to arrange them. The platform draws the relationship lines automatically and saves the layout when you move a box.

  3. Read the relationships

    Follow the lines between boxes. Schema Builder shows lookup and master-detail relationships, the fields on each object, and which fields are required, so you can confirm cardinality and relationship type at a glance.

  4. Build directly on the canvas

    Switch to the Elements panel to drag a new object or field onto the diagram, or add a relationship field. The platform applies the change to your org, so treat it as real configuration, not a sketch.

Objects viewremember

Choose which objects appear and toggle showing or hiding relationships, field labels, and field types to reduce clutter on a busy canvas.

Elements panelremember

Drag new custom objects, fields, and lookup or master-detail relationships onto the canvas to build your model without leaving the diagram.

Auto-layout and saveremember

Schema Builder remembers where you place each object, so your arrangement persists between sessions for the objects on your view.

Gotchas
  • Schema Builder edits are live. Adding or deleting an object or field on the canvas changes your org immediately, so use a sandbox when experimenting.
  • A canvas with hundreds of objects becomes unreadable. Show only the domain you care about rather than the whole org at once.
  • Schema Builder is for in-org visualization and light building. For polished, shareable documentation, export to or generate from a third-party tool instead.

See the full Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) entry

Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) includes the definition, worked example, deep dive, related terms, and a quiz.