Database diagrams are a valuable tool for understanding the structure of a SQL Server database. They provide a visual representation of the tables and their relationships, making it easier to comprehend the database’s architecture. However, in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) version 17, the “Database Diagram” feature was removed, causing inconvenience for many developers and administrators.

Fortunately, with the release of SSMS 18.1 and later versions, the “Database Diagrams” feature has been reintroduced. This means that if you are using SSMS 17 or 18.0, you can simply upgrade to version 18.1 or newer to regain access to this useful feature.

Let’s walk through the process of upgrading SSMS and creating a database diagram step-by-step:

Step 1: Check your SSMS version

Before proceeding, verify the version of SSMS you are currently using. To do this, go to Help > About. If your version is 17.x or 18.0, you will need to upgrade to a newer version.

Step 2: Upgrade SSMS

To upgrade SSMS, close the application and download the latest version from the official Microsoft website. At the time of writing this article, the latest version is 18.4. Once downloaded, locate the EXE file and double-click on it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions, and when prompted, choose the desired installation location. After the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Step 3: Launch SSMS 18

After restarting your computer, search for SQL Server Management Studio by typing “ssms” in the search bar. You will see both the newly installed version 18 and the older version 17. Click on the version 18 to launch it. If you no longer need the older version, you can uninstall it.

Step 4: Import settings (optional)

If you were previously using SSMS 17 and want to import your settings to the new version, you will be prompted to do so when launching SSMS 18 for the first time. Click on “Import from SSMS 17” to import your settings.

Step 5: Create a Database Diagram

In SSMS 18, click on “New Database Diagram” to open the window for creating a new diagram. You can select the tables you want to include in the diagram by clicking on “Add”. Once you have added the desired tables, you will see their structures and relationships in the diagram. Give the diagram a name and click “Save” to store it permanently. The diagram can be accessed under “Database Diagrams”.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “Database Diagram” feature was removed in SSMS version 17, causing inconvenience for users who relied on this tool. However, with the release of SSMS 18.1 and later versions, this feature has been reintroduced. By upgrading to SSMS 18.4, you can once again create database diagrams and easily visualize the structure of your SQL Server database.