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How to View Entity Relationship Diagram

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The Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) helps you understand how Salesforce objects are connected.
You can explore relationships, fields, and data structure visually before exporting to Power BI.

Ways to Open ERD #

1. From the Main Menu (Global ERD) #

Open Data Relationships from the left sidebar.

This shows a global ERD with all available Salesforce objects in your organization.

2. From Data Source (Specific ERD) #

While creating or editing a data source, click Preview ERD.

This shows relationships only for the selected objects and fields in that data source.

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See How to Create Data Source for setup details.

3. From Data Sources List #

In Data Sources, open the ⋯ menu next to a data source and select Preview ERD.

How to Read the Diagram #

  • Each block represents a Salesforce object (table)
  • Lines between blocks show relationships
  • Fields include:
    • Primary keys (PK)
    • Foreign keys (FK)
    • Standard and custom fields

By default, each table shows up to 20 fields to keep the view clean.
Click “Show more” to expand additional fields.

Interactive Features #

The ERD is fully interactive and designed for exploration:

Move and Arrange #

  • Drag tables to reorganize the layout
  • Position objects for better readability

Zoom and Navigation #

Use the control panel (bottom-left corner) to:

  • Zoom in / out
  • Reset view
  • Refresh diagram

Compact View #

Enable compact view to simplify the diagram:

  • Shows only fields involved in relationships
  • Hides unrelated fields
  • Makes large schemas easier to navigate

Lock Layout #

  • Prevent accidental changes to the layout
  • Useful after arranging tables for analysis

Export Diagram #

You can download the ERD for documentation or sharing:

  • PNG
  • SVG
  • PDF

💡 Tips #

  • Use global ERD to explore the full Salesforce structure
  • Use data source ERD to validate your specific dataset
  • Switch to compact view when working with large schemas
  • Arrange tables before exporting for cleaner visuals
Updated on March 19, 2026