Copy Family

Entity Relationship (ER) diagrams have multiple database objects connected by identifying and non-identifying relationships to form families. Objects that precede a selected object in the family hierarchy are considered its Ancestors, and the objects that follow the selected object are considered Descendants.

Using the Copy Family feature, you can create new ER diagrams from existing ones using whole or part of these object families. You can also use this feature to copy a family to clipboard and paste it into other diagrams manually. Additionally, the Auto Layout function provides an automatic, streamlined layout for the object family when it is copied into a new diagram.

To create ER diagrams from existing families, follow these steps:

  1. Select the required object in the ER diagram.
  2. On the Home ribbon, click Copy Family.
    The Copy Family window appears.
  3. Select appropriate values in the fields. Refer to the following table for field descriptions.
    PropertyDescriptionAdditional Information
    AncestorsSpecifies the number of levels of ancestors in the family to be copied

    Max: Indicates that all ancestors of the selected object are copied

    Level: Specifies a custom number of levels of ancestors in the family to be copied

    None: Indicates that none of the ancestors of the selected object are copied

    DescendantsSpecifies the number of levels of descendants in the family to be copied

    Max: Indicates that all descendants of the selected object are copied

    Level: Specifies a custom number of levels of descendants in the family to be copied

    None: Indicates that none of the descendants of the selected object are copied

    Selected ObjectsDisplays the Name and Type of the objects selected to copy 
    Auto LayoutSpecifies whether an automatic layout is provided for the family in the new ER diagram  
    Copy to ClipboardSpecifies whether the selected objects are copied to the clipboard  
  4. Click OK.
    A new ER diagram is created with the selected objects in the family.

    5. If you have selected Copy to Clipboard, you can also paste the selected objects into any existing or new ER diagram.