On-Diagram Editing Functions

As you design a model, the names of objects such as entities, tables, views, attributes, columns, relationships, and annotations may change. New objects may be added or deleted. Instead of opening a dialog box each time you want to change a name or add or delete an object, you can edit objects directly on the diagram window or in the Model Explorer.

When you finish editing an object, press Shift+Enter or click outside the object to save your changes. The change is immediately applied throughout the diagram window just as it does when you change an object's name in a dialog box.

You can also delete an attribute using the on-diagram editing method. To delete an attribute, erase its name in the edit box and press Shift+Enter or click outside the object.

When you edit an entity or attribute name, you can change other objects in the same entity. For example, if you change the name of the entity, you also may want to change the name of one or more attributes in the same entity. To continue editing the next object in an entity, press the Tab key or the down arrow key.

You can copy or move a selected object using on-diagram editing. To copy an object and drag it to another location, press CTRL+ALT+LeftClick, then drag the object to the new location. To move a selected object to another entity or table, press SHIFT+ALT+LeftClick, then drag the object to the new location.

Note: You cannot delete a foreign key attribute using on-diagram editing. If you change the name of a foreign key using on-diagram editing, the new name is treated as a rolename.

More information:

Summary of On-Diagram Editing

Use the Go To Editor