I've been trying to create schema diagrams for some databases.

I've tried with two different tools:

The database diagrammer in SQL Server 2000 Enterprise manager
  Con: The diagrams are about as aesthetically pleasing as Jed Clampett's first house.
  Con: The tool is somewhat clumsy to use. Limited formatting options.
  Pro: I do like the fact that the structures of the tables are linked to the existing structures on a real-time basis.

The database diagrammer in Visio
  Pro: The diagrams are much more aesthetically pleasing.
  Pro: It is much easier to control what part of the diagram is on which page.
  Pro: It is easy to move table diagrams from one page to another.
  Pro: It is easy to change the size and orientation of a page.
  Con: Table structures need to be re-imported after any structural changes are made.
  Big Con: The lines that show links do not always remain attached to the appropriate table(s).

Does anyone have any usage hints or alternate tool suggestions?






Rand

__________________
Rand

The designer in SQL 2000 is useless, visio is only good for documenting your database design, not modifying it, or making clear print outs of the relationships. The two most popular tools in the industry are ER-Win by CA, and Er-Studio by Embarcadero. Er-Win has been around the longest but I like Er-Studio better. They both have issues and neither does everything correctly but they are so much better than the tools you listed it's like night and day.