SQL Server diagramming without affecting changes to database [closed]

Question

Is there a database diagramming tool for SQL Server 2012 that does not affect the underlying database structure? I have a collection of tables that currently don't have any relationships defined. I would like to diagram the database tables to demonstrate where we should setup some relationships.

I was starting to use the diagramming tool in SSMS 2012, however from what I understand the underlying database will be changed as I add relationships and/or change table structures. I am just looking for a solution to diagram out possible changes rather than implement them.

Also, I am looking to avoid having to type in all the column names since the tables can contain a large number of columns.

Answer 1

You can right click on you DB the choose Generate Scripts

Then click Next until you have the option to choose Advanced

Click on Advanced, choose what you want to include in your scripts and Finish the process.

Then just run the script generated to create a new exact same DB where you will use the designer.

Answer 2

Visio (prior to Visio 2013) can be used to diagram database tables. Check out the Reverse Engineer option. The instructions here should help with creating the diagram. The changes you make can be saved locally without affecting the database.