---
title: "Open Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools) | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "06/13/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: ssms
ms.topic: conceptual
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "database diagrams [SQL Server], opening"
  - "opening database diagrams"
  - "diagrams [SQL Server], opening"
ms.assetid: 06d9a7d5-ef04-400c-a340-7a3e5d54f685
author: stevestein
ms.author: sstein
manager: craigg
---
# Open Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools)
  You can open database diagrams to view or edit the diagram's structure.  
  
### To open a database diagram  
  
1.  In Object Explorer, expand the **Database Diagrams** folder.  
  
2.  Double-click the name of the database diagram you want to open.  
  
     -or-  
  
     Right-click the name of the database diagram you want to open, and then choose **Design Database Diagram**.  
  
 The database diagram is opened in the Database Diagram Designer, from which you can edit the diagram.  
  
> [!NOTE]  
>  Only the owner of the diagram or a member of the db_owner role of the database can open the diagram.  
  
## See Also  
 [Work with Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools)](visual-database-tools.md)   
 [Understand Database Diagram Ownership (Visual Database Tools)](understand-database-diagram-ownership-visual-database-tools.md)