---
title: Open Database Diagrams
ms.custom: seo-lt-2019
ms.date: 01/19/2017
ms.prod: sql
ms.prod_service: sql-tools
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: markingmyname
ms.author: maghan
ms.manager: jroth
ms.reviewer: 

---
# Open Database Diagrams (Visual Database Tools)
[!INCLUDE[appliesto-ss-asdb-asdw-pdw-md](../../includes/appliesto-ss-asdb-asdw-pdw-md.md)]
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)](../../ssms/visual-db-tools/work-with-database-diagrams-visual-database-tools.md)  
[Understand Database Diagram Ownership (Visual Database Tools)](../../ssms/visual-db-tools/understand-database-diagram-ownership-visual-database-tools.md)