How to Create Data Flow Diagram (DFD) Online?
Want to create Data Flow Diagram (DFD)? We will provide you with an introduction on DFD and let you know how you can create DFD with an online DFD software.
What is Data Flow Diagram?
Data flow diagram (DFD) is a diagram being used frequently in software design. It visually represents the flow of data throughout processes in a given system. DFD shows the kind of information that will be input to and output from processes as well as where the data will be stored.
[Open & Edit this DFD in Visual Paradigm Online]
Purpose of Data Flow Diagrams
Typical information system involves processing a lot information and processes. The purpose of Data Flow Diagram is to view systems as whole with its scopes and boundaries while it illustrate the movement of information between components. The focus of DFD is on the flow of data throughout the system, not process flow. DFD allows readers to easily see how the system will operate by knowing the kind and flow of information involved.
[Open & Edit this DFD in Visual Paradigm Online]
DFD Types
There are two main types of DFD: Physical and Logical.
Physical DFD: Focuses on the physical aspect of the system by showing “how” the system will be implemented
Logical DFD: Focuses on a higher level view of the system and “what” it will achieve.
Data Flow Diagram Levels
Unlike other diagrams, DFD can be drawn at different levels, based on the purpose they are drawn to serve.
Context Data Flow Diagram
Context DFD is sometimes referred to as level 0 DFD. It’s the top level diagram among all, which illustrates the entire system in its relationship to any external entities.
Data Flow Diagram Level 1
Level 1 DFD is the level under the context DFD. It illustrates the main functions within the system. Level 1 breakdown the context level by including more details. It represents how the data enters and exits the system, where it is stored and how the basic processes convert it from one form to another.
Data Flow Diagram Level 2
Level 2 DFD (or further) go into deeper details. It shows how the data flows within the main process of the system.
You should create as many levels of DFD as you need, until the desired level of detail is met.
Recommended Data Flow Diagram Software
Visual Paradigm Online is an online diagramming tool that supports a wide range of business and technical diagram types such as UML, flowchart, ArchiMate, BPMN, ERD, DFD, Org. Chart, Mind Map, Wireframe, Floor plan. Users are offered a free online workspace and allows creation of an unlimited number of diagrams and shapes.
Pros
- Support many diagram types: UML, ERD, Flowcharts, organizational charts, wireframes, Influence Diagram, Floor Plan, Network, Rack, Circuit, Piping, SWOT, Block
- Allow click to use — No prior registration and download required.
- Dashboard for data organization and visualization
- Cross platform: Runs well on modern web browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Internet Explorer 8;
- Easy to use: Create and connect shapes with drag and drop. Connectors are attached to shape border and will never separate apart (unlike many other tools!).
- Beautiful drawing: Apply different formatting options, which include shape and connectors colors (fill/gradient), 40+ connector types, background color, RTF caption, font options, shadow effect, etc
- Alignment guide helps you position shapes nicely.
- Build your own shape library to create diagrams with your own shapes.
- Start quickly with the pre-developed diagram templates. Hundreds of templates are provided.
- Print and export your drawing into document and image formats (PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG, GIF)
- Imports from Visio
- Add text, notes, external images, web links to diagram
- Google integration — Sign in with Google and Google Drive integration
Trial & Prices
- Free edition for non commercial use — No ad and allows the creation of unlimited no. of diagrams and shapes, no restriction of access period
- Upgrade to Starter / Advance Edition at $4/mo and $9/mo, for more diagram types and advanced features
How to Draw Data Flow Diagram?
- Open the Data Flow Diagram editor in Visual Paradigm Online. (No registration required.)
- From the diagram palette, select the DFD symbols involved in your design and drop them onto the canvas. Arrange and connect them with connector lines.
- When you finished, you can save the diagram (File > Save as) to our cloud repository for future access. You can also export your work into image (JPG, PNG, PDF, SVG, etc) and share it with your friends or co-workers.
