Adding tables and columns
Adding tables to the data model
A table is a representation of any abstract or concrete object of interest
to the organization and whose characteristics are described by attributes (columns).
When you create a table, Open ModelSphere automatically assigns the
default name Table. To avoid confusion as the data model becomes more complex,
it is highly recommended to name tables as early as possible after the creation. To
do so, use the graphic editing function of a table’s contents.
To create a table:
- Select the table creation tool
from the relational creation toolbar and
then click the desired location in the diagram window.
- Double-click the table’s name, highlight it, change it and press Enter.
- Create and name tables as in the following diagram.
You can create several
tables without having to
click the Table tool each
time. Simply double-click
the tool to make it a permanent
selection. Once you
have finished, double-click
the pointer tool.
You can change the table’s name and add information in the table properties window.
Right-click the table and choose Properties.
Adding columns to the table
A column describes a table’s characteristic.
A column typically holds, at most, one value. Every table must contain at least one
column. open ModelSphere offers a graphic editing function that lets you
add columns directly in the graphical representation of a table. When you create a
column, Open ModelSphere automatically assigns the default name Column.
- Right-click the table, either in the explorer or diagram window, and choose
Add Column from the menu. A second part will be added to the table.

To add columns repetitively, highlight the column name in the diagram, and press CTRL and ENTER simultaneously.
- Double-click the column name, highlight it, change it and press Enter.
- Add other columns in the same way. Once you are done, the diagram window
should resemble the following:
You can also modify or delete a column using ModelSphere’s graphic editing function.
To delete a column, right-click it and choose Delete from the pop-up menu. Or,
select the object you want to delete and click the delete tool from the Edit toolbar.