How to Draw an Active Directory Diagram in Visio

Edraw Content Team

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Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft database and set of services connecting network resources with users to get their work done. Thus, an active directory diagram is a visual representation of such networks and how they work. Microsoft offers a handy tool for you to create an active directory Visio diagram with Microsoft Visio.

Visio is a versatile drawing tool that helps you create different types of technical diagrams. It includes professional templates for diagramming active directory services structures like Microsoft Active Directory. So, if you want to make an active directory diagram, visualize the AD infrastructure with the help of Visio. This article includes detailed guides on creating active directory diagrams in Visio and EdrawMax. Please continue reading to learn more about EdrawMax and how it is better than Visio!

Create an active directory Visio diagram cover

1. How to Draw an Active Directory Diagram in Visio

Follow these simple steps to make an active directory Visio diagram using a free template.

Open Visio and Select a Template:

Install Microsoft Visio on your computer and click on the icon to launch the app. Templates make it quicker and easier to create a diagram. Microsoft Visio comes with many built-in templates that you can use. Go to 'New' to find templates. Then, go to 'Network', and then choose a template for the type of directory diagram you want to make.

Draw an active directory diagram in Visio

Draw the Diagram Using Directory Navigator :

If you are using a template, you can customize it to make it according to your requirements. Use the Directory Navigator to add Active Directory, LDAP, or NDS objects. You can also add classes and properties associated with the objects from Schema. Then, go to the Directory Services menu and select Add Entries to your diagram. Visio allows you to edit the properties of any element by right-clicking the object and selecting class or property.

Draw an active directory diagram in Visio

Add Shapes with the Directory Navigator:

If you want to add shapes to your active directory diagram, use the Directory Navigator. For this, you can simply drag and drop. For example, drag a class from the Directory Navigator schema to the drawing page if you want to add a class. Visio will add a class shape to the page. You can also remove entries and shapes by right-clicking an item and selecting 'Delete Entry.' This will remove the shape from the diagram.

Draw an active directory diagram in Visio

Save and Export the File:

Once you have created an active directory diagram, you can save it on your desktop for future edits and sharing. Click on File Visio and save files in VSDX file format.

Draw an active directory diagram in Visio

How to Draw an Active Directory Diagram in Visio:

Open Visio and Select a Template;
Draw the Diagram Using Directory Navigator;
Add Shapes with the Directory Navigator;
Save and Export the File;

2. How to Draw an Active Directory Diagram in EdrawMax

Now that you have seen the method to draw an Active Directory Diagram in Visio, let us show you the easiest way of creating a similar active directory diagram in EdrawMax.

Step1 Open EdrawMax & Login

The very first step that you need to follow is to install EdrawMax in your system. Go to EdrawMax Download and download the active directory diagram software depending upon your operating system. If you need remote collaboration with your office team, head to EdrawMax Online and log in using your registered email address.