Salesforce Schema Builder: Managing Salesforce SObjects Schema using Schema Builder

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Schema Builder is another visual tool available on the Salesforce Platform that enables users to work with Salesforce Schema in a more efficient way than using web interfaces. It helps analyze complex data models visually since it offers a canvas where we can analyze SObjects and their respective relationships.

 

In this blog, we will unleash the power of Schema Builder and the functions it offers to manage Schema.

Launch Schema Builder

 

To launch Schema Builder, go to Setup and search for “Schema Builder”

Click “Schema Builder” to launch it

On the canvas of Schema Builder, we can see the following layer of elements-

Step-1: Shows toolbar that offers useful functions to work with canvas & its items

Step-2: Shows the list of available SObjects under “Objects” Tab and Field Types under “Elements” Tab

Step-3: Shows “Data Model Visual Designer” where we can analyze the SObjects & their respective relationships. It also allows us to create, edit and delete SObjects & Fields.

Step-4: Shows a dropdown where we can filter based on SObjects types (Standard/Custom/All), it helps to run a focused search on the available sObjects in Salesforce Org

If click on “Elements” Tab we can find all available Field Types supported by Salesforce Org, we can use any of these supporting datatypes to add fields to the SObjects

The indicated icon shows the “Objects’ Settings Launcher”. This settings launcher allows us to modify the SObjects’ properties, permissions and even delete the SObject all together all at the same place.

Using the settings launcher we can manage the space on the canvas by hiding irrelevant sObjects, which allows focusing on the important SObjects.

Add New SObject

Lets’ start by creating a new SObject as shown in the steps below:

Step-1: Click on “Objects” Table and drag and drop “Object” element on the canvas

Step-2: This will launch a “Create New Object” form. Fill the details as required and click Save to create the new SObject

Edit SObject

Once saved successfully canvas will show a new SObject created with default system fields

To edit the properties of the SObject follow steps as shown below:

Step-1: Click settings launcher

Step-2: Click “Edit Object Properties”

This will launch “Edit Object” form, here you can make changes to the properties of the SObject as required

Add Fields To SObject

Once SObject is created as per requirement it is time to add fields to it as shown in the steps below:

 

Add Lookup Field

Step-1: Click on “Elements” Tab

Step-2: Drag and Drop the field type you wish to add a field for. Here I add a field of type “Lookup”. Drag the “Lookup” Field Type and drop it to the canvas

Step-3: This will launch “Create lookup Field” Form, fill the details are required and click “Save” to add the field to the SObject

Similarly, we can add more fields using different available field types. Here a few examples for your reference:

 

Add “Checkbox” Field

Add “Currency” Field

Add “Date” Field

Add “Email” Field

Add “PickList” Field

Once we are done with adding all the required fields, we can move to “Object Manager” and find this new SObject as shown below:

If we click on this custom SObject we can see the basic details about it as shown below:

Now if we click “Fields & Relationships” on the left, we can see all the fields added to the SObject as shown below:

This validates that the SObject and all the required fields are added successfully.

 

Now lets’ go back to Schema Builder again and review more of its features

Use the Search box to type in a few words from the name of SObject we need to find as shown below:

Drag SObject from the search results on to canvas to review the schema for it as shown below:

To edit the properties of any field just “Double Click” it to open the “Edit <FieldType>” forms where respective properties can be modified as shown below:

Delete Fields From SObject

 

To delete the field from SObject definition follow the steps below:

Step-1: Right-click on the field name

Step-2: Select “Delete Field” from the context menu to delete the field

Salesforce does a wonderful job of educating users wherever necessary, so as soon as you try to delete a field, you will get a confirmation box with lots of important detail worth reviewing carefully as shown below:

Here we have three important points to focus on as mentioned below:

Point-1: The delete operation will impact all kind of dependencies, be it a dependent SObject, Formula, Validation Rules or anything else

Point-2: You should export the records to an external file before deleting this field if it contains any data contributing to the record to retain it for future reference

Point-3: You have 15 Days to undelete this field, and restore the data associated with this field after that data will be lost permanently.

 

I would recommend you to practice caution while deleting the schema as it may have some uninvited repercussions.

Delete SObject

To delete the SObject we need to follow the steps below:

Step-1: Click “Settings Launcher”

Step-2: Select “Delete Object” from settings

Practice caution while deleting SObjects and make sure you read the confirmation box carefully before making any decision.

Show Relationship Option

Schema Builder provides a relationship analyzer that is helpful to visually analyze the data model and associated relationships.

To enable the visual effects to click “View Option” dropdown in the toolbar and select “Show Relationships” toggle option as shown below:

 

As soon we enable “Show Relationship” feature, the visual effects turn on and we can visually review the relationship among the sObjects as shown below:

Hope you enjoyed this article. Please leave your comments to let me know how you do like the content and how you do find it helpful to learn the topic.