Context Diagram Maker

Understand Systems Better

Effectively visualize and clarify the context and boundaries of systems to be modeled.

  • Comprehensive data flow and database diagram shape libraries
  • Drag and drop interface for easy visualization & modeling
  • Multiple context diagram templates to help identify & analyze system flows
Context Diagram Maker
Intel
Netflix
Nasa
City
Facebook
National Geographic
Paypal
Amazon
Ebay
Amex
VISUALIZE & PLAN

Easy Tools for Faster Systems Design

Easy Tools for Faster Systems Design
  • Design easily with simple to use drag-drop tools and Plus Create.

  • Visualize data flows and system processes with multiple context diagram templates.

  • Industry-standard shape libraries for data flows, network diagrams, and more.

  • Highlight and label with configurable color themes and advanced text formatting.

Easy Tools for Faster Systems Design
Improve Your Design and Analysis Processes
CONNECT & ORGANIZE

Improve Your Design and Analysis Processes

Improve Your Design and Analysis Processes
  • Centralize key details by embedding documents and assets with in-app previews.

  • Capture information. Add docs, attachments, links, and more via the notes panel.

  • Share, review and edit with stakeholders. Use multiple access and role levels.

COLLABORATE

Collaborate with Your Team, Anytime, Anywhere

 Collaborate with Your Team, Anytime, Anywhere
  • Gather insights, investigate and create together using built-in brainstorming tools like mind maps.

  • Have discussions and follow-ups on the same canvas with @mention comments.

  • Share with anyone via an email or link invite to collaborate.

  • Streamline reviewing and revising with version history to save and revert back.

 Collaborate with Your Team, Anytime, Anywhere
INTRODUCING
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ai-iconTemplates
Visualize process and user insights with AI templates
Visualize process and user insights with AI templates
Accessing Creately VIZ
    What is a Context Diagram?

    What is a Context Diagram?

    A context diagram is a graphic design that clarifies the interfaces and boundaries of the project or process at hand. It not only shows the process or project in its context, but also shows the project’s interactions with other systems and users as a collective network.

    How to Create a Context Diagram with Your Team?

    1. Define the scope of the system

    Together with your team, narrow down the main goal or objectives of the system and the external entities that interact with it. Find external entities by identifying the sources and recipients of data-flows that lie outside the system. The actors in use case models you create are often considered as external entities.

    Use Creately’s infinite canvas, whiteboard and free-hand drawing capabilities to brainstorm and discuss the project in detail with your team.

    1. Identify stakeholders

    Identify people or groups who have a direct interest or impact on the project. Ask your team members for input. Also note down who will be affected by the system’s design or implementation.

    1. Gather information

    Interview stakeholders, review existing documentation and observe the current system or process, if available, to gather information. Divide the workload among team members. List the major documents and information flows associated with the system, including forms, documents, reference material, and other structured and unstructured information such as emails, telephone conversations, etc.

    Use sticky notes and notes panel to include docs as attachments, links, references, special notes, additional data fields, etc. Share a dedicated workspace and folder with the team to include all information.

    1. Create the context diagram

    Apply the information gathered to create the diagram. Add Creately’s data flow shape library or choose a pre-drawn context diagram from the templates library to start customizing immediately. Include and label a process box to represent the entire system. Then add and label the external entities around the outside of the process box. Add the data-flows between the external entities and the system box.

    1. Review and validate

    Share the completed context diagram with team members and stakeholders via a secure link to further investigate and identify areas for improvement. Export it in various image formats including PDF, SVG, PNG, or JPEG or embed them in any site or intranet with a secure embed link for easy access.

    1. Work together on the design of the system or process

    Use the context diagram as a starting point for further discussions and design decisions. Make sure to involve all stakeholders in the design process so that the final design meets the needs of all users.

    1. Maintain and update the diagram

    As the system changes, the team should update the context diagram.

    Create Your Context Diagram with Editable Templates

    Context Diagram Template

    Context Diagram Template

    Context Diagram Template

    Context Diagram Template

    Online Reservation Context Diagram

    Online Reservation Context Diagram

    Business Analysis Context Diagram

    Business Analysis Context Diagram

    FAQs About Context Diagrams

    What should a context diagram include?
    Usually a context diagram includes a system or process at the center that is surrounded by external entities. Data flow is represented by arrows showing the flow of information between systems and each external element.
    Are context diagrams the same as data flow diagrams?

    Context diagrams and data flow diagrams are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same. Context diagrams illustrate how external entities interact with your system. It’s the most basic form of a data flow diagram, providing a broad view of the system and external entities in an easy to understand way.

    Data flow diagrams contain additional information about a system that a context diagram doesn’t. They focus on how your system works and illustrate the inputs, outputs and processes in much more detail.

    What are the various levels of Context diagrams?

    There are usually 3 levels of context diagrams.

    • Level 0 context diagrams are the highest level of context diagrams and show a system in the context of its environment. They provide a broad overview of the system and its relationships with external entities.
    • Level 1 context diagrams are more detailed than level 0 context diagrams, and show more of the internal components of the system. They provide a more detailed view of the system and its interactions with external entities.
    • Level 2 context diagrams are even more detailed than level 1 context diagrams, and show the relationships between the internal components of the system in more detail. They provide a very detailed view of the system and its interactions with external entities.

    In general, context diagrams can be created at different levels of detail to provide a clear view of the system at different levels of abstraction. The level of detail in a context diagram should be appropriate for the needs of the audience and the purpose of the diagram.

    Can you link context diagrams with other data flow diagrams?
    While context diagrams give you a top level view of how your systems interact and behave, you can create more detailed data flow diagrams and UML diagrams on Creately. You can link your context diagrams to more in-depth system models and do all your modeling on the Creately canvas. The advanced navigation panel helps you jump between diagrams with ease.
    Streamline Your Workflows by Integrating with the Tools You Love
    Creately integrates with the tools your teams use every day and supports your team’s workflow seamlessly.
    Github
    Microsoft
    Google Drive
    Google Sheets
    Google Docs
    Google Slides
    Confluence
    Why is Creately a Better Context Diagram Maker
    Creately is the intelligent visual platform enabling visual collaboration, knowledge management and project execution.
    Why is Creately a Better Context Diagram Maker
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    Real-Time Collaboration
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    Data Driven Docs
    Professional Diagramming
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