How to Create a Data Dictionary

Step-by-step guide to building a complete data dictionary with schemas, ERDs, lineage, and governance documentation.

January 23, 2026

A data dictionary provides complete documentation of data entities, their attributes, and relationships. This guide walks through creating a data dictionary in NeoArc Studio.

Create the Data Model Diagram

Create Schema Definitions

Add Lineage Mappings

Create the Overview Page

Create Entity Pages

For each major entity, create a dedicated page with full documentation.

Document Data Governance

Document Data Quality

Link to Consumers

Create Navigation

Schema Editor Reference

Complete reference for the schema editor including 4 schema types, 10 field types, 47+ validation rules, and lineage tracking.

ERD Tables Reference

Reference for ERD table representations in NeoArc Studio: Data Views in persistence mode (recommended) and standalone ERD table shapes in the diagram editor (for freeform diagramming).

How to Set Up Schema Lineage to the Data Model

Step-by-step guide to mapping schema fields to entity properties in the data model for full data traceability in NeoArc Studio.

Data Architecture Document Template

A template for data architecture documentation including data models, governance, lineage, and lifecycle management.