How to Reverse Engineer Existing Database Tables into a PDM File with PowerDesigner

Problem Background

The system is being upgraded and the existing database table structures need to be retained while rebuilding the table system. To save time, the existing usable structures are kept, and PowerDesigner’s reverse‑engineering tool is used.

Solution

Method 1 (Recommended)

Create a new PDM project Click File → New Module , select Physical Data , enter a module name, choose the appropriate DBMS type and version, then click OK . This creates the PDM project.

Open the Database menu Select the Database menu as shown.

Update model from database Choose Update Model from Database… . In the dialog, set the Current DBMS to match your database type and version. Under Using script files , select the first option, browse to the exported SQL file, and confirm.

Click OK to generate the desired data structure in the PDM.

Method 2 (Not Recommended)

This approach may not be compatible with different PowerDesigner versions.

Open PowerDesigner, create a PDM file, and select the matching database type.

From the Database menu choose Reverse Engineer Database , then select Using an ODBC data source in the dialog.

Confirm to display all tables, views, and users in the database.

Select the desired objects and click OK to complete the reverse engineering.

The tutorial concludes with an invitation for feedback.