How to Use the Hubspot Data Model Builder
The Hubspot data model builder lets you visualize, design, and refine how your CRM objects relate to each other so your team can work from clean, consistent data.
This guide walks you through accessing the tool, creating and editing diagrams, customizing cards, and reviewing object relationships step by step.
What the Hubspot Data Model Builder Does
The data model builder is a visual canvas for mapping the objects and associations in your CRM. It pulls in your existing schema so you can explore and adjust it without touching actual live records.
With this tool you can:
- See how standard and custom objects connect
- Design new relationships between records
- Understand how data moves through your processes
- Share diagrams with other users for alignment
The diagrams you create are representations of your CRM structure, not changes to your stored data by default.
Requirements and Access in Hubspot
Before you begin, confirm your account and permissions support the data model builder features.
Subscription and Feature Requirements
- Your account must be on a supported tier that includes the data model builder.
- Access may depend on which Hubs and add-ons are active in your subscription.
Check your current plan in your account settings if you are unsure.
User Permissions in Hubspot
Users need appropriate CRM object access to work effectively with diagrams. In general, you should have:
- Read permissions for the objects you want to visualize
- Permission to view associations between records
Admins can adjust user permissions if specific diagrams or objects are not visible.
Open the Data Model Builder in Hubspot
To get started, open the data model builder from within your CRM tools menu.
- Sign in to your Hubspot account.
- Navigate to the section of the app where data management tools are listed.
- Select the option labeled for data model or data model builder.
The canvas loads with a default diagram that reflects your current CRM objects and their key relationships.
Understand the Diagram Canvas
The data model builder canvas shows objects as cards and associations as connecting lines. This diagram provides a simplified overview of your CRM structure.
Key elements of the canvas include:
- Object cards representing standard and custom objects
- Association lines showing how objects link together
- Controls for zooming and panning
- Toolbar options for switching diagrams or adding new objects
Use these visual cues to understand your system at a glance before making any edits.
Create a New Diagram in Hubspot
You can design new diagrams to explore alternative data structures without changing production data.
- On the canvas, open the diagram menu.
- Choose the option to create a new diagram.
- Give the diagram a clear, descriptive name.
- Select which objects to include in the initial layout.
The new diagram will appear with your chosen objects. From there, you can add more objects and adjust relationships to reflect the structure you want to model.
Add and Arrange Objects
Once your diagram exists, add objects and position them for clarity.
- Click the add object button on the canvas toolbar.
- Select from standard objects, custom objects, or other supported record types.
- Place each object card in the canvas and drag it to arrange your layout.
Group related cards together and leave clear space around complex clusters so connections remain easy to follow.
Customize Object Cards in Hubspot
Every card on the data model builder canvas can be configured to display useful details about that object.
Edit Card Details
- Select an object card on the diagram.
- Open the settings or card configuration panel.
- Choose which properties should appear on the card, such as name, ID, or key metrics.
Showing important properties on each card helps teammates understand how data is used without leaving the canvas.
Adjust Card Layout and Style
To keep your Hubspot diagram readable, adjust card size and layout options where available.
- Resize cards if they contain many properties.
- Reorder properties so the most important fields appear at the top.
- Separate functional areas visually by spacing and alignment.
Clean visual design supports better data governance and onboarding for new users.
Define and Review Object Relationships
The core value of the data model builder is how it displays and organizes relationships between objects.
View Existing Relationships in Hubspot
- Hover over or click an association line between two cards.
- Review the type of relationship and any constraints that appear.
- Follow paths across multiple cards to see how data flows.
This view helps you confirm whether your CRM reflects the processes your teams use every day.
Model New Connections
When planning new features or integrations, you can sketch future relationships on a separate diagram.
- Open or create a planning diagram.
- Add the relevant objects to the canvas.
- Use the association tool to draw connections that represent the desired relationship.
Keep these planning diagrams as references during implementation so admins and developers have shared documentation.
Use Sample Records for Testing
Some versions of the data model builder support working with sample records to validate your design.
- Create test or sample records for the objects you are modeling.
- View how these records behave under the associations you have defined.
- Confirm that lookups, rollups, or related information display as expected.
Testing with sample records reduces risk before you apply structural changes to your primary CRM dataset.
Best Practices for Using the Hubspot Data Model Builder
To get consistent value from diagrams, apply a few basic practices to your process.
- Maintain a master diagram: Keep one diagram that always reflects your current live configuration.
- Create planning diagrams: Use separate diagrams for proposed changes, experiments, or project-specific schema.
- Document naming standards: Show object and property naming conventions directly on or near cards.
- Review after major changes: Update diagrams when you add new custom objects, integrations, or key automation.
These habits help teams keep CRM structure transparent as systems grow more complex.
Share and Collaborate in Hubspot
The data model builder supports collaboration so multiple teams can align around the same schema.
- Save your diagram with a clear name and brief description.
- Ensure relevant users have permission to view or edit diagrams.
- Share links or screenshots during planning sessions and training.
Diagrams make it easier for operations, marketing, sales, and service teams to discuss data requirements using a single visual reference.
Next Steps and Additional Resources
Use the Hubspot data model builder regularly to keep your CRM organized and to guide future changes with clear architecture.
For deeper reference about specific controls and configuration details, review the official documentation on the data model builder at this Hubspot support page.
If you need help designing complex CRM structures, you can also consult specialists at Consultevo, who focus on CRM strategy and implementation.
By taking advantage of these model diagrams, you’ll keep your CRM flexible, understandable, and ready to support new processes as your organization grows.
Need Help With Hubspot?
If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your Hubspot , work with ConsultEvo, a team who has a decade of Hubspot experience.
“`
