How to generate an AI Data Flow Diagram

Step-by-step guide on generating a Data Flow Diagram

1. Write a prompt describing the data flow. A simple one-liner can work too but the best prompts are usually at least 3-4 sentences long. Applying the below framework generally yields good results:
   1. Make sure to describe processes (e.g. services, functions), data stores (e.g. databases), external entities (e.g. systems, users), as well as the data being passed across the above three.
   2. Include the visual requirements of a data flow diagram to the prompt: "Processes should be circles, data stores should be cylinders, external entities should be rectangles. On each connection, label what data is being passed through."
2. Generate a diagram with the completed prompt.
3. Edit the diagram with follow-up prompts (this step requires signing in to Eraser).
4. Manually adjust the layout using GUI controls (this step requires signing into Eraser).

Tips on generating an Data Flow Diagram

• Instead of writing a prompt from scratch, consider pasting excerpts from existing process requirements docs, system exports, or uploading image files.
• Working with an LLM to create a fleshed out diagram prompt can be effective. Ask it to describe the data flow in terms of processes, data stores, and external entities, and to mention what data is being passed at each step of the flow.

Example diagrams

• Data flow for online payments
• Simple threat model for web app