Supported ERwin File Types

PowerDesigner supports the import of the following ERwin v3.x and higher model files, though v4.x or higher files are recommended, as they contain more metadata.

ERwin v3.x (.erx)
ERwin v4.x (.xml)
ERwin v7.x (.xml) – the ERwin model must be saved as "Standard XML Format", and you must uncheck the "Only save minimum amount of information" check box in the ERwin Save as XML File dialog box.

ERwin and PowerDesigner implement database design in different ways.

An ERwin logical model can be imported into either:
- a PowerDesigner conceptual data model (CDM), or
- a PowerDesigner logical data model
An ERwin Physical Model is imported into a PowerDesigner physical data model (PDM)

In the PowerDesigner Physical Data Model you can use two design levels: the logical model allows you to design the database structure and perform some database denormalization actions without taking into account any DBMS physical requirement. The physical model allows you to design the database taking into account the physical requirements of a given DBMS