Free Active Directory Diagram Maker

See it work

Active Directory diagram examples.

Same tool, four requests. Every drawing below is a real render.

What you type

An Active Directory domain topology with a perimeter firewall to a core switch, two domain controllers that provide DNS, a file server, and an access switch for an admin workstation and staff PCs.

Then tryAdd a read-only domain controller at a branch office.Add a VPN connection for remote administrators.

Network topology: Domain controller topology

Network topology · Cisco-convention topology icons · schematex-network

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The drawing

What an Active Directory diagram is.

An Active Directory diagram documents either the infrastructure that supports a Windows domain or the logical relationships inside it. An infrastructure view shows domain controllers, DNS, member servers and client networks; a logical view can show organizational units, Group Policy Objects and trusts.

Choose one purpose for each drawing. Keep policy scope separate from cabling and switches when combining them would hide the question the reader needs to answer.

Standard: Cisco-convention topology icons
Also follows: Hierarchical / spine-leaf models · ANSI/TIA-606 · ONVIF
Engine: schematex-network
Editable: Double-click text, drag nodes
Export: SVG · PNG · PDF

Network topology: What an Active Directory diagram is

Who uses it

Who uses Active Directory diagrams.

Windows administrators

Domain controllers, DNS, user networks and administrative workstations documented for operations and audits.

Security teams

OU structure and Group Policy scope reviewed to see which devices receive which controls.

Infrastructure architects

Branch replication and trust boundaries mapped before a site or identity change.

How it works

How to make an Active Directory diagram in three steps.

Describe it

One paragraph is enough to start.

“An Active Directory domain topology with a perimeter firewall to a core switch, two domain controllers that provide DNS, a file server, and an access switch for an admin workstation and staff PCs.”

See the drawing

Drawn by the right engine.

Say what changes

Every edit keeps a version.

Add a read-only domain controller at a branch office.

V2 · DRAWN FROM V1, NOTHING RETYPED

FAQ

Common questions

What is an Active Directory diagram?

It is a visual map of Active Directory infrastructure or logical structure, such as domain controllers, OUs, Group Policy scope, replication sites and trusts.

What should an Active Directory infrastructure diagram include?

Include domain controllers, DNS roles, core connectivity, member servers, administrative workstations and the client networks that use the domain.

How do I document GPO links?

Show each Group Policy Object and connect it to the OU, domain or site where it is linked. Label the connection with its policy scope when useful.

Can an Active Directory diagram show forest trusts?

Yes. Put each forest or domain in its own boundary, show its domain controllers, then connect them with a labeled trust and any cross-forest access path.

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