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Error importing txt file to create an ERD

  • May 29, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 442 views

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Hello,

I am trying to import a txt file to create an ERD but system keeps giving error that it cannot Parse Data. I tried to create an ERD from existing lucid chart and copy pasted the text generated and still Lucid cannot read the file or parse the information. Any insights into potential reasons? My understanding is free or individual account has that capability to import data to create ERD. Any help is greatly appreciated.    

Best answer by Leianne C

Hi ​@a72016, thank you for posting in the community and apologies for the delayed response. Just wanted to share some information incase it might still be helpful for your work or anyone else reading this thread.

I recommend checking out this post for details on how to best create an ERD with a txt file: 


There is also an example dataset attached to that comment which I’ve added to this reply for your convenience as well. Please refer to the file for more details on how to best format your data for import.

I hope this helps! Please feel to let us know if you have any questions. 

Comments

aparrish
Lucid Legend Level 7
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  • Lucid Legend Level 7
  • May 30, 2026

@a72016 If columns are spaced out using spaces to align visually, this is readable for humans but difficult for software to parse accurately unless fixed-width formatting is strictly enforced. If using LaTeX, other issues could be odd formatting (such as more than one header row) or inconsistent formatting within a column.

Have you tried CSV or XLSX formats? That might work better.

Here’s the official article:

https://help.lucid.co/hc/en-us/articles/16471565238292-Create-an-Entity-Relationship-Diagram-in-Lucidchart#import-database-as-erd-into-lucidchart

Excel-->ERD is a new integration to Lucid and would not be on the old article.


Leianne C
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  • Lucid support team
  • Answer
  • July 8, 2026

Hi ​@a72016, thank you for posting in the community and apologies for the delayed response. Just wanted to share some information incase it might still be helpful for your work or anyone else reading this thread.

I recommend checking out this post for details on how to best create an ERD with a txt file: 


There is also an example dataset attached to that comment which I’ve added to this reply for your convenience as well. Please refer to the file for more details on how to best format your data for import.

I hope this helps! Please feel to let us know if you have any questions.