Image Assets

Image Assets are model elements that are used to store images in the model.

To create an Image Asset element, simply drag an 'Image Asset' icon onto a diagram from the 'Artifact' page of the Diagram Toolbox. A prompt displays to choose an image file.

Alternatively, you can drag an image file from your file system straight onto a diagram. Enterprise Architect creates a new Image Asset Artifact, then stores the image from the file in the Artifact, as the 'owned image'.

The Image Asset images can then be used as alternative images in place of the standard UML notation for elements on diagrams. They can also be used in documentation by inserting hyperlinks to the Image Asset element. When a report is generated, the hyperlinked Image Asset element is rendered using its 'owned image'.

Access

Diagram Toolbox

Select the 'Artifacts' page | select 'Image Asset' | click on the diagram, or

Drag an 'Image Asset' Artifact from the toolbox onto a diagram.

Other

Select an image file in your file system (say, on the desktop) then drag and drop it onto a diagram in Enterprise Architect. A context menu will display; select the option 'Image Asset'.

Using Image Assets in Documentation

Step	Action	See also
1	While editing the Notes of an element, or editing a Linked Document, right-click and choose 'Create Hyperlink. The 'Hyperlink Details' dialog displays.
2	Select 'Element Image' from the drop down list. The 'Select Element' dialog displays, showing only Image Assets.
3	Browse through the model and select the required Image Asset.
4	Click on the OK button.

Select an Image Asset as an Alternative Image

Step	Action	See also
1	Right-click an element on a diagram and choose the option 'Appearance \| Select Image Asset as Alternate Image' from the context menu. The 'Select Element' dialog displays, showing only Image Assets.
2	Browse through the model and select the required Image Asset.
3	Click on the OK button.

Viewing the Image

When placed on a diagram, the Image Asset can be displayed either as a simple artifact element, or as the owned image. The display can be toggled from one to the other, by right-clicking the element and selecting 'Show Owned Image' from the context menu.

When the Image Asset is displayed on a diagram as a UML Artifact element, double-clicking it will launch the default external viewer for images and load the Artifact's owned image.

Ctrl+click on a hyperlink to an Image Asset displays the image in the default external viewer.

When hovering over the hyperlink the standard hyperlink element buttons will also be displayed, allowing you to display the 'Properties' dialog, find the element in diagrams or find the element in the Project Browser.

Properties

To display the 'Properties' dialog for the Image Asset:

Select the element and press Ctrl+Enter, or
If the Image Asset is displayed on a diagram as the image, double-click on it, or
If the Image Asset is referenced by a hyperlink, hover the mouse over the hyperlink to display a floating toolbarand click on the View Properties button

Learn more