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Please note : This help page is not for the latest version of Enterprise Architect. The latest help can be found here.

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Manage Structural Elements

In UML Modeling, you can define certain constructs and events with structural elements (also called Parts, Properties, interaction points or - in the case of Entry and Exit Points on a State element, connection points) that are added on to a parent element. For example, you can add Ports to a Class (as shown), Action Pins to an Action, or Activity Parameters to an Activity. Structural elements become a component of the parent element; certain structural elements (such as Parts and Properties) can exist independent of a parent, but do not have an independent role.

A UML Class diagram showing a Class element that owns a Port.

You manage structural elements through the Features window, managing Parts and Properties on the 'Parts / Properties' tab and Ports on the 'Interaction Points' tab. If the parent element is a State, its connection points are shown on the 'Connection Points' tab.  All three tabs have the same options, described here.

Access

Ribbon

Design > Element > Features > Interaction Points

Design > Element > Features > Parts / Properties

(For a State element, select one of the other options and then click on the 'Connection Points' tab)

Context Menu

Right-click on element in diagram | Features | Interaction Points

Right-click on element in diagram | Features | Parts / Properties

(For a State element, select one of the other options and then click on the 'Connection Points' tab)

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+5 > Interaction Points    (for Ports)

Ctrl+5 > Parts / Properties    (for Parts and Properties)

Ctrl+5 > Connection Points   (for State elements)

Review Structural Elements

Option

Action

See also

list of elements

Review the definition of each structural element currently associated with the selected parent element. If you select the 'Show Owned/Inherited' checkbox, the list will also include any structural elements from any classifiers that the parent element has.

If you want any structural element to be visible on the parent element on the diagram, select the checkbox next to that element's name. Notice that the 'Visible' column in this panel then shows the value True against each selected element.

To hide the structural element on the diagram, clear the checkbox. The structural element still exists on the parent element, but is just not visible in the diagram.

All None

Click on these buttons to select (All) or clear (None) the checkboxes against all listed elements.

Show Owned/Inherited

The tab lists the structural elements on the selected parent element. If you want to include inherited or owner properties from any classifier that the parent element might have, select this checkbox.

Notes

  • The name of a structural element displays on the diagram as a label, which you can edit using the 'Labels' context menu

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