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

Add Elements

You have several options for adding elements (the model building units) to a package and/or diagram.

The simplest method is to use the Toolbox to the left of the diagram, which automatically lists the elements applicable to the type of diagram you have created. Just click on the required element and drag it onto your diagram.

Two things might occur before the element displays on the diagram:

  • If you have selected an Object element, Enterprise Architect prompts you to define what stereotype the object is based on (an object can represent a wide range of things, and a stereotype helps you define what the object or element is); for now, select any value.
  • The element Properties dialog displays. If it does not display, double-click on the element on the diagram.

You can use the Properties dialog to define the characteristics of the element, such as its name. Type a name in the Name field, and click on the OK button. Look at the Project Browser, underneath the package in which you created the diagram. The element is listed.

Tip:

Enterprise Architect has two very useful features:

  • To find out more about the type of element you have dragged on to a diagram, right-click on the element and select the UML Help menu option. This displays a Help page on the element type.
  • If you are creating several elements of one type, after creating the first just press [Shift]+[F3] or [Ctrl]+click to create the next element of that type.

You can also drag or paste existing elements onto a diagram from the Project Browser. This enables you to make use of previous work in defining elements.

Add Connectors Between Elements

Now connect the elements with relationships.

Additional Information

When you click on an element on a diagram, a number of icons display outside the top right corner. These are the Quick Linker and Toolbar icons that enable you to quickly add more elements and connectors and to operate on the elements. You can read about and experiment with these later.

For additional information on elements and adding elements to a project, see UML Elements, Create Elements and Paste From the Project Browser.