Create Elements

Elements within a model are typically arranged on diagrams to visually communicate the relationships between a given set of elements. Enterprise Architect provides simple mechanisms for creating elements in the model, using diagrams or the Project Browser.

Create Elements on a Diagram

The fastest and simplest way to create elements directly on a diagram is to press [Spacebar] or [Insert] on the diagram. This displays a list of elements and connectors that mirrors the current Toolbox pages; usually these are the most appropriate elements and connectors for the diagram.

You can display and select from a longer list of elements by clicking on the Other option.

The following topics describe other approaches for creating elements on a diagram:

• Create Elements In Place Using the Quick Linker

• Create Elements Using the  Toolbox
• Create Elements Using the Diagram Context Menu
• Create a Group of Elements Using UML Patterns
• Create Domain Specific Elements from UML Profiles.

Re-Use Existing Elements

Be aware that once you have created elements, you can re-use them by dragging them from the Project Browser and dropping them onto your diagrams.

Add Elements Directly to a Package

Sometimes it is useful to add elements to a package, without a diagrammatic representation. This can be accomplished via the Project Browser window and is explained in the following topic:

• Add Elements Directly to a Package.

See Also

• Behavioral Diagram Elements - summary of all elements used in Behavioral diagrams
• Structural Diagram Elements - summary of all elements used in Structural diagrams