communication diagram questions

[Arjen]

I try to draw a simple communication diagram (would include it if I could?!).

A number of things happen that I do not like:

1. The message arrows extend from object center to object center. Thus, if two objects are far apart, I get ugly long arrows. How can I resize them, or, better, tell EA to give all arrows the same, fixed, length?
2. Every next arrow is stacked below the previous one. As in sequence diagrams, in a way. However, the vertical position does not have any meaning in a communication diagram. How can I get all arrows positioned 'against' the association?
3. All arrows are drawn horizontally. Therefore, they almost disappear when two objects are right below each other. Is it possible to 'rotate' the arrow to have the same direction as the link it belongs to?
4. The messages do not automatically get a number. Nor can I find how to give them a number by myself. How is this done?

Any help is appreciated.
Arjen

[thomaskilian]

Don't blame me, but RTFM.

Place two objects on the SD, draw an association between both, right click that assoc, choose "Add message...".

You have probably tried to draw a message from tha toolbox, don't you? I fell in the same pit the first time (and I also did not RTFM)

[Arjen]

Thanks, this helps.
BTW, I did try to find it in the manual, that is, in the Help-pages. I did find a good looking communication diagram there, but no description on how to make it look like that... That is, I found: "Always create the association link first - then add messages to the link." It doesn't say to not use the toolbox (what is the toolbox for, if you mustn't use it?)...


Arjen

[thomaskilian]

  You'll learn about EA's UI (Unique Interface, to quote Paolo) as you use it. Anyhow, you'll live with that as you learn to appreciate the overall functionality of EA

The message in the toolbox is just for Sequence Diagrams.

Enter "communication" in EA's help. The 3rd entry (Message...) will enlighten you.