Change Actor icon on diagrams

[Dorian Workman]

Is there a way to change the icon used to display Actors on diagrams?  I have found that using a picture of a PC for system actors often helps business users understand this concept.  In NoMagic's MagicDraw, you are able to do this.

Is this possible in EA please?

Thanks.

[mrf]

Hi Dorian,

You can change either

- The image for an individual actor by right clicking on the actor and selecting Appearance | Select Alternate Image
- The image for a group of actors by creating a custom stereotype and defining a shapescript for it. All actors given the custom stereotype will be displayed using the shapescript.

For more information about shapescripts please refer to http://www.sparxsystems.com.au/EAUserGuide/index.html?shape_editor_2.htm

[Transition Technologies]

Hi Dorian,

I would recommend to download and import the Image Library http://www.sparxsystems.com/resources/image_library.html
That will give you the images to substitute Actors, overwise you will have an empty list when clicking Appearance/Select Alternate Image.

Of course you can use your own images but you will have to adjust their sizes after all.

[Dorian Workman]

Thank you to both of you for replying so quickly, this is exactly what I was looking for.  Thanks!  

[tnotland]

On this note...

Is it possible to use the Image Library as a source of image for a custom stereotype? I don't want to change the appearance of the elements in the diagram, I want them to have a given appearance (image) every time I add a new element with a specific stereotype...

Brgds,
Tore

[«Midnight»]

Yes, with the possible provision that the image be a metafile. You'll have to check that last bit for yourself.

AFAIR the Sparx image library provides the appropriate format.

[Settings | UML | Stereotypes tab (which is the default for the dialog).]