Messages

1

Bugs and Issues / Re: Cropped diagram images in the RTF

« on: August 30, 2025, 04:47:10 am »

Its been a while since I've had to deal with that issue, however if memory serves, I used to get around this issue by creating a table and putting the image in a table cell fixing the height or width. You can make the hide the border of the table so you don't notice it.

2

General Board / Re: ChatGPT enabled models?

« on: August 09, 2025, 09:54:39 am »

So why not ask ChatGPT 5 I thought - its got PhD level exertpertise.
I've concluded by the answer below and the searching through 17.1 Build 1713. Couldn't see any reference in the comparison of features of different editions that the release of 1713 its only available on editions above corporate or may have been prematurely released by accident as I still can't see anything with regard to ChatGPT.
I've got the Corporate Edition.

PROMPT
Sparx Enterprise Architect Build 1713 has reference to ChatGPT however after installing it I couldn't find any reference to ChatGPT. What features does Sparx Enterprise Architect provide in Build 1713 and how do I access them?

ANSWER
You're absolutely right that **Sparx Enterprise Architect (EA) Build 1713** (released 8 August 2025) does reference ChatGPT—but if you're not seeing anything, here's what to look for and how to access it:

---

## What’s New in Build 1713

According to the official release notes for EA version 17.1 Build 1713, a new feature was introduced:

* **ChatGPT queries can now incorporate information about the selected element or active diagram** in ChatGPT-enabled models. This is done using placeholders like `#element#` or `#diagram#` in your messages—for example:

  `"Summarize the role this element #element# plays in the following diagram #diagram#"` ([Sparx Systems][1])

Other improvements in this build include better diagram rendering, updated connector notation settings, improved auto-color legend behavior, Quicklinker enhancements, and smarter placement snapping ([Sparx Systems][1]).

---

## Why You Might Not See ChatGPT Features

1. **Model Setup Required**: The release notes specify that these features apply **only in ChatGPT-enabled models**. If your model isn't configured for ChatGPT interactions, the functionality won't appear.

2. **Activation via Commands**: The integration relies on those `#element#` and `#diagram#` placeholders within ChatGPT queries. If you're not using them—or running ChatGPT queries in general—you won't notice the new behavior.

---

## How to Access the ChatGPT Feature in Build 1713

### 1. **Ensure You’re in a ChatGPT-Enabled Model**

* You’ll need to have a model that supports ChatGPT integration. EA may require certain configurations or licenses—check whether your edition (e.g., Professional, Corporate, etc.) includes this and whether you've activated it.

### 2. **Compose a ChatGPT Query Using Placeholders**

* Open the ChatGPT interface within EA (e.g., via an Add-in, docked panel, or ribbon command).
* Include placeholders to reference your current context. For example:

  ```
  “Explain how #element# fits into the process model shown in #diagram#.”
  ```
* EA should recognize those tags and include relevant information about the selected element and diagram in the query it sends to ChatGPT ([Sparx Systems][1]).

### 3. **Verify Other Related Improvements**

* While testing, you may notice smoother operations—like improved connector notation display, diagram rendering for auto-coloring legends, and updated Quicklinker behavior—confirming you're on Build 1713 ([Sparx Systems][1]).

---

## Summary Table

| **Feature**                      | **Details & Access**                                                                                |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ChatGPT contextual queries| Use `#element#` and `#diagram#` in queries within ChatGPT-enabled models (Build 1713) |
| Diagram/Quicklink improvements | Visible in the UI if you're upgrading from earlier builds                             |
| Model activation requirements  | Confirm your EA edition and licensing include ChatGPT features                        |

---

If you're still not able to see the ChatGPT features:

* Double-check that your license or edition supports ChatGPT integration.
* Explore the EA ribbon or "View > Workspaces and Commands" to ensure relevant commands/panels are enabled. (In earlier EA versions, missing features sometimes resulted from disabled command sets—not related to this build, but still worth checking.) ([Sparx Systems][2])

Let me know what EA edition you're using or where you're expecting to see the ChatGPT integration—happy to help walk you through the setup!

[1]: https://sparxsystems.com/products/ea/history.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "History - Enterprise Architect 17.1 - Sparx Systems"
[2]: https://sparxsystems.com/forums/smf/index.php?topic=10936.0&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Features are missing for me (but not colleague) - Sparx Systems"
 

3

General Board / Re: ChatGPT enabled models?

« on: August 09, 2025, 09:31:04 am »

Good question, I saw that and pondered the same thing. I asked Copilot and this is what it said. I think this might be an hallucination as after installing Build 1713 I searched everywhere but couldn't find any reference to ChatGPT.
 
With the arrival of Build 1713, Sparx has embedded ChatGPT capabilities directly into the desktop EA client:
Script Generation via ChatGPT
• Use a “ChatGPT” pane in the Scripting window to draft VBScript, JavaScript, or C# scripts for EA’s Automation Interface.
• Example: “Generate a script to set a tagged value on every Class in a Package.” The output is ready to run or tweak.
Natural-Language Scripting Prompts
• Skip manual API lookups—describe what you need, and ChatGPT crafts boilerplate code.
• Supports common EA tasks: diagram manipulation, package traversal, element property updates.
Context-Aware Help
• ChatGPT can reference the current model context (selected package or diagram) to tailor scripts.
• Reduces trial-and-error and accelerates automation adoption.

4

General Board / Re: Power BI Connector for Sparx EA has been released

« on: August 01, 2025, 02:39:07 pm »

Thanks however, we have  a policy of not engaging with vendors who don't publish prices.

5

General Board / Re: Power BI Connector for Sparx EA has been released

« on: July 31, 2025, 08:23:58 am »

So why isn't there a published price?

6

Automation Interface, Add-Ins and Tools / Re: Can we forward/reverse engineer Swagger/OpenAPI REST specs like IBM RSA?

« on: July 29, 2025, 12:32:26 pm »

I know this is some what late to the party however, I just came across a plug-in that appears to fit the bill. Its also expensive. https://inteca.com/enterprise-architect-openapi-plugin/

7

General Board / Re: HTML Exports from EA on Sharepoint

« on: July 23, 2025, 06:39:33 am »

If you search "static html on sharepoint" you'll find some posts on the topic. https://sharepoint.stackexchange.com/questions/162019/is-there-a-way-to-host-static-html-using-office-365-sharepoint

To host static HTML content in SharePoint, you'll need to rename your HTML files to .aspx and adjust the links accordingly. Then, you can upload these files, along with any necessary assets like CSS and JavaScript, into a document library within your SharePoint site. Finally, set the desired page as the site's homepage if needed.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Rename HTML files to ASPX:
For single-page websites, simply rename the .html file to .aspx.
For multi-page websites, rename all .html files to .aspx and update all internal links within the site to reflect the new file extensions.
2. Prepare your site assets:
If your HTML site uses CSS, JavaScript, or images, ensure these files are also uploaded to the appropriate folders within your SharePoint site.
For example, you might create a folder called "Assets" or "Images" within your document library and upload these files there.
Update the paths in your HTML files to point to the correct locations of these assets within your SharePoint site.
3. Upload files to SharePoint:
Navigate to your SharePoint site and access the document library where you want to store your website files.
You can use the default "Shared Documents" library or create a custom one.
Upload the folder containing your .aspx files and other assets.
You can upload files directly or create a folder for your website content and then upload all the files into that folder.
4. Set the homepage (if needed):
If you want a specific page to be the default homepage for your site, select it in the document library, click the three dots (more options), and choose "Set as home page".
5. Addressing DenyAddAndCustomizePages setting:
Modern SharePoint sites have a setting called DenyAddAndCustomizePages which can prevent the site from rendering HTML files correctly.
If you encounter issues, you might need to temporarily disable this setting using PowerShell.
To do this, you'll need to connect to your SharePoint site using the SharePoint Online PowerShell module and then use the Set-SPOsite cmdlet to disable this setting.
Important: After making your changes or publishing new content, you may want to re-enable the DenyAddAndCustomizePages setting for security reasons.
Example:
Let's say you have a simple index.html file. You would:
Rename it to index.aspx.
Create a folder in your SharePoint document library (e.g., "MyStaticSite").
Upload index.aspx to this folder.
Navigate to the index.aspx file in your browser.
If it works, you're done. If not, you may need to adjust the DenyAddAndCustomizePages setting using PowerShell.
Note:
This method is suitable for hosting static HTML content. It is not designed for dynamic websites that rely on server-side logic.
If you have a more complex site with multiple dependencies, ensure you have all the necessary files and that the links are correctly configured within your HTML files.
If you encounter issues with rendering HTML files, check the DenyAddAndCustomizePages setting and adjust it if necessary.

NOTE: The above was all generate by Google AI when I did the search.

Or you could purchase Prolaborate and use the built in integration with Sharepoint.https://prolaborate.sparxsystems.com/resources/v5-documentation/enterprise-architect-model-and-sharepoint-integration

8

Automation Interface, Add-Ins and Tools / Re: No values using reporttemplate

« on: July 04, 2025, 07:32:09 am »

My first thought was possibly filters however, as you've eliminated that then other sources of that problem could be.
a) Not selecting the right package for the template to generate the information from.
b) Some kind of corruption in the model. Perform a integrity check to correct.

9

Automation Interface, Add-Ins and Tools / Re: Importing CSV Columns into EAUML::table Stereotype Tables

« on: May 29, 2025, 07:19:01 pm »

If I've understood correctly you want to model the oracle database so why don't you just reverse engineer the oracle database
 using functionality built into Sparx EA?
https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/17.1/modeling_domains/importdatabaseschemafromod.html

10

Automation Interface, Add-Ins and Tools / Re: v16 Database Builder does not read VIEW COLUMNS from Oracle DB

« on: May 24, 2025, 12:05:10 pm »

Have you tried a different option to connect to Oracle DB. I have a distant memory of reverse engineering an Oracle DB which didn't import everything I was expecting and the solution was to use a different way of connecting to the DB. IIRC it was either a version of the driver or ODBC vs OLEDB.

11

General Board / Re: Applying custom stereotypes

« on: May 24, 2025, 11:48:42 am »

Thanks for trying that out @PDC. I now see where the cause of the problem. In V17.0 and V17.1 there is no option to select Profile = 'None' thus local stereotypes in the model aren't listed.
In this case I was just wanting to try out a complex shapescript on a stereotype and so just adding the stereotype to the model so I could rapidly see the effects of the shapescript.

The shape script associated with stereotype was eventually destined for our ArchiMate Extension MDG which works fine as I can select the perspective and the profile to see the stereotypes.

I did try all the potential combinations of perspectives and profiles with no luck thus posting to this forum.

Looks like a bug to me so I'll raise a bug report in the near future.

12

General Board / Applying custom stereotypes

« on: May 21, 2025, 12:26:56 pm »

I added a custom stereotype to class using Settings > Reference Data > UML Types > Stereotypes as directed by the guide
https://sparxsystems.com/enterprise_architect_user_guide/17.1/modeling_languages/creatingcustomstereotypes.html
However, when I try to apply the stereotype I can't see it because they are filtered via perspective. I've tried changing perspective to different settings but still can't see the stereotype I created to apply to the class.

Using V17.1. Any help would be appreciated.

13

Automation Interface, Add-Ins and Tools / Re: Updating Table and Column Descriptions with Scripting

« on: May 15, 2025, 05:48:54 pm »

Just saw your message a few minutes ago.
IIRC as its was back in 2020 since we wrote the C# plugin I believe the diagrams turned out to be too difficult however we dragged all the elements on to a diagram in Sparx EA then ran auto layout.

14

General Board / Re: How to export a diagram to draw.io?

« on: March 16, 2025, 07:54:36 am »

I asked Copilot

"I need to export BPMN diagrams from Sparx Enterprise Architect to drawio BPMN format and then re-import them. Can you suggest any AI tools that can help with that problem?"

and it gave this answer

Exporting BPMN diagrams from EA is usually done by saving out an XML file in a proprietary or semi-standard format. The challenge is then to transform that into a draw.io–compatible BPMN XML. Although there isn’t a single "one-click" AI tool to perform this end-to-end conversion, combining the strengths of these AI tools can help you:

Draft and iterate transformation code: Use Copilot, Codex/ChatGPT, or Tabnine to generate and refine your conversion scripts.

Debug and Optimize: Leverage CodeGuru and DeepCode to ensure your code is efficient and robust.

Visualize and validate XML structures: Utilize XMLSpy and BPMN.io to compare input/output, making sure all BPMN elements are correctly mapped.

Innovate with custom pipelines: If off-the-shelf tools don’t fully cover your needs, consider developing a custom AI conversion model using frameworks like TensorFlow.

This layered approach should empower you to build a reliable export–transform–import pipeline between Sparx Enterprise Architect and draw.io..

Would you like a deeper dive into one of these tools or even a sample transformation workflow diagram to illustrate how these components might interact?

I love how AI tools can do all this research in minutes.

15

General Board / Re: How to export a diagram to draw.io?

« on: March 16, 2025, 07:42:50 am »

At present I don't believe that is possible unless someone writes plug-in to sparx thats exports and even imports for two way sync. Whilst you can save as SVG and import into drawio it won't be the same as creating BPMN diagrams in drawio so the user experience will be awful trying to move text, lines and shapes around from the svg import as they won't be the BPMN shapes and connectors.

Whilst Prolaborate allows some integration between Sparx EA and confluence which happens to use drawio I don't think the diagrams are anything other than graphics exported as an image. Thus not allowing editing with drawio.

A while ago we had the same problem with business using visio to draw BPMN process and that was partially solved by Visio importer for Sparx EA. However, that wasn't two way synch so continued updating in Visio just created more diagrams and objects in sparx ea when re-importing rather than updating.

One possible option that you may wish to investigate is the use of AI to translate BPMN exported from Sparx EA to drawio format. One of my colleagues was experimenting with Claude to do some similar translation from xml using xslt to mermaid format.

So unless someone creates an exporter from Sparx EA to draw IO you may have to resort to manually re-creating the diagrams in drawio. If you wanted to re-import them into back into Sparx EA you could save them as visio then import into Sparx EA using visio importer.

Hope that helps.