Author Topic: virtualize connector end - change shape of dublicated element  (Read 1019 times)

Viking

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Hi, I am using an Archimate "Interface" with "Icon Notation" (hopefully this is the correct name. The command is: right-click > appearance > use rectangle notation, with turns the check off, if the icon is used).

I dublicated this Interface with "virtualize connector end". But the dublicated element is shown as "Rectangle Notation".

Questions are:
  • Is there a way to change the appearance (shape) of the dublicated element to Icon Notation or reuse the notation of the orginal one?
  • Why is it implemented that way at all and does not just copy the notation of the original element?

Elpis

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Re: virtualize connector end - change shape of dublicated element
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2025, 03:48:07 am »
"virtualized connector end" is a poor substitute/way-around for ability of placing the same element few times on a diagram in different positions (usualy to avoid cluttering crossing connectors). And as it is named, it is only an another presentation of 'connector end' - not element at the end.
Of course it would be nice to have ability to differentiate visualization of the connected element at VCE, but to what extend? At the extreme one may want to set it's presentation completely differently from 'primary' element presentation - changing not only general notation (custom, rectangle, icon) but also setting compartments and attributes/operation visibility, colors, etc.. Quite different 'world' opens up... Seems, Sparx decided to stick to much simpler approach. Not so much capable, but better than nothing.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2025, 10:52:50 am by Elpis »

Viking

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Re: virtualize connector end - change shape of dublicated element
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2025, 05:54:04 pm »
EAM-tools normally provide the ability to duplicate elements. For good reasons. EAM diagrams are used for communication, mainly on management level. And a better understandable diagram is better than the "only 1 element on a diagram" restriction. In my case, that I cannot use the Icon Notation and the same representation as the original element, the diagram is confusing and thus useless.