The Insert Shape command allows you to add a generic shape with corresponding text to the diagram. Rectangles, rounded rectangles, ellipses, and circles are all supported. These diagram shapes do not have any technical model purpose, but they can enhances the representation and communication value by emphasizing key aspects or implying groups, clusters, etc.
When inserting a shape via the Insert Shape command, you first specify the location and the size of the shape. The mouse cursor changes to a crosshair allowing you to click and drag the desired region. When you release the mouse button, you are prompted to enter the shape text and can customize the representation by specifying the horizontal and vertical alignment of the text. (If desired, the font style and colors can be modified using the standard diagram toolbar controls.)
When inserting a shape via the New Shape construct on the Diagram Palette, you first drag-drop the shape construct onto the diagram at the desired location and are prompted to select the shape from a pop-up list. You can then resize the shape or double-click the shape to edit the properties.
Diagram shapes are drawn on top of diagram graphics but behind all other diagram content.
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Where are diagram shapes stored? Diagram shapes are stored as part of the diagram's view description. This layer adds rich representation to the technical correctness of the diagram content generated from the underlying system model. When using shapes, if you delete the corresponding view description in the stored view navigator, you will delete the shape along with all other customizations of the diagram representation (sizing, coloring, positioning, diagram options, etc.). |