Add Connectors

Connectors define specific relationships between specific elements, so you usually create them directly on the diagram by dragging the required relationship type from the Enterprise Architect UML Toolbox. As for elements, the Toolbox automatically presents the connector or relationship types appropriate to the type of diagram.

Create two elements on the diagram. Click on a connector in the Toolbox, click on the source element in the relationship, then drag across to the target element. This creates the selected connection between the two elements. If you double-click on the connector, the connector Properties dialog displays, and you can define the characteristics of the relationship.

Tip:

Enterprise Architect has three very useful features:

  • To find out more about the type of connector you have dragged on to a diagram, right-click on the connector and select the UML Help menu option. This displays a Help page on the connector type.
  • If you are creating several connectors of one type, after creating the first just click on the appropriate source element and press [F3] to create the next connector of that type.
  • As you drag a connector, you can press [Shift] to create a bend in the connector. If necessary, you can put several bends in the connector line, pressing [Shift] every time you want to change direction. To roll back the bends, keep holding the left mouse button down and press [Backspace] as many times as is necessary.

Moving and Deleting Elements and Connectors

Having created a model with some components, you can move those components around and delete them. You should also know how to save your work.

Additional Information

For additional information on creating a connector through the Project Browser, or with the Quick Linker, see the Create Connector topic and the Create Connections Between Elements topic.