Autosize Elements

You can autosize an element or group of elements in a diagram to the minimum size for revealing the information (such as attributes, operations and notes) they display. Each element is reduced or expanded as necessary to just reveal the information displayed. The size change effectively operates around the mid point of each element, so the layout and size of the diagram do not change. To automatically change the layout of a diagram, see the Lay Out a Diagram topic.

To autosize elements, follow the steps below:

  1. Select the elements to resize (press [Ctrl]+[A] to select all).
  2. Either:
  • Right-click on any of the elements and, on the context menu, select the Autosize menu option, or
  • Press [Alt]+[Z].

Note:
  • Not all elements resize; elements such as Events remain the same; Timing and Sequence diagrams (where position is crucial) are unchanged; and elements added from a profile or shape script maintain any size definitions imposed by the profile.
  • The minimum size Enterprise Architect can set is the default size for the element, usually around 100 x 100, but different for certain elements.
  • With an element image created with a Shape Script that contains a defSize command, Autosize returns the element to the defSize value and not the element default size.