Software Design Tutorials

Dropping Shapes on a Line

In UML sequence diagrams, activation boxes are linked to vertical lifelines. You will also need to know how to drop shapes on a line for other software diagrams. First, make sure that Allow Shapes to Link to Lines is checked under Options in the SmartDraw Application menu.

SmartDraw shapes link to lines via a special attachment point located by default in the center of the shape. Drag the shape over the line so its center (or attachment point) is near the line. As the shape's attachment point comes in contact with the line, the cursor changes to an anchor, and the connection point appears as a black dot.

Sometimes, the shape rotates 90 degrees when it attaches to a line. To make sure that the shape retains its own angle of rotation, select the line and choose Horizontally under Direction comman on the Paragraph group on the main ribbon.

To break the link between a shape and a line, just drag the shape away from the line.

Generalization Relationship and Finding Symbols

Generalization or inheritance relationships can be created in using one of the many software design symbols contained in SmartDraw. As with many symbols, the hard part may be finding them.

By default, the SmartPanel displays a single gallery. To find more symbols and library, click on the title bar of the library to show a drop-down menu of options. You can choose from some default UML symbol libraries or opt to search SmartDraw's entire collection by clicking on More.

In this case, the symbol for generalization is contained in the UML library. Open it and drag or stamp the symbol to the page.

Attaching Shapes to an Generalization Relationship

A generalization symbol automatically has two subtypes attached to it. You can drag additional subtype boxes to the automatic connector to attach them. The connector is a special line tool that automatically connects several shapes in evenly spaced patterns. As shapes get close to the connector, the outline of the moving object jumps to the closest link point, showing where it would connect if you released it. Releasing the mouse attaches the object to the connector at the selected link point.