Tips for Effective UML Diagrams
1) The level of abstraction in your diagrams should meet the needs and interest of your
audience. High level management might only be interested in the big picture while developers need as
much detail as possible.
2) Avoid crossing lines by arranging all the elements of a diagram on the page before
drawing in the relationship lines. If two lines must cross, use a "bridge" (also known as a "line hop") to
show that the lines do not intersect.
Incorrect line crossing
Correct crossover
3) Use notes or color to draw attention to important features.
Using colors can help you highlight important features in your diagram
4) Address primary structure and behavior first and model complexities and detail in a separate
diagram. SmartDraw allows you to link multiple diagrams, so the viewer can drill down into your diagram for more detail.
To link an object in your chart to another diagram, select the object and
choose Hyperlink from the Insert tab.
A small plus sign will appear in the object, and clicking on it opens the linked file or web page.
5) SmartDraw makes it easy to share your software design diagram with others in a business presentation or on the web.
- Export as GIF or JPEG for the web
- Export as HTML with working hyperlinks
- Copy & Paste into PowerPoint® or other Microsoft Office® Suite programs
When you paste your diagram into another program (such as PowerPoint®),
you can edit it by simply double-clicking on the diagram in the
other program. This opens the diagram in SmartDraw for editing,
and your changes will be updated in the other program automatically.
6) Create a polished diagram by adding shadows and color.
You can choose from a number of ready-made styles in the Themes group or add
special effects like shadows, glows, bevels and more under the Effects command
in the Shape Style group.