Software Design Center

HOW TO DRAW SHLAER-MELLOR DIAGRAMS (cont'd)

Attaching the Subtype Branch to the Supertype Object
Now, you are ready to connect your subtype objects to a supertype object. The top stem of your subtype branch has a handle which allows you to connect the entire branch to another object. For your branch to connect to something else, you must have the Allow Lines to Link setting checked under the Arrange menu.

Position your branch below the supertype object, then grab the grow handle and stretch it until it attaches to the link points of the supertype object.

Once the branch is attached, you can close the space between the supertype object and the branch by clicking and dragging the grow handle located at the intersection of the main stem and the main line (see below).

Adding the Crossbar
When an object enters the automatic connector's hot zone, it is grabbed and added to the branch (Learn more about hot zones, by clicking here). To avoid attaching your crossbar to the rest of the branch, you will need to lock down the connector. This temporarily disables hot zones and allows you to move or position your other shapes on the page freely.

To lock a connector, select it, then choose Lock Object from the Arrange menu. This will turn the selected object's handles from black to grey, and you will not be able to resize or otherwise adjust the branch until you unlock it again.

Once the connector is locked, you can move your crossbar into position.