SmartDraw UML Center

HOW TO DRAW UML DIAGRAMS (cont'd)

Adding and Editing Text
To add text to a shape or a line, select it and start typing. Depending on the particular shape, your text will appear inside, below, or above the shape.

For a line, your text will appear centered on the line. Some shapes will already have text on them. To edit this text, double-click on the area you want to edit.

You can change font size, font type, color, alignment in the Font and Paragraph groups.

To add text to your work area as an independent object, click on the Text tool in the Tools group or click on Add Text in the SmartPanel.

Converting a Shape into a Table
UML objects that specify operations and attributes are depicted as rectangles with rows. You can use the symbols in the UML libraries, or you can draw your own by converting a rectangle shape into a table.

To convert a rectangle, select it, then go to the Table tab and choose Convert to Table.

Choose the appropriate number of rows and columns from the dialog box that appears.

Once your shape is converted, you can use the standard Table menu commands to change a cell's background color as well as the grid line thickness and color. You can also Join and Split cells to further customize your shape.

To enter text into a cell, double-click on it and type.