Definitions is the root container for all the processes and elements in a BPMN model. They describe the non-visual components of a process. Unlike elements, which appear as shapes in a diagram, definitions represent underlying data or behavior that support the process — such as resources or messages.
You manage definitions in the Definitions tab of the Navigation panel.
To access the Definitions tab:
In the toolbar, click
Open the Definitions tab.
The definitions you can define for a process are:
| Definition | Description |
|---|---|
| Item definition | The types of data you can use in a BPMN model. |
| Message | The messages that are sent or received by a participant at the start, end, or during a process. |
| Resource | The resources that perform or are responsible for the activity. |
| Signal | Signals that are broadcast to everyone involved in the process. |
| Escalation | Escalations that a process might need to react to. |
| Error | The possible errors that can occur in the process. |
| Data Store | The data stores that are visualized by activities in the process. |
In the Definitions tab, click
A new definition is added with a default name. We recommend you give the new definition a meaningful name.
Select the new definition to edit its attributes.