Add elements

There are several ways to add elements to a diagram. Here you can also learn how to add elements to Pools and Subprocesses.

• From the Elements tab in the Project panel.

• Using the right-click menu.

• Using connection points.

• By copying and pasting.

Elements tab

The Elements tab in the Project panel contains all the elements you can use in a diagram. Elements are divided into categories so you can easily find the element you’re looking for.

1. Click to open the Project panel.

2. In the Elements tab, select an element, then drag and drop it onto the diagram.

The right-click menu

Right-click an empty point of the diagram to open the menu. This opens the same categories as the Elements tab, so you can add an element without opening the Project panel.

1. Right-click an empty point of the diagram.

2. Select a category, then select the element you want to add.

Connection points

When you select an element, four connection points appear around it — one on each side. You can use them to add a new element in two ways:

• Drag from a connection point to choose an element from the Element menu.

• Click a connection point to add an element of the same type.

Choose from the Element menu

1. Select an element on the diagram.

2. Select a connection point and drag to an empty area of the diagram, then release.

   The Element menu opens.

3. Click an element in the Element menu.

   The new element is automatically connected to the selected element.

Add an element of the same type

1. Select an element on the diagram.

2. Click a connection point.

   A new element of the same type appears, with the prompt “Tab to change type”.

3. To choose a different type, press Tab.

   Each press switches to another type. Keep pressing until the type you want appears.

4. Press Enter to confirm.

   The new element is automatically connected to the selected element.

Copy and paste

You can add elements by copying an existing one and pasting it elsewhere.

1. Select the element you want to copy.

2. In the action toolbar, click and select Copy.

3. Right-click an empty point of the diagram to open the right-click menu, then select Paste.

Other ways to copy and paste

• Select an element, click then select Cut. Right-click an empty point of the diagram and in the menu, select Paste.

• Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste.

Add elements to Pools

You add elements to Pools in the same way that you add elements to a diagram.

However, there are some rules to know before you start:

• Sequence Flows can’t cross Pool boundaries

• Message Flows can cross Pool boundaries.

• Message Flows can’t connect to objects that are within the same Pool.

Add elements to Subprocesses

You add elements to Subprocesses in the same way that you add elements to a diagram.

However, there are some rules to know before you start:

• Sequence Flows can’t cross Subprocess boundaries

• Message Flows can cross Subprocess boundaries.

• Message Flows can’t connect to objects that are within the same Subprocess.

Delete elements

There are two ways to delete elements.

• Select the element or elements and in the action toolbar, click and select Delete.

• Select the element or elements and press Delete on your keyboard.