Add elements

You can add elements to a diagram using the Elements tab, the Ring menu, the Magnetic Edge tool, or by copying and pasting. We also cover the specific rules for adding elements to Pools and Subprocesses.

Elements tab

The Elements tab in the Navigation 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.

To add an element:

1. In the toolbar, click to open the Navigation panel.

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

The Ring

The Ring is an interactive context menu that helps you to create processes faster than manually dragging and dropping elements.

The Ring has two parts: a right menu for adding and automatically connecting elements, and a left menu with tools to edit an element. The actions and tools available in the Ring depend on the element you select. Hover over icons to see tooltips that describe what they do.

Here’s an example of how to add a Start Event and connect it to a User Task using the Ring:

1. Right-click on the diagram to open the Ring.

2. In the right Ring menu, select the Event icon, then select Start Event.

   The Ring stays open and is ready for your next action.

3. Select the Tasks icon, then select Task.

   The Ring automatically connects the Start Event to the Task. Alternatively, you can hold and drag the Task into position.

4. To change the Task to a User Task, keep the Task selected. In the left menu select then select User Task.

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 left Ring menu, click .

3. Click an empty space on the diagram to open the Ring, then click .

Other ways to copy and paste

• Toolbar: Use the copy and paste actions.

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

Magnetic edge

The Magnetic Edge tool automatically connects elements as you drag and drop them onto your diagram. Think of it like a magnet; it connects to the closest element.

1. In the toolbar, click .

2. Drag an element from the Elements tab and drop it onto the diagram.

3. Drag another element close to the first one. The Magnetic Edge tool will automatically connect them when they’re positioned correctly.

To deactivate the tool:

• In the toolbar, click .

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

To delete elements in a diagram, select the element or elements:

• In the toolbar, click .

• In the Ring, click .

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + X.

Undo and redo

When you’re adding elements to a diagram and editing them it can be useful to undo and redo your actions.

You find the undo and redo actions in the toolbar and in the Ring.