About systems modeling tools

Related Topics

The Oracle Designer systems modeling tools enable you to:

•	model business processes, using the Process Modeler

•	show the decomposition of activities in an organization in a hierarchical manner, using the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer

•	define what information a system must manage and process, using the Entity Relationship Diagrammer

•	detail how information is used by business activities, using the Dataflow Diagrammer

In addition, to the systems modeling tools transformers are provided:

•	the Database Design Transformer transforms models into database designs

•	the Application Design Transformer transform models into application designs

Note:	A Table to Entity Retrofit utility is provided to help you create an entity relationship model (entities, attributes, relationships and unique identifiers) from repository-held relational server models, i.e. relational table definitions.

Process modeling

Process modeling involves developing a diagram to show the activities of your business and the sequence in which they take place. Most businesses are relatively complex, so a model is likely to consist of a number of diagrams, each showing part of a process, with perhaps one diagram showing an overview of the whole process at the top level. These diagrams are known as Process Diagrams.

Modeling your business processes helps you understand how your organization functions and developing a business process model helps communicate the understanding of the process among the participants.

The model provides a focus for people to agree changes to improve the process. The model could illustrate how efficient the process is, or it could highlight a process as overly complicated, cumbersome, or even redundant. If the process is something new that your business is planning to do, the model can help ensure its efficiency from the start.

For example, an insurance company might decide that providing quotes for automobile insurance is one of its processes that needs improvement. This may involve the sales department, risk assessors, the accounts department and the claims department all developing the process model together. Doing so will show how the different departments work currently to satisfy the customer.

With an appreciation of the current process, the group can work together to improve it, possibly by eliminating duplicate work, by speeding up the flow of information, or by some other means. In this whole exercise, a common understanding of the process among all the participants is a key factor of success. The process model helps to communicate that understanding.

The Process Modeler tool enables easy modeling of business processes.

Function modeling

Function modeling models hierarchies of all the functions that are performed by a business and identifies which parts of the business can be automated. Function modeling is achieved in Oracle Designer using the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer.

The Function Hierarchy Diagrammer is used to:

•	decompose business functions

•	define elementary business functions

•	show how functions use data

A function hierarchy shows the activities carried out by your business. The analyst takes this high-level statement of your company's business function and refines it into progressively more detailed functions. This process is called function decomposition.

When the function hierarchy is complete, it is composed of elementary business functions, the lowest level of functions. These are defined in terms of the events that trigger them, the entities, and the relationships between the entities and their attributes.

Using the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer, you can create as many function hierarchies as you need to model your system. The layout of a hierarchy can be changed to allow you to work at any level of detail.

The Function Hierarchy Diagrammer provides:

•	a diagramming tool for creating and maintaining definitions of business functions held in the repository

•	access to the multi-user repository for creating and maintaining definitions of functions

•	access to the Application Design Transformer to derive a potential database design and customize this generated database design to achieve consistent and manageable applications

•	options to collapse and expand hierarchy branches, and a choice of vertical, horizontal or hybrid layout for your diagrams

•	utilities to automate function modeling tasks, such as automatically deriving a function/entity matrix from function descriptions

•	the ability to create subsets for very large and complex hierarchies

•	access to other related Oracle Designer tools, including the Repository Reports tool, which provides reports for validating function hierarchy diagrams, and the Matrix Diagrammer, which can be used for cross-referencing repository elements to verify your design

Entity modeling

Entity relationship modeling involves identifying the things of importance in an organization (entities), the properties of those things (attributes) and how they are related to one another (relationships). The resulting information model is independent of any data storage or access method.

You can define the information needs of a business as an entity relationship model using the Entity Relationship Diagrammer.

Large entity relationship diagrams can be drawn for entire complex systems, or smaller diagrams drawn for subsets of systems. One entity can appear in numerous diagrams, enabling many detailed subset models to be defined.

The Entity Relationship Diagrammer provides:

•	a diagramming tool for creating entity relationship diagrams

•	access to the multi-user repository for creating and maintaining definitions of entities and relationships

•	access to the Database Design Transformer, which automates some of the tasks of system development by deriving a default database design from entity relationship diagrams

•	autolayout facilities for automating the improvement of the diagram layout

•	access to other related Oracle Designer tools, including the Repository Reports tool, which provides reports for validating entity relationship diagrams, and the Matrix Diagrammer, which can be used for cross-referencing repository elements to verify your model

Dataflow modeling

Dataflow diagramming involves the creation of diagrams to show how data flows through your organization. Dataflow diagrams are drawn to represent data dependencies, system components or even the context of a project.

Each dataflow diagram represents a single business function for an application system. This function may be a mission statement for an entire organization, or a small series of activities for an isolated part of the organization's business.

Dataflows can be modeled using the Dataflow Diagrammer, which allows you to create and maintain business functions, datastores, dataflows and externals that are stored in the repository.

The Dataflow Diagrammer provides:

•	a diagramming tool for creating dataflow diagrams

•	access to the multi-user repository for creating and maintaining definitions of functions, dataflows, datastores and externals

•	access to the Application Design Transformer to derive a potential database design and customize this to achieve consistent and manageable applications

•	autolayout facilities for automating the improvement of the diagram layout

•	access to other related Oracle Designer tools, including the Repository Reports tool, which provides reports for validating entity relationship diagrams, and the Matrix Diagrammer, which can be used for cross-referencing repository elements to verify your design


Features added for the systems modeling tools in 6i

Related Topics

New for the systems modeling tools in 6i

Major changes for the systems modeling tools in 6i

New supporting features for 6i

Major changes for systems modeling in  6i

Workareas	A workarea defines which repository objects are visible to you, thus presenting you with a view or subset of the contents of the repository. Within a workarea repository data is further broken down into containers.
Containers	In previous releases of Oracle Designer, repository data was organized using application systems. This release introduces folders, which are also used for organizing repository data.  Both application systems and folders are types of container.  The System Modeling tools work in the context of application systems only. Therefore, any repository data that you create in folders (using the Repository Object Navigator) cannot be seen in the Systems Modeling tools.
Version control	This release provides you with the ability to version and label your designs, for improved change control and multi user access.
Changes to the systems modeling tools for 6i

Entity Relationship Diagrammer	Allows you to open diagrams stored in different containers. When you create elements on Entity Relationship Diagrams, you can choose the container in which the element is created, i.e., the element does not have to be created in the same container as the diagram.
Dataflow Diagrammer	Allows you to open diagrams stored in different containers. Note, the elements you create on a Dataflow Diagram are always created in the same container as that diagram, i.e., you cannot choose the container in which the element is stored.
Function Hierarchy Diagrammer	Allows you to open diagrams stored in different containers. Note, the elements you create on a Function Hierarchy Diagram are always created in the same container as that diagram, i.e., you cannot choose the container in which the element is stored.
Process Modeler	Allows you to open diagrams stored in different containers. Note, the elements you create on a Process Diagram are always created in the same container as that diagram, i.e., you cannot choose the container in which the element is stored.
New supporting features for 6i

Version History Viewer	Illustrates the version history for a chosen repository object in diagrammatic form and allows you to perform version operations such as compare and merge.
Version Event Viewer	Provides detailed information about the check in and check out version operations that have been performed for a chosen repository object. The information is provided in dialog box format.


Starting the system modeling tools

Related Topics

Installation and setup

The system modeling tools are part of the Oracle Designer tool set, therefore before you can use them you must first ensure that Oracle Designer has been correctly installed and that a repository is available for you to use. For more information, see the Oracle Designer Installation Guide.

Starting the system modeling tools

1.	To start the system modeling tools, first start Oracle Designer by choosing Programs→Oracle Designer 6i→Oracle Designer from the Windows Start menu.

2.	Complete the Connect dialog box, which acts as a security check for the system.

You will need a username and password. If you don't have these already, ask your System Administrator to give you an account on the system. For security reasons, the password is shown as asterisks as you type it in.

Note:	If you are working with a versioned repository, when you successfully complete the Connect dialog box, the Workarea dialog box is displayed from which you must choose an existing workarea or create a new one.

When you have specified the required connection information the Oracle Designer Window is displayed.

3.	From the Oracle Designer Window, choose the system modeling tool you require.

Next Step

Ensure you have sufficient access to the repository


Ensuring you have sufficient access to the repository

Related Topics

When you use the system modeling tools, you work in the context of a single workarea, i.e., a view or subset of the repository contents.

If you are working with a non-versioned repository, the repository has a single workarea (called a Global Shared Workarea) that you share with other repository users. In a non-versioned repository, the access that you and other users have to repository data is determined by your access rights.

Note:	Access rights are specified from the Repository Object Navigator.

If you are working with a versioned repository, you may use a shared workarea or a private workarea. In addition to access rights, workarea rules control access to the repository data. Depending on your access rights you can create workareas, edit workarea specifications and refresh workareas from the system modeling tools. Typically, there is a repository owner who controls repository details such as your access rights and whether the repository is under version control.


Changing the line width on Systems Modeler diagrams

You can redefine the line width of a diagram item (i.e., an element or association) in one of two ways: either define the line width for one or more items selected on the active diagram, or define the line width for all subsequent instances of a particular element type.

Note:	Changes to the line width of relationships on entity relationship diagrams do not show under Windows 95.

To change the line width of selected items on a diagram:

1.	Select the items on the active diagram whose line width you want to change.

2.	Click [image].

3.	Select the required line thickness from those displayed in the Line Width dialog box, or enter a value in the numeric Line Width field in the Preferences dialog box.

To change the line width for all subsequent instances of a specific element type:

1.	Do one of the following:

•	From the Entity Relationship Diagrammer, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer, choose Options→Customize.

•	From Process Modeler choose, Options→Customize→Graphics.

2.	Select the element type whose line width you want to change from those displayed in the Type list box.

3.	Select the Line Width field.

4.	Select the required line thickness from those displayed in the dialog box.

5.	To define the line width of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened in either the current or future invocations of the diagrammer, click Save.

To define the line width of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened only in the current invocation of the diagrammer, click OK.

Note:	From now on, when you insert new instances of the selected item on a diagram, they will be displayed with the new line thickness. The existing items are not affected.


Changing line color on Systems Modeler diagrams
Changing the line color on Systems Modeler diagrams

You can redefine the line color of a diagram item in one of two ways: either define the line color for one or more items selected on the active diagram, or define the line color for all subsequent instances of a particular element type.

Any selectable diagram item, whether it is an element or an association, can have its line color changed.

To change the line color of selected items on a diagram:

1.	Select the items on the active diagram whose line color you want to change.

2.	Click [image].

3.	Select the required line color from those displayed in the dialog box.

To change the line color for all subsequent instances of a specific element type:

1.	Do one of the following:

•	From the Entity Relationship Diagrammer, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy diagrammer, choose Options→Customize.

•	From Process Modeler choose, Options→Customize→Graphics.

2.	Select the element type whose line color you want to change from those displayed in the Type list box.

3.	Select the Line Color field.

4.	Select the required line color from those displayed in the dialog box.

5.	To define the line color of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened in either the current or future invocations of the diagrammer, click Save.

To define the line color of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened only in the current invocation of the diagrammer, click OK.

Note:	From now on, when you insert new instances of the selected item on a diagram, they will be displayed with the new line color. The existing items are not affected.


Changing the fill color on Systems Modeler diagrams

You can redefine the fill color of a diagram item in one of two ways: either for one or more items selected on the active diagram, or define the fill color for all subsequent instances of a particular element type.

Any selectable diagram item, whether it is an element or an association, can have its fill color changed.

To change the fill color of selected items on a diagram:

1.	Select the items on the active diagram whose fill color you want to change.

2.	Click [image].

3.	Select the required fill color from those displayed in the dialog box.

To change the fill color for all subsequent instances of a specific element type:

1.	Do one of the following:

•	From the Entity Relationship Diagrammer, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy diagrammer, choose Options→Customize.

•	From Process Modeler choose, Options→Customize→Graphics.

2.	Select the element type whose fill color you want to change from those displayed in the Type list box.

3.	Select the Fill Color field.

4.	Select the required fill color from those displayed in the dialog box.

5.	To define the fill color of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened in either the current or future invocations of the diagrammer, click Save.

To define the fill color of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened only in the current invocation of the diagrammer, click OK.

Note:	From now on, when you insert new instances of the selected item on a diagram, they will be displayed with the new fill color. The existing items are not affected.


Changing the font on Systems Modeler diagrams

You can redefine the font of a diagram item in one of two ways: either define the font for one or more items selected on the active diagram, or define the font for all subsequent instances of a particular element type.

Any selectable diagram item, whether it is an element or an association, can have its font changed.

To change the font of selected items on a diagram:

1.	Select the items on the active diagram whose font you want to change.

2.	Click [image].

3.	Select the required font from those displayed in the dialog box.

To change the font for all subsequent instances of a specific element type:

1.	Do one of the following:

•	From the Entity Relationship Diagrammer, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy diagrammer, choose Options→Customize.

•	From Process Modeler choose, Options→Customize→Graphics.

2.	Select the element type whose font you want to change from those displayed in the Type list box.

3.	Select the Font field.

4.	Select the required font from those displayed in the dialog box.

5.	To define the font of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened in either the current or future invocations of the diagrammer, click Save.

To define the font of elements created or modified on all diagrams subsequently opened only in the current invocation of the diagrammer, click OK.

Note:	From now on, when you insert new instances of the selected item on a diagram, they will be displayed with the new font. The existing items are not affected.


Creating a function/attribute matrix

You can create a function/attribute matrix from the Entity Relationship Diagrammer, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy Diagrmmer. The Function/Attribute Matrix utility creates default attribute usages for functions that have entity usages defined in the repository.

To create a function/attribute matrix:

1.	Choose Utilities→Function/Attribute Matrix.

2.	Select the functions for which you want to create function/attribute matrices.

The list box displays functions visible to the workarea. However, the utility creates function attribute usages only for functions that have entity usages. You can see the entity usages and attribute usages that exist for a function either by using the Repository Object Navigator or by viewing the function's properties in the Dataflow Diagrmmer or the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer.

When the utility is complete, you can see the function attribute usages that have been created from the Repository Object Navigator, the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer, as described above.


Moving, creating and removing dog-legs

A dog-leg in a connector enables you to route a connector around other elements on the diagram.

To move a dog-leg on a connector:

1.	Press and hold down the mouse button on the dog-leg that you want to move.

2.	Drag the cursor to the position to which you want to move the dog-leg.

3.	Release the mouse button.

To add a new dog-leg to a connector that already exists on the diagram:

1.	Hold down the SHIFT key and hold down the mouse button in the position on the connector that you want to create a new dog-leg.

2.	Release the SHIFT key.

3.	Drag the dog-leg to the required position on the diagram and release the mouse button.

To remove a dog-leg from a connector:

•	Hold down the SHIFT key and click on the dog-leg that you want to remove.


Changing the properties of elements on Systems Modeler diagrams

To change the properties of a selected element on a Systems Modeler diagram:

1.	Select the element whose properties you want to change, then choose Edit→Properties.

Note:	If the selected element is not consistent with the repository you will be asked whether you want to requery that element. Only elements that are consistent with the repository can be edited.

2.	Make any changes you require. If the property cannot be changed, a message informs you of the reason.

3.	Select OK to save the changes.


Creating application systems from the Systems Modeling tools

Within the repository, all objects are stored in containers. The data that you create using the System Modeling tools is stored in containers of type application system.

To create application systems from any of the Systems Modeling tools:

1.	Choose File→New.

2.	Click the List of Values button to the right of the list box.

3.	From the Select Objects dialog box, click the Create button (available from the row of buttons at the top of the dialog box).

Tip:	Identify the Create button by moving the cursor over buttons .

4.	Enter the name of the new application system and click OK.


Opening diagrams
Opening Systems Modeler diagrams

To open an existing diagram from any of the Systems Modeling tools:

1.	Choose File→Open.

Note:	To create a new diagram, choose File→New.

2.	Select the required diagram.

Tip:	To open any of the four most recently opened diagrams in the current workarea, select File→<Recent Diagram>.


Requerying elements

In a multi-user environment where data is shared between many users, the contents of a diagram can become out of date with the latest information in the repository, and may therefore need requerying. For example, the contents of a diagram can inadvertently be changed if it contains elements owned by another user and that user deletes, renames or changes those elements.

Any changes that have been made to the properties of the elements that you requery are reflected on the diagram. Any elements you requery that have been deleted from the repository are removed from the diagram.

Note:	Out-of-date elements must be requeried before you can modify their properties. Double-clicking or choosing Edit→Properties for a selected out-of-date element displays a message informing you that the element is out-of-date and needs requerying.

To requery specified elements on a diagram:

1.	Choose Edit→Requery→Element Type.

2.	Select the elements that you want to requery from the list of out-of-date elements.

To requery selected elements on the diagram:

1.	Select the elements on the diagram that you want to requery.

2.	Choose Edit→Requery→Selection.

To requery all the elements on a diagram:

•	Choose Edit→Requery→All.


Requerying functions
Requerying a function hierarchy

In a multi-user environment where data is shared between many users, the contents of a diagram can become out of date with the latest information in the repository, and may therefore need requerying. For example, the contents of a diagram can inadvertently be changed if it contains elements owned by another user and that user deletes, renames or changes those elements.

Any changes that have been made to the properties of the elements that you requery are reflected on the diagram. Any elements you requery that have been deleted from the repository are removed from the diagram.

To requery a function hierarchy:

•	Choose Edit→Requery.

Note:	Out-of-date elements must be requeried before you can modify their properties. Double-clicking on or choosing Edit→Properties for a selected out-of-date element displays a message informing you that the element is out-of-date and needs requerying.


Requerying a diagram on opening

In a multi-user environment where data is shared between many users, the contents of a diagram can become out of date with the latest information in the repository.

To ensure that you are always using a diagram with up-to-date information, you can set the Requery on Open option to requery all diagrams in the current diagrammer automatically every time you open them.

To requery all elements on diagrams automatically every time diagrams are opened:

1.	Choose Options→Customize.

2.	Check the Requery on Open checkbox.

3.	To requery all diagrams subsequently opened in either the current or future invocations of the diagrammer, select Save.


Navigating to elements on diagrams

As a diagram increases in size, it can become too large for you to be able to see all of its items at one time in a window. This can make it difficult to locate the part of the diagram you want to work on. The navigate facility provides a way of finding an element on a diagram and displaying that part of the diagram without having to scroll to it.

To navigate to a specified element on a diagram:

1.	Choose Edit→Navigate To→Element Type.

2.	Select the element to which you want to navigate.


Rescaling diagrams

You can rescale Entity Relationship Diagrams and Dataflow Diagrams.

To rescale a diagram:

1.	Open an Entity Relationship Diagram or a Dataflow Diagram.

2.	Choose Layout→Rescale Diagram.

Note:	The number of horizontal and vertical pages that the diagram currently covers is displayed in the Current Number of Pages group of fields.

3.	Enter the number of pages to which you want the diagram rescaled in the Horizontal and Vertical fields (in the New Number of Pages group).

4.	To retain the aspect ratio of horizontal to vertical pages on which the diagram will be displayed, check the Maintain Aspect Ratio checkbox.

5.	To resize the fonts to be in proportion to the rescaled diagram, check the Scale Fonts checkbox.


Changing a function into a common function

Related Topics

Common functions can be created from existing functions using either the Dataflow Diagrammer or the Function Hierarchy Diagrammer.

To change a function into a common function:

1.	On a Dataflow Diagram or Function Hierarchy Diagram, double-click the function that you want to convert to a common function

Note:	If the selected function is not consistent with the repository you will be asked whether you want to requery that function. Only elements that are consistent with the repository can be edited.

2.	Select the Common tab.

3.	Select the application system that owns the master function for the common function.

4.	Select the function to be the master function for the common function.

Attention:	The current definition of the function will be overwritten with that of the master function when you select OK.

5.	To overwrite the current definition of the function with that of the master function, click OK.


Displaying the grid

Related Topics

On Entity Relationship Diagrams and Dataflow Diagrams you can display a grid that helps you to align diagram items.

To show or hide the grid on the active diagram:

•	Choose View→Grid.

To show or hide the grid by default:

1.	Choose Options→Customize.

2.	To show the grid, check the Display check box in the Grid group.

3.	(Optional)  Click Save to show or hide the grid for the active diagram, and for all diagrams opened during the current session and in future sessions.


Changing the size of grid cells

Related Topics

The grid cells on diagrams are square, and so only one value is required to determine their size. The value that you specify for the grid cells changes both the height and width of the cells. One unit is equal to 0.01 inches on a diagram displayed at its original size.

Note:	The grid can be displayed for Entity Relationship Diagrams and Dataflow Diagrams only.

To change the size of the squares on the grid:

1.	Choose Options→Customize.

2.	Enter a value (in the range of 10 to 100) in the Cell Size field to determine the new size of the grid cells.

Note:	The size of the grid cells affects the positions of elements moved using the AutoLayout utilities, because elements are snapped to the grid lines when they are automatically laid out.

3.	(Optional)  Click Save.


Snapping diagram items to the grid

Related Topics

Diagram items that are created or moved on the active diagram can be automatically aligned to the grid lines that are nearest to them, even if the grid is not displayed.

Note:	The grid can be displayed for Entity Relationship Diagrams and Dataflow Diagrams only.

To snap diagram items to the grid:

1.	Choose Options→ Customize.

2.	Check the Snap check box.


Deleting diagrams

Related Topics

Diagrams that are no longer required can be deleted from the repository. Deleting a diagram does not delete any of the elements stored in the repository that are represented on the diagram.

To delete a diagram:

1.	Choose File→Delete Diagram.

2.	Select the diagram you want to delete and click OK.

3.	Click Yes to delete the diagram from the repository.


Saving diagrams

To save changes to an existing diagram :

•	Choose File→Save.

To save a diagram under a new name:

1.	Choose File→Save Diagram As.

2.	Enter the name of the file under which you want to save your diagram and click OK.


Opening new windows

Related Topics

You can open more than one window for the active tool. In this way, you can work on different parts of the tool simultaneously.

The new window is displayed on top of any existing windows. If one of these windows is at its full size, the new window obscures the existing ones. You can rearrange the windows by using other options on the Window menu.

To open a new window:

•	Choose Window→New Window.


Minimizing the number of diagram pages

Related Topics

Since deleting or moving the last diagram item on a page does not also automatically delete the page, a diagram may include many redundant blank pages lying outside the outermost points of any items on the diagram.

Note:	New pages are automatically added to a diagram whenever you create a new diagram item on, or move a current diagram item to, an area of the diagram window that is outside the current page boundary.

To minimize the number of pages used for the active diagram:

•	Choose Layout→Minimize Number of Pages.

The remaining number of pages will always form a rectangle.


Undoing the last graphical actions

You can undo and redo the most recent graphical actions you have made on a diagram. Graphical actions are actions that affect the look of items on the drawing surface, such as cutting and pasting items, altering the position and size of items on the diagram or changing the font, color and line width. For example, if you resize an object on the diagram, you can return the object to its previous size using undo.

To undo the last graphical action on a diagram:

•	Choose Edit→Undo.


Copying, cutting and pasting

Related Topics

You can cut, copy and paste items on a diagram. Each time you copy or cut selected diagram items, they are placed on the Clipboard, overwriting its previous contents. The contents of the Clipboard can then be pasted back onto the active diagram or another diagram. It is important to note that by using the Edit→Copy menu option you do not perform semantic copies of the selected elements (e.g. it cannot be used to create a new table definition from an existing table definition).

To copy diagram items to the Clipboard:

1.	Select the items you want to copy.

2.	Choose Edit→Copy.

To cut diagram items from a diagram:

Note:	When you cut an element from a diagram, the element is not removed from the repository.

1.	Select the items you want to cut.

2.	Choose Edit→Cut.

To paste the contents of the Clipboard onto a diagram:

1.	Position the cursor where you want to paste the Clipboard contents.

2.	Choose Edit→Paste.


Selecting items on diagrams

Related Topics

To select all items on the diagram:

•	Select Edit→Select All.

You can deselect individual items by holding down CTRL and clicking on them.

To select all diagram items of the same type:

1.	Click on a diagram item of the required type.

2.	Choose Edit→Select Same Type.

Select additional individual items by holding down CTRL and clicking on them.

To select specific diagram items on a large diagram:

•	Choose the Select option from the Edit menu, then choose the elements that you want to select.

To select all items in a given area of the diagram:

1.	Position the mouse cursor in the area in which you want to select the diagram items and hold down the mouse button.

2.	Drag the mouse over the required area and release the mouse button.

This procedure selects all elements wholly within the rectangle. To include elements partially within the given area, hold down ALT when dragging the rectangle.

Note:	To select subsequent rectangular groups of items, hold down CTRL and drag another rectangle in the same way.


Navigating to elements on diagrams

Related Topics

As a diagram increases in size, it can become too large for you to be able to see all of its items at one time in a window. This can make it difficult to locate the part of the diagram you want to work on. The navigate facility provides a way of finding an element on a diagram and displaying that part of the diagram without having to scroll to it.

To navigate to an element on a diagram:

1.	Choose Edit→Navigate To.

2.	Select the element to which you want to navigate.


Removing elements from diagrams

Related Topics

Elements that have become obsolete can be removed from a diagram. When you remove an element from a diagram, you can either:

•	remove the element from the diagram, but not from the repository, i.e., cut the element from the diagram

•	remove the element from the diagram and from the repository, i.e., delete the element

Note:	When you delete an element from a diagram and the repository, the element is also deleted from any other diagrams. Any unopened diagrams containing the deleted element become temporarily out-of-date until consolidation occurs when the diagram is opened. This automatic consolidation ensures that diagrams you are working on always reflect the latest information in the repository.

To remove an element from a diagram but not from the repository

1.	From the diagram, select the element or elements you want to delete.

2.	Choose Edit→Cut.

To remove an element from a diagram and from the repository:

1.	From the diagram, select the element or elements you want to delete.

2.	Choose Edit→Delete from Repository.


 Printing

Related Topics

To preview the print job as it will appear when printed:

•	Choose File→Print Preview.

−	To navigate through the pages, choose either the Next Page button or the Prev Page button as appropriate.

−	To specify whether one or two pages are previewed at once, choose the One Page/Two Page button.

−	To increase or decrease the view of the printed pages, choose the Zoom In or Zoom Out button, as appropriate.

−	To print, choose the Print button.

−	To close the Print Preview window and return to the main tool window, choose the Close button.

To specify the range of pages to be printed:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Do one of the following:

−	To print all pages, click the All option button.

−	To print out a range of pages, enter the page numbers in the From and To fields associated with the Pages option button.

To specify the print quality used for printing:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Choose the required print quality from the Print Quality drop-down list. The higher the number the better the print quality.

To specify the number of copies that you want to print:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Specify the number of copies you want to print in the Copies field.

To print a print job to a file:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Check the Print to File check box.

3.	Enter the name and location of the file to which you want to print the print job.


 Changing the print setup

Related Topics

Note:	To set some of the more advanced document printing options, select the Options button to display the Options dialog box.

To select the printer:

1.	Choose File→Print Setup.

2.	Choose the Default Printer option button to print to the default printer.

Note:	You can change the default printer and connect to other printers using Print Manager.

To specify the page orientation:

1.	Choose File→Print Setup.

2.	Choose the required option button from the Orientation group. The image of the page will change accordingly in the orientation group.

Note:	The page orientation used for the print jobs can be changed at any time. Changing the page orientation automatically refreshes the display to reflect the new orientation as well as changing the orientation setting on the printer. The page orientation can be set to either landscape or portrait.

To specify the page size used for the print job:

1.	Choose File→Print Setup.

2.	Choose the required page size from the Size drop-down list.

Note:	The page size used can be changed at any time. Changing the page size automatically refreshes the display to reflect the new size as well as changing the paper-size setting on the printer.

To specify the paper source:

1.	Choose File→Print Setup.

2.	Choose the required paper source from the Source drop-down list.

Note:	A number of different paper sources for the currently connected printer may be available, such as Upper Cassette, Lower Cassette, Envelope Feeder, Manual Feed or Auto Select.

If you have any problems changing the print setup, please refer to your System Administrator.


 Adding page numbers, titles and boundaries to diagram print jobs

Related Topics

To print a page number at the bottom of each page of a diagram print job:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Check the Page Numbers check box.

To print the diagram title at the top of each page of a diagram print job:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Check the Page Title check box.

Note:	The page title is specified in the Title field of the Summary Information dialog box.

To print the page boundaries on a diagram print job:

1.	Choose File→Print.

2.	Check the Page Boundaries check box.


Changing the database connection

Related Topics

To change the database connection:

1.	Choose File→Change Connection.

2.	Specify a username and password.

3.	Specify a connect string for the Oracle database to which you want to connect.

For any unsaved changes, a message box is displayed asking you whether or not you want to save the changes.

Note:	If you are using one of the diagramming tools, and you currently have diagrams open, these diagrams will be closed.

After successful connection to a database, this option displays the Workarea dialog box, enabling you to choose the workarea.

4.	Select the name of the required workarea and click OK.

If you have any problems trying to connect to a database, please refer to your System Administrator.


Changing the workarea

Related Topics

If you have access to more than one workarea, you can switch between the different workareas, without leaving the tool. If you have the repository management Workarea privilege you may create a new workarea.

To change the workarea:

1.	Choose File→Change Workarea.

2.	Do one of the following:

•	Select the name of the required workarea from the list and click OK.

•	Click New to create a new workarea.


Closing diagrams

To close a diagram:

•	Choose File→Close.

If the active diagram is named and contains any unsaved changes, this option displays an alert box asking you whether or not you want to save the changes. Click Yes to save the changes and close the diagram.

If the active diagram is untitled, this option displays an alert box asking you whether or not you want to save the untitled diagram. Click Yes to display the Save Diagram As dialog box enabling you to name and save the diagram before closing it.


Getting diagram information

To get information about the diagram:

1.	Choose File→Summary Information.

Note:	The database connection and the current workarea cannot be changed from the Summary Information dialog box, but can be changed using File→Change Connection and File→Change Workarea.

2.	If required, enter the title for the diagram and the name of the author of the diagram.

3.	Check the appropriate check boxes to determine which of the fields are displayed on the diagram.


Viewing diagrams

Zooming in and out

Displaying diagrams at their original size

Fitting a diagram to the size of the window

Fitting the selection to the size of the window


Zooming in and out

To increase the magnification of the diagram in the active window:

•	Click [image].

To decrease the magnification of the diagram in the active window:

•	Click [image].

To zoom in on a selected area:

1.	Click [image].

2.	Position the cursor on the diagram at the corner of the area you want to magnify and hold the mouse button down.

3.	Drag the rubber-band box to the opposite corner of the area you want to magnify and release the mouse button.


Displaying diagrams at their original size

Related Topics

You can reset the magnification of a diagram to the same magnification that it was displayed at when the diagram was opened or created.

To reset the magnification of a diagram:

•	Choose View→Normal Size.

The whole diagram can be easily resized again or fitted to the size of the window using the appropriate option.


Fitting the selection to the size of the window

Related Topics

You can adjust the magnification of the selected diagram items on the diagram to the maximum size that will fit into the active diagram window.

To adjust the magnification of diagram items:

1.	Select the diagram items that you want to fit to the size of the diagram window.

2.	Click [image].


Fitting a diagram to the size of the window

Related Topics

You can adjust the magnification of the whole diagram to the maximum size that will fit into the active diagram window.

To adjust the magnification of the diagram:

•	Click [image].


Requerying elements

Related Topics

In a multi-user environment where data is shared between many users, certain situations can arise that result in the data displayed becoming out of date with the latest information in the repository. For example, the contents of the tool can inadvertently be changed if it contains elements owned by another user and that user deletes, renames or changes those elements.

For example, user A is working on Diagram 1 which contains table EMP. Table EMP is also included on Diagram 2, currently opened by User B. User A deletes table EMP, which is removed from Diagram 1. User A then removes table EMP from the repository. User B's diagram is now out of date and should be requeried.

User B is unaware that table EMP has been removed from the repository until User B tries to change the properties of table EMP. User B is informed that table EMP no longer exists and can requery the diagram.

To preserve the integrity of data, checks are automatically carried out against the repository each time you attempt to change an object. For example, if an object has been changed by another user, you are informed that the displayed data is out of date and you must requery the repository before you make further changes to the object.

While you are working, repository elements can be requeried:

•	individually

•	all at the same time

Note: 	If you are using the broadcast mechanism facility, changes are automatically highlighted within the tool.

To requery individual objects:

1.	Select one or more objects to be requeried.

Note:	If the broadcast notification service is being used, the out-of-date repository objects can easily be recognized by the display of the broadcast indicators [image]. Click [image] to requery the object's details.

2.	Choose Edit→Requery Selection.

To requery all objects displayed in the active window:

•	Choose Edit→Requery All.


About the broadcast mechanism

Related Topics

The broadcast mechanism allows repository users to be notified of changes to repository objects made in other tools or by other users as soon as those changes are made. If repository objects that are currently displayed in one tool are changed in another tool, or by another user on another machine, a broadcast notification indicator is displayed so that the out-of-date objects can be updated to reflect the changes.

Example 1 - A simple case

A single instance of the Repository Object Navigator and a single instance of another tool are active on the same computer. Both tools are connected to the same repository instance. In the Repository Object Navigator, the user deletes a column that is also represented on a diagram and in the Navigator of the other tool. Broadcast indicators [image] are displayed in the other tool on the parent instance (i.e., the table) on the diagram, and on the child instance (i.e., the actual column) in the Navigator.

Example 2 - Differentiating between repositories

Two instances of the Repository Object Navigator, and a single instance of another tool, are active on the same computer. One of the Repository Object Navigator instances and the other tool are connected to the same repository instance. The second Repository Object Navigator is connected to a different repository instance. The user deletes a table from the repository using the other tool. The broadcast indicator [image] is displayed in the Repository Object Navigator that is connected to the same repository instance as the other tool. The other Repository Object Navigator is not affected by this element deletion.

Note:	To use the broadcast server mechanism over the network, you must first configure the broadcast server for a network notification service. You must use the Repository Administration Utility to configure the broadcast server.

When and where will broadcast notification indicators appear?

•	On creation of children (elements and associations), indicators are displayed in the Navigators (Repository Object Navigator and other tools) on the parent repository object type. For example, when a new column is created, a broadcast indicator is displayed on the Table Definition node in the Navigator.

•	On deleting or updating of children (elements and associations), indicators are displayed in the Navigators on the child node and not the corresponding parent node. For example, if the column EMPNAME was deleted from the table EMP, an indicator is displayed on the EMPNAME node in the Navigator(s).

•	On check in, check out or refresh of repository objects in a shared workarea. For example, where user A and User B are sharing a workarea, they will each be notified of changes made by the other user.

•	In the Matrix Diagrammer, indicators are displayed on the axis and intersections.

•	On diagrams, indicators are displayed only on instances of primary access controlled element types (e.g., the table EMP).

Setting the broadcast notification levels

The following broadcast notification levels can be set by a user:

•	Network. Any changes made on the same machine or other machines (i.e., across the network) will be broadcasted to all users participating in the network broadcasting mechanism.

•	Desktop, the default setting. Changes made on the same machine will be broadcasted to all tools running on that user’s machine.

•	Disabled. This level turns off the broadcasting mechanism, i.e., the user does not receive (or send) notification messages.

Note:	If you decide to disable the broadcast mechanism but would like to see (e.g., at the end of your working session) the latest information in the repository for the currently displayed objects, use the requerying elements facility, or refresh the workarea.

See Setting the broadcast options for more information.


Setting the broadcast options

Related Topics

Any repository object updates made on the same machine (i.e., the same desktop) or other machines (i.e., across the network) can be broadcasted to users as soon as those changes are made. Only users participating in the broadcast mechanism at network level will be notified of changes made by other users.

Note:	Setting this option applies to the user on the computer, not to individual tools. For example, on the same machine you cannot have the broadcast mechanism disabled in one tool and have this option set to network in the Repository Object Navigator. Also, you cannot decline to receive notification messages but still be able to send them.

To set the broadcast notification options:

1.	Choose Options→Broadcast Options.

2.	Select one of the following broadcast notification levels:

•	Disable - turn the broadcast notification service off

•	Desktop - broadcast changes to this machine only

•	Network - broadcast changes to this machine and all other users' machines participating in this broadcast


Force deleting repository objects

If you want to remove a non-versioned repository object PAC or a SAC element and override any blocking constraints defined for the corresponding object type, use Force Delete. About

To force delete an object you must have DELETE access rights to the workarea and the owning container, and the FORCE repository privilege.

To force delete repository objects:

1.	In the Navigator, select the objects to be force deleted.

2.	Choose Utilities→Force Delete.

The Force Delete Wizard is displayed with path and element type details of the selected objects.

3.	Follow the instructions provided by the wizard.


Force purging repository objects

If you want to remove an object version from the current workarea and override any blocking constraints defined for the object type, use Force Purge. About

To perform a force purge operation, you must have DELETE access rights to the appropriate workarea and container, and have the FORCE and PURGE repository privileges.

To force purge repository objects:

1. 	In the Navigator, select the objects to be force purged.

2.	If an object displays a [image] icon, check it in. How

3.	Choose Utilities→Force Purge (or Force Delete, if only this is displayed).

The Force Purge Wizard is displayed with path and element type details of the selected object versions.

4.	Follow the instructions provided by the wizard.


Deleting repository objects

You can delete a non-versioned object, or a checked-in versioned object. To be able to delete an object you must have the DELETE access right to the workarea and the owning container. You cannot delete a checked-out object.

Deleting a non-versioned object places it in the wastebasket, from where it can subsequently be removed from the repository or restored to the workarea.

Deleting a versioned object simply removes that object version from the current version of its owning container. The object version is retained in any previous versions of its container, but is no longer visible either in the current workarea or in any workareas that use subsequent versions of the container.

Note:	There are several other methods of removing objects, such as Force Delete, Purge and Force Purge. About

You cannot use the Delete method to delete an object that is referenced in other containers; you must either delete all the references first, or use the Force Delete method.

To delete a repository object:

1.	In the Navigator, locate the objects you want to delete.

2.	If an object displays a [image] icon, check it in. How

3.	Select the objects in the Navigator window. How

4.	Click [image].

5.	In the Confirm Delete dialog box, click Delete.

6.	(Optional)  If you want to remove the objects from the repository completely, empty the wastebasket using the Repository Object Navigator. Note that doing so also removes any other objects in the wastebasket.

Alternatively, you can use the Repository Object Navigator to restore the objects from the wastebasket.


Resequencing elements

Allows you to change the order in which elements are ordered and displayed in the Navigator. For example, you can resequence columns in a table definition.

To resequence an element, select it from the list box and click the appropriate sequence button.

To resequence an element:

1.	In the Navigator, select the element you want to resequence.

2.	Choose Utilities→Resequence.

3.	Select the element from the list and move it to the new position.

4.	Click OK.


Copying elements

Related Topics

You can copy one or more elements of repository objects to the same or a different container within the same workarea. There are two types of copy:  simple copy, using a copy-and-paste technique to copy a single object in the Navigator window, or extended copy using a wizard to copy one or more objects. With extended copy you can optionally choose to copy elements that are referenced by the copied elements, or to remap their references.

You can copy PAC elements, SAC elements, or PAC elements together with their SAC elements.

To copy a repository element (simple copy):

1.	In the Navigator window, select the element you want to copy.

2.	Choose Edit→Copy (or press CTRL+C).

3.	(Optional)  Select a different container as the destination.

4.	Choose Edit→Paste (or press CTRL+V).

If you see the Copy dialog box:

•	select Deep Copy if you want to copy SAC elements as well as the PAC element for an object

•	select Auto Checkout if you want to check out the destination container (if copying a PAC element) or object (if copying a SAC element)

•	select Copy Dependencies if you want to copy any dependency information for the object that has been created by the Dependency Manager tool

•	select Don’t Show This Dialog Again if you want your check box selections to apply every time you perform a simple copy

To copy a repository element (extended copy):

1. 	(Optional)  In the Navigator window, select the objects you want to copy.

2. 	Choose Utilities→Extended Copy.

3. 	Follow the on-screen instructions in the Extended Copy Wizard. Online help is available for each screen of the wizard.


Filtering the contents of a list box

If a filter control is displayed on a dialog box, you can use the control to filter the contents of a list box on that dialog box. The filter control is comprised of a filter field that identifies the search string for which matches are to be found, and a filter button that activates the filter.

To filter the contents of a list box:

1.	Enter the condition that is to filter entries from the list box.

For example:

•	To list all elements ending in "EN", type "%EN".

•	To list all elements beginning with "EN", type "EN%".

•	To list all elements containing the letters "EN", type "%EN%".

The wildcard character (%) is used to represent any character, string of characters or no characters. Use the underscore character (_) to represent any single character.

For example, to list all elements beginning with "EN" whose fourth character is "S", type "EN_S%".

2.	Click [image] (Filter button).


Redefining workareas

After you have created a workarea, you can redefine various of its characteristics, provided that you have the necessary access rights to do so.

You can redefine the properties (name and description), the default checkin branch (where possible) and the specification (the rules and configurations by which the workarea is populated).

To redefine a workarea:

1.	In the Navigator window, select the name of the workarea you want to redefine.

2.	Choose Edit→Edit Workarea.

3.	Follow the on-screen prompts in the workarea wizard.

4.	Click Finish to complete the redefinition.


Refreshing workareas

Refreshing a workarea redisplays the workarea contents according to the current workarea specification. As a result, objects may be added to, updated in, or removed from, the set of objects visible in the workarea. Refreshing a workarea also resolves potential version conflicts for objects in the workarea.

If you refresh a shared workarea that is owned by another user and in which you have included a container or one of its objects to which you have access, you will not see that container or object unless the workarea owner is also granted access to the container.

Note:	If refreshing a workarea would cause checked-out or non-versioned objects to be lost or orphaned (for example if their container has been excluded from the workarea), an error message is displayed.

You can preview the effect of refreshing without actually performing the operation.

To refresh a workarea:

1.	Choose Edit→Refresh Workarea.

Note:	If you are using the Repository Object Navigator and more than one workarea is visible, select the workarea that you want to refresh.

2.	(Optional)  To see the effect of refreshing the workarea before you perform the operation, select Preview Changes Before Refreshing. You can choose to see the effect simply on the repository, or (if the repository contains uploaded files) the effect on both the repository and the file system.

3.	(Optional) To synchronize the repository and the file system when you refresh the workarea, select Synchronize.

4.	If you chose to preview the changes in step 3, do the following when the Preview Changes dialog box is displayed:

a.	Choose Changes in Repository or Changes in Repository and File System as required.

b.	Click the tabs on the dialog box as required, to show objects as follows:

New - objects that will be added to the workarea when it is refreshed

Changed - objects that will be updated in the workarea when it is refreshed

Removed - objects that will be deleted from the workarea when it is refreshed

c.	Click Refresh to refresh the workarea, or Cancel to abandon the operation.


 Embedding other applications

Exchanging information with other Applications

Embedding objects on diagrams

Creating links to other files

Editing embedded objects

Converting objects

Editing linked objects

Maintaining links


Embedding objects on diagrams
 Embedding objects on the diagram

Related Topics

You can include an object created by another application on a diagram by embedding it. If an object does not exist, it can be created and embedded while you are working in the diagram window.

Note:	An embedded object increases the file size of a diagram, because the object is stored in the diagram.

To embed a new object:

1.	Choose Edit→Insert New Object.

2.	Click Create New.

3.	From the Object Type list box, select the application to be used to create the object.

The contents of the list depend on the applications installed on your computer that support linking and embedding.

4.	(Optional)  If you wish to display the embedded object as an icon on the diagram, check the Display as Icon check box .

Note:	If you do not check the Display as Icon check box you may still find that the embedded object is displayed as an icon on the diagram. For more information about the OLE capabilities and functionality of other Windows-based applications, see the documentation for those applications.

5.	To invoke the selected application, click OK.

The selected application is displayed in a separate window or the application temporarily replaces the diagrammer menus and toolbar.

6.	Create the object.

The object is created at the top-left corner of the visible portion of the diagram.

7.	To return to the modeler/diagramming tool, do one of the following:

−	If the object was created in a separate window, save the object and then return to the diagrammer.

−	If the object was created within the current diagram window, click the mouse button anywhere outside of the OLE object area.

To embed an existing object:

1.	Choose Edit→Insert New Object.

2.	Click Create from File.

3	Enter the name of the source document in the File box.

4.	(Optional)  If you want to display the embedded object as an icon on the diagram, check the Display as Icon check box .

Note:	If you do not check the Display as Icon check box you may still find that the embedded object is displayed as an icon on the diagram. For more information about the OLE capabilities and functionality of other Windows-based applications, see the documentation for those applications.

5.	To include the contents of the file as an object on your diagram, click OK.

The object is created at the top-left corner of the visible portion of the diagram.


 Creating links to other files

Related Topics

You can create a link to share information between a diagram and a file created in another application that supports object linking. You can create a link to an entire file or to a selection in a file (if the application supports it).

To create a link to an entire file:

1.	Choose Edit→Insert New Object.

2.	Click Create from File.

3.	In the File box, enter the name of the file to which you want to link.

4.	Check the Link check box.

5.	(Optional)  If you want to display the linked information as an icon on the diagram, check the Display as Icon check box.

6.	Click OK.

The linked object is inserted at the top-left corner of the visible portion of the diagram.

To create a link to a selection in a file:

Note:	Not all applications allow you to link to a selection in a file. For more information about the OLE capabilities and functionality of other Windows-based applications, see the documentation for those applications.

1.	In the application in which the information you want to link was created, open the source file.

2.	Select the information to be linked.

3.	Choose Edit→Copy.

4.	Switch to the modeler/diagramming tool, then choose Edit→Paste Link to include the contents of the Clipboard as a linked object on the diagram.

The linked object is inserted at the top-left corner of the visible portion of the diagram.


 Editing embedded objects

Related Topics

You can modify an embedded object directly in the current diagram. When you double-click an embedded object, the original application is opened, or for some embedded objects (such as video and sound clips), the objects are played.

To edit an embedded object by 'double-clicking':

1.	Double-click the embedded object area or the icon that represents the embedded object.

The original application either temporarily replaces the modeler/diagrammer menus and toolbars or is displayed in a separate window.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	To return to the modeler/diagramming tool, do one of the following:

−	If the object was updated in a separate window, save the changes and then return to the Diagrammer.

−	If the object was updated within the current diagram window, click the mouse button anywhere outside of the OLE object area.

To edit an embedded object by using the menu option:

1.	Select the object you want to edit.

2.	Do one of the following:

−	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Edit.

The original application either temporarily replaces the diagrammer menus and toolbars or is displayed in a separate window.

Note:	Depending on the application used to create the embedded object, the Edit menu option may not be available to you.

−	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Open.

The original application is opened.

3.	Edit the object.

4.	To return to the modeler/diagramming tool, do one of the following:

−	If the object was updated in a separate window, save the changes and then return to the Diagrammer.

−	If the object was updated within the current diagram window, click the mouse button anywhere outside of the OLE object area.


 Converting objects

Related Topics

You can convert an embedded object to a different file format by selecting another application to be the object's source application. You can also change whether the embedded or linked object is displayed as the object itself or as an iconic representation of the object on the diagram.

To convert an embedded object to a different file format:

1.	Select the object you want to convert.

2.	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Convert.

3.	From the Object Type list box, select the application whose file format you want to convert the object to.

4.	Do one of the following:

−	To permanently convert the embedded object to the specified file format, click Convert To.

−	To temporarily activate all embedded objects of the selected type in the specified file format, click Activate As. When you edit the object, you use the file format you specified, but when you save the object, it is saved in its original file format.

5.	Click OK.

To change the display of the object on a diagram:

1.	Select the object.

2.	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Convert.

3.	Do one of the following:

−	To display the object as an icon on the diagram, check the Display as Icon check box.

−	To display the object as itself on the diagram, uncheck the Display as Icon check box.

4.	Click OK.


 Editing linked objects

Related Topics

You can modify a linked object directly in the current diagram. When you double-click a linked object, the original application is opened, or for some linked objects (such as video and sound clips), the objects are played.

To edit a linked object by 'double-clicking':

1.	Double-click the linked object area or the icon that represents the linked object.

The original source application displaying the linked information is opened.

2.	Edit the linked object as necessary.

3.	Save the changes and exit from the application.

Any changes made to the linked object appear in all files associated with it through links, in addition to the original file containing the object.

To edit a linked object by using the menu option:

1.	Select the object you want to edit.

2.	Do one of the following:

−	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Edit.

The original source application displaying the linked information is opened.

Note:	Depending on the application used to create the linked object, the Edit menu option may not be available to you.

−	Choose Edit→<object name> Object→Open.

The original source application displaying the linked information is opened.

3.	Edit the linked object as necessary.

4.	Save the changes and exit from the application.

Any changes made to the linked object appear in all files associated with it through links, in addition to the original file containing the object.


 Maintaining links

Related Topics

By default, linked objects are updated automatically. An object that is linked manually does not change when the object in the source document changes. The object gets updated in the destination document only when you decide to update it. When you break a link, the linked object remains in the diagram; however, it can no longer be updated. You may lose a link if you rename or move its source document. If this happens, you must reconnect each link to its original source file or to a different file.

To control the way links are updated:

1.	Choose Edit→Links.

2.	From the list in the Links box, select the link or links whose update option you want to change.

3.	Do one of the following:

−	To update linked information every time a change occurs in the source file, click Automatic.

−	To update linked information only when you choose to, click Manual.

4.	Click Close.

To update a link manually:

1.	Choose Edit→Links.

2.	From the list in the Links box, select the links or links you want to update.

3.	Click Update Now.

For each selected link, the diagrammer reflects in the current diagram any changes made in the source file since the last update.

4.	Click Close.

To break a link:

1.	Choose Edit→Links.

2.	From the list in the Links box, select the links or links you want to break.

3.	Click Break Link.

4.	Confirm that you want to break the link.

5.	Click Close.

To reconnect or change a link:

1.	Choose Edit→Links.

2.	From the list in the Links box, select the links or links you want to reconnect or change.

3.	Click Change Source.

4.	In the Source filename box, type or select the name of the file to which you want to reconnect or change the link, and then click OK.

5.	Click Close.


 Exchanging information with other Applications

Related Topics

With the linking and embedding facilities, you can include information created by other applications on a diagram. The main difference between linking and embedding is where the data is stored. Embedded objects become part of the diagram. Linked information is stored in the source document; the diagram stores only the location of the information in the source document but displays a graphic representation of the linked object.

Embedding an object

Embedding means inserting information (such as a diagram from one of the Designer tools or a text document from Microsoft Word) into a diagram. Once embedded, the object becomes part of the diagram. When you double-click an embedded object, you open the application in which the object was created; the object is displayed and ready for editing. When you return to the current diagram, the diagram reflects any changes you have made to the object. You can embed an existing object or you can create and embed a new object.

Linking information

Linked information can be created between a diagram and a file created in another application. Once a link is established, you can check for and retrieve new data or you can specify that the Diagrammer is to update the linked object as soon as it changes in the source document.

Using the Object Packager

There is another way to embed or link objects. Instead of linking or embedding the object in the form it was created, you can embed an icon that represents the object, known as a package. Packages can contain either embedded objects or links to documents, but a package itself is always embedded. By using Object Packager (an application supplied with Windows), you can create a package and insert it into a destination document. For more information about the Object Packager, see the Help documentation for Object Packager.


Showing or hiding the toolbar

To determine whether or not the standard toolbar is displayed below the menu bar, choose View→Toolbar.


 Showing or hiding the status bar

The status bar displays,  for example:

•	a brief description of what the currently selected menu option does.

•	an indication of whether the Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock functions are enabled.

To determine whether or not the status bar is displayed at the bottom of the application window, choose View→Status Bar.


 Showing or hiding the tool palette

To determine whether or not the tool palette is displayed, choose View→Tool Palette.


 Organizing windows

If you have more than one window open, you can rearrange them on the screen using the Window menu options.

To arrange the open windows in an overlapping pattern:

•	Choose Window→Cascade .

To fit all the windows into the application window:

•	Choose Window→Tile Horizontally, or Window→Tile Vertically.

To tidy up the icons of any windows you have minimized:

•	Choose Window→Arrange Icons.


 Displaying open windows

You can display a window that is open but not currently visible on the screen, e.g., when it is obscured by other windows. When you select such a window for display, that window becomes the active window.

To display an open window:

•	Choose Window→<1,2,3...window name>.


 Obtaining version information about the current tool

To obtain version information about the current tool:

•	Choose Help→About.


 Accessing the online documentation system

The online documentation system that you are using provides help information about the current application. You can display this information by means of the following:

•	Help menu

•	toolbar help button or the dialog box help button

•	F1 key

Help menu

The Help menu provides access to the following kinds of help information:

•	Help→Help Topics displays a list of the main subject areas in the online documentation system. Note, a full-text search facility is available via the Find tab of the Help Topics dialog box.

•	Help→How to Use Help displays general information about using Microsoft Windows help.

•	Help→About displays version and copyright information about this tool

 Context-sensitive help toolbar or dialog button

The last button in the standard toolbar provides access to context-sensitive help information about the menu options and toolbar buttons for this tool.

The help button located at the top-right of the dialog box provides access to context-sensitive help information about individual fields on the dialog box. Field-level help is available only on the more complex dialog boxes

Selecting the context-sensitive help button and then selecting a menu option, toolbar button or an individual field on a dialog box displays the help topic for the chosen item. (Similarly, selecting a menu option, toolbar button or an individual field on a dialog box and pressing F1 displays context-sensitive help.)

Dialog box help button

You can obtain specific information for a dialog box by selecting the Help button on the dialog box itself. The resulting help window tells you what the dialog box does, and provides information about each individual field. You can scroll through the field help to see what each field does.

F1 key

Pressing F1 while a diagram window is active displays help information about the modeler/diagrammer.

Pressing F1 while a dialog box is active displays the help information for that dialog box.


Listing external references

For certain operations it is very useful to know details of which objects in a particular context (a workarea, container or configuration) make reference to objects outside that context. For example, when exporting a set of objects that make up a configuration, you may want to check whether external references exist in the set, so you can ensure that the exported set is complete.

You can check whether external references exist for an object in its current context and, if necessary, include the referenced objects in that context.

To list external references:

1.	Select the workarea, container or configuration for which you want to list the external references, depending on the current tool.

2.	Choose Utilities→External References.

3.	If you want the display to show only the mandatory references, select List Mandatory Only and click List.

4.	If you want the display to also show external references for child objects of this workarea, container or configuration (for example, subfolders of a folder), select Recurse Sub Folders.

5.	If you want to include one or more listed objects in the context workarea, container or configuration, select those objects and click Include.

If you want to include all the listed objects, click Select All, then click Include.

Alternatively, if you want to include an object and all objects referenced by it (and so on until all references are exhausted):

a.	Select the object in the list.

b.	Select the Include Iteratively check box.

c.	Click Include.

6.	If the context is a workarea or configuration and you want to list objects from a checkin branch other than the default, choose the branch from Show Latest on Branch (this does not appear if the context is a container).

7.	If the context is a workarea or configuration and you want to display a different version of a listed object:

a.	Select that object in the list.

b.	Click Change Version.

c.	In the Select Object Version dialog, select the version you want to display and click OK.

8.	If you want to know which objects reference a listed object and the kind of reference they make to it, select the object in the list and click List References.


Updating columns/attributes in a domain

You can update all the columns/attributes in a selected domain with the property details of that domain. You may want to do this when you edit a domain and want to update all the columns/attributes that use that domain.

This utility overwrites any properties in a column/attribute that conflict with the same property in the column's/attribute's domain. Null values in the domain replace any non-null values. The exception to this is the Default Values property, which is overwritten only if the corresponding column/attribute property has a null value.

To update columns/attributes in a domain:

1.	Select the domain for which you want to update columns or attributes.

2.	Choose Utilities→Update Columns/Attributes in a Domain.

Note:	From the Repository Object Navigator, choose Utilities→Designer→Update Columns/Attributes in a Domain.

The columns/attributes in the domain that you select will be updated with the values held in that domain.


Publishing diagrams

Use these procedures to publish Designer diagrams to the Repository Object Browser (ROB) or to save them as files.

To publish diagrams to the ROB:

1.	From the Design Editor, choose Utilities→Publish Diagrams.

The Publish Diagrams dialog opens.  The diagrams available for publishing are listed beneath the directories in the Available Diagrams pane.

2.	Use the arrow keys to populate the Selected Diagrams pane with the diagrams that you want to publish.

3.	In the Destination group, choose Publish to Repository Object Browser.

4.	From the Publish Format drop-down list, choose a file format for the published diagrams.

5.	To publish the selected diagrams to the ROB, click OK.

A progress dialog appears, showing the name of the diagram currently being published.  If you want to cancel the publish diagrams operation, click Cancel.  The operation will be cancelled after the current diagram is published.

The time taken to publish a diagram will be the same as the time taken by a diagrammer to open the diagram.

At the end of the process, the selected diagrams will be published to the ROB in the specified format.

To publish diagrams as image files:

1.	From the Design Editor, choose Utilities→Publish Diagrams.

The Publish Diagrams dialog opens.  The diagrams available for publishing are listed beneath the directories in the Available Diagrams pane.

2.	Use the arrow keys to populate the Selected Diagrams pane with the diagrams that you want to publish.

3.	In the Destination group, choose Publish to File.

The File Name text box is enabled, and shows the default file name of the diagram that is currently highlighted in the Selected Diagrams pane.  Selecting a diagram in the Selected Diagrams pane will show its default file name in the File Name text box.  You can change a default diagram name by overtyping it.

The Directory text box is enabled.  Type in the name of the directory to which you want the diagrams to be published, or use the Browse button to choose an existing directory.

4.	From the Publish Format drop-down list, choose a file format for the published diagrams.

5.	To publish the selected diagrams as files, click OK.

A progress dialog appears, showing the name of the diagram currently being published.  If you want to cancel the publish diagrams operation, click Cancel.  The operation will be cancelled after the current diagram is published.

At the end of the process, the selected diagrams will be published to the chosen folder in the specified format.