How to Design Custom Diagrams with Software Ideas Modeler
The Software Ideas Modeler Ultimate edition's custom diagram feature offers unprecedented flexibility in diagram creation, allowing for tailor-made visualizations that fit your project's unique requirements. Explore this feature to enhance your productivity and creativity in diagramming tasks.
Software Ideas Modeler Ultimate edition offers an extensive feature set for diagramming, including the capability to design custom diagram types. This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a personalized diagram type, enhancing your diagramming skills, and extending the possibilities for project visualization.
Step 1: Accessing the Custom Diagram Manager
- Click on the 'Process' tab located in the ribbon.
- Within the 'Diagramming' group, find and select the 'Custom Diagrams' button.
Step 2: Adding a New Custom Diagram
- In the Custom Diagram Manager, click on 'Add Custom Diagram'.
- This action opens the Custom Diagram Editor, where you'll start designing your diagram.
Step 3: Setting Up General Details
- Go to the 'General' tab in the Custom Diagram Editor.
- Name your diagram type (e.g., 'Cloud Service Diagram'.)
- Add a brief description and an icon to personalize your diagram.
Step 4: Importing Elements
- Switch to the 'Elements' tab.
- Click on 'Import Elements' and select a folder with your images in PNG or SVG format.
- Choose the icons you want to include, then click 'OK' to import them.
- For each imported image, a custom element is created. By default, this appears as a labeled box.
Step 5: Customizing Elements
- Select an element row or multiple element rows to customize (hold the CTRL or SHIFT key to select multiple rows).
- Change its type via the dropdown menu in the Type column (e.g., to 'Box').
- Set the default size and decide if it should act as a container.
- For advanced settings, right-click on an element and select 'Edit'.
Step 6: Adding Connectors
- Click on 'Add Element' and select the Relationship type, denoted by an arrow icon.
- Name the connector (e.g., 'Arrow Connector').
- In the 'Relationship' tab, customize the connector's appearance (such as the end cap style to 'Filled Triangle').
Step 7: Creating a Container Element
- Add a new element and name it (e.g. 'Process Container').
- Choose a shape for the container element (e.g. 'Rounded Rectangle') from the 'Simple shape' dropdown menu under the 'Shape' tab.
- In the 'Container' group box, tick the 'Container' checkbox and optionally set the default size (e.g. to 600 x 400 pixels).
- Customize its style in the 'Style' tab (e.g. selecting a solid background and changing a border color).
Step 8: Saving the Custom Diagram
- Click the 'Save' button in the custom diagram editor toolbar to save your diagram.
- Your custom diagram type is now ready for use within any project.
Using the Custom Diagram
- Click on the Plus button in the tab bar and navigate to the 'Custom Diagrams' group to find your new diagram type (e.g. Cloud Service Diagram).
- The toolbox on the left will display your custom elements. Drag and drop these elements onto the canvas to build your diagram.
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