Relations

The Relations tool allows for a graphical representation and editing of the objects in the model together with their relations. The objects in the model are represented as elements (boxes) and the relations between the objects are represented as lines in the Relations tool. 

Note: When defining a relation between two objects with this tool, both objects must be reserved. 

Learn more about working with Relations in the model here.

Find the tool here:

A canvas together with an associated toolbar opens: 

The functionality of the tool-buttons in the Relation tool is explained in the following: 

Pointer: Click on this button to set the system in the default “selection mode” for selecting the elements in the canvas. This is a convenient tool to use to get back to the default “selecting mode” when you are finished using one of the other tools.

Select Objects is a tool you can use to select objects to add as elements to the canvas. When you click on this tool, a Dynamic Query dialog opens in which you can select the objects. When you click on Close in the Dynamic Query dialog, the selected objects are inserted as elements in the canvas.

New Object: Click on this button to create a new object. When you click on the button, this dialog opens in which you can select the object type to create:

Define Relations: When you click on this tool-button, the canvas turns into “define  relation” mode. This you can see by hovering the mouse above an element. The element will then show black handles where you can attach your relation line and the cursor symbol changes to a cross and a zig-zag arrow. 

Define Multiple Relations: With this tool it is quick to relate many objects to many objects. 

Add Element Group: This tool allows you to create an element group in the canvas to make the modelling of relations e.g. easier. This tool does NOT make new object groups in the model, only new element groups in the canvas.

Delete Elements: Delete the selected elements in the canvas. 

Relayout tool button automatically organizes the layout of the canvas so that the relations are shown in a nice way. This happens automatically when you click on this button. 

Change Connector Type is a tool you can use for changing the visual representation of the relation-lines in the canvas. This can be useful sometimes to improve the visibility of the relation graph. 

Learn all about this tool and working with Relations in the model here.