ENTERPRISE ARCHITECT
User Guide Series

A Tutorial Modeling Session

Author: Sparx Systems
Date: 10/11/2023
Version: 16.1
CREATED WITH

Table of Contents
A Tutorial Modeling Session
StartupCreate a Project
Add a View to your Model
Add New Packages
Create a New Diagram
Create New Elements on a Diagram
Add Connectors
Modify Properties
Save Changes
Copy Elements
Move Objects AroundMove Objects Within a Package
Move Objects Between Packages
Move Elements in a Diagram
Move Elements Between Diagrams
Connect to a Different Element on a Diagram
Delete a Connector
Delete an Element
Remove Elements From a Diagram
Delete Elements From Your Model

3
4
5
7
8
10
11
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
29

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

A Tutorial Modeling Session

Welcome to Enterprise Architect!
This quick-start tutorial helps you get up to speed with Enterprise Architect.
As you read through this tutorial, it is recommended that you have Enterprise Architect open so that you can try out thetasks described. By the end you should be able to begin modeling your own business/software projects with EnterpriseArchitect.
Throughout the descriptions there are hyperlinks to more detailed information on a range of topics.

Basic Tasks
Task
Creating a new project
Adding Views to your model
Adding Packages to your model
Adding diagrams
Adding elements to your model Packages
Creating links between model elements
Refining the model(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 3 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Startup
When you install Enterprise Architect on your system, two items are created:··

An Enterprise Architect icon on your Windows desktop
A new program folder called Enterprise Architect <version number> in your Windows 'Start > All Programs' menu;
this folder contains the execution option 'Enterprise Architect'

You can start Enterprise Architect by clicking on either of these objects. After a short pause, the Start Page displays,
from which you can:

·
·
·
·
·
·

Open a project file (.eap file, .eapx file, .qea file, .qeax file or .feap file)
Create a new project (.eap file, .eapx file, .qea file, .qeax file or .feap file)
Connect to a DBMS repository (Corporate and extended editions)
Connect to a project via the Cloud (Corporate and extended editions)
Return directly to one of the projects you most recently opened
Open one of a number of Portals to a set of facilities that support an area of work in Enterprise Architect

Notes
·

If you changed the default system folder name during installation, the Enterprise Architect <version number> folder
in the 'All Programs' menu will have the name you provided·

By default, when you install Enterprise Architect, an empty 'starter' project called EABase.qea is installed, as well as
an example project named EAExample.qea; we recommend that new users select the EAExample file and explore it
in some detail while they become familiar with UML and software engineering using Enterprise Architect(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 4 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Create a ProjectA project is a single file or repository-based store for one or more models. The first step in getting started with EnterpriseArchitect is to either open an existing project, or create a new one.
In this example you:··Create a new file-based project
Add a template-based model to kick-start your modeling

Once your new project has been created you:···

Have a simple Use Case model to explore and tailor to your requirements
Can re-open your project at any time by double-clicking on it in a file browser
Can see it in the 'Recent' list on the Start Page

Create a New Project
Step

Description

1

Start Enterprise Architect.

2

When the 'Start Page' displays, click on the option:·

Open > Personal Project > Create New

This displays the operating system file browser dialog.
In the 'Save as type:' drop-down you have the option to create a repository of
file-type:

·
·
·
·
·

.qea extension (the default).qeax extension.feap extension.eap extension (JET 3).eapx extension (JET 4)

Select one of these.
3

Locate a suitable folder for your project then:··(c) Sparx Systems 2023

In the 'File name' field, type in a distinctive name
Click on the 'Save' button to continue

Page 5 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023
Enterprise Architect creates a new project file, places it in the specified locationand then opens it automatically.
The Browser window's 'Project' tab now displays a root-node named 'Model'.

4

To create a starter model:·

Click on the 'Model' root-node·

Click on theicon in the Browser window toolbar
The Start Page 'Create from Pattern' tab (Model Wizard) displays···

Click on the·

Click on the Create Model(s) button

button and select 'UML > Behavioral' (a Perspective)

Scroll down to 'Use Case Diagrams'
Select 'Basic Use Case Model'

Result: The Model Wizard automatically creates a new Use Case model for you,with an initial diagram, some notes and default elements to help get you started.
5

From the Browser, click on the 'Basic Use Case Model' diagram to open the
diagram.

Your diagram is now ready for making any alterations.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 6 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Add a View to your Model
A View is a top level Package within a model. It can be categorized by purpose, such as Use Case View, Component
View or Deployment View, the purpose being indicated by using different types of icon. Views are used to add an
optional level of grouping of Packages, diagrams and elements - the building blocks of your model.

Add a View
Step

Instruction

1

In the 'Project' tab of the Browser window, right-click on the 'Model' icon (the model root node) and selectthe 'Add View' option.
The 'New Package' dialog displays.

2

In the 'Name' field, type an appropriate name for the new View.

3

To select an icon for the View, click on the button to the right of the 'Name' field', then click on the icon
you wish to use in the displayed list (we suggest Simple).

4

Click on the OK button.
The 'New Package' dialog closes.
The new View is created as a child of the Model root node.

Notes
·

There are six types of View, which represent conventional ways of categorizing the purpose of a Model View; thesetypes of View represent different structural or behavioral aspects of the same model(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 7 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Add New Packages
A Package is a container of model elements, and is represented in the Browser window as a 'folder' icon.

··

A Package holds the model building blocks, such as diagrams, elements and other Packages
To begin developing your model, you create an initial Package to hold your first diagrams and model structures

AccessThere are numerous ways in which you can add a Package to your model. Start by selecting the parent Package (or View
or Root node) in the Browser window.
Then choose any of the methods outlined here.
RibbonDesign > Package > Add Package

Context Menu

Right-click on parent Package | Add a Package

Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl+W

Other

Browser window tool bar |Add a Package to your modelOn the 'New Package' dialog, complete the fields as instructed.
OptionInstruction

Owner

Displays the name of the currently-selected Package or View, to which you areadding the new Package.
If this is not the required owner Package, click on thecorrect Package.

button and select the

Name

Defaults to Package1. Overtype this with the name of the new Package.

Select and Apply Model
Pattern

Click on this radio button if you want to create the new Package from a Model
Pattern.

Create Diagram

Click on this radio button if you want to immediately create a child diagram for the
Package.

Package Only

Click on this radio button if you want to just create a Package.

OK

Click on this button to create the Package in the Browser window.
If you selected the 'Select and Apply Model Pattern' radio button, the Start Page
'Create from Pattern' tab (Model Wizard) displays. Select the appropriate
Perspective and Model Pattern to import. Click on the Create Model(s) button.
If you selected the 'Create Diagram' radio button, the 'New Diagram' dialog(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 8 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023
displays. Type in a name for the diagram and select the appropriate Perspective
Group and Perspective (in the 'Select From' panel) and the required diagram type.
Click on the OK button.
The new Package is inserted into the Browser window under the selected parent
Package or View.

Cancel(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Click on this button if you want to abort the changes you have made and close thedialog.

Page 9 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Create a New Diagram
A diagram is a visual representation of the elements of your model and:··

Their attributes and characteristics
How they are connected and/or interact with each other

Different diagram types show different aspects of the model and the relationships between elements.

Add new diagrams to your model
Step

Action1

Click on a Package or View in the Browser window, then either:

·
·
·
·

Click on the Browser window

button, or

Press Ctrl+Insert, or
Select the 'Design > Diagram > Add Diagram' ribbon option, orRight-click on the Package or View and select the 'Add Diagram' option

The 'New Diagram' dialog displays.
2Enterprise Architect provides a default diagram name that is the same as the parent Package name.
Overtype this with your preferred diagram name, if necessary.

3

Click on the 'Select From' header and select the Perspective Group and Perspective most appropriate to
the area you are working in.
The panel below the header displays a list of diagram groups; click on the required group.

4

In the 'Diagram Types' panel, click on the type of diagram to create.
A description of the selected diagram type displays in the field underneath this pane.

5

Click on the OK button.

···

The 'New Diagram' dialog closes
A new diagram is created as a child of the currently selected Package
The new diagram is opened in the Diagram View, ready for editing

Notes
·

When you create a Package, if you leave the 'Create Diagram' option selected, the 'New Diagram' dialog displays
automatically(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 10 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Create New Elements on a Diagram
Models are constructed from elements, each of which has its own meaning, rules and notation. Generally, when you
create a new element in your model you want to use that element on a diagram. The simplest way to do this is to create
the element directly on the diagram. In this procedure, we will use a Requirement element as the example.

Create a new element on a diagram in your model
Step

Action1

Display the Properties window; select the 'Start > All Windows > Design > Create > Properties' ribbon
option.
Also display the Diagram Toolbox; select the 'Design > Diagram > Toolbox' ribbon option.

2

Display the diagram on which the elements are to be created, in the Diagram View.
To open the diagram, double-click on the diagram name in the Browser window.
The diagram opens and the Toolbox is updated to display the categories of elements and relationships thatare applicable to this type of diagram.

3

4

In this example, we must change to the Requirements Toolbox page.
First, change to the 'Requirements' Perspective. Click on
Perspective', then choose 'Requirements | Requirements'.

in the Toolbox window, choose 'Change

Now, choose the Requirements Toolbox page. Click onagain and choose 'Requirements'.

Click on the appropriate icon on the Toolbox page to select the type of element to create (in this example,
the Requirement element).
The element type is highlighted in the Toolbox.

5

Click on the diagram at the location where you want to place the element.

The new element is created as a child of the Package that contains the diagram, and is placed onto thediagram at the cursor position.
The element's initial details are displayed in the Properties window.
6

Use the Properties window to define the element's name and other properties it should have.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 11 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

7

10 November, 2023

Right-click on the diagram background and select the 'Save Current Changes' option.

Notes(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 12 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023··

You can also drag or paste existing elements onto a diagram from the Browser window·

You can also create elements using shortcuts to the main facilities of the Toolbox, using the 'Toolbox Shortcut'
menu; to display this menu press the Insert key or Spacebar, or hold the left mouse button and click the right mousebutton (the 'Toolbox Shortcut' menu that is displayed corresponds to the currently selected Toolbox page)

If you are creating several elements of one type, after creating the first just press the Shift+F3 keys or Ctrl+click tocreate the next element of that type(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 13 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Add Connectors
Connectors define specific relationships between specific elements, so you usually create them directly on the diagram
by dragging the required relationship type from the Diagram Toolbox. As for elements, the Toolbox automaticallypresents the connector or relationship types appropriate to the type of diagram currently displayed.

Define a relationship between two model elements on a diagram
Step

Action1

Display the Diagram Toolbox; either:··

Select the 'Design > Diagram > Toolbox' ribbon option or
Press Ctrl+Shift+3

Also, if it is not already displayed, open the Properties window ('Start > All Windows > Design > Create> Properties' ribbon option).
2

Open the diagram containing the elements to be connected, in the Diagram View (double-click on the
diagram name in the Browser window).
The selected diagram opens and the Toolbox is updated to display the categories of elements andrelationships that are applicable to that diagram type.

3

Click on the required icon in the Toolbox to select the type of connector to draw.
The connector type is highlighted in the Toolbox.

4

Click on the source element in the relationship, then drag the cursor across to the target element.
A connector of the selected type is drawn between the two elements.
The connector becomes the focus of the Properties window.

5

Use the Properties window to define the characteristics of the connector as required.

Notes
·

If you are creating several connectors of one type, after creating the first press the F3 key then click and drag fromthe source element to the target·

As you drag a connector path, you can press the Shift key to create a bend in the connector; if necessary, you can put
several bends in the connector line, pressing the Shift key every time you want to change direction·

To roll back the bends, keep holding the left mouse button down and press the Backspace key as many times as isnecessary·

To find out more about the type of connector you have dragged on to a diagram, right-click on the connector andselect the 'Type Information' option, which displays a Help page on the connector type(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 14 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Modify Properties
When you create an element and connect it to another element, you usually have to define various characteristics of boththe element and the connector to identify the purpose and function they represent. You do this using the Properties
window.
When you create elements, Enterprise Architect automatically names and numbers them by type - for example, Class1,
Class2 - so you should at least change the 'Name' field to more easily identify each element. Enterprise Architect does
not automatically name connectors, but for many connector types you can provide a name that describes the purpose of
the connection.

Modify the characteristics of a model element or connector
Step

Action1

Select the 'Start > All Windows > Design > Create > Properties' ribbon option. The Properties window
displays.
Click on the element or connector for which to define properties. The initial details for that object display
in the Properties window.

2

Modify the element or connector characteristics as required.

3

Click on the diagram background.
The element or connector details in the window are saved; the diagrams that contain the element orconnector are updated as necessary, as is the Browser window.

Notes
·

You can also modify the properties of an element or connector using the 'Properties' dialog, which is specific to theselected object; select:- For an element, the 'Design > Element > Editors > Properties Dialog' ribbon option or- For a connector, right-click on the connector and select the 'Properties' menu option·

On the 'Properties' dialog, click on the OK button to save the changes and close the dialog(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 15 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Save Changes
Throughout much of your work in Enterprise Architect, any changes you make are automatically saved when you closethe dialog (data entry window) on which you made the changes. In some cases the dialog contains a Save button or
Apply button, which you can click on to save your changes and then keep working on the dialog.

If there is no specific dialog
If there is no work dialog, such as when you create a diagram, you can save your work by:··Pressing the Ctrl+S keyboard keys, orRight-clicking on the diagram and selecting the 'Save Current Changes' menu option

Often, Enterprise Architect does not let you close a screen without confirming that you want to save or discard yourchanges. You can also save your diagram changes automatically, by selecting the 'Auto Save Changes' checkbox on the'Diagram Behavior' page of the 'Preferences' dialog.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 16 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Copy Elements
You can quickly and easily duplicate one or more elements, with their child elements and diagrams, under other elements
or Packages. You can insert a copy of an element under one or more other elements or Packages, in the same project fileor any other project file.
It is not possible to duplicate an element on the same diagram, but you can generate representations of the element at theends of connectors, called virtual connector ends. See the Virtual Connector Ends - Represent One Element Several
Times on a Diagram Help topic.

Operations
Operation

Actions

Copy the Elements

In the Browser window, select the elements to copy, right-click on one and select:'Copy / Paste | Copy to Clipboard | Full Structure for Duplication'
Alternatively, click on a selected element and press Ctrl+Shift+C.
The 'Copying Selected Element(s) to Clipboard' dialog briefly displays while thecopy operation completes.

Paste the Elements

In the Browser window, right-click on the element or Package into which to paste
the copied elements, and select the 'Copy / Paste | Paste Element(s) from Clipboard'
option.
Alternatively, click on the Package and press Ctrl+V.
The 'Pasting Element(s) from Clipboard' dialog briefly displays while the paste
operation completes.
The target element or Package is expanded and the pasted elements are exposed in
the Browser window. If you are pasting the elements within the same model as the
copied source, the source parent Package is also collapsed.
If the target element or Package already contains:·

An element of the same type with the same name as a pasted element, thepasted element name has the suffix - Copy·

An element with the same type and name as the pasted element including the Copy suffix, the suffix becomes - Copy1 (or - Copy2, - Copy3 and so on, as
copies of the element accumulate in the target element or Package)

You can keep the same element names as the source, or you can rename eachelement either by clicking twice on it and editing the name in the Browser window,
or by double-clicking on it and editing the name in the 'Properties' dialog.

Notes
·

If you want to copy any elements to paste under another element, the target element must be capable of receiving thechild elements; for example, you cannot paste a Class element as a child of a Port·A copy of an element does not have the external cross references of the source element; that is:- if one element is copied it has no connectors- if more than one element is copied, only the connectors between the copied elements are
retained- however, if those elements come from a Sequence or Communication diagram and the diagram(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 17 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

itself is not copied, the message connectors between the copied elements are not retained·

You cannot paste an element into an element or Package that is locked by another user or that is checked in; the'Paste...' option is grayed out in the context menu(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 18 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Move Objects AroundYou have created a project containing Packages, diagrams and elements, and you have connected the elements.
How do you change where things are?

Move diagrams, elements and connectors
Task
Change the Browser window list order - re-arrange the order of items in the Browser window
Move elements between Packages - move diagrams, elements and child Packages from one parent Package toanotherMove elements on a diagram - re-arrange the position of diagram elements
Move elements between diagrams - cut an element from one diagram and paste it onto anotherMove connectors on a diagram - re-link a source element to a different target element(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 19 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Move Objects Within a Package
In the Browser window, the contents of a Package are listed in the order: diagrams, child Packages, elements.

···

Elements are further arranged in order of type (but see Notes)
Within a type, components are initially listed in alphabetical or numerical order
You can change the order in which items are listed within their groups

Adjust the order in which items are listed in the Browser Window
Step
1

ActionClick on an item in the Browser window, then click onorin the toolbar at the top of the window.

The selected item is moved up or down in the Browser window accordingly, but remains within its
particular group of items.
2

To revert to listing components in alphabetical order, in the Browser window right-click on the Package
and select the 'Contents | Reset Sort Order' option.

Notes
·

You can re-arrange elements in your preferred sequence regardless of type, by selecting the 'Allow Free Sorting'checkbox on the 'General' page of the 'Preferences' dialog(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 20 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Move Objects Between Packages
When creating the various diagrams, elements and Packages that make up your model, at some point you might create
one of these objects under the wrong parent Package. It is quite simple to relocate a model object from one Package toanother, either to a higher level Package, a lower level Package or a different Package at the same level.

Move objects between Packages
Step

Action1

In the Browser window, click on and drag the model item to be relocated from its existing position, anddrop it onto the new parent Package.
The dragged item and all of its child items are relocated to the target Package.

Notes
·
·

Moving elements in the Browser window does not affect the use of elements in diagrams·

Moving a diagram generally does not affect the location of elements in Packages

Moving an element or Package has no effect on any relationships that the element, Package, or elements within the
Package have(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 21 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Move Elements in a Diagram
To improve the understanding of a diagram or to simply improve the presentation, you might want to adjust the positionof the elements on your diagram.

For coarse adjustments
Step

Action1

Click on a diagram element and drag it to its new position.

For fine adjustments
Step

Action1

Click on a diagram element to select it.

2

While holding down the Shift key, press the keyboard arrow keys to move the selected element one pixel
at a time in the direction of the arrow.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 22 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Move Elements Between Diagrams
If an element is present in one diagram but actually belongs in another, you can simply move the element from the first
diagram into the second. You can also cut multiple elements from one diagram and paste them into another. When you
cut elements from a diagram, the elements are held on the clipboard but are not cleared from the source diagram until
they are specifically pasted into the target diagram. A moved element is not affected in any other way.

AccessOpen the diagrams:··

Containing the element(s) to be moved, andInto which the elements(s) will be moved
Keyboard Shortcuts

With the element selected in the source diagram:·

Ctrl+X

With the cursor in the target diagram:

·
Other

Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert

Display the 'Default Tools' Toolbar (Explore > Portals > Show Toolbar > Default
Tools) and:·On the source diagram, click on the element to be moved and on thein the Toolbar·

Click on the target diagram and on the

icon

icon in the Toolbar

Notes
·

By selecting more than one element at a time, you can move multiple elements in the same operation(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 23 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Connect to a Different Element on a Diagram
When creating connectors in your diagrams, at some point you might connect the wrong pair of elements. EnterpriseArchitect provides a simple method to help you to move the end of a connector from one element to another; that is:··

Change the source element of a connector from the current element to another, or
Change the target element of a connector from the current element to another

Change a connected element
Step

Action1

In the diagram, click on the connector to select it.
The connector is highlighted with 'handles' at each connector end.

2

Move the cursor over the 'handle' at the end of the connector to reconnect.
The cursor changes to a small arrow pointing upwards to the right.

3

Click on and drag the connector end to the other element to connect to.
When you release the mouse button, the connector breaks from the original element and reconnects to the
new element.

Notes
·

You can also tidy up a connection by dragging the end of the connector to a better position on the edge of theelement, or move both ends at once by dragging the middle of the connector(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 24 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Delete a Connector
It is possible to hide a connector on a diagram, or to delete it entirely from the model, removing the relationship between
the previously connected elements.
Displaying all of the connectors on a complex diagram can make the diagram somewhat confused, so it can be useful tohide some of the connectors, to clarify a specific aspect of a more complex picture.

Hide or remove a connector between two elements
Step

Action1

Open the diagram containing the connector of interest.
Either:··2

Double-click on the diagram name in the Browser window, orMake an already open diagram the 'active' diagram, by clicking on its tab in the Diagram View

Click on the connector in the diagram to select it.
The selected connector is highlighted in the diagram.

3

Either:···Press the Ctrl+Delete keys
Right-click on the connector and select the 'Delete Connector' option, or
Press the Delete key

If you press Ctrl+Delete, a dialog displays prompting you to confirm that you want to delete the connector(and the relationship it describes) from the model. Click on the Yes button to remove the connector.
The Delete key and 'Delete Connector' option display the 'Remove Connector' dialog.
4

On the 'Remove Connector' dialog, choose one of the options:··

Hide the connector or
Delete the connector from the model'Hide the connector' obscures the connector on the current diagram; you cannot see it but the relationshipbetween the two elements still exists and is shown on other diagrams containing the two elements
together, and on all reports of connectors between the elements.
'Delete the Connector from Model' removes the relationship that exists between the two elements; theconnector is removed from the current diagram, from all other diagrams on which it is shown, and fromall reports on connectors between the two elements.
5

Optionally, tick the checkbox 'Don't ask again'.
Selecting this option prevents the 'Remove Connector' dialog from being displayed next time you selectthe 'Delete Connector' command; the command uses the setting you last used on the dialog.
Make sure that you have selected the right option to use as your default.

6

Click on the OK button.
The connector disappears from the diagram.
If you selected the 'Delete the connector from the model' option, the relationship represented by theconnector is also deleted from your model.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 25 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Notes
·
·

You cannot select multiple connectors - it is only possible to select one connector at a time·

Selecting the 'Hide the connector' option in the 'Remove Connector' dialog has the same effect as using the'Visibility | Hide Connector' context menu option on the connector

If you select the 'Don't ask again' checkbox on the 'Remove Connector' dialog, you can reset this option on the'Links' page of the 'Preferences' dialog ('Start > Appearance > Preferences > Preferences > Links' ribbon option,
select the 'Prompt on connector delete' checkbox)(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 26 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Delete an Element
You can delete the elements of a model from a diagram or from the Browser window.

Delete an element
Options
Remove elements from a diagram: this is essentially 'hiding' the element in that particular view of the model.
Delete elements from a model - the element, its properties and any child elements or diagrams it has are all deleted;the element is removed from all diagrams on which it appears.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 27 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Remove Elements From a Diagram
Removing an element from a diagram does not delete the element from the model and therefore does not alter the
structure of the underlying model. When you remove an element from a diagram, you are essentially 'hiding' the elementin that particular view of the model.

Remove elements from a diagram
Step

Action1

Open the diagram that is to be modified.
Either:··2

Double-click on the diagram name in the Browser window, orMake an already open diagram the 'active' diagram, by clicking on its tab in the Diagram View

Either:··Press Ctrl+A to select all of the elements in the diagram, or
Click on an element in the diagram to select it (and use Ctrl+click to add further elements to yourselection, or to remove elements from the selection)

The selected elements are highlighted in the diagram.
3

Either:···Press the Delete key, or
Press Ctrl+D, orRight-click a selected element and select the 'Delete <element name>' or 'Delete Selected' option

The selected elements are removed from the diagram.

Notes
You can 'undo' the removal of a diagram element, by pressing Ctrl+Z, or by clicking the Undo button in the Default
Tools toolbar(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 28 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Delete Elements From Your Model
You can delete elements from your model, working either from the Browser window or from a diagram.

·

When you delete an element from your model, the element, its properties and any child elements or diagrams it
contains are all deleted··

The deleted element is removed from all diagrams on which it appears
All relationships that it was involved in are also deleted from the model

Delete one or more items from your model using the Browser window
Step

Action1

In the Browser window, click on an item to select it.
To select additional items, or to remove items from the selection, use Ctrl+click or Shift+click.
The selected items are highlighted in the Browser window.

2

Either:··Press Ctrl+Delete or
Right-click on one of the selected elements, then select the 'Delete selected item(s)' option

A confirmation dialog displays.
3

Click on the Yes button.
The selected items are deleted from your model.

Delete one or more items from your model using a diagram
Step

Action1

To open the diagram containing the items to be deleted from your model, either:··2

Double-click on the diagram name in the Browser window, orMake an already open diagram the 'active' diagram, by clicking on its tab in the Diagram View

Either:··Press Ctrl+A to select all of the elements in the diagram, or
Click on an element in the diagram to select it, then use Ctrl+click to add or remove specific elements
to and from the selection

The selected elements are highlighted in the diagram.
3

Press Ctrl+Delete.
A confirmation dialog displays.

4

Click on the Yes button.
The selected elements are removed from the model.

(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 29 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session

10 November, 2023

Notes
·

Deleting a Package completely removes the Package and all its contents - diagrams, child Packages and elements from the model·

Deleting an element completely removes the element and its properties, connectors, child elements and childdiagrams from the model, and from every diagram that contains it·

Deleting a diagram completely removes the diagram from the model, but not the diagram's component elements;
they remain in the parent Package(c) Sparx Systems 2023

Page 30 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect

A Tutorial Modeling Session(c) Sparx Systems 2023

10 November, 2023

Page 31 of 31

Created with Enterprise Architect