While you are working on a diagram you are always in one of several modes. There is a mode for selecting and moving objects, a mode for creating objects, a mode for creating labels and editing text, a mode for creating connectors, and a mode for zooming into a certain area of a diagram. You'll enter each mode to perform certain operations. The cursor, or more accurately the mouse cursor, is a small graphic image that indicates where on the screen the mouse is pointing. Different shapes for the mouse cursors indicate different modes. Following is a brief summary of each mode and corresponding mouse cursor.
Mode |
Cursor shape |
To enter the mode |
Ready to select |
|
Click |
Ready to move |
|
Switch to Ready to Select mode and move cursor over selected object(s) |
In the process of moving |
|
Switch to Ready to Move mode and press left button of mouse |
Rotation mode |
|
Click |
Ready to rotate |
|
Switch to Rotation mode and move cursor over selected object(s) |
In the process of rotating |
|
Switch to Ready to Rotate mode and press left button of mouse |
Match Properties mode |
|
Click |
Ready to zoom in or out |
|
Click |
Start the rectangle for zoom-to-rect |
|
Switch to Ready to Zoom mode and press left mouse button |
Ready to pan the diagram |
|
Click |
Start panning the diagram |
|
Switch to Ready to Pan mode and press left button of mouse |
Ready to move a vertex |
|
Click |
In the process of moving vertex |
|
Move cursor over vertex selection handle |
Ready to delete a vertex |
|
Move cursor over vertex selection handle and press Ctrl key |
Ready to create a connector |
|
Click |
Start the creation of a connector |
|
Switch to Ready to Create Connector mode and move cursor over symbol |
Ready to insert a snap-point |
|
Click |
Start the insertion of a snap-point |
|
Switch to Ready to Insert Snap Point mode and move cursor over object(s) |
Ready to create a rectangle |
|
Click |
Ready to create a ellipse |
|
Click |
Ready to create a polygon |
|
Click |
Ready to create a closed curve |
|
Click |
Ready to create a line |
|
Click |
Ready to create a polyline |
|
Click |
Ready to create a curve |
|
Click |
Ready to create a text object |
|
Click |
Ready to insert an image |
|
Click |