Previous topicNext topic

Exploring the modes

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 toolbar button

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 toolbar button

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  toolbar button

Ready to zoom in or out

Click toolbar button

Start the rectangle for zoom-to-rect

Switch to Ready to Zoom mode and press left mouse button

Ready to pan the diagram

Click toolbar button

Start panning the diagram

Switch to Ready to Pan mode and press left button of mouse

Ready to move a vertex

Click toolbar button

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 , , or toolbar button or choose corresponding item from Connection submenu under the Insert menu

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 toolbar button or choose Snap Point from Connection submenu under the Insert menu

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 toolbar button or choose Rectangle from Shape submenu under the Insert menu. Press the left mouse button, keep it held, and move the mouse to form a rectangular lasso area. The lasso area displays as dotted box.

Ready to create a ellipse

Click toolbar button or choose Ellipse from Shape submenu under the Insert menu. Press the left mouse button, keep it held, and move the mouse to form a rectangular lasso area. The lasso area displays as dotted box.

Ready to create a polygon

Click toolbar button or choose Polygon from Shape submenu under the Insert menu.

Ready to create a closed curve

Click toolbar button or choose Closed Curve from Shape submenu under the Insert menu.

Ready to create a line

Click toolbar button or choose Line from Line submenu under the Insert menu.

Ready to create a polyline

Click toolbar button or choose Polyline from Line submenu under the Insert menu.

Ready to create a curve

Click toolbar button or choose Curve from Line submenu under the Insert menu

Ready to create a text object

Click toolbar button or choose Text from Insert menu.. Press the left mouse button, keep it held, and move the mouse to form a rectangular lasso area. The lasso area displays as dotted box.

Ready to insert an image

Click toolbar button or choose Picture from Insert menu.


Previous topicNext topic