Top 10 Diagramming Tools in Software Ideas Modeler

Selection Tool

The quintessential tool for any diagramming software, the Selection Tool is easily accessible in the Common group of the toolbox, or quickly selectable with F3. This tool is versatile, allowing you to select individual elements, multiple elements within an area, or a series of elements while holding the CTRL or SHIFT key. It even lets you select fields within elements. With two main modes, Partial (the default mode) and Full Containment, it offers flexibility for area selection, catering to your specific needs in different scenarios.

Selection Tool

Pan Tool

Navigating large diagrams is a breeze with the Pan Tool, activated by pressing F4. Whether you need to move across an area of empty space or across elements, this tool allows you to drag the diagram effortlessly, ensuring you always have the perfect view of your work.

Importantly, the Pan Tool ensures that no elements are moved unintentionally during navigation, allowing you to focus solely on adjusting your viewpoint without altering the diagram layout.

Pan Tool

Zoom Tool

With a simple activation using F8, the Zoom Tool is more than just your standard zoom feature. It enables precise control, allowing you to zoom in with the left mouse button and zoom out with the right. Moreover, it provides the capability to select a specific area to zoom into, offering detailed examination of particular sections of your diagram.

Zoom Tool

Freehand Path Tool

By combining CTRL + F3, the Freehand Path Tool becomes your ally in customizing connectors. Select a connector in the diagram editor, activate this tool, and draw a new path for your connector, which then automatically converts into a rectangular path, offering a clean and professional appearance.

Freehand Path Tool

Move Tool

The Move Tool is about flexibility and control, enabling you to shift your entire diagram from a specific point either vertically or horizontally. With its two modes - using the left mouse button (sweeper) to push elements aside or the right mouse button (magnet) to pull elements towards the movement direction - it provides an intuitive way to reorganize your diagram's layout.

Move Tool

Element Detail Box

This feature enhances the informative quality of your diagrams by linking an Element Detail Box to any diagram element. It displays the model's internal attributes, such as element visibility, root modifier, leaf modifier, and more, adding depth and context to your diagrams.

Diagram Description Box

Enhance your diagrams with essential information using the Diagram Description Box. This tool allows you to add a box containing the project name, folder name, diagram name, authors, change date, diagram version, and a description. This addition not only makes your diagrams self-explanatory but also ensures that all relevant metadata is easily accessible.

Diagram Reference Tool

For projects involving multiple diagrams, the Diagram References are invaluable. It lets you add a reference to another diagram within your project, represented by an up-to-date thumbnail. This feature ensures seamless integration and easy navigation between related diagrams, enhancing the overall coherence of your project.

Batch Element Creation Tool

Quickly add multiple elements of the same type. Right-click on a tool (like Class or Package), select Add Multiple, define an area in the diagram editor, and enter the names of the new elements. The elements are added either side by side or stacked, depending on the specified area's orientation.

Chain Tool

Create a connected flow of elements effortlessly. Drag any box tool to any connector tool to insert a sequence of interconnected elements. Similar to the Batch Element Creation Tool, but with the added functionality of connecting the elements with the chosen relationship type.

In conclusion, Software Ideas Modeler offers a diverse range of tools that enhance the diagramming process, making it efficient and user-friendly. Whether you're working on complex software diagrams, business processes, or educational materials, these tools provide the functionality needed to create high-quality diagrams and navigate them with ease.