Adding Messages to Lifelines Using Drag & Drop

Software Ideas Modeler provides a variety of intuitive tools to simplify the editing of sequence diagrams. One of the quickest methods to add a message arrow between two neighboring lifelines is by using the drag-and-drop feature. This guide will show you how to efficiently use this technique.

Why Drag & Drop?

Drag-and-drop is ideal for quickly connecting lifelines without manually specifying the source and target. It allows you to seamlessly create call, reply, or send messages by simply interacting with the toolbox and your diagram canvas.

Steps to Add Messages via Drag & Drop

  • Open Your Sequence Diagram. Ensure your sequence diagram is open and that the desired lifelines are already placed on the canvas.
  • Select a Message from the Toolbox
    • Navigate to the toolbox on the left (by default)
    • Choose a message type:
      • Call Message (for invoking a method or action)
      • Reply Message (for sending a response back)
      • Send Message (for transmitting data or events)
  • Drag the Message Tool
    • Click and hold the message tool button (of desired type) in the toolbox.
    • Drag it over the sequence diagram to the space between two neighboring lifelines.
  • Position the Message
    • Hover between the two lifelines you want to connect.
    • The source lifeline will be on the side closer to where you started dragging the tool.
    • The target lifeline will be the one closer to where you drop the tool.
  • Drop the Message
    • Release the mouse button to drop the message arrow. The software will automatically align the message based on your cursor position:
      • The closer lifeline becomes the target.
      • The farther lifeline becomes the source.
  • Fine-Tune the Placement
    • If necessary, adjust the message’s position or label by selecting and dragging it or editing its properties in the Properties sidebar.
Add a message between two lifelines in UML sequence diagram
Add a message between two lifelines in UML sequence diagram

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