Help for Software Ideas Modeler
First Steps
Installation
Starting with version 14, Software Ideas Modeler is compatible with Windows 10 and later versions, and it requires the installation of .NET 8.
How to Apply Your License Key
The following steps show you how to enter and activate your (full or trial) license that you get to e-mail after purchasing or completing the trial license request.
Uninstallation
Removing Software Ideas Modeler from your computer is very easy.
Software Ideas Server Setup
Server provides support for user cooperation, global repository and tasks.
How to Change Edition of Software Ideas Modeler
Software Ideas Modeler offers various editions that include different subsets of all features. During the evaluation period, you may try any of the offered editions and find the one which suits your needs best.
Diagram Editor
The diagram editor is an essential part of the diagramming and modeling tool. It provides tools and capabilities for quick and easy diagram creation.
Diagrams
Class Diagram (UML)
A class diagram is a static diagram that describes the structure of a system by showing its classes with their attributes and operations and the relationships among objects. This tutorial explains how you can draw UML class diagrams and what usage they have.
Use Case Diagram (UML)
A use case diagram consists of use cases, actors and relationships among them. It presents a user interaction with the system, and defines the specifications of use cases.
Sequence Diagram (UML)
A sequence diagram models communication among objects in sequential order. It shows objects, classes, and actors involved in the scenario and exact order of messages. It consists of vertical lines which belong to lifelines and horizontal lines of messages.
Activity Diagram (UML)
An activity diagram is a behavior diagram that shows a scenario using a flow of actions. It models a sequence of actions, decisions based on conditions, concurrent branches and various cycles.
Communication Diagram (UML)
A UML communication diagram shows interactions in the form of messages between objects and parts, which are represented by lifelines. Communication Diagram is a modified form of UML Sequence Diagram, but unlike it, its elements do not have to be ordered horizontally and may have any position in the diagram.
State Machine Diagram (UML)
A state machine diagram describes states of en entity (device, process, program, software, module, etc.) and transitions between the states. Conditions specifies when a transition from a state to another state may be used.
Object Diagram (UML)
An object diagram is a structural UML diagram. It describes a system or its part at a specific time. It models instances, their values and relationships. It may be used to show examples of data structures.
Package Diagram (UML)
A UML package diagram shows dependencies between the packages in the model. It depicts the structure and organization of project in the large scale.
Component Diagram (UML)
A component diagram offers a view on a complex system. It depicts the interfaces provided and/or required by the parts of the system and the relationships between the parts. The parts are represented by components and other artifacts.
Deployment Diagram (UML)
UML Deployment Diagram depicts deployment of artifacts on nodes. It is used for showing the placements of artifacts (software, system, module, etc.) on physical nodes (hardware, server, database, etc.) and the relationships between particular parts of the solution.
Composite Structure Diagram (UML)
A composite structure diagram shows the internal structure of a classifier, its parts and ports via which it communicates with the environment. It models collaborations where each element has its defined role.
Interaction Overview Diagram (UML)
UML Interaction Overview Diagram provides a high-level view on interactions in a system or a subsystem. It depicts the flow in similar way as an activity diagram, but instead of action nodes it uses other interaction diagrams and interaction references.
Timing Diagram (UML)
UML timing diagram is focused mainly on time, it shows the changes of classifiers in time depicted on a timeline. The timelines are stacked vertically, the time increases from left to right.
Profile Diagram (UML)
UML Profile Diagram describes and defines extensions to UML language. The extension mechanism allows you to adjust the language to a specific domain or platform. The extensions are defined via stereotypes.
Shapes (Drawing Group)
Draw various shapes in your diagrams. Software Ideas Modeler offers dozens of basic shapes that can be used on any diagram. You may find the shape tools in the Drawing group in the toolbox.
User Interface Diagram (Wireframing)
User Interface Diagram describes the appearance of application screens and forms in form of wireframes. The amount of details is up to the designer's decision. The diagram may represent only the basic layout, highlight some parts of layout or it may provide a detailed view on the designed user interface and its various aspects.
Flowchart (Other Diagrams)
A flowchart is a diagram that depicts a workflow, process, or algorithm. It may be used to show a succession of steps on how to solve a task. This article lists all supported flowchart symbols.
Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
Data Flow Diagram (DFD) shows a flow of data in a process or a system. It also depicts inputs and outputs.
Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD)
An entity-relationship diagram (E-R diagram or ERD) describes types of a data domain and how they are interconnected. It has an irreplaceable position in data modeling. It is used to design data models, especially for database systems.
Screen Flow Diagram (Wireframing)
Screen Flow Diagram allows you to connect your wireframes into a flow with branches according to the user's interactions.
Decision Matrix (Decision Table Diagram)
A decision matrix (or decision table) is the right choice, if you want to resolve possible outcomes of many combinations of conditions. It allows you to define conditions and possible actions. Then you define the rules which show what conditions lead to what actions.
User Story Map (Diagram)
A user stories diagram is the easiest way how to capture and define user requirements. The user stories may be organized within hierarchies and periods (called sprints). The epics represent the top level of the user story hierarchy. The requirements are organized in the form of statements - As ... I can ... so that ...
Layer Diagram (Other Diagrams)
The Layer diagram is a type of a block diagram. It can be used to depict a higher architecture or a concept of a solution.
Roadmap (Diagram)
Use the roadmap tool to create a good-looking roadmap that depicts a plan of a project, the planned stages for new features and modules. Roadmaps are used to present what a team or a company wants to release or develop in the upcoming period or later in the future.
Chen ER Diagram - Entity-Relationship Diagram in Chen Notation
Chen's notation of the entity-relationship diagram depicts data and domain models using entities, attributes, and relationships. Unlike other ER diagram notations, it shows attributes as standalone boxes, not as a part of entities.
Types of Diagrams and Charts
There are plenty of diagram types you can draw using Software Ideas Modeler. You can depict structures, behavior, processes, workflows, ideas, concepts, and data models with them.
Fault Tree Analysis Diagram (FTA)
FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) diagram is used to analyze and understand possible risks, especially in high-hazard industries. It is a top-down diagram that organized the events and lower-level events using Boolean logic operators.
Event Tree Analysis (ETA)
An event tree analysis is a powerful analytical tool that allows you to analyze an event within a system with its possible consequences and probabilities of various outcomes.
BPMN Diagram
A BPMN diagram offers a graphical representation for process modeling and describing. The processes are presented as flows of tasks, events, and process branches (realized by gateways), organized in swimlanes.
Petri Net
Petri net is a mathematical modeling language that allows you to describe distributed systems.
Nassi-Shneiderman Diagram (NSD)
Nassi-Shneiderman diagram (NSD) is a graphical representation (structogram) for structured programs.
Universal Process Notation (UPN)
Universal Process Notation (UPN) is diagramming notation for representing business processes.
Decision Model and Notation (DMN)
Decision Model and Notation (DMN) provides a solution for describing repeatable decisions within organizations.
Organizational Chart
The best diagram for depicting hierarchies in companies is the Organizational Chart (Org Chart).
Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart is a diagram type designed for project planning. It organizes tasks in rows and depicts their activity in the attached timeline.
Mind Map (Diagram)
A mind map is a hierarchical type of diagram used for visual organization of information.
Tutorial Diagram
Software Ideas Modeler provides tools for the easy creation of app tutorials. The Tutorial diagram allows you to describe application screenshots and design visual instructions for your users.
Web Page Diagram
The web page diagram is used for the web page structure design. It is a wireframing diagram type that depicts the layout of important parts. The set of web page diagrams allows you to describe the website architecture.
Object-Role Modeling (ORM)
Object-role modeling is a graphical notation for data and ontology modeling, especially useful in software engineering.
Mobile App Diagram (Wireframing)
Mobile App Diagram is a type of user interface diagram that allows you to design the views for your smartphone and tablet apps.
UML JSON Schema Diagram
The UML JSON Schema diagram allows you to design JSON schemas visually. JSON schemas specify the restrictions on the data in JSON format.
CRC Card Diagram
CRC card diagrams are a simple and effective way to represent the structure and relationships of classes in an object-oriented design.
Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) Diagram
HTA diagrams are a useful tool for representing and analyzing tasks and their relationships. The Diagram editor allows users easily create and customize HTA diagrams to their requirements.
Computer Network Diagram
A computer network diagram is a visual representation of a computer or telecommunications network. It shows the components that make up the network and how they are connected.
Venn Diagram
A Venn diagram is a visual representation of the relationships between different items or sets of data. It consists of overlapping circles, with each circle representing a different set of data. The area where the circles overlap represents the elements that are common to both sets.
CRUD Matrix (Diagram)
A CRUD matrix is a table that outlines the different types of CRUD operations that can be performed on different types of data in a system. It can be used as a reference guide to help developers understand which operations are allowed or required for different types of data and to help them design and implement the data storage and retrieval systems in their applications.
JSD Entity Structure Diagram
A JSD Entity Structure Diagram is a visual representation of a system being developed using the Jackson System Development (JSD) methodology. It is used to model the entities, actions, and relationships within the system in order to understand and design the system effectively.
DACI Matrix
Use a DACI matrix to facilitate effective team communication and decision-making within a project. This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for using the matrix to guide the decision-making process and explains how to create the matrix in Software Ideas Modeler.
Finite State Machine Diagram
Learn how to create and use Finite State Machine diagrams effectively. The diagram can be used for modeling simple automata as well as complex software systems. Understand the advantages and use cases of FSM diagrams and see a real-life example of how they can be applied.
Requirement Diagram
The Requirement diagram in Software Ideas Modeler is a powerful tool for capturing, organizing and visualizing the requirements for a software project. It allows users to create a hierarchical list of requirements in a tabular view, as well as a visual representation of the relationships between those requirements in a diagram.
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Learn how to effectively use the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Sheet feature in Software Ideas Modeler to identify potential failure modes and assess the associated risks. Discover tips and tricks for analyzing and mitigating those risks to improve the reliability of your systems.
Open API Diagram
Learn how to create detailed and accurate Open API diagrams. This comprehensive tutorial covers the various elements, including Schema, Server, Path, and more, as well as their usage and customization options. Discover how to effectively depict your API design.
Nested Blocks Diagram
Nested Blocks Diagrams are integral for understanding the hierarchical and relational structure of different components or units within a system. This tutorial shows you how to use container blocks effectively, understanding their various parameters, and learning the best practices in creating Nested Blocks Diagrams.
Timeline Diagram
A Timeline Diagram is a visual representation of events in chronological order. It's a simple line with regularly distributed event nodes. Using Software Ideas Modeler, creating and editing such diagrams is a breeze. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through the process of creating a timeline diagram using the tool.
Pyramid Diagram
Pyramid diagrams are visual representations that use a triangular shape to depict a hierarchy, process steps, or conceptual information. They are often used in presentations, documents, or training materials to illustrate a progression, prioritize data, or show building blocks of a concept.
Feature Model Diagram
Feature Model Diagrams are a specialized type of diagram used in software development and engineering to visualize the features of a system and their relationships.
Radial Diagram
Creating a radial diagram can be a visually impactful way to represent relationships, workflows, hierarchies, or various conceptual connections centering around a main idea. Find out more in this step-by-step tutorial on how to create a radial diagram in Software Ideas Modeler.
Bending Process Diagram
This tutorial has guided you through creating a Bending Process Diagram, from understanding its components to customizing its appearance. Software Ideas Modeler makes it easy to visualize complex processes, improving comprehension and communication across various applications.
Time Estimation Diagram
A Time Estimation Diagram in Software Ideas Modeler is a powerful tool that allows you to visually estimate and manage the time required for various tasks within a project. It offers seven distinct levels of task time frames and the ability to assign uncertainty levels to each task. This guide will walk you through the steps to create and utilize a Time Estimation Diagram effectively.
Swimlane Diagram
In the realm of process mapping and workflow visualization, the swimlane diagram stands out as a powerful tool for organizing and clarifying complex processes. This diagrammatic technique helps to separate tasks, responsibilities, and processes into distinct lanes, typically representing different departments, roles, or systems within an organization.
Quick Diagram
A simple and efficient way to visualize your concepts or ideas. Whether you’re starting from scratch or working within an existing project, the Quick Diagram makes it easy to organize your thoughts.