Adding objects to the diagram

All object classes like Application, Application Group, Information Flow, etc. that may be added to the diagram are displayed in the top left panel. This section displays diagram item templates that allow you to add objects to the diagram. Typically, you will see diagram item templates for standard object classes. You can add any existing objects from these object classes already in the repository in Alfabet FastLane to the diagram. For example, in an application diagram, you would typically see diagram item templates for Application Group, Application, Peripheral, and Information Flow. You can add any application groups, applications, and peripherals that already exist in the Alfabet database to the diagram.

Connection items such as information flows are an exception. Unlike other object classes, connection items can also be created within the context of the diagram.

Connection items that already exist between objects that you add to the diagram will be automatically added to the diagram. For example, if you add two applications to a diagram and an information flow has been defined between the applications, the information flow will be automatically added to the diagram. Furthermore, if the information flow has been defined between an application and a local component defined for an application displayed in the diagram, this information flow will be automatically added to the diagram. Please note however that in this case, the information flow will be displayed as connecting the two applications.

To add an object existing in the Alfabet database to the diagram:

  1. In the top left panel, drag the object class that you want to add to the diagram and click to drop it in the canvas area.
  2. The selector opens. Define search parameters, as needed, and select the object(s) you want to add to the diagram. You can add multiple objects simultaneously.
  3. Click OK to close the editor and add the selected object to the diagram. Please note the following:
    • If multiple objects have been added simultaneously to the diagram, they will all be selected. Click anywhere in the canvas area to deselect the object(s). Once multiple object(s) are no longer selected, you can move and edit an individual object.
    • Existing connection items between objects that have been added to the diagram will be automatically displayed as arrows between those objects.
  4. Repeat the process in order to add other objects to the diagram.
  5. For any object displayed in the diagram, you can navigate to its content area by clicking Semantic Actions > Open Editor and further define it there if you have the relevant access permissions.
  6. Change the visualization of the diagram item, if necessary. The following is possible:
    • To change the size of the object in the diagram, click the object to display its handles and drag a corner handle to the appropriate size.
    • To move a diagram item in the diagram, click-and-drag the diagram item.
  7. Click the Save button to save changes to the Alfabet database.