Visio5: How to Create UML Class Realization Connectors That Remain Visible After Exporting a Model to the Microsoft Repository (254578)

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Visio Enterprise UML solution, you can right-click a Class shape and then click Enable Realization Connectors to display the control handles of the shape's built-in connectors. You can then create a "realizes relationship" by dragging one of the control handles and connecting it to another shape on the model.

If you export a model that contains realization connectors to the Microsoft Repository and import it back into Visio Enterprise or another program, the realization connectors no longer appear.

CAUSE

The Microsoft Repository currently does not support realization connectors. To re-create the connectors in your UML model, you must import the model back into Visio Enterprise, right-click the Class shape to re-enable the connectors, and then reconnect them.

RESOLUTION

To avoid having to re-create realization connectors every time that you export a model to the Repository, use the Dynamic Connector shape on the Basic Shapes stencil or draw a realization connector by using the Line tool, rather than by enabling the built-in connectors. You can format the connector to match the built-in realization connectors, and then duplicate it for the number of connections you need.

NOTE: Do not use the Connector tool to draw the realization connectors. In the UML solution, connectors that you draw with this tool become associations.

To format the connector, click Line on the Format menu, and then select the following settings:

For Pattern, select 2 (a dashed line).
For Weight, select 3 (the second option in the list).
For Line End, select 16 (an outline of an arrow).

TIP: You can save a realization connector that you create as a master on one of the UML stencils to use in future models. For more information, refer to Chapter 11, "Creating custom solutions," of the Using Visio Enterprise 5.0 manual, or search on the words "master shapes" in Visio Help.