Sketching simple diagrams

Sketches are simple, independent diagrams. Sketches can illustrate any technology-related or business-related interaction at a high level of abstraction. When you are ready to move to a more specific and detailed model, you can convert the elements in the sketch to specific modeling elements. Sketches are available in version 8.0.1 and later.

Before you begin

Create a project in your workspace, such as a sketch project. You can create sketches in any type of project.

About this task

A sketch is a very simple type of diagram. The elements in a sketch include shapes such as rectangles, circles, cylinders, stick figures that represent people, and text labels. Unlike other types of models, sketches have only a few types of elements and only one type of relationship between elements. Also, sketches do not contain multiple diagrams; each sketch is an independent diagram.
A simple sketch

You can connect elements in a sketch with links. Unlike other models, there is only one type of link in a sketch, and that link can represent any type of relationship between the elements.

Elements in a sketch can also contain other elements. Containment can represent any kind of grouping or relationship between the elements.

Four sketch elements contained by a single element

When you are ready to move from the sketch to a more specific model, you can convert the sketch elements to modeling elements such as UML elements or topology elements, depending on the modeling capabilities that are installed.

Procedure

  1. Click File > New > Other.
  2. In the New window, expand Sketching and select Sketch.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Under Categories, select Sketches, and then under Templates, select Blank Sketch.
  5. Specify the name and location for the sketch.
  6. Click Finish.

What to do next

Now you can add elements to the sketch, link the elements, and convert them to a more specific diagram.

You can also add a background to the sketch by right-clicking the sketch and then clicking Set Background.

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