Creating a new project file
You can create a new project file by:
- Going to [File] - [New] or
- Clicking the most-left icon on a Tool bar
Choose a pre-installed template
You can create a project by choosing a pre-installed template file.
If you want a list of classes and properties pre-installed, use this template file.
Set Programming Language
Setting a programming language will enable you to add language-specific options for classes, attributes and operations.
Select a project package in the tree and check Java, C# or/and C++.
Ticking this option enables you to add language-specific properties for Classes, Attributes and Operations shown below in the [Language] tab.
For Java
For C#
For C++
Creating a diagram
You can create a new diagram from [Diagram] menu.
Astah Interface
When you create a diagram, a diagram editor opens automatically on the right pane in Astah.
Basically Astah consists of 5 panes as shown below.
- Main Menu: Lists of basic menu
- Project View: Show model information in tree and where you search and set alias...etc.
- Map View: View controller of the diagram view
- Property View: Edit detailed information of selected model
- Diagram Editor: A canvas where you draw diagrams
Auto-save files
You may want to turn on the auto-save feature as it is off by default. If you want to turn it on, switch the save icon to the auto-save one from the tool bar.
You can adjust the frequency from [Tools] - [System Properties] - [File] menu.
Basic operations you should know before you start!
You may want to turn on the auto-save feature as it is off by default. If you want to turn it on, switch the save icon to the auto-save one from the tool bar.
Create objects
There are several ways to create objects other than choosing from the tool palatte.
- Drag from the tree.
- Using Suggest Feature
Click a mini icon that appears when you have mouse over an object.
TIPS: How to turn off the Suggest Feature!
- Pasting texts from Clipboard
You can paste copied texts on a diagram to create models. First you copy the text, then you will be asked which model you want to create. After confirming, models would be created for each text.
Create Objects in a row
There are two ways to create the same model element continously.
- Hold [Shift Key] down : Keep clicking on a diagram with holding [Shift] key down.
- Turn on the [Continuous] mode : Click the [Continuous] mode on the tool palette.
Wrap Text
You can wrap text with [SHIFT+ENTER], [ALT+ENTER] or [CTRL+ ENTER].
However you cannot wrap text for some models.
Copy Styles
You can copy and paste the style of model elements such as background color of the model element and color of texts...etc.
