Astah Easy Diagram Plugin
“Astah Easy Diagram Plug-in” – Developed by one of our innovative customers, this tool is tailored to make your diagram editing tasks not only easier but also more enjoyable.
Details
Plugin Overview:
The Astah Easy Diagram plugin, designed for Astah SysML and Astah System Safety users, streamlines SysML diagram editing. Our user-driven innovation enhances the overall diagramming experience.
Features:
There are 5 tabs and the features are grouped into 5 categories.
Under [Alignment]
- Numerical Precision: Adjust the position and size of components with direct numerical input.
- Snap to pixel: Set coordinates and size so that it aligns to pixels, removing fractional parts by rounding up.
- Snap diagram to pixel: Snap every element on the diagram to pixel.
- Straighten line: Keep a minimal amount of breakpoints.
- Save and restore position: Save the positions of connected edges and ports, really useful for resizing or moving a block.
- Horizontal and vertical alignment: Unlike the built-in alignment, it also works with pins.
- Reset item flow: Match item flow line with the corresponding connection.
Under [Field]
- Create fields for a block with name and type. Works with multiple blocks simultaneously.
Under [AutoSave]
- Regularly save the model if modifications are detected.
Under [Activity]
- Unmarshall: Create a new action in an activity diagram and add all the fields of the selected block or value type as pins.
- Split object flow: Splits an object flow into two parts.
Under [Misc.]
- Show model statistics: displays the total number of model elements and diagrams.
Installation Instructions:
- Download the latest .jar from the release page.
- In Astah, navigate to [Plugin] -> [Installed Plugins].
- In the dialogue box, click [Install], then select the downloaded .jar file.
- Restart Astah and either start a new project or open an existing file.
- The installation is successful if you see the [Easy Diagram] tab on the top-left pane.
How to use
1. Locating objects:
Click an object to view its coordinates in the [Easy Diagram] tab. Adjust the position using the Left and Top coordinates, then apply the changes.
2. Adjusting Object Size:
Modify the size by entering new dimensions in the Width and Height fields and applying the changes.
3. Rounding Coordinates:
Use the [Snap selected to pixel] or [Snap diagram to pixel] button to align coordinates and sizes to pixels, automatically rounding off fractional parts.
4. Creating Fields:
This is an additional way to create fields – very handy especially when you want to create ones of the same type.
5. Straightening Lines:
Simplify line structures by clicking [Straighten line] to remove unnecessary breakpoints.
6. Resetting Item Flow:
Ensure precise alignment of Item Flows with connections using the [Reset item flow] button for pixel-perfect accuracy.
7. Saving and Restoring Connection Points on Objects:
Enhance your diagramming experience with the ability to save and restore connection points on objects in Astah. This feature ensures that even after resizing or moving objects, you can effortlessly maintain the integrity of your diagram’s layout.
How It Works:
- Select an object (e.g., Block1) and click the [Save position] button to memorize its current connecting points.
- Resize or move Block1 as needed.
- The connecting points will move accordingly.
- To revert to the original connecting points, click the [Restore position] button.
- Your object’s connection points will be precisely restored to their saved state.
- Now, you’re ready to add additional connections or blocks to your diagram without compromising its clarity.
8. Unmarshalling Value Types and Blocks:
You can also unmarshal ValueTypes and blocks.