Use the dictionary while modeling

Use suggested dictionary entries

Available dictionary entries are suggested when you enter a label name.

To reuse dictionary entries, follow these steps:

1. Enter a label for the diagram element. While you type, dictionary entries are suggested below the element.

   By default, only dictionary entries whose category type matches the element type are suggested.

2. Click an entry to link it to the element. The entry's title is now the element's label and the attribute values of the dictionary entry are applied. Elements that reference dictionary entries are marked with the dictionary icon .

Search for available dictionary entries

To find available dictionary entries, use the search below the shape repository.

Follow these steps:

1. Enter a search term. Search results are listed as you type.

2. You can apply a filter to include only specific dictionary categories.

3. When the search was successful, drag the dictionary entry onto the diagram canvas. The dictionary entry is referenced and its attribute values are applied to the element.

Create new dictionary entries

You can add new dictionary entries while modeling.

To create a new dictionary entry, follow these steps:

1. Enter the label of a diagram element.

2. Click . The New entry dialog opens.

3. A category for the dictionary entry is automatically preselected, depending on the element. You can change the category in the drop-down menu.

4. Enter a short description of the dictionary entry. You can format the text.

5. To add documents to a dictionary entry, click Add a new document and add the link in the dialog. You can add multiple documents.

6. Click Create.

   The dictionary entry is created and the diagram element references this entry. Elements that reference dictionary entries are marked with the dictionary icon .

New entries are created in the language currently selected for the diagram. To translate entries, open them in the dictionary. See section Working with the dictionary.

Open dictionary entries

If an element references a dictionary entry, you can view the entry by clicking .

To edit the entry, click Open in dictionary. The full dictionary entry opens in a new browser tab.

Remove links to dictionary entries

When you want to link an element to a different dictionary entry, you first need to remove the current link.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the entry by clicking the dictionary icon .

2. Click Remove link and confirm the removal in the dialog.

Publish dictionary entries

If a dictionary entry is set to manual publishing mode and has been altered without being republished, the editor displays a warning.

To avoid this, make sure you publish the current entry dictionary along with the diagram you're creating.