Manage Attribute Overlays

Set up attribute overlays: Add and define attribute overlays, also called attribute visualization layers.

With attribute overlays, also called attribute visualization layers, modelers can display attributes directly on the diagram canvas using different icons and colors. You as an administrator create and configure custom rules that define the state of each visualization layer.

Attribute overlays are available for the following diagram types:

  • BPMN diagrams

  • Value chain diagrams

  • ArchiMate diagrams

  • Organization charts

Create a Visualization Layer

In the explorer, follow these steps :

  1. Choose Start of the navigation pathSetup Next navigation step Manage attribute visualizationEnd of the navigation path.

  2. In the dialog, choose Add new layer.

    A new layer is created.

  3. Enter a name for the new layer.

  4. In the Visualization drop-down list, you can either select an icon or select Property value. When you select Property value, instead of an icon the value of the attribute is displayed.

  5. For layers that are visualized with an icon, you can enable Show Details. The attributes that are used for calculating the rules are then displayed next to the icon.

  6. Define the rules how the icons are displayed. See details below.

  7. Choose Close to leave the dialog. The changes are applied immediately.

Rules for Visualization Layers

To set or edit the rules for visualization, follow these steps:

  1. Choose Start of the navigation pathSetup Next navigation step Manage attribute visualizationEnd of the navigation path.

  2. Open the rules by choosing Define rules or the displayed rule.

  3. To add a new rule, choose Add new rules.

  4. Define the rule set for displaying the icon.

    Every layer can contain several rules.

  5. To set the color for the icon, select the icon.

    You can select one of the available colors or enter a hexadecimal color code.

  6. Select values for the three parts of the rule: Property, Relation and Value.

    • In the Property section, you select the attribute.

    • The Relation selection contains several relational operators or boolean statements, depending on the attribute.

    • Set a Value if applicable.

  7. You can connect rules with the AND or the OR operator:

    • To connect rules with AND, choose (more options) and add additional rules.

    • To connect rules with OR, add a new rule to the layer by choosing Add new rules.