Class shape

In a static structure diagram, a class describes a set of objects with similar structure, behavior, and relationships. Classes are declared in class (static structure) diagrams and represent concepts in the systems being modeled. The name of a class must be unique within its package.

Name a Class shape and add other property values

Open the element's UML Properties dialog box by double-clicking the icon that represents the element in the tree view or the shape that represents the element in a diagram.

Tip

Control which property values display on a shape in a diagram by right-clicking the shape, and then clicking Shape Display Options. In the UML Shape Display Options dialog box, select and clear options to display or hide property values.

Hide the attributes or operations sections of a Class shape

Right-click the shape, click Shape Display Options, and then, under Suppress, check Attributes or Operations.

Control which property values are displayed on the Class shape

Right-click the shape, click Shape Display Options, and then select or clear options to show or hide values.

Hide template parameters

Right-click the shape, click Shape Display Options, and then, under Suppress, check Template Parameters.

Indicate a realizes relationship

Right-click the Class shape, click Shape Display Options, and then select Realization Link. Select the shape, and then drag the control handle to create a Realizes arrow.

Create a diagram owned by the Class shape

Right-click the shape, click Diagrams, click New, choose the type of diagram you want, and then click OK.

Or, right-click the shape in the Model Explorer and click New Diagram.

Navigate to other views of the Class shape

Right-click the shape, click Views, select the view you want, and then click OK.

Show, in a view, the relationships between the class and other elements

Right-click the shape, and then click Show Relationships.