Customizing the shape of a symbol

Chapter 17 Model Graphics

Customizing the shape of a symbol

The Custom Shape page lets you define a new shape for most non-link symbols. Some predefined shapes are delivered with PowerDesigner, and you can also create your own shapes using the appropriate editor.

The following shape types are available for selection:

Type	Description	Tool	Format
Predefined symbol	Default shape assigned to symbols in PowerDesigner	PowerDesigner	—
Metafile	Representation using geometrical formulas allowing for resizing and stretching	Draw editors PowerDesigner	EMF, WMF
Bitmap	Representation of a graphics image consisting of rows and columns of dots	Paint editors	DIB, RLE, JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF, PNG
Icon	Small picture representing an object, usually smaller than standard PowerDesigner symbols	Icon editors	ICO

Custom shape parameters

When you define a custom shape for a selected symbol, you have to define the following parameters:

Parameter	Description
Enable custom shape	Enables or disables the customization of a symbol shape
Shape Type	Used to select a symbol shape, the available types are predefined symbol, bitmap, metafile and icon
Shape Name	Dropdown listbox automatically filled with available shapes of the type selected in the Shape Type box. You can use the Browse button to select shapes
Display name	Allows you to define where the symbol name should appear (Center option is not available for icon shapes)

To customize the shape of a symbol:

Select a symbol in the diagram.

Select Symbol→Format to display the Symbol Format dialog box.

Click the Custom Shape tab to display the Custom Shape page.

Select the Enable Custom Shape check box.

Select a type in the Shape Type dropdown listbox.

Select a name in the Shape Name dropdown listbox or click the Browse button to browse to the directory where the shapes are stored.

Select a display radio button beside Display Name.

You can preview the symbol shape and format.

Click OK.