Modeling diagrams

When you model complex systems, you can use modeling diagrams to represent them from several different perspectives. Modeling diagrams contain diagram elements, which are also called shapes, that graphically represent the abstract model elements in a model.

The Rational® modeling tools support the following categories of modeling diagrams:

Diagram category Description
Editable These diagrams are the primary type of diagram that you use to represent a model. This category includes UML diagrams, which conform to the UML specifications, and non-UML diagrams, such as freeform diagrams. You can create, modify, and save editable diagrams. You can also create new model elements and change the appearance and layout of these diagrams.
Topic These diagrams are generated when you query a specific topic in a model. The query that you specify persists in the topic diagram, meaning that if you open a topic diagram after you make changes to its underlying elements, the updates appear in a refreshed diagram.
Browse These diagrams are generated when you query a specific item in a model. You can use a browse diagram to explore and navigate through a snapshot of a model. Browse diagrams are not editable; you cannot change their underlying model elements.
Related concepts
Models
Related tasks
Graphically representing models by using modeling diagrams
Creating modeling diagrams
Opening modeling diagrams
Deleting modeling diagrams from models
Creating new UML modeling projects
Related reference
Modeling preferences
Types of modeling diagrams
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