"Special Layouts" can be used to create the correct appearance for IDEF and DFD shapes

The new "Associated Objects" functionality can also be used to apply "Special" layouts to objects. Selecting a special layout will cause objects to present information required if you are attempting to conform to specific notational standards.

Example

If you select DFD Special layout from this list, and you are defining the properties of a Data Store object, any Data Store object created on your diagram will have the following layout:

D3/1 is the decomposition number for this object, and Data Store 23 is its name. Both properties can be set in the Object Properties dialog.

Note: This functionality is applied to objects in the palette, causing objects on the diagram to show the association if they are of a specific Object Type and Category.

How To...

Open the Palette Object Properties dialog.

From Additional Data in Shape, select [Special Layout Name].

Where [Special Layout Name] is Notation Type + Special Layout.

For example, if you want your DFD Data Stores to have a special layout you must open the Palette Object Properties dialog for a Data Store, and select DFD Special Layout.

Notes

To following special layouts are available:

DFD Special Layout - This can be applied to Processes and DFDs.
IDEF0 Context Diagram Layout - This can be applied to Processes.
IDEF0 Other Diagram Layout - This can be applied to Processes.
IDEF3 Layout - This can be applied to Processes.