Using the Properties View

When selecting an element on a diagram or by clicking on the diagram background, the properties of the element (or diagram) display in the Properties view. The contents of the Properties view varies depending upon the element you select.

Opening the Properties View

The Properties view is open by default. If closed, it can be opened by either method listed below:

• Right click on the UML element in Diagram view or in the UML Explorer or UML Navigator views, and select Properties from the context menu.
• From the menubar, select Window > Show View > Properties.

Modifying Properties

To modify a property value, click on the property field in the Properties view. Some properties cannot be modified with the Properties view, and are therefore disabled for editing. Note also that some diagram elements, such as compiled classes, are read-only and therefore all properties are disabled for editing.

Some property fields will display a button to the far right of the field when you click on them. This provides choices for you to select, such as a selection dialog or even an extended text dialog for entering in long descriptions.

To apply changes to a property, press Enter to complete the operation, or exit the edited field.

Press Esc while editing a field to revert the field back to its original content.

Applying changes

Changes to property fields are applied when you:

• Press Enter (Properties view remains open).
• Close the Properties view.
• Exit the edited field.
• Lose the focus of the Properties view.