Creating lifelines in UML diagrams

In UML diagrams, such as sequence and communication diagrams, you can create lifelines to represent objects in a system.

Before you begin

You must have a sequence or communication diagram open.

Procedure

  1. In the Palette, click Lifeline.
  2. In the editor, click in an interaction frame where you want to add the new lifeline.
  3. In the dialog box, click a type of lifeline:
    Lifeline Details
    Unspecified This option creates a lifeline without a specified type.
    Create Class This option creates a lifeline that represents a class. You type a name for the new lifeline and then for the object.
    Create Actor This option creates a lifeline that represents an actor. You type a name for the new lifeline and then for the object.
    Create Component This option creates a lifeline that represents a component. You type a name for the new lifeline and then for the object.
    Select Existing Element This option enables you to select an existing element in the model.

Results

When you create a lifeline in a sequence diagram, the lifeline is aligned vertically with other lifelines in the interaction, and extends downward. You can resize a lifeline by clicking it and dragging the anchors vertically or horizontally.
Tip: You can also assign an existing element type to a lifeline: In the navigation view, click a class, interface, or data type and drag it onto a lifeline in the interaction frame.

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