Start by picking one of the UML Diagram templates from the Software Design category under New Document on the dashboard.
The library next to your Work Area contains most of the relevant UML symbols that represent classes, actions, activities, use cases, and actors.
To add a symbol to your diagram, simply drag and drop it from the library.
Add Symbols
You can drag and drop UML symbols from the left panel to your workspace to start your diagram.
There are a few ways to keep adding symbols. You can:
- Keep dragging and dropping from the library or the shape menu
- Use Quick Action Controls
- Use your keyboard
Quick Action Controls
To add the next step using Quick Action Controls, click on any of the yellow dots around a selected shape. These Quick Action Control buttons let you drag your mouse to draw a connected line and then choose a shape to add to the end of the line from a pop-up menu of options.
This menu is intelligent and will populate with the last 6 symbols you've used in your diagram, so you'll always have the right symbols at your fingertips.
Using Your Keyboard
You can also add shapes by holding down Ctrl and then using the arrow keys to add the most recently used shape in the direction of the arrow. When you add shapes this way, shapes are always equidistant and perfectly aligned.
To learn more about UML diagram types and how to make them, check out our UML Diagram center.