Set shape connector properties in Enterprise Modeling and Visualization

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated May 12, 2026
  • 1 minute to read

    • Configure the relationship type or visual style of a connector between shapes in an enterprise modeling diagram.

    Before you begin

    Role required: sn_apm.apm_user

    Procedure

    1. Navigate to Workspaces > Enterprise Architecture Workspace.
    2. Open the Modeling page by selecting the Enterprise Modeling and Visualization icon (Enterprise Modeling and Visualization icon.).
    3. Select a diagram from the Diagrams page or create a diagram.
    4. Select a connector between two shapes.
      A toolbar appears above the connector.
    5. In the toolbar, configure the connector based on the notation of the connected shapes.
      • For ArchiMate connectors (both shapes are ArchiMate shapes), open the Link type drop-down and select a relationship type.

        Drop-down list showing ArchiMate relationship types, including Access, Serving, Association, Triggering, Influence, and other relationship variants.

      • For non-ArchiMate and mixed connectors (at least one shape is non-ArchiMate), set the connector line properties using the toolbar controls.
      Control Option
      Line style Solid
      Dashed
      Dotted
      Start arrow and End arrow None
      Arrow
      Open arrow
      Open diamond
      Circle
      Bar
      Icon None
      Initiating message flow
      Non-initiating message flow

      Non-ArchiMate connector toolbar showing line style, start arrow, Flip, end arrow, icon, and T+ controls above a connector linking two shapes.

      Number Control Description
      1 Line style Sets the connector line to solid, dashed, or dotted.
      2 Start arrow Sets the arrowhead style at the starting end of the connector.
      3 Swap direction Reverses the connector orientation, switching the left and right sides.
      4 End arrow Sets the arrowhead style at the ending end of the connector.
      5 Icon Adds a BPMN message flow decorator icon to the connector.
      6 T+ Adds a text label to the connector.
    6. To reverse the connector direction, select Swap direction.
    7. To add a text label to the connector, select T+.
      For details, see Add labels to connector lines between shapes in a diagram.