---
sourceDocument: Australia Enterprise Architecture
sourceDocumentLink: https://www.servicenow.com/docs/r/application-portfolio-management

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    - australia

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Australia Enterprise Architecture

ft:clusterId :

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bundleId :

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workflow :

    - Technology


---

# Shape connector properties in Enterprise Modeling and Visualization

# Shape connector properties in Enterprise Modeling and Visualization {#ariaid-title1}

Release version: Australia  
Updated May 12, 2026  
![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 1 minute to read  
When you select a connector between two shapes in an enterprise modeling diagram, a
toolbar appears above the connector. Use the toolbar to define the relationship type or
visual style of the connector.

The toolbar has two forms depending on the notation of the connected shapes. You can
also add a label to a connector to clarify the relationship between shapes, annotate
the data flow direction, or provide contextual information.

## ArchiMate connectors {#eaw-connector-properties__section_archimate_connectors}

When both connected shapes are ArchiMate shapes, the toolbar shows the following
controls:
{#eaw-connector-properties__table_archimate_toolbar__entry__2}

| Control | Description |
|-|-|
| Relationship type | Sets the ArchiMate relationship type from a predefined list. |
| Swap direction | Reverses the connector orientation, switching the left and right sides. |
| T+ | Adds a text label to the connector. |
[ ]

{#eaw-connector-properties__table_archimate_toolbar}

The Relationship type drop-down provides the standard
ArchiMate 3.2 relationship types, including Access, Aggregation, Assignment,
Association, Composition, Flow, Influence, Realization, Serving, Specialization,
Triggering, and Used by.

The Access relationship type is available in three variants: single-direction, bidirectional, and unspecified (dotted). The Association relationship type is available in two variants: directed and
undirected.

## Non-ArchiMate and mixed connectors {#eaw-connector-properties__section_nonarc_connectors}

The toolbar shows the following controls when at least one connected shape is a non-ArchiMate shape (for example, a CSDM or AWS shape). The toolbar also shows these controls when connecting shapes from two different notations.

{#eaw-connector-properties__table_custom_toolbar__entry__3}

| 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. |
[ ]

{#eaw-connector-properties__table_custom_toolbar}
**Related concepts**   

* [Working with ArchiMate Shapes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/JnosTLYqyUcfZsGkJxNEJw "Use ArchiMate shapes to build enterprise architecture diagrams that represent the relationships between business, application, and technology domains across your organization.")
* [Working with CSDM shapes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/oEcg4cTpWJ0ge2vnHqdK0A "Common Service Data Model (CSDM) is a standardized framework and CMDB data model provided by ServiceNow. It defines service-related terms, tables, and relationships across the Now Platform to ensure consistency in how services, applications, and infrastructure are represented. In Enterprise Architecture Workspace, CSDM shapes are visual elements that represent entities on diagrams for modeling and analysis.")
* [Working with custom shapes](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ucsDWEsrJmIBv1gew0OFaQ "Custom shapes represent specific elements that are unique to your organization. Manage custom shapes, create diagram actions for the shapes in the Enterprise Architecture Workspace.")  
**Related tasks**   

* [Set shape connector properties in Enterprise Modeling and Visualization](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/aXB7F69VA1hCiK43mGLMpg "Configure the relationship type or visual style of a connector between shapes in an enterprise modeling diagram.")
* [Create a blank diagram using modeling in the EA Workspace](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/ek6Sk_uKWGDNtLWN1jSjuA "Create a diagram and synchronize it to the ServiceNow database.")