Generic Resource

Generic Resource is a special kind of resource in the resource-centric interface. Unlike other resources, the type of the connector and/or shape type that will be created is undetermined, you will be asked for the desired connector/shape type when the creation is confirmed. Generic Resource is designed to organize less commonly used shape-connector-shape resources into a single resource, so you can enjoy the user-friendliness diagram editing using resource-centric interface yet won’t get overwhelmed by the huge number of resources shown.

1. Certain shapes, like Actor of Use Case Diagram in this example, have Generic Resource (with an icon of a line connecting a cube).
   
   
   
2. The usage of a Generic Resource is similar to other resources. You can either (1) drag it to white space of the diagram to create a new shape together with a new connector,...
   
   
   
3. ...or (2) drag it over an existing shape to create a new connection between two shapes.
   
   
   
4. Using method (1), a popup menu will appear with a list of connector-shape items for selection.
   
   
   
5. After you have selected an item, the new connector-shape combination will be created.
   
   
   
6. Using method (2), the allowable connector types between the from/to shape will be analyzed. If the number of allowable connector types is only one, this connector will be created automatically without prompt. Otherwise a popup menu will appear for selection.
   
   
   
7. After you have selected an item, the new connector will be created between two shapes.