Shape connector properties in Enterprise Modeling and Visualization

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated May 12, 2026
  • 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

    When both connected shapes are ArchiMate shapes, the toolbar shows the following controls:

    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.

    ArchiMate connector toolbar showing the relationship type list, Flip control, and T+ button above a connector linking two shapes.

    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

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

    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.