Using Copy and Paste to merge diagrams graphically for statecharts, activity diagrams, and flow charts

This method to merge diagrams graphically had to be used for statecharts, activity diagrams, and flow charts previous to version 7.6.1. You can use Copy and Paste to merge diagrams graphically only for statecharts, activity diagrams, and flow charts. Use this approach when you have an element in one diagram that you would like to have in another diagram. As of version 7.6.1, to use the regular method to merge diagrams graphically for all the IBM® Rational® Rhapsody® diagrams (such as object model diagrams and structure diagrams), see the topic on merging diagrams graphically.

About this task

While this procedure shows how to merge graphic elements in a statechart, you can use the same method to merge elements for activity diagrams and flow charts.

Procedure

  1. Select the statechart in the Rational Rhapsody DiffMerge browser, right-click, and select Merge Graphically to open the diagrams.
  2. Select one or more elements to copy, and then press Ctrl+C (or choose Edit > Copy).
  3. Click in the Merge window (You can create a statechart or merge elements into one of the original statecharts).
  4. Press Ctrl+V (or choose Edit > Paste) to place the elements. Use your mouse to drag‑and‑drop one or more new elements to move them to the appropriate position within the merged diagram.
  5. Drag an element to position it precisely. For statecharts, you can copy:
    • Any state or connector.
    • Any group of elements (including states, transitions, and connectors), provide that, if it includes a transition, it also includes its source and target.
    • A label of a transition. This method is the only way to copy or create a transition.
      Note: You can copy a transition only with its source and target.
  6. Repeat Steps 15 to merge additional elements.
  7. Edit the merged statechart if necessary. For example, you can draw new elements using the toolbar icons and you can click anywhere in the window to unselect a new element.
  8. When you have completed the merge operation, save the merged file as described in the topic on saving the merge unit.

    Tips for graphical merging for statecharts, activity diagrams, and flow charts

    To locate the original transition and select its label, you can:

    • Use Ctrl+C to copy the label.
    • Draw the new transition in the merge window.
    • Use Ctrl+V to paste in the new label.

    To view any elements not visible within a new (active) statechart merge window, either maximize the window or choose View > Zoom to Fit while the window is active.

    If necessary, modify textual elements of graphic items using their Features windows.

    If appropriate, work on any nested statecharts recursively.


Feedback