This guide shows you how to create a reference in a viewpoint by drawing a line from one component to another. Use it when you want to connect components without opening the Create references panel.
Prerequisites
You are working in a viewpoint. This gesture isn't available in workspaces or in the presentation viewer.
Steps
1. Start the gesture
Right-click the component you want to connect from, and select Drag to create reference.
2. Drag to the target
Drag from the source component to the component you want to connect to. A curved line follows your pointer. Components you can connect to stay bright while the rest of the view dims.
You can drag between:
two components on the canvas
a component on the canvas and a component in the navigator tree
two components in the navigator tree
The cursor changes when you hover a valid target. If you hover a component that can't be connected, a tooltip says No reference types available between these components.
3. Drop on the target
Release on the target component. A list of reference types opens at your cursor. Each option reads Source component → Reference type → Target component.
Types used in the current viewpoint come first. Other types are listed under Reference types not in the view.
References that already exist are greyed out and marked Exists.
If you dragged against the direction of the reference, the component names swap. The arrow always points left to right.
If the two components share a name, their component types are added so you can tell them apart.
4. Choose the reference type
Select an option. The reference is created immediately, with no confirmation step.
Verify it worked
A confirmation message appears with an Undo button. The new reference shows in the viewpoint if its type is part of the view.
Things to know
The reference is saved in the workspace that holds the source component, the one you dragged from.
You need edit permission in that workspace, and it must define the reference type. Only reference types allowed by your metamodel are offered. If a type you expect is missing, check both.
You can only target components in the canvas or navigator. To connect to a component that isn't there, use the Create references panel.
The gesture starts from the right-click menu, so it isn't keyboard accessible. Use the Create references panel for keyboard-only creation.
Common issues
"No reference types available between these components." No allowed reference type connects these two component types, or you can't edit the owning workspace.
A reference type is greyed out with "Exists". That reference is already there, including ones outside the current view.
Drag to create reference isn't in my right-click menu. The feature may not be enabled for your organization. Contact support.