Menus and Toolbars
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ER/Studio Data Architect provides a ribbon-based interface that organizes commands and modeling tools into functional groups. The ribbon gives you access to commands for creating and editing models, inserting model objects, changing diagram layouts, working with the Repository, and performing other modeling tasks.
The commands and tools available on the ribbon can vary based on the selected object, active window, and whether you are working with a logical or physical model.
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) provides convenient access to frequently-used commands independently of the currently-selected ribbon tab.
The ribbon menu appears across the top of the ER/Studio Data Architect application window. It organizes commands into tabs so that related tools are available together.
Select a ribbon tab to display the commands associated with that area of the application. You can then select a command or tool directly from the ribbon instead of navigating through multiple menus.
Depending on the operation you are performing, the ribbon provides access to functions such as:
- Creating, opening, saving, and managing models.
- Cutting, copying, pasting, and selecting objects.
- Inserting entities, tables, relationships, views, and other model objects.
- Finding objects within a model.
- Arranging and automatically laying out diagram objects.
- Aligning objects within a diagram.
- Zooming, panning, and navigating diagrams.
- Configuring diagram and object display options.
- Accessing model-level operations and tools.
- Working with Repository functions.
- Running available macros.
The commands available on the ribbon can change according to the current context. For example, commands applicable to a logical model can differ from those available when working with a physical model.
Ribbon tabs
The ribbon groups commands into tabs representing major areas of functionality. Depending on your version, configuration, and current context, available tabs can include:
- File. Provides commands for creating, opening, saving, importing, exporting, printing, and managing models and files.
- Diagram. Provides tools for working with the current diagram, including selection, editing, layout, alignment, zoom, navigation, and display options.
- Insert. Provides commands for adding objects to the current model. Available commands depend on whether you are working with a logical or physical model.
- Model. Provides model-level operations such as model management, comparison, validation, and other functions that operate on the model and its metadata.
- Tools. Provides access to supporting utilities, application options, and other ER/Studio Data Architect tools.
- Repository. Provides access to ER/Studio Repository functions when Repository functionality is available.
- Macro. Provides access to available macros and macro-related commands.
Using Ribbon Commands
To perform an operation from the ribbon
- Select the ribbon tab containing the command you want to use.
- Locate the appropriate command or tool.
- Select the command.
For example, to add an entity to a model, select the appropriate Insert command, and then place the entity in the Data Model Window.
Using the Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) provides access to frequently-used commands regardless of which ribbon tab is currently selected. You can select whether to pin the QAT above or below the ribbon within the application window.
The following image is an example of the QAT above the ribbon.
The following image shows how to select the location of the QAT by using the drop-down menu on the right of the QAT.
The following image is an example of the QAT below the ribbon.
Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar lets you keep the commands you use most often readily available while using the ribbon for the broader set of functions.
To add functions to the QAT
- Right-click on the function, and then select Add.
- Click the dropdown on the QAT itself and customize it.
- Select More Commands to open a dialog box containing additional options.
Use the customization options to select which commands appear on the Quick Access Toolbar. For additional commands and customization options, select Quick Access Toolbar > More Commands.
Using Shortcut Menus
ER/Studio Data Architect also provides context-sensitive shortcut menus. Simply right-click an object or an area of the application to display commands applicable to the current selection.
Shortcut menus can provide a faster way to perform operations on a specific object without locating the corresponding command on the ribbon. For example, right-clicking an entity, table, relationship, or other model object displays commands relevant to that type of object.
Choosing How to Access a Command
ER/Studio Data Architect often provides more than one way to perform the same operation. Depending on the command, you can access functionality from:
- the ribbon for organized access to application and modeling functions.
- the Quick Access Toolbar for commands you use frequently.
- a shortcut menu for commands associated with a selected object or area of the interface.
- a keyboard command when a keyboard shortcut is available.
Use the ribbon to browse and access the complete set of commands associated with a task. Add frequently-used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar to reduce the number of selections required for routine modeling operations.