Lesson 5 Exercise 2: Laying Out Objects

Objective

In this exercise you will learn how to improve the layout of objects and relationships in a model.

Try to complete the following steps on your own. If you need help, click the step to jump to a set of more detailed steps.

1	Start METIS and Create Exercise Model

Create a new model called MyExerciseL5_2 based on the Training template.

2	Perform Default Automatic Layout

Perform layout on product P2010.

3	Use the Predefined Layout Strategies

Use the predefined layout strategies to see how they affect product P2010.

4	Create a New Hierarchical Layout Strategy

Copy the Standard Hierarchical Layout Strategy to create a new strategy named My Hierarchical Strategy; edit the new strategy to draw objects from left to right.

5	Perform Layout of Container and Decompositions

Perform automatic layout on the Products container.

6	Edit_Breakpoints

Change the path of one of the has requirement relationships by editing the points.

7	Save the Model and Exit METIS

8	Practice on Your Own (Optional)

Start METIS and Create Exercise Model

Complete the following steps to start METIS and create a new model file based on an example template:

1	Minimize your web browser and any other application you have open (except this window) to see your desktop.

2	Double-click the METIS icon [image] to launch METIS.

3	In the dialog box, click the Model From Template option.

4	In the template list, click Training, and then click OK.

5	In the file dialog box, enter MyExerciseL5_2 for the filename and click Save.

6	Position this Exercise window so that you have a good view of the modeling window.

Perform Default Automatic Layout

Complete the following step to perform automatic layout of a product using its default hierarchical layout strategy:

•	Right-click on product P2010, point to Layout, and then select Perform Layout.

Example

Use the Predefined Layout Strategies

Perform automatic layout of a product using the predefined hierarchical layout strategies as follows:

1	Select product P2010, click on the Tools menu and select Manage Layout Strategies.

2	Drag the strategy Compact Hierarchical Layout from the Manage Layout Strategies window and drop it onto the product P2010. Note that the Manage Layout Strategies window is pushed behind METIS when you drag a strategy from the window to an object. To display the window again, click the dialog item on your taskbar.

3	Repeat the previous step to see how the other predefined strategies lay out product P2010.

Example

Create a New Hierarchical Layout Strategy

Continue the following steps from the Manage Layout Strategies window to create a new strategy where objects are arranged from left to right:

1	If necessary, select product P2010.

2	In the Manage Layout Strategies window, select the predefined strategy Standard Hierarchical Layout Strategy and click the Copy button.

3	In the dialog box, enter the name My Hierarchical Strategy and click OK.

4	Select the new layout strategy and click the Edit button. If necessary, scroll up to the User Defined and Hierarchical Strategies folders to find the new strategy.

5	In the Edit Hierarchical Strategy window, click the Drawing tab, select option Left-to-Right, and click OK.

6	Click Apply in the Manage Layout Strategies window.

7	Click Close to close the Manage Layout Strategies window.

8	Move product P2020 to the bottom left of the container.

Example

Perform Layout of Container and Decompositions

Perform automatic layout of the Products container and all its decomposed products as follows:

•	Right-click on the Products container, point to Layout, and then click Perform Layout.

Example

Edit Breakpoints

Edit one of the has requirement relationships as follows:

1	Click twice on one of the relationships that goes between a Product object and a Requirement object.

2	Click on the line again and drag to create new points.

3	Click outside the relationship to exit edit mode.

Example

Save the Model and Exit METIS

 When you are done, save the model and exit METIS as follows:

1	From the File menu, click Save.

2	From the File menu, click Exit.

3	Close this window and maximize your browser to continue with the course.

Practice on Your Own (Optional)


Practice on Your Own (Optional)

Using what you've learned about automatic layout, refine the appearance of each of the hierarchical structures and containers in this model. Also create some new layout strategies to completely change the model's appearance. Experiment by editing relationship points to travel around objects instead of through them.


Default Hierarchical Layout Strategy

Back to Exercise


Compact Hierarchical Layout Strategy

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New Hierarchical Layout Strategy

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Default Matrix Layout Strategy

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Edit Relationship Breakpoints

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