Creating pattern instances

The first part of applying a pattern is creating a pattern instance in the target model. You can use the Apply Pattern wizard or create the instance by using various drag and drop gestures.

About this task

When using the diagram editor, the shape of the pattern instance depends on the type of the pattern: collaboration, package or class. You can modify the shape and other preferences.

Some options to create the pattern instance also specify an argument at the same time.

  • Pattern instantiation
    Pattern instantiation is the initial step of the apply pattern process and results in the creation of an instance of the pattern in a pattern's target model. The pattern instance element is identified by the keyword Pattern Instance.
  • Applying patterns with a wizard
    The Apply Pattern wizard helps you create a pattern instance and select argument values for the pattern's template parameters. You can continue to add argument values to the pattern instance after using the wizard.
  • Applying patterns by dragging and dropping
    You must create a pattern instance as the first part of applying a pattern to your model design. Patterns that you can apply always appear in the Pattern Explorer view. You can drag the pattern to a UML model or to a model's diagram editor.
Related concepts:
Benefits of using patterns
Reusable Asset Specification (RAS) pattern assets
Apply pattern process
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