To create a new project select “New” from the File menu. Type a name for the project file and select the folder location where you would like the file to be saved. This will create new .prj file that will contain all the project's data.

The Project Navigator is a tree view of all the diagrams, elements, notes, people and requirements contained in your project. The navigator allows you to easily rename, delete and create new elements. (See Section 4.1, “Element Basics”)

Figure 3.1. Default Project Navigator

All reuseable design Elements in a project appear in the Project Navigator.

Figure 3.2. Project Navigator With Elements

3.2.2. Collapse all elements

The “Collapse All” button in the Project Navigator will collapse the folders in the navigator tree.

Figure 3.3. Project Navigator - Collapse

3.2.3. Searching for elements

The Project Navigator's search feature is useful when you need to quickly find an element. To search for an element, click the “Search” button and start typing the name of the element you are trying to find. The first element that matches your search criteria will be highlighted in the navigator tree as you type.

Figure 3.4. Project Navigator - Search

3.2.4. Synchronizing the navigator with a diagram

The “Synch with Diagram” button will make the navigator tree highlight the element that is currently selected on your diagram. When you select a different element on your diagram the newly selected element will be highlighted in the Project Navigator.

Figure 3.5. Project Navigator - Synchronize

To open an existing project select “Open” from the File menu. Select the project file you wish to open and click the “Open” button. The Process Modeler is able to have multiple projects open at the same time. You can tell which project is “currently active” by looking at the project name in the title bar. To change which project is active simply click on the project in the Project Navigator.

To close a project that is currently open select “Close” from the File menu. Another way to close a project is to right click on the project name in the Project Navigator and select “Close” from the context menu.

To add or modify you project's properties select “Project Properties” from the file menu. The project's description, introduction, author, email and company name can be modified from this form. The created and last modified dates are not editable and will be automatically maintained by the Process Modeler. Click “Ok” when you are complete, to save your changes.

Figure 3.6. Project Properties

To save a project that is currently open select “Save” from the File menu. If you wish to save the project under a different file name select “Save As” from the file menu.