Create connections
In matrix models, only the definition level is visualized for connections. This means that matrix models do not contain occurrences of connections, only of objects.
The Filter wizard also shows connections that have no occurrences in models of the method filter. However, you can enable those connections so that they can be selected in matrix models. The advantage is that you can use them in matrix models even if the corresponding models are not available in the method filter.
In general, check marks indicate existing connections between objects in the matrix model. An asterisk indicates that there is more than one connection between two objects. The following display options are also available:
Indication of the direction of the connection
In the matrix model, a small arrow indicates the direction of a connection.
 | Indicates the direction from an icon placed in the column header to an icon placed in the row header. |
 | Indicates the direction from an icon placed in the row header to an icon placed in the column header. |
Indication of abbreviations
If an abbreviation is defined, this abbreviation is displayed instead of the check mark.
Besides being able to view existing connections, you can also create new connections between objects.
Open a matrix model.
Select a matrix cell between two objects.
Click
Create connections. If several connections are possible, the Create connection dialog opens.Click the connection you want to create, and click OK.
To add a connection that is not displayed, click Add connection types. The corresponding dialog opens.
If multiple connections are defined between objects, this is indicated by an asterisk in the cell in the matrix model. In a matrix model, connections are created at definition level only.
You have created a connection between objects in a matrix model.
Tip
Double-click a matrix cell to open the Create Connection dialog.
You can draw connections between objects with the keyboard if you have defined abbreviations for these connections.
Open a matrix model.
Click in a cell in your matrix model.
In the cells where you want to create connections, enter the abbreviation for the required connection.
If there are several possible connections with the same abbreviation, the Create connections dialog opens. Enable the relevant connections and click OK.
The connections that correspond to the abbreviation are created in your matrix model. In a matrix model, connections are created at definition level only.
Tip
If abbreviations are specified for the connections, you can move in the matrix model using the arrow keys and create connections using only the keyboard.
You can obtain information about the connections used in a matrix model.
Open a matrix model in ARIS.
Place the mouse cursor over a connection cell.
The relevant connection used in the matrix model is displayed as a tooltip. If more than one connection connects two object symbols, a list of connections is displayed.
For a better overview, you can hide connections.
Prerequisite
You have modeled at least one object in the column and in the row header.
Open a matrix model.
Click
Display symbols and connections > 
Display connections. The corresponding dialog opens.Enter the first characters in the Enter text to filter field to reduce the amount of connection types displayed.
Move the mouse cursor over the connection types where the
Show connection in menu icon is displayed.Click
Show connection in menu to remove the connection type from the list.Click Apply.
The connections are no longer displayed in the matrix model. These settings are saved when you close the matrix model. When it is opened again, these settings are active. You can show these connections again.
You can delete connections in the matrix model.
Prerequisite
The connection you want to delete must not have any occurrences in models.
Open a matrix model.
Click the relevant cells in the matrix model and click
Delete or click the Backspace key. All connections except those that are used in other models are deleted.
The connections are deleted.
You can delete connections in the matrix model.
Prerequisite
The connection you want to delete must not have any occurrences in models.
Open a matrix model.
Click
if the inspector panel is not enabled yet.Click the relevant cell in the matrix model.
In the inspector panel, select the connection to be deleted and click
Delete. The specific connection is deleted.You can use the filter to reduce the number of connections displayed. If you have entered a filter and change the selection, the filter is reset.
The connection is deleted.
You can delete all connections except those that are used in other models.