Metadata are structures that describe data. At first, each edge will appear as a dashed line. Only after a metadata has been created and assigned to the edge, will the line becomes continuous.

You can create metadata as shown in corresponding sections below, however, you can also double-click the empty (dashed) edge and select Create metadata from the menu, or link some existing external metadata file by selecting Link shared metadata.

Figure 27.2. Creating Metadata on an empty Edge

You can also assign metadata to an edge by right-clicking the edge, choosing the Select metadata item from the context menu and selecting the desired metadata from the list. This can also be accomplished by dragging a metadata's entry from the Outline onto an edge.

Figure 27.3. Assigning Metadata to an Edge

You can also select a metadata to be be automatically applied to edges as you create them. You choose this by right-clicking on the edge tool in the Palette and then selecting the metadata you want, or none if you want to remove the selection.