Metadata are structures that describe data. (See Chapter 32, Metadata) At first, each edge is displayed as a dashed line. Only after metadata has been created and assigned or propagated to the edge, the line becomes solid.

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 31.2. Creating Metadata on an empty Edge

You can also assign metadata to an edge with right-clicking the edge, choosing the Select metadata item from the context menu and selecting the desired metadata from the list.

Third way to add metadata to the edge is to drag a metadata's entry from the Outline onto the edge.

Figure 31.3. Assigning Metadata to an Edge

You can also select metadata to 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.