Notes

   You can add an entity to a subtype cluster by choosing Insert > Relationship > Identifying, clicking the subtype cluster symbol next to the supertype you want to associate the entity with, and then clicking the entity you want to add to the subtype cluster.

   You can edit the subtype by right-clicking the subtype cluster symbol and then selecting Edit Subtype Cluster.

   You can change the colors of the subtype cluster symbol, by right-clicking it and then selecting Subtype Cluster Color.

   You can remove an entity from a subtype by selecting the relationship between the subtype and the entity and then choosing Edit > Remove Relationship.

   You can delete a subtype if you no longer want to include it in your data model. You can also add or remove entities from a subtype cluster in much the same way you add or delete relationships between entities. Delete a subtype by selecting the subtype and then choosing Edit > Delete Subtype Cluster. Deleting a subtype cluster deletes all relationships between the parent entity (supertype) and the child entities (subtypes).

   You must redefine the relationships between the entities after you delete a subtype.

   While subtypes can be specified as complete or incomplete, you’ll get a visual indication of it only in IDEF1X. To see the distinction in IE (Crow’s feet) you can view it in the Subtype Cluster Editor, or use a naming convention or color as a mnemonic.

   IE is more flexible in supporting subtypes, permitting roll up (generalization) and roll down (specialization) transformations.