Getting Started › Editing Objects › Overview of Moving Attributes or Columns

Overview of Moving Attributes or Columns

You can select one or more attributes or columns in the Model Explorer or the diagram window and move them to another entity or table. You can also move attributes or columns by dragging and dropping between the Model Explorer and the diagram window. When you move or reposition attributes or columns on the diagram window, the changes are also made in the Model Explorer; any changes you make in the Model Explorer are also made in the diagram window. Use Shift+click to select a contiguous group of attributes or columns and Ctrl+click to select non-contiguous attributes or columns. You can then move selected attributes or columns using either of the following methods:

• Drag the selection to a different position in the entity, table, or view.
• Drag the selection to a different entity or table.

When you move an attribute or column, an insertion bar tool displays to show you where the attribute or column will be inserted. Source definition information (such as domain, definition, notes, datatype, and so on) is automatically transferred to the new location when you drop the selection.

To reposition attributes or columns in the current entity or table, rather than dragging and dropping, you can use the navigation buttons in the Attributes or Columns editor.

When you move an attribute or column, the following rules apply:

• You cannot move a foreign key to a different entity or table, or move a foreign key that is migrated from a primary key or an alternate key through an identifying relationship out of the key area.
• You can move a foreign key in the non-key area into the primary key area of the same entity or table, unless the foreign key is migrated through a recursive (fishhook) relationship.
• If you move an attribute or column that is assigned to an alternate key (AK) or inversion entry (IE) key group within the same entity or table, it retains its AK or IE designation. If you move it to a different entity or table, the AK/IE designation is removed.
• You cannot move or copy view columns to a different table or view.

Note: You can also copy selected entities, tables, views, or drawing objects.

More information:

Move an Attribute or Column on the Diagram Window

Move an Attribute Using the Model Explorer

Overview of Copying Objects