Getting started with placing the shapes and formatting the shapes

Here, we will create our first BPMN-type diagram and modify the shapes. Since a simple flow in BPMN always follows the same principle and contains at least the four basic elements, we will start with those. After that, we will see how to manipulate the appearance of the shapes (following the BPMN standard) by manipulating the shape data (i.e., the metadata of the shapes).

Adding the start event

The first step in a BPMN flow is an event initiating the flow – typically, a start event, so we place this shape on the page. Initially, it looks like a simple circle; however, the BPMN standard defines several variations to the start event (for a full description, please check out the aforementioned BPMN quick guide).

Figure 4.11 –The Start Event shape fully configured

Extending the diagram with a task

After this, the next step is to add the follow-up component, which would...