Please note : This help page is not for the latest version of Enterprise Architect. The latest help can be found here.
Lay Out a Diagram Automatically
As you develop a diagram, it can become difficult to position the elements and connectors so that the layout and organization remain clear. Rather than continually moving structures around manually, you can simply select a 'Layout Diagram' option to automatically reposition all the structures on the diagram in a logical, tree-based structure. If your diagram is complex, you can then do some manual 'tweaking' to draw out particular elements and relationships.
Generally the default layout parameters provide adequate layouts for a wide range of diagrams, but for a fine degree of control you can also set layout parameters using the 'Diagram Layout Options' dialog.
Access <open diagram> | Diagram | Layout Diagram
<open diagram> | diagram toolbar: Auto Layout
Double-click background > Diagram: Set Layout Style
Apply Layout Configurations
Options/Buttons |
Action |
See also |
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Cycle Remove Options |
These settings remove cycles in the element organization (where element X is the source of a path but also becomes the target of a branch of the path), by reversing the connectors that impose the cycling and then reorganizing the diagram and reinstating the reversed relationships; this identifies the primary source element in the diagram. Select:
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Crossing Reduction Options |
These options determine the length of time the routine searches for ways of reorganizing the layout to avoid crossed relationships:
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Layering Options |
These settings determine how elements are organized in layers during layout. Select:
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Layout Options |
These settings define how far apart the element layers and columns are in the layout.
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Initialize Options |
The autolayout routine inserts line waypoints and connectors into relationship paths to help plot the direction of the relationships; the routine then assigns an index number to every node, such that nodes in the same layer are numbered left to right. These settings determine how those index numbers are assigned. Select:
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Direction |
Select the direction in which all directed connectors should point, to set the position of the primary source element and the overall flow of the diagram. That is, Up, Down, Left, or Right. |
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Set as Project Default |
Select this checkbox to apply the diagram layout settings to all diagrams in the project. If you later define different settings and select this checkbox, the new settings override all those saved previously. |
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OK |
Click on this button to save your settings. |
Example
This illustration shows an automatically laid out diagram with these options set:
- 'Depth First Search'
- 'Optimal Link Length'
- 'Depth First Search Outward'
- 'Direction - Up'
Notes
- This facility is available for all types of diagram other than Timing and Interaction Overview diagrams
- If you decide that the autolayout is not appropriate, you can reverse it before saving the diagram; click
Learn more
- Layout Diagrams (manually)