This layouting algorithm constitutes a specialization of the
Orthogonal Layout method. The directed variant
distinguishes between “directed” and “undirected” edges and tries to
route edges in such a way, that all “directed” edges point in a main
layout direction. Additionally, automatic edge grouping is supported.
Directed orthogonal layout is well-suited for arranging UML
class diagrams.
Layout Tab
Grid
Defines the virtual grid spacing used by the layouter. Each node will be
placed in such a way that its center point lies on a grid point. Edges will
be routed in such a way that their segments lie on grid lines if the
terminal nodes of the edges permit suitable port placements.
Note that this option is only guaranteed to be obeyed for Normal
layout style while being used as a hint only for the other styles.
Orientation
Determines the main layout orientation. The algorithm tries to arrange nodes
in such a way that all edges point in the main layout direction.
- Top to Bottom
- The main layout orientation will be from top to bottom. Note that the
documentation for the other layout options assumes that this default
layout orientation is being used. - Left to Right
- The main layout orientation will be from left to right.
- Bottom to Top
- The main layout orientation will be from bottom to top.
- Right to Left
- The main layout orientation will be from right to left.
Use Existing Drawing As Sketch
If enabled, the layouter will interpret the initial graph layout
as a sketch of the resulting orthogonal layout. The layouter
tries to “orthogonalize” the given sketch without making too much
modifications in respect to the original drawing.
Identify Directed Edges
Strictly speaking, edges in a yFiles graph are always directed.
Therefore additional information is necessary to distinguish “directed”
and “undirected” edges belonging to a given graph.
The option Criteria specifies which characteristic trait
of an edge provides that information. Edges satisfying the chosen
criteria are considered “directed”, all other edges are considered
“undirected”.
The following criteria may be used:
- Line Color
- Edges are classified as “directed”/”undirected” according to their line
color. - Target Arrow
- Edges are classified as “directed”/”undirected” according to their
target arrow. - Line Type
- Edges are classified as “directed”/”undirected” according to their line
type.
Automatically group edges
If enabled, “directed” edges that share a common source or target node
are considered an edge group.
Grouped edges will be routed in bus-style, i.e. their paths will share a
common edge segment.
Labeling Tab
Options in this tab determine the edge labeling strategy used by this layouter.
Edge Labeling
- None
- Automatic edge labeling is deactivated.
- Integrated
- Edge labels will be considered during the layout process.
Nodes and edges will be arranged in such a way that there is enough
space for the edge labels not to overlap. - Generic
- Edge labels will be automatically placed after the layouter
has placed the nodes and edges. Edge labels may overlap with other
elements if there is not enough space to place the labels properly.
The resulting graph layout remains compact.
Edge Label Model
Determines which positions will be available for the edge labels.
- Best
- The default. Chooses the model that fits the specified edge labeling
strategy best. - As Is
- Uses the individual label models that are currently set on the input
graph. Individual models for edge labels can be changed in the edge or
edge label property dialog. - Center Slider
- A label model that allows labels to be placed somewhere on the
corresponding edge path. This option is a good choice for
Generic and Integrated edge labeling. - Side Slider
- A label model that allows labels to be placed along both sides of the
edge path. This option is a good choice for Generic edge
labeling. - Free
- A label model that allows labels to be placed anywhere.
This model is a very good choice for Integrated edge labeling.
It is not compatible with Generic edge labeling and should
therefore not be used in that combination.
Consider Node Labels
Determines whether node labels should be considered in the layout process.