How is it possible to layout a multi-parented tree?

Question

I have a heirarchy which I am trying to layout automatically. What I would like to have is something like the following:

The question is - is this possible using the tree layout? The help mentions multi-parent graphs which I assume is the case above.

I have tried a Directed Tree with various options. The result is as I expect up to the point where the multi parent notes are added at which point I get something like the following:

I have tried a Heirachical Layout but it is not quite what I am looking for:

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Simon

Answer 1

Unfortunately, tree layout cannot produce the arrangement you are looking for. Your diagram is not a multi-parent tree. Multi-parent structures in trees are defined as a set of nodes with the same parent node and the same child nodes. E.g. a simple multi-parent structure looks like this:

Nodes 2 and 3 have the same parent node (node 1) and the same child nodes (nodes 5 and 6).

 

The closest you can get to your desired arrangement is indeed by using the hierarchical layout.