How to Create...

Working with Connecting Lines

Adding a Device to a Line

You can also link a device to a line by dropping it on the line. First make sure Allow Shapes to Link to Lines is turned on in the Options menu located under the SmartDraw Button.

Devices, or shapes, link to lines via a special attachment point located by default in the center of a shape. To link a shape to a line, drag the shape over the line so its center (or attachment point) is near the line.

As the shape's attachment point comes in contact with the line, the cursor changes to an anchor and the connection point appears as a black dot.

Once linked, the shape will stay with the line even if the line is moved, stretched, or rotated.

If you want your shape to maintain its original orientation despite the angle of the line, right-click on the line and choose Horizontal under Show Text On Lines.

Now, your shape will stay horizontal no matter how you position the line.

To break the link between a shape and a line, just drag the shape away from the line.

Adjusting the Attachment Point

Shapes link to lines via their central attachment point. To adjust the position of this attachment point, right-click on the symbol and select Connection Points from the menu. In the Choose Connection Points dialog, drag the central diamond shaped point to a different position.

You can also adjust the attachment point's position by defining the x and y postion in the Custom Selected Point box.

Using the Shape Connector

Connecting all your devices with simple, straight lines can be tedious and can lead to a diagram that is rigid and difficult to revise. The Shape Connector connects shapes using dynamic segments that move and adjust themselves as you reposition objects in your drawing.

To draw a segmented line between two devices, go into the SmartPanel, click the Line Shape Selector and choose Shape Connector.

The segmented line attaches itself perpendicularly to both objects, and it flows between them using the fewest possible number of segments and 90-degree turns. If you move one of the objects, the segmented line adjusts itself to remain attached and perpendicular at all times.

You can add a shape to a segmented line, just like a straight line. Let's say that after connecting the workstation to a server, you realize that you should have included a hub between them. Simply drag the hub to the segmented line until you see the anchor symbol and release it. It attaches itself to the line and stays there.

You can then connect other lines to the hub if you like.

Using the Curved Line and Curved Connector

You can also use curved lines or curved connectors to connect your shapes. If you are using the Curved Line , you can adjust the curve's degree of curvature with the special selection handle at its center.

Curved Connector lines are segmented lines with rounded corners. They follow the same rules as segmented lines created by the Shape Connector.

Indicating Communication Links or Digital Links

You can make a straight line display a special communication link or digital link symbol at its midpoint. Just click on the line and choose Change Line Shape from the Change Line menu located under the Design tab.

The line has been changed to show a digital link line between a router and a workstation.