Graph layout options

Use the workbench to modify the graph layout settings for a diagram.

You can modify the settings for each graph layout type by using the tabs that are at the bottom of the Properties view.

Tip: To better view descriptions for each of the layout types, expand the Properties view. Double-click the Properties tab to expand it within the workspace. After you have modified the properties, double-click the Properties tab to view the rest of your workspace.

Force-directed graph layout settings

If your diagram does not represent a hierarchy or is not a tree, use a force-directed graph layout.

If you want to use a force-directed graph layout, use the Properties view to change the settings in each of the tabs in the following table.

Tab Description
Choose Graph Layout Select a graph layout. Select Force-directed from the Graph Layouts list.
Basic Modify basic settings for the diagram.
Link Style Specify how links are displayed in the diagram.
Disconnected Graph Modify how disconnected graphs are placed on the diagram. Disconnected graphs are the elements (or a subset of elements) on the diagram that are not connected to any other element on the diagram.
Expert Specify advanced settings for the diagram.

Grid graph layout settings

If your diagram does not have any links, or if you want the tables to be placed on a grid and ignore the links, use a grid graph layout.

If you want to use a grid graph layout, use the Properties view to change the settings in each of the tabs in the following table.

Tab Description
Choose Graph Layout Select a graph layout. Select Grid from the Graph Layouts list.
Basic Modify basic settings for the diagram.
Geometry Specify the geometric settings of the diagram layout.
Justification Specify the justification of the diagram. For example, specify whether you want objects in the diagram to be placed at the top, bottom, left, or right.
Expert Specify advanced settings for the diagram.

Hierarchical graph layout settings

Hierarchical graph layouts organize the objects so that links flow in the same direction. Use hierarchical graph layouts to create diagrams of hierarchies when the direction of the links matters.

If you want to use a hierarchical graph layout, use the Properties view to change the settings in each of the tabs in the following table.

Tab Description
Choose Graph Layout Select a graph layout. To select a hierarchical layout, select one of the options under the Hierarchical node.
Basic Modify basic settings for the diagram.
Geometry Modify the geometric settings of the hierarchical layout for the diagram. You can specify the offsets between various diagram objects.
Link Style Specify how links are displayed in the diagram.
Connection Style Specify how connectors are displayed in the diagram.
Fork
Note: The Fork tab is only available if you select a Hierarchical layout configuration on the Choose Graph Layout tab.
Specify how fork link shapes are displayed in the diagram for orthogonal graph layouts.
Disconnected Graph Modify how disconnected graphs are placed on the diagram. Disconnected graphs are the elements (or a subset of elements) on the diagram that are not connected to any other element on the diagram.
Expert Specify advanced settings for the diagram.

Tree graph layout settings

Tree graph layouts help you to diagram a tree structure, such as an organization chart.

If you want to use a tree graph layout, use the Properties view to change the settings in each of the tabs in the following table.

Tab Description
Choose Graph Layout Select a graph layout. To select a tree layout, select one of the options under the Tree node.
Basic Modify basic settings for the diagram.
Geometry Modify the geometric settings of the tree layout for the diagram. You can specify the offsets between various diagram objects.
Link Style Specify how links are displayed in the diagram.
Alignment Specify how objects are aligned on the diagram.
Radial Balloon
Note: You can only modify these settings when you select Tree > Radial or Tree > Balloon from the Graph Layouts list.
Specify additional settings for Radial or Balloon layouts.
Disconnected Graph Modify how disconnected graphs are placed on the diagram. Disconnected graphs are the elements (or a subset of elements) on the diagram that are not connected to any other element on the diagram.
Misc. Specify the allowed time for the algorithm to apply the layout to the diagram and the aspect ratio of the diagram.
Expert Specify advanced settings for the diagram.

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