Layout Options

The Orthogonal layout has general options. Access the following settings by clicking the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Orthogonal Layout Options ribbon. After changing settings, click Apply to immediately view the changes on the canvas in the background or move on to another tab. Click OK to return to the canvas. If you make changes and later wish to restore default settings, click Revert.

• Layout style—See description above.
• Grid spacing—Defines the virtual grid spacing used by the layout algorithm. Each entity 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 entities of the relationships allow to place the ports accordingly. Note that this option is only guaranteed to be obeyed for Normal layout style.
• Reduce relationship crossings—Reduces the overall number of relationship crossings. The cost for the reduction is increased execution time of the layout.
• Length reduction—Reduces the overall relationship lengths. The cost for the reduction is an increased execution time of the layout algorithm.
• Minimize bends—Avoids helical arrangement of chains of entities.
• Use randomization—Increases overall layout quality with high probability. The cost for this layout optimization is increased execution time and non-deterministic results for subsequent layout invocations.
• Use face maximization—
• Relationship labeling—Choose one of the following styles:

  None (default)—No labels will appear on selected relationships.

  Generic—Finds label positions for the labels from a given model so that they, ideally, do not overlap with each other or with model elements. It does so without altering entities or relationships in any way.

  Integrated (default)—used in conjunction with layout style "Normal." Taken into consideration when determining both entity placement and relationship path generation. With this strategy it is guaranteed that no relationship label will overlap other objects in the diagram.

• Relationship label model (inactive when "None" is selected for Labeling)—choose one of the following styles:

  As Is (default)—Retains labels as they are; they will not be altered.

  Center—Places labels in the center of the relationships.

  Side (default)—Places labels on the side of the relationships.

  Free—Allows for unspecified label positions.