Diagram Master Tutorials > Diagram Layout and Node Hiding
Node Levels
Structured diagrams make use of node levels for auto arranging nodes, node hiding, and report creation. The use of node levels is not required (all nodes at the same level), but it is necessary if you intend to use the auto arrange or node hiding features.
Node level starts at 0 and increases in increments of 1. The node level of a node can be changed to reflect a change in structure. Node levels should be used to denote node hierarchy, node similarity or some meaningful criteria.
The diagram below shows node levels.
Auto Arrange Orientation
There are three possible orientations for auto arrange:
- Left to right. Node level 0 is at the left side of the diagram.
- Top to bottom. Node level 0 is at the top of the diagram.
- Radial. Node level 0 is at the center of the diagram.
Left to right orientation:
Top to bottom orientation:
Radial orientation. Each node level is drawn on an imaginary circle centered on the diagram. Successive node levels radiate out from the center.
Auto Arrange Settings
Auto arrange settings are changed in the Diagram Settings window. On the ribbon, click on the Diagram Settings button.
The Diagram Settings window will appear. Click on the Layout tab.
The diagram below shows the meaning of the settings for left to right and top to bottom orientations.
The diagram below shows the meaning of the settings for radial orientation.
Node Hiding
There are three ways to hide nodes:
- Hiding individual nodes.
- Selecting a base node. All nodes that are not descendants of the base node are hidden.
- Hiding by node level.
When a node is hidden, all data and properties of the node is retained.
Hiding Individual Nodes
To hide a single node, click on the Edit Node button in the ribbon.
The Edit Node window will appear. Select the node to hide in the drop down box. Click on the Structure & Shape tab. Check the Hide this node box. Click the Save Changes button.
Hide By Selecting a Base Node
Click on the Diagram Settings button in the ribbon.
The Diagram Settings window will appear. Click on the Visibility tab. Click the Hide by node button. Select the base node. In this case, we will select node 2.1. Click the Apply button.
Diagram before hiding:
Diagram after hiding:
Hide By Node Level
In the Diagram Settings window, Layout tab, click on the Hide by node level button. Select the appropriate upper and lower node levels. Select either Hide nodes outside range or Hide nodes inside range button. In this example we will hide nodes that are not at node level 1.
Diagram before hiding:
Diagram after hiding:
To hide node level 1 and show all other node levels, open the Diagram Settings window and select Hide nodes inside range button.
Diagram after hiding:
