Copyright: EDGE Diagrammer ® 1995 Pacestar Software


Contents

 WHAT'S NEW?

 Introduction

 Basics

 Quick Start Tutorial

 Figures

 Connectors

 Labels

 Connector Labels

 General Editing

 Text

 Getting Around in a Diagram

 Figure Styles

 Label Styles

 Connector Styles

 Diagram Features

 Options

 Managing Windows and Files

 Advanced Features

 Tokenized ASCII Format

 EDGE Diagram File Format

 Custom Figures and End Symbols

 Glossary

 Index


WHAT NEW
WHAT'S NEW?

This release contains many improvements and feature additions that will make EDGE Diagrammer more compatible with other programs, better at managing large numbers of diagrams, more powerful, and easier to use.  Below is a list of the most significant additions and enhancments.

Additions

Diagram Links

OLE Object Linking and Embedding

Orthogonal Connectors

Multiple Document Interface

Diagram Scaling

Importing Bitmaps

Property Bar

Enhancements

Text no longer gets clipped inappropriately.

Printing has been improved.

There is now a dotted grid option.

There is now a "Open most recent file on start-up" option.

You can now drag and drop files into the program.

Red handles now scale smoothly.

Added print preview.

Windows 95 compatibility has been improved.

A combo box has been added to the tool bar to zoom.

The tool bar has been enlarged slightly.

Reliance on THREED.VBX has been eliminated resulting in greater compatibility.

Various minor bugs have been fixed.

Metafile support has been improved.  More are compatible.


Diagram Links

You can link diagrams together so that by clicking on a figure in one diagram, you can move instantly to another diagram.  Linking diagrams is useful for organizing many diagrams into a hierarchical structure.  For example, by clicking on a symbol that represents a process in a flow chart, you can bring up a diagram that breaks down the process into more detailed steps.

EDGE Diagrammer provides features to link any figure or label to another diagram, to follow a link to a diagram, and to return to the parent diagram.

Linking a Figure to a Diagram

Following a Link to a Diagram

Returning to the Parent of a Diagram


Linking a Figure to a Diagram

Any figure or label can contain one (and only one) link to another diagram.

To link a figure or label to another diagram

1 	Select one figure (or label)

2 	Choose Set Link from the Figures (or Labels) menu

3 	Use the dialog box to select a diagram for the link or replace a previous diagram link.  You can also use the Remove Link button to eliminate the link.

There is also a handy method for simultaneously creating a new diagram and linking it to a figure.

To create a new diagram linked to figure

1 	Select one figure or label

2 	Choose New from the File menu.  You will be asked whether you want to link the new diagram to the selected figure.  Choose Yes.

3 	You will be asked to choose a file name for the new diagram.  Choose a name that is not used.  If you choose the name of an existing diagram, you will be asked to confirm that the new diagram will overwrite the contents of the existing diagram.

4 	Finally, choose the template for the new diagram in the usual manner.

SPECIAL NOTE:

It's a good practice to keep all diagrams that have links to one another in one directory. Doing so will make it much easier to move the set of diagrams to another directory. The reason is that links are stored as full path names (e.g. "C:\DATA\ABC.EDG") unless both the diagram that contains the link, and the link diagram are in the same directory.  Whenever you move a diagram or set of diagrams, you will have to manually re-adjust each link UNLESS all inter-linked diagrams are in the same directory.


Following a Link to a Diagram

When a figure or label contains a link to another diagram, you can "follow" that link to cause the link diagram to be opened in place of the current diagram.

To follow a link to another diagram

1 	Make sure you are in Select mode (or Seltext mode)

2 	Move the mouse cursor over a figure or label that is linked to another diagram.  The figure or label can be selected or not selected.  The cursor will show a link symbol and the message bar will indicate the name of the diagram that will be opened if you double-click.

3 	Double click the mouse on the figure or label.  The current diagram will be saved automatically if it has been modified and the linked diagram will be opened in its place.

alternately

1 	Select the figure or label

2 	Choose Follow Link from the Figures (or Labels) menu


Returning to the Parent of a Diagram

When you follow a link to a diagram, the original diagram becomes the "parent" of the diagram.

To return to the parent of a diagram

1 	Click on the Go To Parent button in the toolbar - it looks like an upward pointing arrow.

alternately

1 	Choose Follow Parent Link from the Diagram menu.

Occasionally you may want to manually set the parent of a diagram.

To set the parent of a diagram manually

1 	Choose Set Parent Link from the Diagram menu

2 	Select a diagram to be the new parent of a diagram or press Remove Link to eliminate the parent link.


Object Linking and Embedding
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

EDGE Diagrammer supports Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding specification version 2.0. OLE (oh-lay) as it is commonly called, makes it simple and convenient to insert or embed EDGE diagrams within documents created by other applications which can serve as OLE containers.

Microsoft Word(tm) is one example of a very popular application that exploits the ability to be an OLE container. Throughout this section, we'll refer to Word as a typical OLE container application. But don't forget that there are MANY such applications on the market and all will work more or less the same with EDGE Diagrammer's OLE features.

Using OLE, you can embed diagrams directly inside Word documents such that they become a part of the document, are saved within the document file, and nevertheless can later still be edited by EDGE Diagrammer. In addition, you can choose to store only a reference called a link to an EDGE Diagram file within Word. With a link, you can simply edit the EDGE Diagram file and the changes will automatically appear in the Word document. Linking and embedding together provide the capability to use EDGE Diagrams anywhere that a diagram would be convenient without the hassle of having to store and maintain the diagram elsewhere at the same time.

EDGE Diagrammer acts as an OLE Server, not as a container like Word. It is a full server as opposed to a mini-server because it can also run stand-alone as a normal application.

OLE Embedding Diagrams

OLE Linking to Diagrams


OLE Embedding Diagrams

A diagram can be embedded into a document created by an application like Microsoft Word(tm). When a diagram is embedded in a document, it becomes part of the document but remains a complete EDGE Diagram that can later be edited and updated.

To insert a new diagram into a Word (or similar) document

1 	From Microsoft Word(tm), choose Object from the Insert menu.

2 	Choose the Create New tab.

3 	From the types list, choose EDGE Diagram.

4 	Follow the procedure to create a new diagram.

5 	When the diagram is complete, choose Exit & Return to Document from the File menu.

6 	Resize the resulting diagram if you like.

To insert a copy of an existing diagram into a Word (or similar) document

1 	From Microsoft Word(tm), choose Object from the Insert menu.

2 	Choose the Create From File tab.

3 	Select the name of the diagram file.

4 	Resize the resulting diagram if you choose.

To embed a portion of an EDGE Diagram into a Word document

1 	Open any EDGE Diagram file in EDGE Diagrammer.

2 	Select the portion of the diagram that you'd like to embed in the Word document.

3 	Choose Copy or Cut from the Edit menu.

4 	In Word, choose Paste from the Edit menu.

5 	Resize the resulting diagram if you like.


OLE Linking to Diagrams

A diagram can be linked to a document created by an application like Microsoft Word?. When a diagram is linked in a document, it remains a separate diagram file and a reference or link is saved in the document. If you later make changes to the EDGE Diagram, those changes will be reflected automatically in the document that contains the link.

To insert a link to a diagram into a Word document

1 	Use EDGE Diagrammer to create a diagram in the usual way.

2 	Save the diagram to a file.

3 	In Word, choose Object from the Insert menu.

4 	Choose the Create from File tab.

5 	Check the Link to File box.

6 	Select the name of the diagram file.

7 	Resize the resulting diagram if you choose.

When an OLE document contains links to diagrams or other OLE objects, those objects must remain in place when the document is used. If you delete a diagram that is referenced from an OLE document, the reference will not know where to find the diagram. Likewise, if you copy the document that contains the link, you should also copy the linked diagrams so that the links remain valid.


Orthogonal Connectors

Orthogonal connectors contain only horizontal and vertical lines and right angles. EDGE Diagrammer allows you to identify any connector or any connector style as orthogonal. Orthogonal connectors have many special properties that affect their creation, routing, and use within a diagram.

Making connectors orthogonal

Creating orthogonal connectors

Dragging figures attached by orthogonal connectors

Re-routing orthogonal connectors

You cannot split an orthogonal connector. You cannot delete junctions on an orthogonal connector unless deleting the junction will not affect the path of the connector.


Making connectors orthogonal

To make an existing connector orthogonal

1 	Select one or more connectors

2 	Press the orthogonal connector button on the property bar (it looks like three lines connected at right angles) to toggle the orthogonality of the selected connectors.

3 	Or, use the Connector Properties dialog box to change the orthogonality of the selected connectors.

To make all connectors of a style orthogonal

Use the Connector Styles dialog box to set the orthogonality of a connector style. Doing so will change the orthogonality of all existing connectors that are bound to the style and all connectors that are created of that style.


Creating orthogonal connectors

The procedure for creating an orthogonal connector is very similar to the usual procedure for creating a connector. However, there are a few special considerations that arise from the need to keep the connector segments straight and at right angles.

To create an orthogonal connector (automatic routing)

1 	Choose a connector style in the usual way.

2 	After clicking on the figure from which the new connector will originate, move the cursor directly over the figure where the connector should terminate. This will cause the connector to automatically choose a route from the first connector to the second.

3 	If you are happy with the route chosen in step two, click on the second figure and the connector will be created. Otherwise, proceed to the manual routing instructions below.

When EDGE Diagrammer automatically routes a connector from one figure to another, it chooses a very simple path which conflicts with the fewest other objects. If you would prefer that the connector follow a different path, you can route it manually.

To create an orthogonal connector (manual routing)

1 	Choose a connector style in the usual way.

2 	Click on the figure from which the new connector will originate.

3 	Click on the next point on the path that the connector will follow.

4 	Repeat step three until you terminate the connector on the end figure. If you make a mistake, you can press ESC to cancel and start over.


Dragging figures attached by orthogonal connectors

Orthogonal connectors must always remain straight. This means that something special has to happen when you drag a figure connected to one end of an orthogonal connector. In order for the connector to remain straight, the attached figure(s) may also have to adjust.


Rerouting orthogonal connectors
Re-routing orthogonal connectors

To re-route an orthogonal connector

1 	Select the connector.

2 	Move the cursor over then of the connector where it attaches to a figure.

3 	Press and hold the left mouse button.

4 	Drag the end of the connector over a different figure.

5 	Release the mouse button.

When re-routing a connector, you have not choice but to use automatic routing. To re-route a connector manually, delete the connector or recreate it. If the connector has labels, create the replacement connector first, then move the label(s).


Multiple Document Interface

EDGE Diagrammer supports the Microsoft Windows Multiple Document Interface standard also known by the abbreviation MDI. As a multiple document interface, EDGE Diagrammer allows you to open a number of different documents (in our case diagrams) simultaneously in different windows and to open multiple windows that view different parts of the same document. The MDI model is very powerful for working with several diagrams at once or for managing large or complex diagrams.

Whenever you create a new diagram or open an existing diagram as described in this chapter, EDGE Diagrammer will create a new window from which to view the diagram. You can have several such windows at a time. You can also create additional views of loaded diagrams and use the window arrangement commands to minimize, maximize, cascade, and tile all of the windows.


Scale

Choose Scale from the Diagram menu to access the diagram scaling feature.

This feature allows you to scale the entire diagram or any part of it to any desired size. Scaling the diagram will actually make the objects larger or smaller when printed, unlike zoom which affects only how the objects appear on the screen.

To scale the diagram or any part of the diagram

1 	Select the objects you want to scale if you want to scale only a portion of the diagram.

2 	Choose Scale from the Diagram menu.

3 	The Scale Diagram dialog box will appear. Choose the proper options and press OK to scale the diagram.

The controls in the Scale Diagram dialog box are described below.

Scale

Enter the percentage to scale the diagram or use the spin buttons to increase or decrease the percentage. A percentage of 50% makes the diagram objects half as big while a percentage of 200% makes them twice as big. If Keep Aligned to Grid is checked, you can only scale by fixed amounts, otherwise the alignment will be lost.

To page

Click this box to force the diagram to be scaled so that it fills the center of the currently defined page (or all the poster pages). You cannot scale to the page if Keep Aligned to Grid is checked.

Selected objects only

If objects are selected, you can check this box to indicate whether only the selected objects should be scaled or the entire diagram.

Keep aligned to grid

If this box is checked, you will be permitted to scale the diagram only by a percentage that will maintain perfect grid alignment. Worst case, this may mean you can only scale by factors of 100% depending on the complexity of your diagram.

Include

Choose the parts of the diagram that will be scaled in addition to the figures. You can choose to scale figure border widths, connector widths, figure and label text size, drop shadows (for the entire diagram), or styles. If you choose to scale styles, all figure, label, and connector styles will be scaled accordingly.

Scaling the diagram is also useful for producing scaled printer output. Save the diagram, scale it how you like, print the result, then restore the original.


Using a Windows Metafile as a figure style graphic
Using an imported graphic as a figure shape

You can define a figure style using an imported graphic or clipart image. Diagrammer supports Microsoft standard Windows Metafiles (*.WMF) and Windows bitmap files (*.BMP).

METAFILES

WMF is the vector graphics file exchange standard supported by the Windows clipboard and OLE 2.0. Many popular Windows drawing programs can produce metafile graphics. Other graphics formats can often be converted into WMF files either by popular applications or graphic conversion programs.

We've included a few sample metafiles and a sample diagram called SAMPNET.EDG that uses them. In your diagrams, you can use any of the metafiles that come with Visual Basic, Word for Windows, MicroSoft Draw, CorelDraw, or similar programs. In order for EDGE Diagrammer to recognize a Windows metafile as valid, it must conform to the Windows standard for exchangeable metafiles, and it must have a placeable header. If EDGE Diagrammer determines that a metafile is not valid, it will produce an error message when you try to load it.

To choose a Windows Metafile (WMF) as the figure style graphic

1 	Press the File button in the Define Figure Style dialog box.

2 	Choose Windows Metafiles in the "List files by type" box.

3 	Select a metafile and press OK.

BITMAPS

BMP is the standard Windows bitmap format. Most Windows drawing programs can produce BMP bitmaps and many can convert other bitmap formats to BMP. The simplest way to produce BMP files is with the Paintbrush program included with Windows.

Because BMP is a bitmap format rather than a vector format, BMP images will not scale smoothly. The original size of the bitmap will probably look the best.

To choose a Windows Bitmap (BMP) as the figure style graphic

1 	Press the File button in the Define Figure Style dialog box.

2 	Choose Windows Bitmaps in the "List files by type" box.

3 	Select a bitmap and press OK.

Under some circumstances, EDGE Diagrammer may not be able to draw some graphics in your diagram. Occasionally, this is caused by a technical limitation or a restriction imposed by Windows. More frequently, it is caused by zooming so far back that the particular graphic is too small to draw. When a graphic cannot be displayed properly for any reason, it is replaced by a box with a cross through it.


The Property Bar

The property bar contains buttons and controls to conveniently change object properties such as fonts, text formats, colors, and so on. The property bar is optional and can be toggled on and off by choosing Show Property Bar from the Options menu.

When you move the mouse over one of these buttons, a description of its function will appear in a small balloon called a tooltip as well as a help message in the status bar.

You use the property bar by selecting one or more objects, then changing their properties with the property bar controls. The property bar provides shortcuts for setting object properties. All of these properties can also be changed through the object property dialog boxes, for example by selecting a figure and then double-clicking on it or choosing Properties from the Figures menu.

The property bar is also useful when creating objects. After you've selected the style of object to create, you can use the property bar to change the properties of the objects that will be created without changing the style itself. This is explained in more detail elsewhere.


Introduction

EDGE Diagrammer understands what makes diagrams special. It knows how parts of a diagram relate to one another, what items should stay connected, what items should line up, what items should remain attached, and so on. By eliminating the tedious tasks, EDGE frees you to concentrate on the diagram itself rather than on the process of creating it.

EDGE Diagrammer keeps track of a group of figures (shapes) that make up a particular type of diagram. It remembers how figures are connected, combined with text, and arranged. EDGE also helps you add text anywhere on your diagram including within figures. When you edit text in a figure, EDGE can cause the figure to grow automatically to fit perfectly to the new amount of text. If you move a figure, EDGE can automatically adjust any lines that are connected to that figure. When these lines move, EDGE can move any labels connected to the lines.

EDGE Diagrammer is great for flowcharts, org charts, and block diagrams. However, it is also useful for custom diagrams. You can decide how objects look and behave in your custom diagrams. EDGE doesn't presume to know exactly how you want to diagram. Rather it attempts to provide the most complete set of diagramming features possible, giving you freedom to diagram in the way that is best for you.


Basics

You'll need to know the following topics in order to use EDGE Diagrammer effectively.

The Diagram

Diagram Components

Styles and Properties

Using the Mouse

Using Controls

The Workspace

The Style Bar

The Tool Bar

The Property Bar

The Snap Grid

Modes


The Diagram

We use the term diagram in a slightly different way than you might be accustomed. Ordinarily, the term diagram can refer to nearly any type of illustration. The things that EDGE Diagrammer creates are a little more specific. For instance, a pie chart, bar chart, or a table might legitimately be described as diagrams, but they do not fall within the narrower definition of EDGE Diagrammer diagrams.

To EDGE Diagrammer, a diagram is a collection of symbols which we'll call figures, PLUS a collection of lines (often with arrowheads) which we'll call connectors, PLUS any text that the user might want to add. The combination of these simple components with an ample number of styles and customizations leads to a very powerful and flexible model. With this model you can build diagrams that show complex procedures, demonstrate plans, express ideas, organize thoughts, present proposals, record decisions, and much more. As the EDGE product line continues to evolve, the scope of its diagrams will continue to grow.


Diagram Components

Figures

Figures are the primary components of a diagram. They often represent steps in a process or components of a design. A figure can have any shape or design such as a circle, square, or illustration.

Connectors

Connectors are lines that connect two figures. They usually represent a path between two figures or some other relationship between figures. Each end of a connector can have an attached shape such as an arrowhead.

Junctions

Junctions are the points at which multiple segments of a connector meet. Junctions make it possible for a connector to bend around corners, wrap around figures, and connect to other connectors.

Labels

Labels are stand-alone text objects that serve as titles, annotations, and paragraphs. You can place any number of labels anywhere in a diagram.

Connector Labels

Connector labels are special labels which attach themselves to a connector and remain attached when you move the connector.


Styles and Properties

Styles

EDGE Diagrammer objects start from an object style - a set of default properties and characteristics. EDGE Diagrammer styles are a lot like paragraph styles in word processors. Rather than describing paragraphs, they describe figures, labels, and connectors.

Figure styles

A figure style contains a figure symbol definition plus stylistic attributes such as colors, text justification, and border width. A figure style also contains a set of rules that define how figures of the style behave and interact with other objects.

Figure Symbols

Figure symbols are mathematical definitions that describe the shape of the figure and the location of any text regions within the figure. EDGE Diagrammer comes with over a hundred figure symbols from which you can build figure styles of your own. You can also create custom figure symbol definitions for your unique needs.

Label Styles

Label styles are very similar to figure styles except they include only those attributes which apply to labels.

Connector Styles

A connector style contains a connector end symbol definition for each end plus a number of stylistic attributes such as colors and width. A connector style also contains a set of rules that define how connectors of the style behave and interact with other objects.

End Symbols

End symbols are mathematical definitions that describe the shape of either end of a connector (for example an arrowhead). EDGE Diagrammer comes with several predefined end symbols from which you can build connector styles of your own. You can also create custom end symbol definitions for your unique needs.

Properties

An individual object such as a figure, label, or connector, has its own properties which it initially receives from an appropriate object style. For example, fill color is a property of a particular figure. The initial color comes from the figure style definition used to create the figure. You can change the fill color of this figure either by changing the figure style from which it was created (which also affects all other figures created from that style), or by changing the fill color property of the particular figure alone.


Using the Mouse

EDGE Diagrammer requires a mouse or trackball. Any standard mouse installed in Windows will work fine. EDGE uses the mouse like most other Windows programs. The left mouse button is used for clicking on objects and choosing commands.

Right mouse button (shortcuts)

If you press the right mouse button while in Select mode or Seltext mode (modes are explained elsewhere), a small menu appears near the cursor. You may then choose from a number of frequently used commands that make sense at the time. For example, if you select a single figure and press the right mouse button, the menu contains features that apply to that figure. When you press the right mouse button while in any other mode, it serves as a shortcut method to return to Select mode (or Seltext mode if you used that mode last.)


Using Controls

In general the user interface controls are standard Windows controls like buttons, scroll bars, list boxes, pull-down lists, and so on. These work just like you would expect. If you are unfamiliar with these basic controls, refer to your Windows documentation. EDGE Diagrammer also has a few unique controls that require some additional explanation.

Pick menus

Pick menus are special buttons like the "Figures>>" button that cause a menu to pop-up when you press the button down. The menu contains some number of graphical selections to choose from. You simply move the mouse over your choice and release the mouse button. Pick menus are also used for colors and line styles.

Edit Boxes

Some edit boxes have special behaviors. When entering a measurement, you can type "3 in." to mean three inches, but you can also type "3.0 inches", or just "3"; all are equivalent. Your entries are always assumed to be in the current measurement units (inches or centimeters). If the field expects inches and you enter "3 ft." or "3 cm", it is treated as three inches. The same goes for point measurements for text size and line thicknesses. If a point measurement is called for, you can enter "2 pts" or "2 points" or "2.0", and so on.


The Workspace

In addition to the display area for the diagram, the EDGE Diagrammer workspace contains the following components.

Title bar

Shows the program name and the name of the active diagram.

Tool bar

Contains buttons that provide easy access to frequently used commands.

Property bar

Contains buttons and controls to easily change properties of figures, labels, and connectors..

Style bar

The area on the left of the screen that contains controls to access label, figure, and connector styles.

Status bar

The area along the bottom of the workspace that shows brief help information and the zoom magnification.

Scroll bars

Show your position in the diagram and allow you to move around.

Rulers

Show real-life measurements of the diagram.


The Style Bar

The style bar is the area to the left of the diagram that contains controls to access label, figure, and connector styles. The purpose of the style bar is to make it very easy to choose a style to create an object.

The style bar contains three main sections, one for labels, one for figures, and one for connectors. If the diagram contains no styles of one of these types, the section will not appear in the style bar. Each of these sections contains three types of controls, all of which do the same thing in different ways!

Style pick menu

At the top of each section is a Style Pick Menu button. You use this button to choose a style from a pick menu, a pop-up menu that contains a graphic representation of every style of the type in this section. When pressed, it expands to show the styles:
The graphic representations in the pick menu are only approximations of the styles. For example, they do not include line thickness.

Style combo box

Under the pick menu button is the style combo box. This control serves two purposes. The style combo box displays the name of the current style if one is selected. It also allows you to change the style by picking another style by name. The end result is the same as if you had used the pick menu to choose the style.

Style bar buttons

Under the style combo box are optional style bar buttons. Each style bar button represents a single style. You can choose the style by simply pressing the button.
Though style bar buttons are the easiest way to choose a style, they also take up a lot of room. Therefore, they typically represent only the most frequently used styles. The representation of the style is only approximate. For example it does not show color.

Customizing the style bar

For each style, you can choose whether or not it has a style bar button.
You can also control the width of the style bar, the number of style bar buttons in each row, and the height of the buttons. These settings are saved with each diagram.

Changing style bar layout


Changing style bar layout

You can control the appearance of the style bar so that it is most appropriate for each diagram.  You can adjust the width of the whole style bar, the height of style bar buttons, and the number of buttons per row.

To change the width of the style bar

1 	Hold down the SHIFT key and move the mouse over the right hand edge of the style bar. The style bar sizing cursor replaces the standard cursor.

2 	While holding the SHIFT key, press the left mouse button and keep it held.

3 	Drag the mouse to the left or right to change the size of the style bar.

4 	Release the mouse button.

The style bar sizing cursor.

To change the height of style bar buttons and the buttons per row

1 	Hold down the SHIFT key and move the mouse over the lower right hand corner of a style bar button. The style bar button size cursor replaces the standard cursor.

2 	While holding the SHIFT key, press the left mouse button and keep it held.

3 	Drag the mouse to choose the height of the buttons and the number of buttons per row (indicated by the dotted lines).

4 	Release the mouse button.

The style bar button size cursor.


The Tool Bar

The tool bar provides convenient buttons to perform the most frequently used functions. The tool bar is always present. When you move the mouse over one of these buttons, a description of its function will appear in a small balloon called a tooltip as well as a help message in the status bar.


The Snap Grid

The snap grid is a very powerful tool that helps you line up figures in your diagram. The snap grid contains two components that you can use together or separately, the visible grid and the snap grid.

The visible grid

The visible grid is a grey-colored set of horizontal and vertical grid lines or dots that appear behind your diagram. By itself, the visible grid is only a visual aid, it does not have ANY effect on your diagramming. You can control the grid spacing by choosing Properties from the Diagram menu. All of the grid lines may not always be visible. When you zoom way back, grid lines that would appear too close to one another on the screen drop out.

You can turn the visible grid on and off by pressing the tool bar button that looks like a grid or by checking Show Grid in the Diagram menu.

The snap grid

The snap grid is NOT visible but when enabled it does affect your diagramming. The snap grid automatically controls where figures and connectors can be placed and how large figures can be. For example, if you set the snap spacing to a half inch, you can only place figures at exactly one half inch intervals. Therefore, you know that if two figures look lined up they are lined up, if they look the same size they are the same size, if a line looks straight it is straight. When you print your diagram you won't be surprised to find that what looked right on the screen is slightly wrong on paper.

You can turn snap on and off by pressing the tool bar button that looks like a magnet or by checking Snap in the Diagram menu. You can control the snap spacing by choosing Properties from the Diagram menu.

You can use either the visible grid or the snap grid without using both. However, when you use both together, you get the greatest benefit. Most often, you will want to choose a grid spacing that is larger than your snap spacing, twice as large is the default


Modes

While you are working in EDGE Diagrammer, you are always in one of several modes. There is a mode for selecting and moving objects, a mode for creating figures, a mode for creating labels and editing text, a mode for creating connectors, and a mode for zooming into a certain area of a diagram. You'll enter each mode to perform certain operations. Following is a brief summary of each mode.

Select Mode

The default mode is select mode. In this mode you can select objects, move objects, size objects, and perform many other functions. You will probably spend most of your time in this mode since this is the mode in which most features are available.

To enter select mode, click on the select mode tool bar button. You can tell that you are in select mode when the select mode tool bar button is pressed and the select cursor appears.

The select mode cursor.

Text Mode

You enter text mode to work with text. In this mode you can create labels, add text to figures, and edit figure text.

To enter text mode, click on the button in the text mode tool barbutton. You can tell you are in text mode when the text mode button in the tool bar is pressed and the text cursor appears. You will also enter text mode if you select a label style from the style bar.

The text mode cursor.

SelText Mode

This mode is a special combination of text mode and select mode. It is just like select mode except that you can also edit text as if you were in text mode.
Using this mode rather than select mode will prevent you from having to switch modes as often. The trade-off is that both selection and text editing require more precise pointing with the mouse.

To enter seltext mode, click on the tool bar button that looks like an arrow and the letter "T" together.  The cursor is the same as the select mode cursor.

Zoom Mode

You enter zoom mode to zoom in to a part of your diagram and view it in greater detail.

 To enter zoom mode, click on the zoom mode button in the tool bar.

The zoom mode cursor.

Figure Create Mode

You enter figure create mode to create figures in your diagram of a chosen figure style. To enter figure create mode, select a figure style from the style bar. There is no button on the tool bar because you must indicate the style of figure you want to create.

You can tell you are in figure create mode when the cursor is in the shape of a figure or the create figure cursor shown below. If the figure style you are creating has a button on the style bar, that button will be pressed as well.

The create figure cursor.

Connect Mode

You enter connect mode to create connectors in your diagram of a chosen connector style. To enter connect mode, select a connector style from the style bar. There is no button on the tool bar because you must indicate the style of connector you want to create. The connect cursor appears. If the connector style you are creating has a button on the style bar, that button will be pressed as well.

The connect cursor.


Quick Start Tutorial

This section is a tutorial that leads you through the creation of a very simple diagram. You will learn the basic functionality of EDGE Diagrammer and become comfortable with its use. Before continuing, we suggest that you read the previous sections called Introduction and Basics.

Install EDGE Diagrammer if you have not yet done so.  Don't worry, you can uninstall later if you want to remove the program from your computer.

See Installing EDGE Diagrammer

See Uninstalling EDGE Diagrammer

Start EDGE Diagrammer by double clicking on the EDGE Diagrammer icon in the Pacestar Software program group. You'll now see the basic workspace.  We'll proceed to create a very simple diagram step-by-step.

Step 1: Create a diagram

Step 2: Create a figure

Step 3: Create a second figure

Step 4: Create a connector

Step 5: Add text to a figure

Step 6: Move a figure

Step 7: Save the diagram

Step 8: Exit

You should now have a good idea of what EDGE Diagrammer does and how it is used. Of course, we've just scratched the surface of the available features and commands.


Installing EDGE Diagrammer

Before you can run EDGE Diagrammer, you must install it on your computer from the program floppy disk.

To install EDGE Diagrammer on your computer

1 	Insert the program diskette into a floppy disk drive. We'll assume the floppy disk drive is A:. If yours is different substitute your drive letter where necessary.

2 	From the Windows Program Manager, choose Run from the File menu.  In Windows 95, press the start button and choose Run instead.

3 	Type "a:setup" and press the OK button.

4 	Follow the instructions as directed.

The installation and setup process will create a Windows program group called Pacestar Software with a program item labeled EDGE Diagrammer.  You can run EDGE Diagrammer by double clicking on the icon or by choosing it from the start menu in Windows 95..


Uninstalling EDGE Diagrammer

You can remove EDGE Diagrammer completely from your computer by taking the following steps.

To uninstall EDGE Diagrammer

1 	Delete the C:/WINEDGE directory and all subdirectories.

2 	Delete the EDGE.INI file from your /WINDOWS directory.

3 	Delete the Pacestar Software program group from the Program Manager.


Step 1
Step 1: Create a diagram

At this point, you can either open an existing diagram or create a new diagram. We'll create a new one now.

Create a new diagram

1 	Choose New from the File menu. A dialog box will appear prompting you to choose a diagram template as the starting point for your diagram.

2 	Click on FLOWCHRT.EDG and then click OK.

A new blank flowchart appears in the main window area. You can now add figures, labels, and connectors to the diagram using the styles from the diagram template.

Proceed to step 2


Step 2
Step 2: Create a figure

The next step will be to create a figure for the first time.

Create a figure

1 	Locate the figure style buttons on the Style bar under the button marked Figures>>.

2 	Click on the upper left figure style button, the rectangle.

3 	Move the mouse pointer over the diagram area to where you want to create the figure.

4 	Click the left mouse button (press and release immediately). A new figure will be created where you clicked.

The diagram now contains a single rectangular figure.

Proceed to step 3


Step 3
Step 3: Create a second figure

Now we'll create a second figure of the same type.

Create another figure

1 	Move the mouse to another position on the diagram (near the previous figure).

2 	Click again to create a second figure.

The diagram now contains two rectangular figures.

Proceed to step 4


Step 4
Step 4: Create a connector

Next we'll connect the two figures we just created with a connector.

Create a connector

1 	Make sure Smart Connect in the Diagram menu is checked.

2 	Locate the connector style buttons on the style bar under the button marked Connectors>>.

3 	Click on the upper right connector style button, the one with a simple arrow pointing to the right.

4 	Move the mouse pointer over the first figure you created and click the left mouse button.

5 	Move the mouse pointer over the second figure you created and click the left mouse button again. A new connector will be created connecting the two figures together.

The diagram now contains two rectangular figures connected by an arrow.

Proceed to step 5


Step 5
Step 5: Add text to a figure

More often than not, you'll want to add text to figures. We'll now add some simple text to one of the figures we just created.

Add text to a figure

1 	Enter text mode by clicking on the button in the tool bar that has a capital letter "T". The text cursor appears.

2 	Move the mouse pointer over one of the figures you created in the previous steps. The cursor will change to a text cursor surrounded by a box to indicate that clicking here will edit the text of the figure located below the mouse pointer.

3 	Click the left mouse button. The cursor will be replaced by a flashing text caret near the center of the figure.

4 	Type a small amount of text such as your name.

5 	Exit text mode by clicking on the select mode button in the tool bar that looks like a standard cursor (an arrow pointing up and to the left.)

The diagram now contains two rectangular figures connected by an arrow.
At this point, you are in select mode having created a figure with some text connected by an arrow to a figure without any text.

Proceed to step 6


Step 6
Step 6: Move a figure

We'll now move one of the figures to demonstrate how EDGE Diagrammer keeps figures and their text together and how it keep connected figures together.

Move a figure

1 	Make sure you are in select mode (the cursor looks like the standard Windows cursor and the tool bar button with a picture of a standard cursor is depressed.)

2 	Move the mouse pointer above the figure that contains the text and click the left mouse button (press and release immediately). The figure will now appear with eight red handles indicating it is selected.

3 	Move the mouse pointer over the selected figure. The move cursor appears. (It points in four directions).

4 	Press and continue to hold the left mouse button.

5 	Without releasing the button, drag the figure to another location.

6 	Release the mouse button. The figure moves to the new location.

Notice that moving the figure also moved the connector so that the two figures remain connected.  Also notice that the figure's text moves with the figure.

Proceed to step 7


Step 7
Step 7: Save the diagram

We've now created a very simple diagram. We'll finish up by saving the diagram and exiting the program.

Save the diagram

1 	Choose Save As from the File menu.

2 	Enter a file name such as DIAGRAM.EDG.

3 	Press OK.

The diagram is now saved.  You can later return to the diagram by using the Open feature and choosing the DIAGRAM.EDG file that you saved above.

Proceed to step 8


Step 8
Step 8: Exit

Finally, we'll simply quit the program.

Exit EDGE Diagrammer

1 	Choose Exit from the File menu.

Done


Figures

Figures are the building blocks of diagrams. Figures can have any geometric shape like a rectangle, circle, or triangle, or they can have the shape of a person, a computer, a phone, or anything else. Figures can also have one or more rectangular areas for text and can be connected together by connectors.

Creating Figures

Changing the Size of Figures

Moving Figures

Aligning Figures

Making Figures the Same Size

Sizing Figures to Text

Spacing Figures Evenly

Centering Figures on the Page

Changing Figure Properties

Advanced Properties


Creating Figures

Creating a new figure takes a few simple steps. You choose a figure style to provide the initial shape and properties of the figure, then you use that style to create a figure on the diagram.

To choose a figure style and initiate create mode

•	Click on the style bar button that represents the figure type you want to create. If the style you want does not have a button in the style bar, you can use one of the following methods instead.

•	OR, Press and hold the Figures>> button in the style bar to activate the figure style pick menu. Move to the representation of the style, and release the mouse button.

•	OR, Choose the figure style by name from the figure style combo box.

If the figure style has a default size, the cursor becomes an outline of the figure when you move the mouse over the diagram. Otherwise the create cursor appears.

To create a new figure

1 	Use the mouse to position the new figure.

2 	Press the mouse button.

3 	If the figure has a default size and you want to create a figure of this size, release the mouse button immediately. Otherwise, while continuing to hold the mouse button, resize the figure to the desired size. Before releasing the mouse button, you can press ESC to cancel.

4 	Release the mouse button

If the figure has default text, the newly created figure will contain the default text.

After selecting the figure style, you can use the property bar to change properties of the figure that will be created such as the colors, font, text alignment and so on. These changes will not affect the style definition only the properties of the new figures.


Changing the Size of Figures

A figure can be any size from a sixteenth of an inch to a hundred inches in height and width. You can size a figure as you create it. You can also change the size of an existing figure.

To change the size of a figure

1 	Select the figure.

2 	Move the mouse over one of the eight red handles. The cursor's shape indicates how the figure will size with each handle.

3 	Press the mouse button.

4 	Drag the handle and resize the figure to the desired size. If you decide to cancel at this time before releasing the mouse button, press ESC.

5 	Release the mouse button.

How the figure resizes depends on several things. If the figure has the Center Remains Stationary When Resizing property, then the figure gets larger or smaller in all directions as you drag the handle, but the center stays in the same place. If the figure does not have this property, it extends only in the direction that you drag the handle.

If snap is enabled and the figure has the Height and Width Snap to Grid property, the height and width can only change such that the edges of the figure are positioned along snap grid lines. In effect, this means that the height and width will always be a factor of twice the snap spacing.

If the figure contains text, you will not be permitted to resize the figure such that it will be too small to contain the text. If the figure has the word-wrap property, the text will reformat when you resize the figure, therefore there is no minimum width.

There are also other ways to change the size of a figure. When you type text in a figure, the figure can resize automatically. You can change the size of figures by using the Make Same Size feature. You can also set the height and width of figures explicitly in the Figure Properties dialog box.


Moving Figures

There are several ways to move figures from one place in a diagram to another. When you move a figure, all text that is part of the figure, and all connectors that are attached to the figure move as well.

To move a single figure without first selecting it

1 	Make sure you are in select mode.

2 	Move the mouse over the figure. The move cursor appears.

3 	Press the mouse button.

4 	Drag the figure to a new location and release the mouse button.

The procedure above works from seltext mode as well as from select mode. However, if you are in seltext mode, but be sure that the cursor is actually over a figure and not over a text area within the figure before attempting to move it this way. You can tell that you can move the figure when the move cursor appears.

To move one or more selected figures

1 	Move the mouse cursor over any selected figure. The move cursor appears.

2 	Press the mouse button.

3 	While holding the mouse button down, drag the figures to the new location. While dragging the figures, you can cancel by pressing ESC before releasing the mouse button.

4 	Release the mouse button.

To move selected figures more precisely

1 	Enter select mode.

2 	Select one or more objects.

3 	Use the up, down, right, or left arrow keys on the keyboard to move the objects a small increment in any direction.

The amount the objects move each time you press an arrow key depends on the snap-to-grid diagram property (the button on the tool bar that resembles a magnet). With snap enabled, each press of an arrow key moves the objects by a distance equal to the snap grid spacing. Otherwise, the objects move by one screen pixel.

There are many other ways to move figure indirectly such as aligning, centering on the page, spacing, and so on. You can also set the location of figures explicitly in the Figure Properties dialog box.

Figures that are connected by orthogonal connectors behave differently causing other figures to move as well.


Aligning Figures

To align a group of figures

1 	Select the figures.

2 	Choose one of the selected figures to be the model figure, the figure with which the other selected figures are aligned. By default the last figure selected is the model figure. To force a different selected figure to become the model figure, hold down the SHIFT key and click on a different figure.

3 	Choose one of the alignment methods from the Align submenu under the Figures menu.


Making Figures the Same Size

EDGE Diagrammer contains many aids for creating figures with a uniform size. One way is to use the figure style default size property and another is to use the snap grid. If you still end up with figures of different sizes that you wish to make the same, you can use the Make Same Size feature.

To make a number of figures the same size

1 	Select the figures.

2 	Choose one of the selected figures to be the model figure, the figure whose size indicates the size to make the other selected figures. By default the last figure selected is the model figure. To force a different selected figure to become the model figure, hold down the SHIFT key and click on a different figure

3 	Choose one of the sizing methods (Height, Width, or Both) from the Make Same Size submenu under the Figures menu.

All of the selected figures will become the same size as the model figure.
There are cases where a figure cannot be made the exact size as the model figure. One example is a figure that has more text than would fit in the figure if it were made as small as the model figure. In this case, the figure is made as small as possible.


Sizing Figures to Text

A figure can be no smaller than the text it contains. Occasionally you may want to make a figure as small as possible for the current text. You can do this by dragging the figure's sizing handles, or more conveniently by using this feature.

To adjust the size of a figure to the text it contains

1 	Select a figure (or group of figures).

2 	Choose Size to Text from the Figures menu.

Each selected figure will shrink to the smallest size possible for its text. If the snap grid is enabled and the figure's properties cause its height and width to snap to the grid, the figure's size may not be as small as possible to contain the text. If this is not the effect you want, turn off the snap grid first. If you want a figure to remain sized to its text automatically when the text changes, you can set its Keep sized to text property.


Spacing Figures Evenly

The snap grid is very useful for spacing figures across the diagram or from top to bottom at equal intervals. The Space Evenly feature is useful for this same purpose.

To space a group of figures evenly from left to right or top to bottom

1 	Select at least three figures.

2 	Choose either Across or Down from the Space Evenly submenu under the Figures menu.

3 	The selected figures will be spaced evenly from right to left if you chose across, or top to bottom if you chose down.

The spacing is determined by the average spacing between the right-most and left-most of the selected figures (in the across case), therefore the left-most figure does not move. The space is measured from the center of one figure to the center of another, not by the amount of space between the edges of figures. If the snap grid is enabled, the spacing between figures is an even multiple of the snap spacing. The left-to-right or top-to-bottom ordering of the figures does not change.


Centering Figures on the Page

You can use this feature to center a group of figures on the page, length-wise, width-wise or both. This feature is only available if you have Show Page Boundaries checked under the Options menu.

To center figures on the page

1 	Select a group of objects (not necessarily only figures).

2 	From the Center on Page submenu under the Figures menu, choose the icon that represents length-wise centering, width-wise centering, or both.

3 	All selected objects are centered as a group on the current page.

Note that when you center many objects on the page, they do not all end up overlapped at the center of the page. Rather, they are centered as if they were one larger object (as a group). This feature is especially useful for final formatting of your diagram. For example, when your diagram is complete, you can Select All and then Center on Page, neatly centering your entire diagram on the page for printing.
If you have multiple pages defined (postering), the objects are centered relative to the whole poster rather than a single page. You should also be aware that if you change the print set-up, such as the paper size, the orientation, or even the printer, page dimensions can change and you will probably have to re-center your diagram.


Changing Figure Properties

Each figure has a set of properties that define how it looks, how it behaves, and where it's located within the diagram. Most of the initial properties of a figure come from its original figure style. This section describes how to change the figure properties.

To view and modify the properties of a figure

1 	Select the figure.

2 	Choose Properties from the Figures menu or from the right mouse button menu.

Or

1 	Double click on the figure (whether selected or not).

Use the Figure Properties dialog box to view and modify the figure's properties.

Figure Properties Dialog Box


Figure Properties Dialog Box

Use the Figure Properties Dialog Box to view and modify the properties of one or more figures.  To cause a particular property to be applied to the selected objects, you must actually modify that property. For example, if you select five figures that all have different heights and widths, and you edit their properties and change only the Width field not even touching the Height field, all five figures will acquire the new width and retain their previous height.

Left

To change the position of the figure, enter a new location for the left-most edge. The value is the distance from the origin point on the ruler bar (0,0) or equivalently from the left edge of the page (positive measurements are to the right).

Top

To change the position of the figure, enter a new location for the top-most edge. The value is the distance from the origin point on the ruler bar (0,0) or equivalently from the top edge of the page (positive measurements are downward).

Width

To change the width of the figure, enter a new width.

Height

To change the height of the figure, enter a new height.

Border

To change the thickness of the lines that make up the border (outline) of the figure, enter a new border width.

The exact point size you want is not always available. For example, 10 points is not valid and is rounded to 10.25 points.

Style

To change the figure's style, pick a new style from either the combo box or the figure style pick menu.

Bind to style

Check this box to choose whether or not a figure's properties are bound to the style. If a figure's properties are bound to its style, then anytime the style properties change, the figure gets the new properties automatically. You will generally want to set this option for figures.

Text Color

To change the color of the figure's text, choose a different color from the current palette. You can change the palette by selecting Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu. Text must be a color that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the text in the nearest solid color.

Border Color

To change the color of the figure's border, choose a different color from the current palette. Borders must be a color that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the text in the nearest solid color.

Fill Color

To change the color of the interior of the figure, choose a different color from the current palette.

Drop Shadow

Check this box to add a drop shadow to the figure to give it a three-dimensional look. All drop shadows in a diagram are the same size and color. You control the size from within the Diagram Properties dialog box, and the color from the Set Colors dialog box.

Font

Press this button to change the font style and size of the text in the figure. A dialog box appears that contains all of the fonts available on your system. You can choose the font, its size, and whether to make it bold or italic.

Advanced

Press this button to access and modify the advanced properties of the figure.

See Advanced Properties Dialog Box

Text

Press these buttons to modify the justification of the figure's text. Text can be left, center, or right justified within a figure, and it can be top, center, or bottom justified. This is the same as using the similar buttons from the main tool bar.

OK

Press OK when you've made your changes to the figure's properties. The selected figure acquires the new properties.


Advanced Properties Dialog Box

Line too long

This property controls what happens when typed becomes too wide for the figure. If set to Prevent, additional characters are not allowed. If set to Expand, the figure automatically grows wider as you continue typing. The direction of expansion is controlled by the Growth property. If set to Wrap, the width of the figure does not change and the text word-wraps automatically to the next line.

Too many lines

This property controls what happens when typed text exceeds the number of lines that fit in a figure of this style. If set to Prevent, additional lines are not allowed. If set to Expand, the figure automatically grows taller as you add lines. The direction of expansion is controlled by the Growth property.

Growth

This property controls in which directions the figure will grow when it grows automatically, such as when the text causes the figure to expand. Use the icon buttons to choose directions for horizontal and vertical expansion.

Center remains stationary when resizing

Check this property to cause the center of the figure to remain in the same place when you resize it by dragging the handles. You will generally want to set this property for figures that can be connected to other figures.

Center snaps to grid

Check this property to cause the figure's center to snap to the snap grid when you create, move, or resize it (provided snap is enabled). You will generally want to set this property for figures that are connected to other figures, otherwise it could be more difficult to keep the figures aligned vertically or horizontally.

Height and width snap to grid

When this property is checked (and the snap grid is enabled), the figure's edges align with the snap grid when you create, move, or resize the figure. If you set this property, you'll want to set the Center snaps to grid property as well.

When the height and width snap to the grid, both sides are aligned with snap grid lines which are not necessarily the same as the visible grid lines. In effect, the total width or height is always a multiple of twice the snap spacing. For example, if the snap spacing is one quarter of an inch and a figure has the Height and width snap to grid property, that figure width can be 1/2 in., 1 in., 1 1/2 in. and so on, but it cannot be 3/4 in. This behavior helps to keep figures and connectors properly aligned by guaranteeing that the center point and all boundaries fall exactly on the grid. If you find this disturbing, you might try setting the snap spacing to half the grid spacing.

Keep sized to text

When this property is checked, the figure is always sized to exactly fit the amount of text it contains. For example, if you edit text for a figure such that the figure has less text than it had before, the figure will automatically resize itself to shrink down around the new text as soon as you complete editing the text.


Advanced Properties

Each figure has a set of advanced properties that control behaviors of the figure. The advanced properties are separated from the basic properties because they are not only more advanced conceptually, but because they are less often used.

To change the advanced properties of a figure

1 	Press the Advanced button in the Figure Properties dialog box. This button invokes the Advanced Properties dialog box.

2 	Change the properties as you like.

3 	Press OK to accept the changes.

Advanced Properties Dialog Box


Connectors

Connectors identify relationships between figures. A typical connector is a line between two figures. Each end of a connector can have a symbol or geometric shape (commonly an arrowhead). A connector can have multiple straight segments that bend and turn corners, and each segment can have an attached label.
The initial properties of a connector come from the connector style used to create it

•	Any two figures can be connected by a single connector.

•	A single figure may have any number of connectors to other figures.

•	Connectors are always straight, they may not curve.

•	Connectors remain attached to the figures they connect, even when those figures move.

•	A connector need not be connected to a figure at either end.

Creating Connectors

Segmented Connectors and Junctions

Splitting Connectors

Deleting Connector Junctions

Moving the Ends of Connectors

Flipping Connectors

Changing Connector Properties

Thick Connectors

Orthogonal Connectors


Creating Connectors

Creating a new connector takes a few simple steps. You choose a connector style to provide the initial shape and properties of the connector, then you use that style to create a connector on the diagram.

To choose a connector style and initiate connect mode

1 	Click on the button in the style bar that represents the connector type you want to create. If the style you want does not have a button in the style bar, you can use one of the following methods instead.

2 	OR, Click on the Connectors>> button in the style bar, move to the representation of the style, and release the mouse button.

3 	OR, Choose the connector style by name from the list box directly below the Connectors>> button.

The connect cursor indicates you are in connect mode.

After selecting the connector style and entering connect mode, you can use the property bar to change properties of the connector that will be created such as the color and orthogonality. These changes will not affect the style definition only the properties of the new connectors.

To connect two figures with a connector

1 	While in connect mode, move the connect cursor over a figure. The cursor changes from white arrow to black indicating that you are about to connect to a figure.

2 	Press the mouse button. You can either release the mouse button immediately or keep it pressed until step four.

3 	Move the mouse until it is over the second figure. The cursor color (white or black) indicates whether you are over the second figure.

4 	Click the mouse button again (or release it for the first time). A connector of the style you chose now connects the two figures.

You can also create connectors which are not attached to figures or which are attached at only one end to a figure.

To create an unattached connector

1 	While in connect mode, move the mouse cursor to a position NOT over a figure. The white connect cursor indicates that you are not over a figure.

2 	Press the mouse button. You can either release the mouse button immediately or keep it pressed until step four.

3 	Move the mouse to the point at which you want the other end to terminate (not over a figure).

4 	Double click the mouse to force the end of the connector.

When you are creating a connector, you also have the option of attaching either end of the connector to the middle of a previously existing connector.

To connect to another connector

Create the connector as described above but click either end on an existing connector. The previous connector is split in two and a junction is created with the new connector.


Segmented Connectors and Junctions

A connector can be more than a simple straight line. It can have multiple straight segments that meet at junctions where the connector can turn and bend along its path.

To create a multi-segment connector

Create a connector by any of the usual methods. Instead of clicking the end in a figure or connector, click it where it is not above another object (do not double click or the connector will terminate.) A junction appears and a new segment of the connector forms. Add up to fifty segments this way. Finally, click on a figure or double click while not on a figure to terminate the connector.

To select a multi-segment connector

Select a multi-segment connector just like any other object. If you select any segment of a connector or any junction of a connector, the entire connector (all segments) becomes selected. However, all junctions do not necessarily become selected.

Selected junctions are indicated by four corners of a small red box.

You can always re-arrange the connector by dragging any of its handles. If however, you drag a selected junction, all selected junctions and figures move together.


Splitting Connectors

You can split a single-segment connector into a multi-segment connector and create a junction in the process.

To split a connector

1 	While pressing and holding the ALT key, move the mouse over the connector at the point you want it split.

2 	While still holding the ALT key, press the mouse button. A new junction appears where the mouse points. Before releasing the mouse button you can move the new junction.

3 	Release the mouse button.

You can repeat this process over and over to create any number of junctions and segments.

You cannot split orthogonal connectors.


Deleting Connector Junctions

You can rejoin segments of a connector by deleting junctions. When you delete a junction, the two segments on either side join to form a single segment.

To remove a segment of a connector

1 	Select the junction that connects the two segments.

2 	Choose Delete Junctions from the Edit menu.

When you delete a junction, two segments join to become one. Either or both of these segments could have an attached connector label. If just one of the segments has a connector label, the label moves to the final segment. If both original segments have attached connector labels, one moves to the final segment, the other is deleted.
Naturally, you can select and delete any number of junctions at a time.

You cannot delete a junction on an orthogonal connector unless it is located between two adjacent vertical or horizontal segments.


Moving the Ends of Connectors

You can move either of the endpoints of a connector. If the endpoint is connected to a figure, you can detach it from the figure, or attach it to a different figure.

To move one end of a connector

1 	Select the connector. Red handles appear at both endpoints of the connector and at each junction if the connector has more than one segment.

2 	Move the mouse cursor over one of the handles at the end of the connector. The resize cursor appears.

3 	Press the mouse button and hold it.

4 	Move the end of the connector.

5 	Release the mouse button.


Flipping Connectors

You can flip connectors so that the ends swap with one another. Flipping works for simple connectors and multi-segment connectors as well.

To flip one or more connectors

1 	Select one or more connectors to flip.

2 	Choose Flip from the Connectors menu.


Changing Connector Properties

Each connector has a set of properties that define how it looks and behaves. Most of the initial properties of a connector come from its original connector style. This section describes how to change the connector properties.

To view and modify the properties of connectors

1 	Select one or more connectors.

2 	Choose Properties from the Connectors menu.

Or

1 	Double click on the connector (whether selected or not).

Use the Connector Properties dialog box to view and modify the connector's properties.

Connector Properties Dialog Box

Several connector properties can also be changed simply by selecting the connector(s) and clicking on the buttons and controls on the property bar.


Connector Properties Dialog Box

Use the Connector Properties dialog box to view and modify the properties of one or more connectors. To cause a particular property to be applied to the selected objects, you must actually modify that property. For example, if you select five connectors that all have different colors and thicknesses, and you edit their properties and change only the Color field not even touching the Thickness field, all five connectors will acquire the new color and retain their previous thickness.

Style

To change the connector's style, pick a new style from either the combo box or the connector style pick menu.

Bind to style

Check this box to choose whether or not a connector's properties are bound to the style. If a connector's properties are bound to its style, then anytime the style properties change, the connector gets the new properties automatically. You will generally want to set this option for connectors.

End 1

To change the originating end of the connector, choose a color, size, and end symbol. You can choose the color from the current palette. The color does not have to be solid.

End 2

To change the terminating end of the connector, choose a color, size, and end symbol. You can choose the color from the current palette. The color does not have to be solid.

Thick

To change the thickness of the connector, enter a thickness or use the up and down arrows to the right.

Borders

To change the width of the borders around the connector ends, enter a border width or use the up and down arrows to the right.

For borders, thickness, and end size, the exact point size you want is not always available. For example, 10 points is not valid and is rounded to 10.25 points.

Style

To change the connector's line style, choose a new line style from the pick menu. Line styles other than solid are only allowed for a thickness of a quarter point (thinnest possible).

Color

To change the color of the connector, choose a different color from the current palette. Text must be a color that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the connector in the nearest solid color.

Orthogonal

Check this box (next to the symbol of three perpendicular lines) to make the connector orthogonal. An orthogonal connector is made up of only vertical and horizontal lines and right angles.


Thick Connectors

Normally, connectors are simple lines that show a relationship between two figures. They are typically as thin as a quarter of a point to as thick as three points. Connectors that are thicker than three points are special and require some special treatment by EDGE Diagrammer.

The shape of connector ends becomes significant when connectors are thick. Normally, connector ends are rounded. However, when a thick connector is vertical or horizontal or meets another connector at a ninety degree angle, EDGE Diagrammer squares off the ends for a cleaner appearance.

The end caps (squared off portions of thick connectors) are restricted to colors that can be drawn solid on the output device. One obvious consequence is when you print thick connectors to a black and white printer, a connector of any color but black or white may not look as nice as you'd like.

Connector labels are allowed on thick connectors but are a bit tricky and can result in odd-looking results if you are not careful. Rather than breaking around the label, thick connectors run right through it. You are responsible for choosing contrasting colors for the connector and label. You are also responsible for keeping the label in front of the connector. You might want to limit labeling to only horizontal thick connectors.


Labels

Labels are free-floating words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs that you can position anywhere in your diagram. Labels are very useful for titles, notes, descriptions, and so on. A label consists of text and a set of properties such as justification, font, and color. The initial properties of a label come from the label style used to create it.

Creating Labels

Deleting Labels

Changing Label Properties


Creating Labels

ParagraphCreating a new label takes a few simple steps. You choose a figure style to provide the initial properties of the label, then you use that style to create a label on the diagram.

To choose a label style and initiate text mode

1 	Press and hold the Labels>> button in the style bar to activate the label style pick menu. Move to the representation of the style, and release the mouse button.

2 	OR, choose the label style by name from the label style combo box.

3 	OR, press the text button in the tool bar to create a label of the most recently used label style.

After selecting the label style, you can use the property bar to change properties of the label that will be created such as the color, font, text size, and justification. These changes will not affect the style definition only the properties of the new labels.

To create a label

1 	Use the mouse to position the new label. The text cursor points to the position where the bottom left corner of the label will be located (for a left-justified label).

2 	Click the mouse button.

3 	Type the label text.

4 	When you are done adding or changing the text, you can either press ESC to save your changes and remain in text mode, press the right mouse button to save your changes and return to select mode, or simply click on the diagram to create another label.

To create a label (automatic method)

1 	From text mode or select mode or seltext mode...

2 	Point the mouse at the location where you want to place the label

3 	Start typing text on the keyboard. A label is created automatically containing the text you type.


Deleting Labels

Deleting labels is similar to deleting figures.

To delete a label (standard method)

1 	Select the label.

2 	Choose Clear from the Edit menu, or press the DEL key.

To delete a label (automatic method)

1 	Edit the text in the label, and delete all the text.

2 	Labels that contain no text are deleted automatically.


Changing Label Properties

Each label has a set of properties that define how it looks and behaves. Most of the initial properties of a label come from its original label style. This section describes how to change label properties.

To view and modify the properties of a single label

1 	Select the label.

2 	Choose Properties from the Labels menu.

Or

1 	Double click on the label (whether selected or not).

Use the Label Properties dialog box to view and modify the label's properties.

Label Properties Dialog Box

Several label properties can also be changed simply by selecting the label(s) and clicking on the buttons and controls on the property bar.


Label Properties Dialog Box

Use the Label Properties dialog box to view and modify properties for one or more labels. To cause a particular property to be applied to the selected objects, you must actually modify that property. For example, if you select five labels that all have different heights and widths, and you edit their properties and change only the Width field not even touching the Height field, all five labels will acquire the new width and retain their previous height.

Left

To change the position of the label, enter a new location for the left-most edge. The value is the distance from the origin point on the ruler bar (0,0) or equivalently from the left edge of the page (positive measurements are to the right).

Top

To change the position of the label, enter a new location for the top-most edge. The value is the distance from the origin point on the ruler bar (0,0) or equivalently from the top edge of the page (positive measurements are downward).

Width

To change the width of the label, enter a new width.

Height

To change the height of the label, enter a new height.

Style

To change the label's style, pick a new style from either the combo box or the pick menu.

Bind to style

Check this box to choose whether or not a label's properties are bound to the style. If a label's properties are bound to its style, then anytime the style properties change, the label gets the new properties automatically. You will NOT generally want to set this option for labels.

Text Color

To change the color of the label's text, choose a different color from the current palette.  Text must be a color that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the text in the nearest solid color.

Font

Press this button to change the font style and size of the text in the label. A dialog box appears that contains all of the fonts available on your system. You can choose the font, its size, and whether to make it bold or italic.

Advanced

Press this button to access and modify the advanced properties of the label. With labels, you will usually want to leave the advanced properties alone and use the defaults.

See Advanced Properties dialog box.

Text

Press these buttons to modify the justification of the label's text. Text can be left, center, or right justified within a label, and it can be top, center, or bottom justified. This is the same as using the similar buttons from the main tool bar.


Connector Labels

Labels can be attached to connectors to form connector labels. Connector labels are useful for describing the purpose of a connector or the relationship that the connector represents between two figures.

•	A connector can have only one label. Multi-segment connectors, described later in this chapter, can have one label per segment.

•	The center of a connector label attaches to any point on the connector. When the connector is drawn, it breaks around the label rather than going through it.

•	The center of a connector label attaches to any point on the connector. When the connector is drawn, it breaks around the label rather than going through it.

•	The center of a connector label attaches to any point on the connector. When the connector is drawn, it breaks around the label rather than going through it..
When the connector moves, any attached connector label moves as well. The connector label remains attached to the same point on the connector at the connector's new location.

Creating Connector Labels

Moving Connector Labels

Deleting Connector Labels


Creating Connector Labels

You create a connector label just like an ordinary label except that you attach it to a connector.

To create a connector label

1 	Enter text mode by pressing the text mode button on the tool bar or by choosing a label style from the style bar.

2 	Move the mouse over a connector. The mouse cursor changes (has an X through it)  to indicate that you are over a connector.

3 	Click the left mouse button to create the connector label.

4 	Type in the text for the label.

A single segment of a connector can have only one connector label.


Moving Connector Labels

Once you've created a connector label, you can adjust its position on the connector, or move it to a different connector.

To move a connector label

1 	In select mode, move the mouse over the connector label. The move cursor appears (points in four directions).

2 	Press the left mouse button and hold it down.

3 	Drag the connector label. The label slides across to the point on the connector nearest the mouse, or to a point on a different connector.

4 	Release the mouse button. If the label does not move to the new location, there is something wrong with the location - the connector may already have a label.


Deleting Connector Labels

Deleting a connector label is just like deleting an ordinary label with a few minor exceptions.

To delete a connector label

1 	Select the label.

2 	Choose Clear from the Edit menu, or press the DEL key.

Or

1 	Edit the text in the label, and delete all the text.

A connector label, like any other label, is automatically deleted when it contains no text.

When you delete the connector to which the label is attached, the label is deleted automatically.


General Editing

Selecting and Deselecting Objects

Moving Objects to the Front and Back

Deleting Objects

Cutting Objects

Copying Objects

Duplicating Objects

Pasting Objects

Undo

Moving Objects

Moving Objects with Precision


Selecting and Deselecting Objects

Most features affect one or more objects, but generally not all objects in a diagram. Before you perform a feature, you can select the objects to which the feature will apply.

When an object is selected, its handles become visible as small red squares along the border of the object.

Lasso Select

Click Select

Select All

Deselect All

Selecting More Objects


Lasso Select

One way to select objects is to form a lasso around a group of objects. A lasso is a box that you form to choose a rectangular area of the diagram.

To lasso select objects

1 	Move the cursor to an area of the diagram where there are no objects. The cursor becomes the standard arrow shape.

2 	Press the left mouse button, keep it held, and move the mouse to form a rectangular lasso area. The lasso area displays as a dotted box.

3 	Release the mouse button. All objects that are located entirely within the lasso area become selected.


Click Select

While in select mode select individual objects by clicking on the objects with the left mouse button. To select a particular object, move the mouse over the figure, connector, or label and click.


Select All

Select all the objects in a diagram by choosing Select All from the Edit menu.


Deselect All

To deselect all selected objects, click the left mouse button on the diagram where there are no objects, or choose Deselect All from the Edit menu.


Selecting More Objects

Normally, if some objects are selected and you attempt to select objects with any of the other methods, the previously selected objects become deselected before the new objects become selected. If you'd like the previously selected objects to remain selected in addition to the newly selected objects, hold down the SHIFT key while selecting. This process is called extending a selection.


Moving Objects to the Front and Back

All objects have an order within the diagram. New objects are in front of previously created objects and are drawn on top of them. Two features change an object's order in the diagram, and let you choose which objects are in front of or in back of other objects.

To move one or more selected objects to the front

1 	Select one or more objects.

2 	Choose Front from the Edit menu. The selected objects move in front of all other objects in the diagram.

To move one or more selected objects to the back

1 	Select one or more objects.

2 	Choose Back from the Edit menu. The selected objects moves in back of all other objects in the diagram.


Deleting Objects

You can remove any objects from your diagram at any time by deleting them. Deleting objects is also called clearing. Clearing objects is a little different than cutting objects because you cannot Paste following Clear. Clear is also slightly faster and does not modify the Windows clipboard.

As a rule of thumb, use Clear to remove objects permanently, and use Cut to remove objects from one location and Paste them to another location.

To delete objects from a diagram

1 	Select one or more objects to delete.

2 	Choose Clear from the Edit menu or press the DEL key.

When you delete selected objects, additional objects may be deleted automatically. For example, if you delete a connector, not only will all segments of the connector be deleted, but all connector labels that were attached to those segments will also be deleted whether or not they were selected.

If you delete a figure to which a connector is attached, that connector is also deleted. If you want to delete a figure but not delete an attached connector, detach the connector first.


Cutting Objects

Cutting is another way to remove objects from a diagram. Unlike clear, a copy of the deleted objects is first saved in the Windows clipboard. You can later Paste these objects back into the diagram or even into a different diagram.

As a rule of thumb, use Clear to remove objects permanently, and use Cut to remove objects from one location and Paste them to another location.

To cut objects from a diagram

1 	Select the objects you want to cut.

2 	Choose Cut from the Edit menu or press CTRL-X on the keyboard.

Like Clear, when you cut selected objects, additional objects may be cut automatically.

Cut or copied data remains in the clipboard until you cut or copy more data, leave Windows, turn off your computer, or if you exit EDGE Diagrammer and request that the clipboard be cleared.


Copying Objects

You can use the Windows clipboard to copy a selected set of objects within the same diagram or to a different diagram.

To copy objects in a diagram

1 	Select one or more objects to copy.

2 	Choose Copy from the Edit menu or press CTRL-C on the keyboard.

3 	Choose Paste from the Edit menu or press CTRL-V on the keyboard. A copy of the objects appear at the center of the screen selected for you.

4 	Move the new objects if you want.

If you like, you can Paste the same objects over and over again.

To copy objects from one diagram to another

1 	Select one or more objects to copy.

2 	Choose Copy from the Edit menu or press CTRL-C on the keyboard.

3 	Open a different diagram.

4 	Choose Paste from the Edit menu or press CTRL-V on the keyboard. A copy of the objects appear at the center of the screen selected for you.

5 	Move the new objects if you want.

If you like, you can Paste the same objects over and over again.

See Copying Objects to Other Programs


See Copying Objects to Other Programs
Copying Objects to Other Programs

In addition to copying objects within and between EDGE diagrams, you can also copy objects from EDGE diagrams to other programs such as Microsoft Word. EDGE objects can be copied to Microsoft Word and similar programs as OLE objects (see  Object Linking and Embedding) or simply as graphics, namely a Windows Metafile. When you a do a copy, both types of data are stored to the Windows clipboard and it is up to the program that pastes the data to choose the format (OLE or WMF in this case).

To copy objects from a diagram to a different program

1 	Select one or more objects to copy.

2 	Choose Copy from the Edit menu or press CTRL-C on the keyboard.

3 	Run the target program (MS Word in our example).

4 	Choose Paste in the target program.

Cut or copied data remains in the clipboard until you cut or copy more data, leave Windows, turn off your computer, or if you exit EDGE Diagrammer and request that it be cleared.


Duplicating Objects

Another faster way to copy objects is to duplicate them. Duplicating does not use the Windows clipboard and therefore does not work between different diagrams or between EDGE Diagrammer other Windows applications. Use duplicate to make multiple copies of objects within the same diagram.

To duplicate objects in the same diagram

1 	Enter select mode.

2 	Move the mouse over any object or over one in a group of selected objects.

3 	While holding down the CONTROL key, drag the objects. A set of duplicate objects appears.

4 	Position the duplicate objects and release the mouse button.


Pasting Objects

You can paste objects from the clipboard that were previously placed there by an earlier Cut or Copy operation. Pasting is most often the second half of a Cut-and-Paste or Copy-and-Paste operation.

To paste objects from the clipboard

1 	Choose Paste from the Edit menu. If the Paste feature is grayed in the menu, it means that there is no diagram data in the clipboard.

2 	A copy of the objects in the clipboard appears at the center of the screen.
Move the new objects where you want them.

Once you paste objects, they remain in the clipboard so you can paste them repeatedly to create multiple copies.


Undo

The undo feature lets you undo a change you made to the diagram. If you make a change by mistake, you can reverse the effects of the mistake by using the undo feature immediately. However, you can only undo the last operation. Once you execute a second operation, the prior operation cannot be undone.

To undo any operation

Choose Undo from the Edit menu. The undo menu item indicates exactly which operation will be undone.

Changes you make to styles cannot be undone. It is a good idea to save your diagram before making any changes to styles.


Moving Objects

Once you've created figures, labels, and connectors in your diagram, you can use the mouse to move them around and rearrange them. There are a couple methods available for moving objects.

To move a single object without selecting it first

1 	Enter select mode.

2 	Move the mouse over an object so that the move cursor appears (it points in four directions).

3 	Press the left mouse button and hold it.

4 	Move the object to another location.

5 	Release the mouse button.

Objects move in accordance with their properties. If the snap grid is enabled and the figure has the snap center to grid property, it will only move to points on the grid.

To move a group of selected objects

1 	Enter select mode.

2 	Select one or more objects to move.

3 	Move the mouse over a selected object so that the move cursor appears.

4 	Press the left mouse button and hold it.

5 	Move the object to another location.

6 	Release the mouse button.

You cannot drag objects from one diagram to another diagram in another window. Use cut/paste for that purpose. You can, however, drag objects between one view of a diagram and another view of the same diagram.


Moving Objects with Precision

To move objects with precision

1 	Enter select mode.

2 	Select one or more objects.

3 	Use the up, down, right, or left arrow keys on the keyboard to move the objects a small increment in any direction.

The amount the objects move each time you press an arrow key depends on the snap-to-grid diagram property (the button on the tool bar that resembles a magnet). With snap enabled, each press of an arrow key moves the objects by a distance equal to the snap grid spacing. Otherwise, the objects move by one screen pixel.


Text

Text plays a very important role in most diagrams. You can use text to add descriptions for figures, labels for connectors, titles, comments, annotations, instructions, and so on. EDGE Diagrammer allows you to add text just about anywhere quickly and easily.

The Text Area

Text Mode Cursors

Adding Text to Figures and Labels

Editing Text

Selecting Text

Using the Keyboard to Edit Text

Cutting Copying Pasting Text

Replacing Text

Special Considerations for Text


The Text Area

Most figures have an outline shape and reserve the majority of the inside of the shape for text. The portion of the figure that is reserved for text is called a text area. You cannot see the text area on the screen but it is there, and it is the only part of a figure that can contain text.

A label always has one and only one text area that is the same size as the label. A figure, on the other hand, can have any number of text areas. If a figure has no text area, you cannot add any text to the figure. If it has multiple text areas, you can add text to each of the areas independently.

The number of text areas, and their locations within a figure, are part of the figure symbol definition.


Text Mode Cursors

The cursor can take onw of several shapes when you are in connect mode.  Each shapes provides information about what will hapen when you click at the current mouse position.

The normal text mode cursor.  If you click when the cursor is this shape, you will create a new label.

If you click when the cursor is this shape, you will edit text in an existing figure or label.  This shape indicates that you are over a label or a figure's text area.

If you click when the cursor is this shape, you will create a connector label - a new label that is attached to the connector beneath the cursor.


Adding Text to Figures and Labels

You can add text to a text area of any label or figure (see previous section for a discussion of text areas).

To add text to a figure or label

1 	Enter text mode.

2 	Move the cursor anywhere over a label or over a figure's text area. The cursor is surrounded by the corners of a box to indicate you are over a text area.

3 	Click the mouse button to begin adding text.

Figures can have multiple text areas. You can add text to any of these areas by clicking on different parts of the figure.

To add text to a figure (automatic method)

1 	Move the cursor over a figure's text area.

2 	Start typing text on the keyboard. You are automatically placed in text mode entering text. If the figure contained any previous text, the typed text replaces it.

Adding Text to Labels

Labels are similar to figures except that a label cannot exist if it has no text. Consequently, you add text to a label when you create it. If you do not add any text when creating a label, or if you later remove all the text, the label is deleted automatically.

See also:

Text mode cursors


Editing Text

To edit figure or label text

1 	Enter text mode.

2 	Move the cursor anywhere over a label or over a figure's text area. A framed text cursor indicates the cursor is over text.

3 	Click the mouse button to begin editing the text.

See also:

Text mode cursors

The text area

Using the keyboard to edit text


Using the Keyboard to Edit Text

The following table lists the functions available from the keyboard when working with text:

ESC        Quit editing text
RIGHT      Move right one character
LEFT       Move left one character
UP         Move up one line
DOWN       Move down one line
CTRL-RIGHT Move right one word
CTRL-LEFT  Move left one word
HOME       Move to the start of the current line
END        Move to the end of the current line
CTRL-HOME  Move to the start of all text
CTRL-END   Move to the end of all text
TAB        Move to the next text area
SHIFT-TAB  Move to the previous text area
BACKSPACE  Delete the character to the left of the cursor
DEL        Delete the character to the right of the cursor
ENTER      Add a "hard" line break

You can use any of the keys that move the cursor in combination with the SHIFT key to extend the current text selection.

A few obscure punctuation characters are not allowed.

Some international characters, for example the German umlaute, may not be available on all keyboards.  To type these characters, use the ALT key with the ANSI character code entered from the numeric keypad.  For example, the ANSI code for an "ae" character is 230.  To type this character, while holding down the ALT key, type 0230 on the numeric keypad.  (Always include the leading zero.)


Selecting Text

To perform operations such as Cut, Copy, and Clear, you need to select a range of text.

To select a range of text

1 	Enter text mode.

2 	Move the cursor anywhere over a label or over a figure's text area. A framed text cursor indicates the cursor is over text.

3 	Press the left mouse button and hold it down to begin selecting the text.

4 	Drag the mouse to select text. The selected text becomes highlighted.

To select a word of text

1 	Enter text mode.

2 	Move the cursor anywhere over a label or over a figure's text area.

3 	Double-click the left mouse button to select the word beneath the cursor.

To select all text within a label or figure

1 	Enter text mode.

2 	Move the cursor over a label or a figure's text area.

3 	Triple-click the left mouse button.

To extend a text selection

While holding down the SHIFT key, click the mouse on additional text to select.


Cutting Copying Pasting Text

Selected text can be cut to the Windows clipboard, copied to the clipboard, and pasted from the clipboard. The combination of these features allows you to move text from one figure to another, copy text from one figure to another, or copy text from one diagram to another. You can also copy text to and from other programs.

To delete text (without moving it to the clipboard)

1 	Select a range of text.

2 	Press the DEL key or choose Clear from the Edit menu.

To cut text (and move it to the clipboard)

1 	Select a range of text.

2 	Choose Cut from the Edit menu.

To copy text to the clipboard

1 	Select a range of text.

2 	Choose Copy from the Edit menu.

To paste text from the clipboard

1 	Position the cursor to the location in the text where you want to add the text from the clipboard.

2 	Choose Paste from the Edit menu. The text from the clipboard is added at the cursor position. If any text was selected, the pasted text replaced the selected text.

See also:

Replacing text


Replacing Text

If any text is selected when you type from the keyboard or Paste, the selected text is first deleted before the new text is entered. This is a handy way to replace text.

To replace a range of text

1 	Select the range of text to replace.

2 	Type the replacement text from the keyboard or Paste the replacement text from the clipboard.

3 	The text that was originally selected is deleted before the new text is added.

See also:

Cutting, copying, and pasting text


Special Considerations for Text

•	EDGE Diagrammer prohibits the use of a few special characters within figure and label text. You are not permitted to enter a tilde ~, an accent grave `, or a vertical bar | while editing text. If you paste text from the clipboard containing any of these characters, they are stripped out.

•	When typing in a figure or label with word-wrap active, EDGE Diagrammer remembers the difference between hard carriage returns (those you insert by pressing the RETURN key), and soft carriage returns that are inserted automatically during word wrap. Hard carriage returns remain in effect until you delete them. Soft carriage returns get added and deleted automatically every time the text is reformatted, such as when you resize the figure.

•	A single figure or label can contain a maximum of 511 characters including those that are not visible such as carriage returns. This limit applies to the sum of all text in all text areas of a figure.

•	Text entry is always insert mode as opposed to overstrike mode. In overstrike mode, each new character you type would replace the next character in the previous text. Some other programs use the INSERT key to toggle between insert and overstrike mode. EDGE Diagrammer does not.

•	Undo is not supported for individual operations within text mode, for example, to undo the deletion of a single word. You can use Undo to undo all text changes since you started editing the figure or label.

•	Text within a single figure or label must all have the same attributes (font, size, color, justification, and so on). You cannot mix text attributes, such as making one word bold. (This capability will be added to a future version.)

•	You can use the property bar to change text properties while you are editing text but keep in mind that ALL of text in that figure will acquire the new attributes not just the text area selected.


Getting Around in a Diagram

Limitations of the modern computer screen present the single greatest obstacle to working on a diagram. Typical diagrams extend well beyond the size and degree of detail that you can view effectively within a single window. This section describes the methods EDGE Diagrammer provides to overcome this obstacle. With these features, you can control precisely both the portion of the diagram and the degree of detail that are shown.

Using the Scroll Bars

Autoscroll

Zoom


Using the Scroll Bars

You can use scroll bars to move your view of the diagram up-and-down and left-and-right without affecting the degree of detail shown.

To add or remove the scroll bars from the display

Choose the Show Scroll Bars entry from the Options menu.
A check beside Show Scroll Bars indicates that scroll bars are shown.

The only thing unusual about EDGE Diagrammer's scroll bars is the large area of the diagram that lies beyond the extents of the printed page boundary. For the common diagram that fits on a single piece of paper, the entire diagram is located very near the center position of the scroll bars. With these diagrams, the slider portion of the scroll bar won't be particularly useful.

The scroll bar buttons scroll the diagram by a small amount in the direction of the arrow. With the CONTROL key pressed, the scroll bar buttons scroll the diagram by a single screen pixel. Clicking in the region of the scroll bar between the slider and a button scrolls by a half screen in the direction of the button.


Autoscroll

When you drag an object past the edge of the screen, the diagram automatically scrolls to follow the cursor.


Zoom

Zoom features allow you to move quickly between different views of the diagram and to increase and decrease the degree of detail displayed in the diagram window. Some of these features allow you to zoom-in and zoom-out your view of the diagram. By changing the zoom magnification, you can control how much of the diagram is visible and how much detail is displayed. Other zoom features let you move instantly to a special view of the diagram.

For all zoom features, the absolute limit of the zoom range is from 10% (one tenth printed size) to 1000% (ten times printed size).

Zooming to a special view

Zooming in and out

Using Zoom mode


Zooming to a special view

The following features move you directly to a special view of the diagram regardless of your present location. They are especially useful for returning to a known view when you become disoriented. These features are found at the top of the Zoom menu.

To zoom to a view of the entire page area

Choose Whole Page from the Zoom menu.

To zoom to a view of the top of the page area

Choose Page Width from the Zoom menu.

To zoom to a view of all the objects in the diagram

Choose All Objects from the Zoom menu.

To zoom to a view of all selected objects in the diagram

1 	Select one or more objects.

2 	Choose Selected Objects from the Zoom menu.


Zooming in and out

The following features let you increase or decrease the detail of the diagram shown in the diagram window.

To zoom the view to any magnification

Using the combo box located on the tool bar, choose a predefined zoom percentage, or type in any valid percentage and press enter. The valid zoom range depends on your particular configuration but must never be less than 10% or more than 1000%.

To zoom in - using the keyboard

Press the PLUS key on the keypad. The view is magnified by a small amount so that objects appear larger and less of the diagram is visible. Normally, the view remains centered at the same location of the diagram prior to zooming in. However, if any objects were selected, the new view is centered on those objects.

To zoom out - using the keyboard

Press the MINUS key on the keypad. The view is shrunk by a small amount so that objects appear smaller and more of the diagram is visible. Normally, the view remains centered at the same location of the diagram prior to zooming out. However, if any objects were selected, the new view is centered on those objects.

To zoom to one of the preset zoom intervals

Choose a specific percentage from the Zoom menu. The status bar at the bottom of the screen displays the current zoom percentage. At one hundred percent, the size of the diagram on the screen exactly matches the printed size - assuming your screen height is set accurately.

To zoom in to the next zoom interval

Press the tool bar button that looks like a magnifying glass with a big "+". The view will zoom to the next higher of the fixed zoom intervals.

To zoom out to the next zoom interval

Press the tool bar button that looks like a magnifying glass with a big "-". The view will zoom to the next lower of the fixed zoom intervals.

To set custom zoom intervals

1 	Choose Set from the Zoom menu.

2 	Use the Set Zoom Intervals dialog box to set your own zoom intervals.

3 	Press OK to make your changes. The new percentages are sorted and entered into the Zoom menu. Choose the new percentage from the zoom menu to change the zoom magnification.


Using Zoom mode

Zoom mode provides even greater control to select a view of your diagram. You enter zoom mode by clicking on the zoom mode button in the tool bar. You can tell you are in zoom mode when the zoom mode button is pressed and the zoom mode cursor appears.

The zoom mode cursor.

.

To zoom in incrementally in zoom mode

1 	Enter zoom mode.

2 	Move the mouse over a part of the diagram that you want to view in greater detail.

3 	Click the left mouse button (press and release immediately) to zoom in a little closer.

4 	Repeat until the view is sufficiently detailed.

To zoom in to a specific location in zoom mode

1 	First you might want to zoom out so that the entire area you want to view is visible on the screen. Zoom Page is useful for this purpose.

2 	Enter zoom mode.

3 	Choose the area of the diagram that you want to view in detail. Move the mouse to the upper left-hand corner of that area.

4 	Press and hold the left mouse button.

5 	Drag the mouse to create a rectangular region covering the area of interest.

6 	Release the mouse button. The rectangular region will fill the entire window.


Figure Styles

Like paragraph styles in word processors, styles are the true definitions of objects in EDGE Diagrammer. In order to create any object, a figure, label, or connector, you must start with a predefined style. The style defines the initial characteristics and behaviors of the object. The shape, the location of the text, the text justification, the initial color, and so on, are all parts of the figure style. When you create a figure, you choose one of the predefined styles to become the basis for the new figure.

To work with figure styles choose Styles from the Figures menu. If no styles are defined, you are immediately prompted to create a new style. If any styles are defined, the Define Figure Styles dialog box appears.

Define Figure Styles Dialog Box


Define Figures Dialog Box
Define Figure Styles Dialog Box

This dialog box allows you to view and modify attributes of the existing styles, delete old styles, and create new styles. The upper left corner contains a model of the style with its current attributes. The name of the current style is shown at the upper center.

To make changes to a figure style

1 	Use the controls to modify the style.

2 	Press the Apply button to make the changes to take effect.

To exit the Define Figure Styles dialog box

Press the Close button.

To view a different style

1 	Choose a different style by name from the style combo box by clicking on the current style name.

2 	OR, use the spin control (the up and down arrow to the right of the style name) to cycle through the styles alphabetically.

3 	OR, use the style pick menu button ">>" located to the left of the style name to select a different style by its appearance

When you choose a different style, the controls reflect the properties of the style and the style model at the upper left displays a sample of the style with its current properties.

If you attempt to switch styles after making changes to the current style properties but before you apply those changes to the style, you will be asked whether you want to apply the changes before switching to the new style.

Other Controls

The Figure Styles dialog box contains many other controls. Some are common to all style types (figures, connectors, and labels).

Common Style Properties

Common Style Controls

Setting the graphic definition for a figure style

Setting the border width for a figure style

Setting the text justification for a figure style

Setting the colors for a figure style

Setting the font for a figure style

Setting the default text for a figure style

Setting the default size for a figure style

Setting the advanced properties for a style


Common Style Properties

These are properties that are found in Figure Styles, Label Styles, and Connector Styles dialog boxes.  They work the same in each case.

Bind to style

When this property is checked, any object created with this style is automatically bound to the style. This means that if the style changes in the future, the object will change as well. If an object does not have this property, changes to the style will not effect the object.  The default is checked for figure and connector styles, unchecked for label styles.

Style bar button

When this option is checked, a button with a representation of the style is included in on the style bar. Style bar buttons are useful for frequently used styles. Because the representation on a style bar button is not exact (contains no color or line thickness), they are not useful for every style.  The default is checked for figure and connector styles, unchecked for label styles.

Description

The style description is a short text description of the style. This description is displayed in the status bar when the style is selected to remind you of its purpose.


Common Style Controls

These are controls (buttons) that are found in Figure Styles, Label Styles, and Connector Styles dialog boxes.  They work the same in each case.

Delete style

Press this button to delete the current style. You will be asked to confirm the deletion before it takes effect. Be very careful. Deleting a style cannot be undone. When you delete a style, any objects in the diagram that were created with this style and bound to it become unbound.

New style

Press this button to create a new style. The New Style dialog box appears to prompt for the name of the new style. Press OK immediately to accept the default name or enter a more descriptive name of your own. The name must not match the name of any existing style.

Copy style

Press this button to create a new style that is a copy of the current style. Enter a descriptive name for the style as with New Style above.


Setting the graphic definition for a figure style

Every figure style must have a graphic definition that describes the shape of the figure style. The graphic can be either a predefined EDGE Diagrammer symbol or an imported graphics file.

Using an EDGE Diagrammer symbol as a figure style graphic

EDGE Diagrammer comes with many predefined figure symbols that can be used for figure style graphics. Each symbol contains information about shape, appearance, and text areas.

The predefined symbols are located in .EDF files located in the SYMBOLS subdirectory. You can create your own symbols with a text editor and install them by creating new files in this directory.

To choose a figure symbol as the figure style graphic

1 	Press the Symbol button to invoke the Select Figure Symbol dialog box.

2 	The Select Figure Symbol dialog box displays all of the installed figure symbols that are available for use. The blue box identifies the selected symbol. At the bottom left is information about the selected symbol including its name, the file where it is defined, and some descriptive information.

3 	Click on a figure symbol.

4 	Press OK to use the symbol. (or double click on a symbol)

Drop shadow

Check this box to create a drop shadow for figures of this style. Use the Diagram menu to set the color and size of drop shadows.

See also

Using an imported graphic as a figure shape


Setting the border width for a figure style

You can change the width of the border or outline of figures of the style by changing the number in the Border Width box or by using the spin buttons to the right of the box to choose a new width.

The exact point size you want is not always available. For example, 10 points is not valid and is rounded to 10.25 points.


Setting the text justification for a figure style

Use the text justification buttons to justify the text to the left, center, or right horizontally, and the top, middle, or bottom vertically.


Setting the colors for a figure style

Use the color pick menus to choose colors for the figure borders, fill area, and the text. You can choose from the colors in the current palette. Change the palette by selecting Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu. Text and border colors must be colors that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the text in the nearest solid color.

Text Color

The color of the words in the figure.  All words in one figure are the same color.

Border Color

The color of the outline shape of the figure.

Fill Color

The color of the interior of the figure.


Setting the font for a figure style

Each figure has a font.  The font is the style, size, and boldness of the text that the figure contains.  You can choose a font from any that you have installed on your machine under Windows.  Remember that if you move a diagram from one machine to another, you need to make sure the fonts it uses are on the other machine as well.

To change the text font for the figure style

1 	Press the font button. The font dialog box appears.

2 	Choose the font, font style, and point size for the font.

3 	Press OK to make the change.


Setting the default text for a figure style

Most figure styles do not include any text by default. That is to say, when you create a figure of the style, the figure contains no text until you add it. This makes sense for most styles because every figure contains its own unique text.

However, when you design a figure style that will always contain the same text, it's convenient to define default text for the style. That way, every figure you create from the style will initially contain the default text. Once you create the figure, you can edit the text as usual.

To set the default text of a figure style

1 	Press the Default Text button in the Define Figure Styles dialog box. The Default Text dialog box appears.

2 	Type the default text in the edit box. If you have a single figure selected, you can choose From Selected to copy the figure's text and use it as the default text for the style.

3 	Press OK to make the change.

If the figure style has multiple text areas, the dialog box contains a spin control (an up and down arrows) to switch between text areas. Clear All clears the text in all text areas.


Setting the default size for a figure style

Typically, each figure style has a default size. It is this size that is used to initially create the figure. If there is no default size (a default size of 0 by 0), the user is forced to size the figure as he creates it.

To change the default size of a figure style

1 	Press the Default Size button in the Define Figure Styles dialog box to invoke the Default Size dialog box.

2 	Enter a default height and width.

3 	Press OK to accept the new default height and width.

To set the default size of a figure style from an existing figure in the diagram

1 	Select the figure whose text you want to use as the style's default text. Make sure you select only one figure.

2 	Choose Styles from the Figures menu.

3 	Press the Default Size button to invoke the Figure Style Default Size dialog box.

4 	Press the From Selected button to use the size of the selected figure as the default for the figure style.

5 	Press OK to accept the change.


Setting the advanced properties for a style

A figure style has a group of advanced properties that define how figures of the style behave and interact with other objects. The advanced properties are separated from the basic properties because they are not only more advanced conceptually, but because they are less often used.

To change the advanced properties of a figure style

1 	Press the Advanced button in the Define Figure Styles dialog box to invoke the Advanced Properties dialog box.

2 	Change the properties.

3 	Press OK to accept the changes.

Line too long

This property controls what happens when typed becomes too wide for a figure of this style. If set to Prevent, additional characters are not allowed. If set to Expand, the figure automatically grows wider as you continue typing. The direction of expansion is controlled by the Growth property. If set to Wrap, the width of the figure does not change and the text word-wraps automatically to the next line.

Too many lines

This property controls what happens when typed text exceeds the number of lines that fit in a figure of this style. If set to Prevent, additional lines are not allowed. If set to Expand, the figure automatically grows taller as you add lines. The direction of expansion is controlled by the Growth property.

Growth

This property controls in which directions the figure grows automatically, such as when the text causes the figure to expand. Use the icons to choose a method of horizontal and vertical expansion.

Center remains stationary when resizing

When this property is checked, the center of the figure remains in the same place when you resize it using its resize handles. You will usually want to enable this property for figures that can be connected to other figures with connectors.

Center snaps to grid

When this property is checked, AND snap-to-grid is enabled for the diagram, the figure's center snaps to the snap grid when you create, move, or resize the figure. You will usually want this property enabled for figures that are connected to other figures with connectors, otherwise it may be difficult to keep the figures aligned vertically or horizontally.

Height and width snap to grid

When this property is checked and the snap grid is enabled, the figure's edges align with the snap grid when you create, move, or resize the figure. If you set this property, you'll want to set the Center snaps to grid property as well.

When the height and width snap to the grid, both sides are aligned with snap grid lines which are not necessarily the same as the visible grid lines. In effect, the total width or height is always a multiple of twice the snap spacing. For example, if the snap spacing is one quarter of an inch and a figure has the Height and width snap to grid property, that figure width can be 1/2 in., 1 in., 1 1/2 in. and so on, but it cannot be 3/4 in. This behavior helps to keep figures and connectors properly aligned by guaranteeing that the center point and all boundaries fall exactly on the grid. If you find this disturbing, you might try setting the snap spacing to half the grid spacing.

Keep sized to text

When this property is checked, the figure is always sized to exactly fit the amount of text it contains. For example, if you edit text for a figure such that the figure has less text than it had before, the figure will automatically resize itself to shrink down around the new text as soon as you complete editing the text.


Label Styles

Label styles are similar to figure styles. Label styles define the initial characteristics and behaviors of labels. Labels are essentially specialized figures. Therefore, working with label styles is very much like working with figure styles.

To work with label styles, choose Styles from the Labels menu. If no styles are defined, you are immediately prompted to create a new style. If any styles are defined, the Define Label Styles dialog box appears.

Define Label Styles Dialog Box

Connector Label Styles


Define Label Styles Dialog Box

This dialog box allows you to view and modify attributes of the existing label styles, delete old styles, and create new styles. The upper left corner contains a model of the style with its current attributes. The name of the style is shown at the upper center.

To make changes to a label style

1 	Use the controls to modify the style.

2 	Press the Apply button to force the changes to take effect.

To exit the Define Label Styles dialog box

Press the Close button.

To view a different style

1 	Choose a different style by name from the style combo box by clicking on the current style name.

2 	OR, use the spin control (the up and down arrow to the right of the style name) to cycle through the styles alphabetically.

3 	OR, use the style pick menu button ">>" located to the left of the style name to select a different style by its appearance.

When you choose a different style, the controls reflect the properties of the style and the style model at the upper left displays a sample of the style with its current properties.

If you attempt to switch styles after making changes to the current style properties but before you apply those changes to the style, you will be asked whether you want to apply the changes before switching to the new style.

Other Controls

The Label Styles dialog box contains many other controls. Some are common to all style types (figures, connectors, and labels).

Common Style Properties

Common Style Controls

Setting the text justification for a label style

Setting the text color for a label style

Setting the font for a label style

Setting the default text for a label style

Setting the default size for a label style

Setting the advanced properties for a label style


Setting the text justification for a label style

Use the text justification buttons to justify the text to the left, center, or right horizontally, and the top, middle, or bottom vertically.


Setting the text color for a label style

Use the color pick menu to choose a color for the label text. You can choose from the colors in the current palette. Change the palette by selecting Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu. The text color must be one that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows draws the text in the nearest solid color.


Setting the font for a label style

Each label has a font.  The font is the style, size, and boldness of the text that the label contains.  You can choose a font from any that you have installed on your machine under Windows.  Remember that if you move a diagram from one machine to another, you need to make sure the fonts it uses are on the other machine as well.

To change the text font for the label style

1 	Press the font button. The font dialog box appears.

2 	Choose the font, font style, and point size for the font.

3 	Press OK to make the change.


Setting the default text for a label style

Most label styles do not include any default text. Normally, you add text as you create each label. However, when you design a label style that will always contain the same text, it's convenient to define default text for the style. That way, every label you create from the style will initially contain the default text. Once you create the label, you can edit the text as usual.

To set the default text of a label style

1 	Press the Default Text button in the Define Label Styles dialog box. The Default Text dialog box appears.

2 	Type the default text in the edit box. If you have a single label selected, you can choose From Selected to copy the label's text and use it as the default text for the style.

3 	Press OK to make the change.


Setting the default size for a label style

Like figure styles, label styles can have a default size. In most cases, the default label size is not used because a label's size is usually determined by its text. However, if the label style has the Prevent or Wrap setting for the Line too long property, or the Prevent setting for the Too many lines property, a default size is important. Set a label style's default size just like you would for a figure style.

See Setting a the default size for a figure style


Setting the advanced properties for a label style

Label styles have the same advanced properties as figures. With labels, you will usually want to leave the advanced properties alone and use the defaults.

See Advanced Properties


Connector Label Styles

Connector labels are just ordinary labels and do not require a new kind of style. You can create a connector label from any label style. A connector label has a few added restrictions that a standard label does not have. For instance, a connector label is always center-justified vertically and horizontally and always expands when text is added and always grows from the center. The corresponding style properties are ignored for connector labels.


Connector Styles

Connector styles define the initial characteristics and behaviors of connectors. This section describes how to define, create, modify and delete connector styles.

To work with connector styles, choose Styles from the Connectors menu. If no styles are defined, you are immediately prompted to create a new style. If any styles are defined, the Define Connector Styles dialog box appears.

Define Connector Styles Dialog Box


Define Connector Styles Dialog Box

This dialog box allows you to view and modify attributes of the existing connector styles, delete old styles, and create new styles. The upper left corner contains a model of the style with its current attributes. The name of the style is shown at the upper center.

To make changes to a connector style

1 	Use the controls to modify the style.

2 	Press the Apply button to force the changes to take effect.

To exit the Define Connector Styles dialog box

Press the Close button.

To view a different style

1 	Choose a different style by name from the style combo box by clicking on the current style name.

2 	OR, use the spin control (the up and down arrow to the right of the style name) to cycle through the styles alphabetically.

3 	OR, use the style pick menu button ">>" located to the left of the style name to select a different style by its appearance.

When you choose a different style, the controls reflect the properties of the style and the style model at the upper left displays a sample of the style with its current properties.

If you attempt to switch styles after making changes to the current style properties but before you apply those changes to the style, you will be asked whether you want to apply the changes before switching to the new style.

Other Controls

The Connector Styles dialog box contains many other controls. Some are common to all style types (figures, connectors, and labels).

Common Style Properties

Common Style Controls

Setting the end symbols for a connector style

Setting the end fill colors for a connector style

Setting the end sizes for a connector style

Setting the thickness of a connector style

Setting the color of a connector style

Setting the line style of a connector style

Setting the border width of a connector style

Setting the orthogonality of a connector style


Setting the end symbols for a connector style

The ends of a connector style require symbols to define their shapes. Choose a symbol for each end of the connector style from the connector end styles you have installed.

To choose an end symbol for the connector style

1 	Press one of the Symbol buttons to invoke the Select End Symbol dialog box.

2 	The Select End Symbol dialog box displays all of the installed end symbols. The blue box identifies the selected symbol. At the bottom left is information about the selected symbol including its name, the file where it is defined, and a description.
In addition to displaying the shape of the end symbol, the dialog box shows two pieces of information on the highlighted symbol, whether it is drawn centered at the end point, and whether it rotates with the connector. These attributes are built in to the end definition.

3 	Use the mouse to click on the symbol for the connector end.

4 	Press OK to use the symbol. (or double click on a symbol)


Setting the end fill colors for a connector style

Use the color pick menu for either end to choose the fill color from the colors in the current palette. You can change the palette by selecting Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu.


Setting the end sizes for a connector style

Use the size edit box or the spin buttons to the right of the box to choose the length of either end symbol. The length of the end symbol is TWICE the distance from the endpoint of the connector to the end of the end symbol.


Setting the thickness of a connector style

Use the thickness edit box or the spin buttons to the right of the box to choose the thickness (width) of the connector.

The exact point size you want is not always available. For example, 10 points is not valid and is rounded to 10.25 points.


Setting the color of a connector style

Use the color pick menu to choose the color of the connector from the colors in the current palette. You can change the palette by selecting Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu. The color must be one that can be drawn solid on your screen. If you select a color that cannot be drawn solid, Windows chooses the nearest solid color.


Setting the line style of a connector style

The line that connects the ends of the connector can have one of several line styles such as solid, dotted, or dashed.

Use the Style pick menu to choose a line style for the connector.

If the line style is not solid, the thickness must be 1/4 pt.


Setting the border width of a connector style

The end symbols are drawn with a width or line-thickness that you control.
Use the Borders edit box to choose the border width for both end symbols. You cannot control the two end symbol borders independently.

The exact point size you want is not always available. For example, 10 points is not valid and is rounded to 10.25 points.


Setting the orthogonality of a connector style

Check the orthogonal connector box (three lines connecting at right angles) to make the connector orthogonal. An orthogonal connector is made up of only vertical and horizontal lines and right angles.


Diagram Settings
Diagram Features

The Diagram Features contain a set of options that control the behaviors unique to the diagram as well as some features that apply to the diagram as a whole.

Smart Connect

Show Grid

Snap

Scale

Set Parent Link

Follow Parent Link

Set Color Palette

Diagram Properties


Smart Connect

Smart connect toggles whether connectors know whether a figure or another connector is beneath the cursor. When smart connect is checked, you can attach connectors to figures and other connectors in the usual way. When smart connect is not checked, you cannot attach connectors to figures or other connectors.

The advantage of unattached connectors is that they can start and end anywhere on the diagram and they can form simple lines. The disadvantage of unattached connectors is that they do not move automatically when other objects move, you must move them separately yourself.


Show Grid

Show grid toggles whether the alignment grid is visible. This option controls ONLY the display of the grid, not whether objects snap to it.

You can also turn the grid on and off with the grid button on the tool bar.

You can set the spacing of the grid in the Diagram Properties dialog box.

See also

The Snap Grid


Snap

Snap toggles whether objects snap to the snap grid when you create, move, and resize them. If this option is checked, objects snap to the grid if they contains a property that causes them to do so.

You can also turn snap on and off with the snap button on the tool bar.

You can set the spacing of the snap grid in the Diagram Properties dialog box.

See also

The Snap Grid


Set Parent Link

Choose Set Parent Link from the Diagram menu to manually alter the link to the parent diagram. The parent link is the diagram that is opened when the user chooses the Follow Parent Link feature.


Follow Parent Link

Choose Follow Parent Link from the Diagram menu to open the parent diagram. The parent diagram is the diagram from which the last link was followed to get to the current diagram.


Set Colors

Choose Set Color Palette from the Diagram menu to invoke the Set Colors dialog box. You can use this dialog box to change the color palette - the set of colors available to the diagram. This set of colors is used for all color pick menus to select colors for figures, connectors, borders, text, and so on.

To change any of the diagram colors

1 	Click on the color to change.

2 	Use the color selection dialog box to pick a color and press OK.

Diagram colors

Each diagram can use up to sixteen colors at a time. These colors can be any sixteen you choose. Depending on your graphics card and your video mode, some colors may be composite or dithered. If you look closely, some colors are made up of patterns of two or more solid colors, a process called dithering. Dithered colors are fine for fill colors but should be avoided for lines and text. If you choose a dithered color for a line (such as a figure border) or a text color, Windows will not be able to draw the line or text in the color you choose. Instead, it will pick the nearest color that can be drawn solid. We suggest you choose primarily solid colors when you create your palette. If you are using a display mode that can display only 16 colors, there are only 16 solid colors available. If you are using a display mode that can display 256 colors or more you will have fewer restrictions.

Drop shadows

Figures with the drop shadow property draw their drop shadow in this color. The default drop shadow color is dark gray.

To change the drop shadow color

1 	Click on the drop shadows box.

2 	Use the color selection dialog box to pick a color and press OK.


Diagram Properties

To view and modify the properties of the diagram, choose Properties from the Diagram menu.

Drop shadow offset

Enter the distance that a drop shadow protrudes from beneath a figure that has the drop shadow property.

Grid spacing

Choose the spacing between grid lines on the visible alignment grid.

Snap spacing

Choose the spacing for snap alignment. A snap spacing that is smaller than the grid spacing works well. For instance, try a snap spacing of an eighth inch and a grid spacing of a quarter inch.


Options

Options reflect your personal preferences and your program set-up. Your options are remembered for you and do not change unless you change them. Unlike diagram settings (discussed elsewhere) your options are NOT saved and loaded with diagrams. You can view and change options from the Options menu.

Show Status Bar

Show Property Bar

Show Scroll Bars

Show Rulers

Show Page Boundaries

More Options


Show Status Bar

Choose Show Status Bar from the Options menu to turn on or off the status bar at the bottom of the screen. The status bar displays help information, the current zoom magnification, and the status of some keyboard keys.


Show Property Bar

Choose Show Property Bar from the Options menu to turn on or off the property bar beneath the tool bar at the top of the screen. The property bar helps you conveniently change properties of objects.


Show Scroll Bars

Choose Show Scroll Bars from the Options menu to turn on or off the scroll bars at the right and bottom of the diagram window. The scroll bars show you where you are in the diagram and help you move around.


Show Rulers

Choose Show Rulers from the Options menu to turn on or off the rulers at the top and left edges of the diagram.


Show Page Boundaries

Choose Show Page Boundaries from the Options menu to turn on or off the display of page boundaries and margins in the diagram. The page boundaries show you how the diagram will print on the page using the current printer set-up.

There are some features that are not available unless Show Page Boundaries is enabled. For example, the Center on Page feature is not available.


More Options

Choose More Options from the Options menu to change the remainder of the options.

Measurements

Choose either English (inches) or Metrics (centimeters) as your measurement units. All measurements are displayed in these units.

Measurements such as line widths and font sizes are measured in points (abbreviated pts). There are 72 points to the inch. Your choice of measurement units does not effect these measurements - they are points both for english and for metrics.

Screen size

You are asked to provide the exact measurement (use a ruler) of the actual picture on your monitor from the top to the bottom. The default is set for a standard fourteen inch monitor.

EDGE Diagrammer needs to know this measurement so that it knows what 100% zoom means. If you have this value set correctly and zoom is set to 100%, you can actually measure the object on the screen and it will match its true size. This only affects the display, printing will always be exact because Windows knows what 100% means for your printer.

Grid

Choose whether to display the visible grid as lines or dots.

Open most recent file on start-up

When this option is checked. The most recently edited diagram will be opened automatically when you start the program.

Create one figure at a time

When you create a figure and this option is checked, the new figure automatically becomes selected and the mode changes back to select mode as soon as one figure is created. To create another figure, you'll have to press the figure style button again and repeat the process. Without this option checked, you remain in figure create mode until you change modes yourself.

Create one connector at a time

When you create a connector and this option is checked, the new connector automatically becomes selected and the mode changes back to select mode as soon as one connector is created. To create another connector, you'll have to press the connector style button again and repeat the process. Without this option checked, you remain in connect mode until you change modes yourself.


File Operations
Managing Windows and Files

A number of features are available from the File menu to perform file-level or system operations. These features allow you to load files (diagrams), save files, print files, and so on. This chapter describes each of these features and the features that manage the windows in which files are displayed.

Multiple Document Interface

Managing Windows

Creating a New Diagram

Creating Custom Templates

Opening an Existing Diagram

Opening an Additional View of a Diagram

Saving a Diagram

Converting an Old Diagram

Copying Styles from a Diagram

Exporting a File

Setting Page Boundaries

Poster

Printing

Exiting


Managing Windows

You can use the following commands found in the Window menu to manage the arrangement of diagram windows.

Cascade

Choose this command to arrange all of the non-minimized diagram windows so that they overlap one another and are offset slightly by the upper-right corners.

Tile

Choose this command to arrange all of the non-minimized diagram windows so that they are side-by-side filling the entire program area.

Arrange icons

Choose this command to automatically arrange the icons of all minimized windows.


Creating a New Diagram

There are two ways to create a new diagram. You can create a new diagram from one of the existing diagram templates that contain predefined figure, connector, and label styles. Alternately, you can create a new diagram without any predefined styles.

To create a new diagram without predefined styles

1 	Choose New from the File menu.

2 	Press the None button in the Choose a Diagram Template dialog box.

A new diagram with no predefined styles still contains a single label style. Without at least one label style, many operations would not be possible.

To create a new diagram from a diagram template

1 	Choose New from the File menu.

2 	Select a diagram template file (in the TEMPLATE subdirectory) from the Choose a Diagram Template dialog box.

EDGE Diagrammer comes with some basic diagram templates such as the flowcharting template.


Creating Custom Templates

When you create a new diagram, you can start from a diagram template that contains an initial set of figure, connector, and label styles. In addition to the few templates that come with EDGE Diagrammer, you can create you own templates for your custom diagrams.

EDGE Diagrammer templates are very much like ordinary saved EDGE Diagrammer files. The main difference is that templates contain no actual figures, connectors, or labels, only styles and symbol definitions. When you create a new diagram by choosing New from the File menu, you can choose to start from any diagram template located in the \WINEDGE\TEMPLATE subdirectory. Therefore, all you have to do to create your own diagram template is to create an empty diagram in this subdirectory.

To create a custom diagram template

1 	Create a custom diagram with all of your own figure, connector, and label styles.
Remove all objects from the diagram. One way to do so is by choosing Select All and then Clear from the Edit menu.

2 	Save the diagram in the template directory. You can so by choosing Save As from the File menu and changing the directory to \WINEDGE\TEMPLATE.

3 	The next time you create a new diagram, you can choose your custom template as the starting point.


Opening an Existing Diagram

To open a diagram that was previously saved

1 	Choose Open from the File menu.

2 	Select the file that contains the diagram.

3 	If the file is one of the four that you most recently used, you can open it more conveniently.

To open a recently used diagram

Choose the diagram by filename from the File menu.

To open a file by dragging and dropping from the File Manager or Explorer

In the Windows File Manager or Explorer, select a single diagram file or a number of files and drag them on top of the EDGE Diagrammer program icon or the running EDGE Diagrammer program. Release the mouse button and the diagrams will be opened and ready for editing.


Opening an Additional View of a Diagram

To open a new window for an open diagram

1 	If you have multiple diagrams open, make sure the one that you want another view of is active.

2 	From the Window menu, choose New Window.

A new window will be created with an identical view of the diagram. You can now scroll, zoom, and edit the same diagram through two independent views. You can even drag objects from one view of the diagram to another, something that you cannot do between views of different diagrams.


Saving a Diagram

To save changes to a diagram

If the diagram already has a file name and you want to save your changes back to the same file, simply choose Save from the File menu.

To save a diagram to a file

If the diagram is new and has never been saved to a file, or to save a diagram to a different file, choose Save As from the File menu and select the file name.


Converting an Old Diagram

If you have used one our DOS programs EDGEFLOW or EDGE Flowcharter to create diagrams, you can convert those diagrams for use with EDGE Diagrammer.  Because the programs are very different, the conversion is only an approximation and may require hand tuning following the conversion.

To convert an EDGE Flowcharter diagram for use with EDGE Diagrammer

1 	Choose Convert from the File menu.

2 	Select the file that contains the old (source) diagram.

3 	Choose a file name for the new (destination) diagram that will be created.

4 	The Convert Diagram dialog box appears.

5 	If the original diagram was created and formatted with a dot matrix printer driver selected, check the box marked "Source file is formatted for dot matrix printer".  This helps the conversion process decide how to scale the diagram.

6 	If you want to increase or decrease the size of the entire diagram (an option that's not as easy once the diagram is converted), you can choose a scale other than 100%.  You can choose any size from 20% to 500%.

7 	Press the Convert button.  After the conversion is complete, you can Open the new file.


Copying Styles from a Diagram

You can copy all of the figure, label, and connector styles from another diagram into the current diagram, merging the other diagram styles with those in the current diagram.

To copy styles from another diagram

1 	Choose Copy Styles From from the File menu.

2 	Select the diagram by file name.

If the file you choose contains styles that have the same names as any in the current diagram, you will be asked whether the duplicate style should replace the current style by the same name or whether it should be ignored.


Exporting a File

You can export a diagram to a disk file in a standard graphic format so that you can later import the diagram into a different program. For example, if you export a diagram to a file as a Windows Metafile, you can then use Microsoft Word's Insert Picture feature to add the diagram to a Microsoft Word document.

To export the current diagram to a file as a Windows Metafile

1 	Choose Export from the File menu.

2 	Select a file name and press OK.

You can transfer diagrams and portions of diagrams to other programs more conveniently through the Windows clipboard by using Cut and Copy. However, there are a few advantages to using Export instead. Once you export a diagram to a file, you can easily store and transport that file. You can also use other commercially available programs to convert the file to other graphics formats that EDGE Diagrammer does not support.

Once you export a diagram to a file, you cannot reload that file into EDGE Diagrammer as a diagram. The exported file is essentially a snapshot of the image of the diagram and does not contain the actual diagram definition.

It is NOT possible to export a diagram to a metafile and then import that metafile as a figure style graphic.


Setting Page Boundaries

EDGE Diagrammer does not force you to use page boundaries for your diagrams. However, you will most likely want to print your diagram at some point so we recommend that you set up your page boundaries before constructing your diagram. Your page boundaries can be affected in two areas Print Setup and Poster, both available from the File menu.

Setting page type

Choose Setup from the File menu. Select the printer, paper size, and printing orientation (portrait or landscape). Since all of these might effect the shape of your printed page area, you can save yourself some work by setting them before starting work on your diagram.

See also

Poster


Postering
Poster

Postering is EDGE Diagrammer's way to handle very large diagrams.

If you have a very large diagram, you might want to construct it so that you can print it on several sheets of paper and then tape together all the pieces into a large wall poster. EDGE Diagrammer helps you do this kind of postering by letting you set up a poster grid that will display with your page boundaries.

Setting a poster grid

1 	Choose Poster from the File menu.

2 	Use the Poster dialog box to choose the number of pieces of paper that will make up your poster.

The Poster dialog box has the following controls:

Rows

Enter the number of rows in the grid. Rows and columns are both limited to six but they may be limited to a smaller number for larger paper sizes.

Columns

Enter the number of columns in the grid. Rows and columns are both limited to six but they may be limited to a smaller number for larger paper sizes.

Print crop marks

If you select this option, thin crop marks print in the corners of each page. Since it is impossible for today's printers to print to the very edge of the paper, you will need to cut the margins off of every sheet before taping together your poster. Crop marks guide you to cut the proper amount. You should choose this option unless you use one row and one column.


Printing

Printing EDGE diagrams is similar to printing in any other Windows program.

To print a diagram

1 	Use Print Setup to make sure that your printer is set up properly with the correct paper and so on. You do not need to set-up your printer each time you print.

2 	Choose Print from the File menu.

3 	Choose the options you want in the Print dialog box then press OK.

When you print a diagram that has more than one page, you can select a range of pages to print rather than printing the whole diagram. Page numbering is from left to right and top to bottom. For example, page one is at the upper left corner, page two is immediately to the right of page one, and the last page is at the lower right corner.


Exiting

To exit EDGE Diagrammer

1 	Choose Exit from the File menu. Other standard Windows methods of exiting programs work also, such as pressing ALT-F4 or choosing Close from the System menu.

2 	If your diagram contains changes that have not been saved, you will be prompted to save them before exiting.

3 	If you have cut or copied many diagram objects to the clipboard, you will be asked if you want to clear them from the clipboard before exiting. If you are done using EDGE Diagrammer, you might be advised to clear the clipboard to free up memory for other applications. However, if you intend to run EDGE Diagrammer again later and paste the contents of the clipboard into another diagram, do not clear it now. In any case, the clipboard will be lost if you exit Windows or power down your computer.


Advanced Features

This section introduces some advanced features that help you work more effectively with large numbers of diagrams or with diagrams that are tightly connected to some other document.

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Diagram Links


Tokenized ASCII Format

EDGE Diagrammer uses a special format called the EDGE Diagrammer Tokenized ASCII format to save diagram data to disk files. This format uses standard text files containing only ASCII characters. All you need to print these files is any ordinary line printer. Moreover, you can edit these files with a text editor such as Brief or Microsoft Edit to design your own shapes using the built-in macro language.

The tokenized ASCII format is completely defined in the written user manual.  You will receive a written user manual when you register.


EDGE Diagram File Format

EDGE Diagrammer saves diagrams in ASCII text files in accordance with the EDGE Diagrammer tokenized ASCII format defined in previous section. Under DOS and Windows, diagram files have a .EDG file extension to distinguish them from other files on your computer.

The EDGE Diagram file format is completely defined in the written user manual.  You will receive a written user manual when you register.


Custom Figures and End Symbols

EDGE Diagrammer allows you to build your own custom figure and connector end symbols and use them just like the ones that come with EDGE Diagrammer. To do so, you need to know something about the file formats described in the previous chapter and how to go about defining figure shapes and connector end symbols.

The procedure for customizing Figures and End Symbols is explained in the written user manual.  You will receive a written user manual when you register.


Glossary

C

connector label

connector segment

connector

D

diagram

drop shadow

E

end symbol

F

figure symbol

figure

J

junction

L

label

M

message bar

O

object

orthogonal

P

poster

properties

S

select mode

seltext mode

snap grid

style bar

style

T

template

text area

text mode

tool bar

U

unattached connector

V

visible grid


Index

A

Adding Text to Figures and Labels

Advanced Features

Advanced Properties Dialog Box

Advanced Properties

Aligning Figures

Autoscroll

B

Basics

C

Centering Figures on the Page

Changing Connector Properties

Changing Figure Properties

Changing Label Properties

Changing style bar layout

Changing the Size of Figures

Click Select

Common Style Controls

Common Style Properties

Connector Label Styles

Connector Labels

Connector Properties Dialog Box

Connector Styles

Connectors

Contents

Converting an Old Diagram

Copying Objects

Copying Styles from a Diagram

Creating a New Diagram

Creating Connector Labels

Creating Connectors

Creating Custom Templates

Creating Figures

Creating Labels

Creating orthogonal connectors

Custom Figures and End Symbols

Cutting Copying Pasting Text

Cutting Objects

D

Define Connector Styles Dialog Box

Define Figures Dialog Box

Define Label Styles Dialog Box

Deleting Connector Junctions

Deleting Connector Labels

Deleting Labels

Deleting Objects

Deselect All

Diagram Components

Diagram Links

Diagram Properties

Diagram Settings

Dragging figures attached by orthogonal connectors

Duplicating Objects

E

EDGE Diagram File Format

Editing Text

Exiting

Exporting a File

F

Figure Properties Dialog Box

Figure Styles

Figures

File Operations

Flipping Connectors

Follow Parent Link

Following a Link to a Diagram

G

General Editing

Getting Around in a Diagram

Glossary

I

Index

Installing EDGE Diagrammer

Introduction

L

Label Properties Dialog Box

Label Styles

Labels

Lasso Select

Linking a Figure to a Diagram

M

Making connectors orthogonal

Making Figures the Same Size

Managing Windows

Modes

More Options

Moving Connector Labels

Moving Figures

Moving Objects to the Front and Back

Moving Objects with Precision

Moving Objects

Moving the Ends of Connectors

Multiple Document Interface

O

Object Linking and Embedding

OLE Embedding Diagrams

OLE Linking to Diagrams

Opening an Additional View of a Diagram

Opening an Existing Diagram

Options

Orthogonal Connectors

P

Pasting Objects

Postering

Printing

Q

Quick Start Tutorial

R

Replacing Text

Rerouting orthogonal connectors

Returning to the Parent of a Diagram

S

Saving a Diagram

Scale

See Copying Objects to Other Programs

Segmented Connectors and Junctions

Select All

Selecting and Deselecting Objects

Selecting More Objects

Selecting Text

Set Colors

Set Parent Link

Setting Page Boundaries

Setting the advanced properties for a label style

Setting the advanced properties for a style

Setting the border width for a figure style

Setting the border width of a connector style

Setting the color of a connector style

Setting the colors for a figure style

Setting the default size for a figure style

Setting the default size for a label style

Setting the default text for a figure style

Setting the default text for a label style

Setting the end fill colors for a connector style

Setting the end sizes for a connector style

Setting the end symbols for a connector style

Setting the font for a figure style

Setting the font for a label style

Setting the graphic definition for a figure style

Setting the line style of a connector style

Setting the orthogonality of a connector style

Setting the text color for a label style

Setting the text justification for a figure style

Setting the text justification for a label style

Setting the thickness of a connector style

Show Grid

Show Page Boundaries

Show Property Bar

Show Rulers

Show Scroll Bars

Show Status Bar

Sizing Figures to Text

Smart Connect

Snap

Spacing Figures Evenly

Special Considerations for Text

Splitting Connectors

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Styles and Properties

T

Text Mode Cursors

Text

The Diagram

The Property Bar

The Snap Grid

The Style Bar

The Text Area

The Tool Bar

The Workspace

Thick Connectors

Tokenized ASCII Format

U

Undo

Uninstalling EDGE Diagrammer

Using a Windows Metafile as a figure style graphic

Using Controls

Using the Keyboard to Edit Text

Using the Mouse

Using the Scroll Bars

Using Zoom mode

W

WHAT NEW

Z

Zoom

Zooming in and out

Zooming to a special view


connector label

A connector label is a special type of label that is attached to a connector.  When the connector moves, the connector label follows.


connector segment

A segment is a "leg" of a connector that runs in a straight line from a figure or junction to another figure or junction.


connector

A connectors is a line that connects two figures. A connector  usually represents a path between two figures or some other logical relationship. Each end of a connector can have an attached shape such as an arrowhead.


diagram

A diagram is a complete set of objects, styles, definitions, and properties which are saved together in one file.


drop shadow

A shadow that shows from beneath a figure giving the figure a three dimensional appearance.


end symbol

A mathematical definition for the shape of either end of a connector  - such as an arrowhead.


figure symbol

A mathematical description of the shape of a figure and the number, size, and locations of text areas within the figure.


figure

A figure is the most common type of object in a diagram.  It can be a circle or a box or any other shape.  It can have descriptive text, and it can be connected to other figures with connectors.


junction

A junction is the point at which two or more connector segments meet and bend in a different direction.


label

A label is a text object located anywhere in a diagram.  A label can be used for a note, a title, a comment, an annotation, and so on.


message bar

The area below the diagram that contains help messages, the zoom percentage, and keyboard status.


object

An object is any component of a diagram such as a figure, label, connector, or junction.


orthogonal

An orthogonal connector is made up of only vertical and horizontal lines at right angles.


poster

You can create a diagram that is larger than a single page by arranging several pages into a grid.  When you print the pages, you can attach them together to make a large wall poster.


properties

The internal attributes of an object such as size, shape, and color.


select mode

When you are in this mode, you can select and move objects and perform many other operations.  When you are in this mode, the cursor looks like the standard Windows cursor.


seltext mode

This mode is a combination of select mode and text mode.  You can select items but you can also edit text.  The enter seltext mode, press the tool bar button that has an arrow cursor and the letter "T".


snap grid

The invisible grid that control how objects "snap" to particular sizes and locations.  You can turn the snap grid on or off by pressing the tool bar button that looks like a magnet.


style bar

The style bar is the large area to the left of the diagram that contains buttons and list boxes.  All of the controls on the style bar help you choose a style in order to create a new object.


style

A style is a basic object definition.  Like paragraph styles in word processors, EDGE Diagrammer has figure styles, connector styles, and label styles.  When you create any of these types of objects, the style defines the initial characteristics of the object.


template

A file that contains predefined styles.  When you create a new diagram you can begin with a diagram template.


text area

A rectangular area within a figure where text is permitted.


text mode

In text mode, you can create labels and edit figure text.  Enter text mode by clicking on the "T" button or by choosing a label style.  When you are in text mode, the cursor looks like a text caret.


tool bar

The tool bar is the area above the diagram that contains small square buttons.  Tool bar buttons provide a shortcut for commands that can also be found in menus.


unattached connector

Most connectors are attached to figures and move when the figures move.  Unattached connectors are free-standing and have to be moved separately.


visible grid

The grey-colored grid that appears beneath the diagram objects.  The visible grid is a visual aid only.  It helps you line up objects by sight.