Automatic Layout
- 2 minutes to read
The DevExpress Diagram Control provides the ability to automatically arrange shapes using one of the predefined drawing algorithms. This feature allows you and your end-users to quickly and effectively generate drawings, which can be manually fine-tuned afterwards.
The following drawing algorithms are available.
Tree graph
This algorithm is used to draw hierarchical diagrams. It arranges shapes in a tree structure and aligns them evenly based on their hierarchical level.
To apply the algorithm in code, use the DiagramControl.ApplyTreeLayout method.
By default, this algorithm rearranges only shapes that are connected to at least one other shape. To rearrange all shapes on the canvas, use the DiagramControl.ApplyTreeLayout method overload with the splitMode parameter set to SplitToConnectedComponentsMode.AllComponents.
Layered (Sugiyama) graph
This algorithm is used to draw layered networks that usually represent dependency relations. It minimizes the number of connector crossings and spreads shapes evenly.
To apply the algorithm in code, use the DiagramControl.ApplySugiyamaLayout method.
Circular Layout
This algorithm places shapes on a circle, evenly spaced.
To apply the algorithm in code, use the DiagramControl.ApplyCircularLayout method. The DiagramControl.CircularLayoutOrder property specifies whether to position shapes clockwise, counterclockwise or minimizing the number of crossings of connection lines.
Tip-Over Tree Layout
This algorithm arranges shapes in a tree structure so that the vertex children are aligned in either a single row or a single column.
To apply the algorithm in code, use the DiagramControl.ApplyTipOverTreeLayout method. To rearrange all shapes on the canvas, use the DiagramControl.ApplyTipOverTreeLayout method overload with the splitMode parameter set to SplitToConnectedComponentsMode.AllComponents.
Mind-Map Tree Layout
This algorithm creates non-linear hierarchical diagrams arranged around a central idea or subject.
To apply the algorithm in code, use the DiagramControl.ApplyMindMapTreeLayout method. To rearrange all shapes on the canvas, use the DiagramControl.ApplyMindMapTreeLayout method overload with the splitMode parameter set to SplitToConnectedComponentsMode.AllComponents.
End-users can apply automatic layout in the DiagramDesignerControl by clicking the Re-Layout Page ribbon item and selecting the desired algorithm and flow direction.
