Connector Creation Tool

Drawing Connectors

Connectors are lines (or paths, lines with multiple segments) whose ends may be attached to other graphics. If the target graphic is moved or resized the attached end of the connector moves too. Connectors are useful in flow charts or schematics. All dimensions and the "Auto Connector" graphics behave as connectors, once attached the associated end of the connector will move with the host graphic.

The target graphics are usually drawn first, then the connector is attached and drawn. This is not a hard and fast rule, the connector can be drawn free form, it has the behavior of a normal line or path. Then after the target graphics are created the connector ends are attached by moving the desired end near the target spot.

Select one of the "Connector Tools" found on the Technical Tool Palette to create connectors. If the palette is not visible open it by selecting "Technical" from the "View" item of the "Main Menu".

Do not use connectors just to snap one graphic to another. Connectors add a good bit of overhead that can impact performance on large drawings, and they will add complexity that may get confusing especially if you are new to EazyDraw. If Vertex Snapping is turned on, any graphic will snap to anther graphic, use this when ends of lines need to simply connect to other ends or midpoints.

Connectors are drawn by clicking the "Connector Tool Button" on the "Technical Tool Palette". The "Connector Creation Cursor" (shown above) will reflect the tool selection when the mouse is over the front (top) document window. The connector is drawn with the mouse. The first mouse click places the starting point. If this position is close enough to a target the connector (line) is attached to the target point. Then the connector line is drawn by dragging the mouse. The line is shown as the mouse is moved. When the mouse position is within range of a target point the free end of the connector will "jump" to the target point. If this is not the desired target spot, continue dragging, when the mouse is moved out of range the connector end will "jump" off that target and move freely again. When the desired target is locked the process is completed by lifting the mouse button.

If multiple segments are needed rather than a single straight line, use the Tab key to place a vertex. The tab method is the only way to draw a multiple line segment connector.

There are parameters that control the behavior of the connector. One parameter, the range, specifies how close the mouse must get for the connector to attach. Another parameter, resolution, specifies the number or spacing of different attach points a target graphic will offer. For example just end points, or end points and mid points. These parameters are found on the Connector Panel which is on the "Tools" menu of the "Main Menu".

Connectors may be attached to other connectors. This capability is used to create interesting drawing effects.

The new connector becomes the only selected object after creation. You may move a connection by selecting the connector and dragging the relevant handle. But you cannot move the connector, this may be done only by moving the target graphics. If you need to position a vertex at a particular point on a specific graphic this may be accomplished after the creation step by using the Graphic Details Inspector to modify the connection specifications.

If several connectors are needed, double click the connector tool. The connector tool selection will remain in effect after creation so that further connectors may be easily added to the document. Clicking another tool or the Arrow tool will release the connector creation activity.

After creation, vertices may be added using the Bezier Insert Tool or removed using the Knife Tool. While drawing multi segment connectors the end segment may be removed with the Delete Key.

If connectors are needed frequently, the connector tool may be added to the Toolbar. If you prefer this convenience use the Customize Toolbar item found under "View" on the "Main Menu". There you will see the "Connector Tool" button, just drag it to the position you prefer on the Toolbar.

Left handed users will find it easier to use the "Enter Key" instead of the "Tab Key". The first key (Tab or Enter) clicked is used for the rest of the connector entry process (just the one).