Datasheet

When you want to differentiate the predecessor and successor for two connected
shapes, such as in a data flow diagram or project schedule, make sure you glue the start
point of the connector to the shape you are connecting from and the end point to the shape you are
connecting to.
Straight versus Dynamic Connectors
Straight connectors are straight lines that connect shapes. They lengthen, shorten, and change their
angle to maintain shape connectivity, but they draw straight over shapes that are in their path, as
shown in Figure 1-2. Dynamic connectors are smarter. They automatically bend, stretch, and
detour around shapes instead of overlapping them, as shown on the right side of Figure 1-2. They
can also jump over other connectors to make connections easier to follow on a drawing. By default,
dynamic connectors use right angles to bend around shapes. You can change the path of a right-
angled connector by moving any of its vertices, or add or move segments of a right-angled connec-
tor by dragging a midpoint of a segment. Curved connectors are dynamic as well. You can drag
their control points and eccentricity handles, to modify the shape of the curve.
FIGURE 1-2
You can connect shapes with straight or dynamic connectors.
Straight connectors draw over shapes
Dynamic connectors route around shapes
TIP
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10
Understanding Visio Fundamentals
Part I
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