There are numerous functions to edit the elements on the canvas. The handling of the user interface is similar to what you know from other design applications.
You can quickly align elements (for example images, shapes, text boxes, Smart Nodes):
CTRL
while clicking on other objects or rubberband selection)Alignment
options in the context menu (right-click on the marked elements)The alignment options can be used very well to model predecessor-successor relationships or parallel processing. They are also often used to align elements e.g. with self-created helplines that are subsequently removed.
The alignment options are only available when multiple objects are selected. Hold down the CTRL key while clicking to select objects.
Elements and grouped elements can be adjusted to each other in size. You must mark at least two elements with a rubberband frame to enable the “Resize” option in the context menu. Right-click on the selected area (above the crossed arrows) and choose the desired resize option from the shortcut menu:
If several elements are on top of each other and you want to change the order, you can use the “Drawing Order” option in the context menu. You must mark at least one element to enable these options in the context menu:
These element order options are especially useful when working with background elements such as frames or images.
The alignment tools are a very helpful feature if you are starting to design the process map. These tools can save a lot of time creating models with a consistent and professional appearance.
Elements can also be grouped together in the Designer to connect them into one movable and formattable element:
Note: Do not confuse groups with containers. Containers have similar behaviour, but adding and deleting elements of the container works differently. See: Container Elements
Especially if you are new to the Process Maps Designer, you will spend some time customizing symbols of the notations and other shapes to your needs. (see: Re-Using Elements)
This however enables you to use these elements to transfer formats, stored actions and values to other elements:
CTRL
+ C
and CTRL
+ V
or select the option Copy from the context menu to put a selected element into the virtual clipboard and paste it again with the command Paste.All these functions are very helpful for quick creation and reuse of elements. Try it out right now.