Auto-Layout Algorithms Explained

Manual positioning of nodes can be time-consuming, especially for large diagrams. Diagram Maker's auto-layout algorithms automatically arrange your nodes for maximum clarity and visual appeal.

Two Powerful Algorithms

Dagre - For Hierarchical Diagrams

Dagre is perfect for diagrams with clear hierarchies and directional flow.

Best for:

• Organizational charts
• Workflow diagrams
• Decision trees
• Software architecture
• State machines
• Data flow diagrams

Characteristics:

• Top-to-bottom or left-to-right flow
• Minimizes edge crossings
• Equal spacing between levels
• Respects hierarchy

Mindmap - For Radial Layouts

Mindmap creates radial layouts with a central concept branching outward.

Best for:

• Mind maps (obviously!)
• Concept mapping
• Brainstorming sessions
• Knowledge graphs
• Project planning
• Learning notes

Characteristics:

• Central node in the middle
• Branches radiate outward
• Organic, tree-like structure
• Emphasizes relationships

How to Use Auto-Layout

Step 1: Create Your Diagram

First, add all your nodes and connections. Don't worry about positioning - just focus on the content and relationships.

Step 2: Open Layout Settings

Click the Layout button in the toolbar (or press Cmd+L).

Step 3: Choose Algorithm

Select either Dagre or Mindmap based on your diagram type.

Step 4: Configure Options

Dagre Options

Direction:

• TB - Top to Bottom (default)
• BT - Bottom to Top
• LR - Left to Right
• RL - Right to Left

Spacing:

• Node Separation - Horizontal space (default: 80px)
• Rank Separation - Vertical space (default: 150px)

Alignment:

• UL - Upper Left
• UR - Upper Right
• DL - Down Left
• DR - Down Right

Mindmap Options

Spacing:

• Horizontal Spacing - Distance between branches (default: 100px)
• Vertical Spacing - Distance between levels (default: 100px)

Root Position:

• Center (default)
• Left
• Right

Step 5: Apply

Click Apply Layout to rearrange your diagram.

Don't like the result? Press Cmd+Z to undo and try different settings.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Software Development Workflow

Before: Nodes scattered randomly

After Dagre (TB, 100px separation):

         [Planning]
              ↓
        [Development]
              ↓
          [Testing]
              ↓
        [Deployment]

Perfect for showing sequential processes!

Example 2: Company Organization

Before: Messy hierarchy

After Dagre (TB, tight spacing):

            [CEO]
        _____|_____
       |     |     |
    [Eng] [Sales] [Ops]

Clear reporting structure at a glance.

Example 3: Project Brainstorming

Before: Linear list

After Mindmap (center, 120px spacing):

        [Research]
           /    \
    [Interviews] [Data]
         |
    [Core Idea]
         |
    [Execution]
       /   \
  [Dev]   [Marketing]

Shows relationships and connections naturally.

Advanced Techniques

Hybrid Layouts

1. Start with auto-layout
2. Manually adjust key nodes
3. Auto-layout again to fix spacing

Constrained Layouts

Lock important nodes in place before applying auto-layout:

1. Select nodes to keep fixed
2. Right-click → Lock Position
3. Apply layout
4. Unlock when done

Layer-by-Layer

For huge diagrams:

1. Group related nodes
2. Apply layout to each group separately
3. Manually position groups
4. Fine-tune individual nodes

Performance Tips

Auto-layout is fast, but for very large diagrams (100+ nodes):

1. Use Dagre - Generally faster than Mindmap
2. Reduce spacing - Less calculation needed
3. Simplify connections - Fewer edges = faster layout
4. Break into subgraphs - Layout sections separately

Common Mistakes

❌ Wrong Algorithm Choice

Problem: Using Dagre for mind maps Solution: Use Mindmap algorithm for radial structures

❌ Too Many Connections

Problem: Spaghetti diagram with crossed edges Solution: Simplify connections or break into multiple diagrams

❌ Ignoring Direction

Problem: Using TB when LR makes more sense Solution: Try different directions to match your content flow

❌ Default Spacing

Problem: Layout looks cramped or too sparse Solution: Adjust separation values to match your needs

When NOT to Use Auto-Layout

Auto-layout isn't always the answer:

1. Geographic layouts - When position represents physical location
2. Artistic diagrams - When aesthetics matter more than structure
3. Custom arrangements - When you have a specific vision
4. Small diagrams - Manual positioning is faster for 3-5 nodes

PRO Tips

Tip 1: Start with Auto-Layout

Even if you plan to manually adjust, start with auto-layout to get a good foundation.

Tip 2: Save Layout Presets

Found settings you like? Save them:

1. Configure layout options
2. Click Save Preset
3. Name it (e.g., "My Workflows")
4. Reuse anytime

Tip 3: Compare Side-by-Side

1. Duplicate your diagram
2. Try different layouts on each
3. Keep the best one

Tip 4: Use Grid Snapping

After auto-layout, enable grid snapping (Cmd+G) for manual fine-tuning.

Algorithm Comparison

| Feature | Dagre | Mindmap | |---------|-------|---------| | Best for | Hierarchies, flows | Concepts, ideas | | Direction | Configurable | Radial | | Speed | Fast | Medium | | Edge crossing | Minimized | Natural | | Customization | High | Medium |

Future Improvements

We're working on:

• Force-directed layout - Physics-based positioning
• Circular layout - Nodes arranged in circles
• Grid layout - Perfect alignment
• Custom algorithms - Import your own
• AI-suggested layouts - Let AI choose the best algorithm

Troubleshooting

Layout Looks Weird

1. Check your connections - cycles can confuse algorithms
2. Try different direction settings
3. Adjust spacing values
4. Consider if you chose the right algorithm

Nodes Overlap

1. Increase separation values
2. Use a different direction
3. Manually adjust problem nodes

Takes Too Long

1. Simplify your diagram
2. Use Dagre instead of Mindmap
3. Break into smaller sections

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