Mastering Connector Locks

One of the finer points in creating clear and intelligible diagrams involves managing how relationships between elements are depicted. This is where understanding connector locks becomes crucial. Connector locks allow for precise control over how the start and end points of relationships, or connectors, behave in relation to the elements they're attached to. This tutorial will guide you through the ins and outs of using connector locks to make your diagrams more accurate and visually stable.

Default Behavior of Connector Points

By default, the start and end points of a connector can move freely around the perimeter of the element to which they're attached. This flexibility allows for automatic adjustments and repositioning of connectors to maintain clarity as you rearrange elements within your diagram. However, there are times when you'll want these connection points to stay fixed, regardless of changes elsewhere in the diagram. That's where connector locks come into play.

Understanding Connector Locks

Connector locks are designed to ensure the start and end points of a connector do not move unintentionally, providing stability and precision to your diagrams. Once a connector point is manually moved to a new position, it automatically locks to that position, preventing further automatic adjustments.

Accessing Connector Lock Options

Connector lock options can be accessed via the context menu for a connector. Right-click on the connector to open the context menu, and look for the submenu labeled Locks. Here, you'll find several options:

• Lock Start Point: Locks the starting point of the connector.
• Lock End Point: Locks the ending point of the connector.
• Lock Both Ends: Locks both the start and end points of the connector.
• Unlock Both Ends: Unlocks both the start and end points, allowing them to move freely again.
• Start Point Auto Side: When the start point is locked, it attaches to the closest side of the element, but its position on the border is preserved.
• End Point Auto Side: Similar to the start point auto side, but for the end point.
• Start Absolute Lock: By default, a point is locked to a relative position on the border. This option ensures the start point does not move when the element is resized, maintaining its absolute position.
• End Absolute Lock: Similar to the start absolute lock, but for the end point.
• Set Lock to Fields: If the relationship connects fields (attributes, operations, etc.) within elements, this lock ensures the connector points to the specific fields, adjusting their positions if you reorder the fields.