Nested Blocks Diagram

Help|Tutorials|Diagrams|Infographic| 29 September 2023 | Dusan Rodina - softwareideas.net
Nested Blocks Diagrams are integral for understanding the hierarchical and relational structure of different components or units within a system. This tutorial shows you how to use container blocks effectively, understanding their various parameters, and learning the best practices in creating Nested Blocks Diagrams.

Nested Blocks Diagrams are graphical tools designed to represent hierarchical relations and structures within a system, primarily in software design and engineering. A Nested Blocks Diagram consists of Container Blocks, which can have multiple nested blocks of the same type, allowing users to visualize hierarchical structures efficiently.

Nested Blocks Diagrams with Container Blocks and their easy-to-manage parameters and style options make the visualization of complex systems and structures seamless and coherent.

Nested Blocks Diagram
Nested Blocks Diagram

Inserting Container Block

  • Using Shortcut Key - Press C to active a Container Block tool instantly.
  • Using Drag & Drop - Select the Container Block from the toolbox and drag it to the desired location on the diagram editor canvas.
  • Drawing the Block Bounds - Select the Container Block tool, draw the block bounds in the diagram editor canvas, thus defining the size and location of the block.

Adding Nested Blocks

Select a Container Block, and a context bar will appear.

Click on "Add Nested Block" button in the context bar to insert a nested container block.

The size of Nested Blocks is automatically adjusted to maintain uniformity. All sibling nested blocks align according to a table layout within the parent Container Block.

Configuring Container Block Parameters

Setting Shape Types

  • Shape Type: Set a specific type for the element or leave as default.
  • Default Shape Type: Set a default shape type for the nested elements.
  • Odd/Even Shape Type: Define shapes for odd and even nested elements respectively.
  • Start/End Shape Type: Define shapes for the first and last nested elements respectively.

Understanding Shape Type Hierarchy

Shape type is overridden in the following order:

  • Default
  • Odd/Even
  • Start/End
  • Specific Shape Type

If the shape is still default after these overrides, the shape type is resolved by the parent Container Block.

Styling Container Blocks

The default style of Container Blocks is "Style by owner", meaning if you set a style to a Container Block, all its nested blocks inherit the same style automatically.

Best Use Cases

Nested Blocks Diagrams are incredibly versatile and are particularly useful in the following scenarios:

  • Software Design: Visualizing the hierarchical structure of classes or modules.
  • Business Processes: Illustrating the hierarchy of various business processes and tasks.
  • UI/UX Design: Demonstrating the layout and arrangement of different UI elements.
  • Organizational Structures: Representing the structural hierarchy within an organization.

Nested Blocks Diagram Example

Nested Blocks Diagram Example
Nested Blocks Diagram Example

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