Connectors
Connectors are lines used to link shapes together, representing relationships or flows.
Drawing Connections
To connect two shapes:
- Select the Connector Tool from the toolbar.
- Hover over the first shape until connection points (small circles) appear.
- Click a connection point and drag to a connection point on the second shape.
Smart Routing
Diagrammix3 uses smart routing algorithms (LibAvoid) to automatically route connectors around other shapes, ensuring your diagram remains clean and readable.
Bend Points and Pin Points
You can manually control the path of a connector. Double-click a connector to show the Connector Action Toolbar:
- Bend points (regular connectors): click Add Point, then click the line to add a handle you can drag. Remove Point removes one. You can also right-click the line and choose Add Bend Point.
- Pins (smart connectors): smart connectors don't use bend points. Click Add Pin (or right-click → Add Pin) to add a point the route must pass through; Remove Pin removes it.
See Connector Bend Points for details.
Routing Modes
Choose how a connector's line runs in the Inspector's Style tab → Connector section → Shaft, or right-click the connector line and pick a mode:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight | A direct line between the two ends |
| Polyline | Straight segments with sharp corners at each bend point |
| Orthogonal | Only horizontal and vertical segments |
| Smooth | A smooth, curved line |
| Smart Orthogonal | Orthogonal routing that automatically avoids other shapes |
| Smart Polyline | Polyline routing that automatically avoids other shapes |
Set Corner Radius (0–60) in the Connector section to round the corners where segments meet.
Sticky Spots
Sticky spots are predefined connection points on shapes where connectors attach. They provide precise control over where lines connect.
Default Sticky Spots
Most shapes have automatic sticky spots:
- Rectangles: Center of each edge (4 points)
- Ellipses: Top, bottom, left, right (4 points)
- Triangles: Each vertex and edge center
Connecting to Sticky Spots
- Select the Connector Tool
- Hover over a shape
- Blue circles appear showing available sticky spots
- Click a spot to start the connection
- Drag to a spot on the target shape
Custom Sticky Spots
You can add your own connection points to any shape with the Sticky Spot tool. See Sticky Spots for details.
Benefits of Sticky Spots
- Connectors stay attached when shapes move
- Consistent connection positions across similar shapes
- Clean, professional-looking diagrams
- Automatic routing optimization
Arrowheads
Connectors can have arrowheads at either or both ends. Select a connector and use the Inspector to choose from 31 arrowhead styles (including None), such as:
- Basic arrows: Arrow, Inflected, Stick, Double Stick
- UML notation: Inheritance, Diamond, White Diamond
- ERD notation: Crows Feet, Crow Bar, Crow Ball, Bar Bar
- Decorative: 1/2/3 Feather, Circle, Bar, Box
For a complete reference of all arrowhead types, see the Arrowheads Reference.
Line Styles
In the Inspector's Style tab → Connector section, you can customize:
- Color and width of the connector line
- Line type: Solid Line, Dotted, Dashed, Dash-Dot, Dash-Dot-Dot, or Long Dash
- Start Arrowhead / End Arrowhead: choose from 31 arrowhead styles (including None), with Start / End Arrow Length
Connector Text Labels
Add text labels to connectors to describe relationships. A connector can carry several labels — for example a multiplicity at each end and a role name in the middle.
Adding Labels
- Right-click the connector line and choose Add Label — the label is placed where you clicked and opens for typing, or
- In the Inspector's Style tab, open the Labels section and click Add Label — the new label is placed at the middle of the connector
Editing and Moving Labels
- Double-click a label (or select it and press
T) to edit its text - Drag a label to move it along the connector
Label Options
Each label has its own row in the Labels section:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | The label's text |
| Anchor | Where the label is measured from — Position % along the connector, From Start, or From End — plus the value |
| Layout | Horizontal, Along Path, or Along Reversed Path (text follows the line) |
| Above | Offset of the label from the line |
Click the trash button in a label's row to delete it.
This is particularly useful for UML relationship notation, such as multiplicities at both ends of an association.