Smart Connectors
Smart connectors automatically route around obstacles and keep clean paths between shapes as you move them around your diagram.
Routing Modes
Every connector uses one of six routing modes:
| Mode | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Straight | A direct line between the ends |
| Polyline | Straight segments through your bend points |
| Orthogonal | Horizontal and vertical segments only |
| Smooth | A smooth, curved line |
| Smart Orthogonal | Orthogonal routing that automatically avoids other shapes |
| Smart Polyline | Polyline routing that automatically avoids other shapes |
The two Smart modes are the ones that avoid obstacles and recalculate their route automatically.
Changing Routing Mode
- In the Inspector's Style tab → Connector section, choose a mode from Shaft, or
- Right-click the connector line and pick a mode from the menu (the current one is checked)
The connector immediately recalculates its path.
Obstacle Avoidance
With Smart Orthogonal or Smart Polyline, the routing engine:
- Routes around the shapes in the diagram
- Keeps a minimum distance from shape edges (the buffer distance)
- Prefers simple paths with few turns and crossings
- Recalculates when shapes move
Smart Routing Settings
Fine-tune obstacle avoidance for the page in the Inspector's Document tab → Smart Connectors section:
| Setting | Effect |
|---|---|
| Shape Buffer Distance | Minimum spacing between connectors and shapes (default 10) |
| Segment Penalty | Higher values prefer fewer segments and simpler paths |
| Crossing Penalty | Higher values avoid connectors crossing each other |
| Port Direction Penalty | Penalty for routes that leave a connection point in the wrong direction |
| Nudging Distance | Spacing between parallel connector segments |
| Auto Pin Offset Factor | Adjusts the offset used for automatically placed pins |
Click Reset to defaults to restore the standard values.
Steering Smart Connectors with Pins
Smart connectors don't use manual bend points. To make a route pass through a specific spot, add a pin: double-click the connector and click Add Pin, or right-click the line and choose Add Pin. Remove Pin removes it. See Connector Bend Points.
Tips for Smart Connectors
- Use Smart Orthogonal for complex diagrams — let the engine handle routing in crowded layouts
- Increase the buffer distance if connectors look too close to shapes
- Switch to Straight for simple connections — a direct line is often clearest
- Lock shapes when finalizing (in the Layers list) to prevent accidental moves
Related Topics
- Connectors — basic connector usage
- Connector Bend Points — manual routing and pins
- Sticky Spots — custom connection points