Set Model Layout Preferences

You use the options in Layout tab in the Format Preferences dialog to set preferences for relationship line layout, entity and table sizing, object alignment, and diagram layout.

To set model layout preferences

  1. Click Preferences on the Format menu.

    The Format Preferences dialog opens.

  2. Click the Layout tab and complete the following fields:

    The following are Relationship Line Layout options:

    Allow manual layout

    Allow manual reshaping of relationship lines. This check box is selected by default. Clear this check box to prohibit manual layout of relationship lines.

    Redraw All Relationship Lines

    Reshape all relationship lines on the diagram window. Manual reshaping of any relationship line will be lost.

    The following are Entity/Table Sizing options:

    Allow manual resize

    Allow manual resizing of selected entities, tables, or views. This check box is selected by default. Clear this check box to prohibit manual resizing of entities, tables, and views throughout the diagram.

    Reset All to Automatic

    Resize all entities, tables, and views in the main workspace. Manual resizing applied to any entity, table, or view will be lost.

    Align Objects on Grid

    Align entities, tables, or views to the nearest vertical and horizontal gridlines. New objects "snap" to the grid automatically. Existing objects are not automatically aligned with the grid unless they are copied, pasted, or moved. Clear this check box if you do not want entities to align with the layout grid (default). You can specify the distance between the horizontal or vertical lines that comprise the grid as follows:

    Vertical grid spacing (pixels)

    Defines the distance in pixels between the vertical gridlines.

    Horizontal grid spacing (pixels)

    Defines the distance in pixels between the horizontal gridlines.

    Layout entire diagram

    Moves and resizes all objects and relationships in the diagram to produce a more organized diagram window.

  3. Click OK.

    Your selections are saved, and the Format Preferences dialog closes.