Change Shape Layout

Adjusting the layout can help establish a clear visual hierarchy, making it easier for your audience to identify vital elements and relationships in your diagram. EdrawMax has several features for optimizing the diagram's appearance when printed or presented, ensuring it retains its visual impact.

Rearrange Overlapping Shapes

Overlapping shapes can occur in diagrams for various reasons, often related to the complexity of the content represented and the design choices made during the diagram creation process. Rearranging overlapping shapes helps maintain a logical flow, making it easier to follow the progression of steps or connections. Here are the steps to reorganize the shapes:

Step 1: Select a shape in your diagram.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the upper navigation pane, then select an option in the Position drop-down list.

Step 2a: Select Bring to Front so the shape becomes the topmost layer. You can also press and hold the Ctrl + Shift + ] keys. Alternatively, right-click and choose Bring to Front > Bring to Front.

Step 2b: Select Send to Back to adjust its layering position so that it moves to the bottommost layer. You can also press and hold the Ctrl + Shift + [ keys. Alternatively, right-click and choose Send to Back > Send to Back.

Step 2c: Select Bring Forward to reorder its layer position to be just above the layer it was previously on. You can also press and hold the Ctrl + ] keys. Alternatively, right-click and choose Bring to Front > Bring Forward.

Step 2d: Select Send Backward to move the shape one level to the back of the stack compared to its original position. You can also press and hold the Ctrl + [ keys. Alternatively, right-click and choose Send to Back > Send Backward.

Align Shapes

Consistent alignment lends a professional look to your diagram. It demonstrates attention to detail and a clear presentation of information. Here are the steps to align the shapes in your diagram:

Step 1: Select the shapes you want to align.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the upper navigation pane, then click the Align drop-down list.

Step 3: Select an option in the Align section.

Note:

Once you've chosen the alignment type, EdrawMax will automatically adjust the positions of the shapes to achieve the selected alignment. The shape with the thicker magenta-colored outline is the basis for the alignment of the other shapes. Press the Tab key to switch the reference shape.

Distribute Shapes

Distributing shapes complements alignment. It ensures the shapes align with each other and are spaced evenly. Here are the steps on how to distribute the shapes of your diagram:

Step 1: Select multiple shapes on the canvas.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the upper navigation pane, then click the Align drop-down list.

Step 3: Select from the several vertical and horizontal distribution styles in the Distribute section.

Group and Ungroup Shapes

When you group the shapes in your diagram, you can manipulate them as a single object. It helps you move, resize, rotate, or apply actions to multiple shapes simultaneously. Here are the steps to group diagram shapes in the canvas:

Step 1: Select the shapes you want to group.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the upper navigation pane, then select Group in the Group drop-down list. Alternatively, press and hold the Ctrl + G keys.

Note:

To ungroup the shapes, select Ungroup in the Group drop-down list or press and hold the Ctrl + Shift + G keys.

Match Shape Size

Shapes of similar sizes contribute to a visually balanced layout. It is crucial when presenting information to ensure that no shape stands out excessively. Here are the steps to keep the shape sizes uniform and consistent:

Step 1: Click on the shapes you want to match in size.

Step 2: Go to the Home tab in the upper navigation pane, then click the Size drop-down menu.

Step 3: In the Same Size section, select the Same Size icon if you want the shapes to match in width and height measurements. You can also select other options, depending on your preference.

Note:

The shape outlined in a bolder magenta is the point of reference for the alterations in the other selected shapes.

Center Shapes

Centered shapes create a sense of visual balance and harmony within the diagram. They avoid an imbalanced distribution of elements that can make the diagram appear cluttered or awkward. Here are the steps to place a shape or shapes middle-aligned on the canvas:

Step 1: Select the shape or shapes you want to move.

Step 2: Right-click and choose Center.