When considering changing the default Layout drawing, consider the changes needed to make it useful for purposes of analysis and decision making. Consider the people using the drawing and the information that is important and should surface immediately. Design a layout of icons and graphics that best convey element, service, or process information.
Some important general facts about working with the Layout view:
Each Layout view drawing is associated with the element selected in the pane.
A Layout drawing can only be modified by one user at a time. When a Layout drawing is being edited, it is locked until the user saves or cancels the drawing.
Changes in the Layout view are not automatically saved. Use Save Drawing or Ctrl+S to save your work.
To create a drawing:
In the pane, select the element whose Layout view drawing should be edited.
Click the tab to update the view.
By default, the Layout view is read-only.
Right-click the view background and select . All element nodes and any existing drawing objects are cleared from the view.
Child elements are listed in thepane.
For more information about Unplaced Elements, see Section 2.5, Understanding Unplaced Elements.
To build the drawing do any of the following:
Select elements that are important to visualize on screen in a single drawing.
Drag and drop existing child elements from the pane.
For more information about unplaced elements, see Section 2.5, Understanding Unplaced Elements.
Drag and drop elements from any branch of the elements hierarchy to a Layout drawing. For example, mix elements from an adapter hierarchy and the hierarchy in a single drawing.
Click and drag elements in the drawing to arrange them in an optimal layout. Decide the best way to graphically represent these elements using node styles.
Select a node style from the node styles that are available. You can select a simple graphic that displays only the element name or a descriptive style that displays the number of children and the date/time the element was last updated.
Use the drawing tools to add color, text, shapes, and clipart. Use arrows to show relationships.
For more information on drawing tools and shapes, see Section 3.0, Using Basic Drawing Tools and Concepts.
Make the drawing dynamic by binding element conditions or attributes to shapes or text in the drawing.
The binding feature automatically updates graphic colors when element conditions change. Similarly, if the element name or other linked attribute changes, bound text in a drawing also updates.
For more information about binding elements to a drawing, see Section 5.0, Adding Elements and Updating Drawing Components Using Element Properties
Import maps, logos, and other images to enhance the drawing.
For more information on applying nodestyles and using custom graphics, see Section 6.0, Working with Node Styles and Custom Graphics.
Apply a drawing template to apply a standard set of drawing objects or attributes.
For more information about applying drawing templates, see Section 7.1, Applying Templates to Drawings.