MindFusion.Diagramming for JavaScript Programmer's Guide
Standard Item Types

Diagram elements in MindFusion.Diagramming for JavaScript are represented by ShapeNode, ContainerNodeTableNode and DiagramLink instances. Combined and linked together, they can form complex data structures such as process or entity-relationship diagrams, class hierarchies, networks and graphs. Each of their rich features can be customized through numerous methods and properties.

Shape Nodes

ShapeNode objects can represent geometric shapes, flowchart elements, icons in network diagrams, and so on. They can display both graphics and text in different fonts, sizes and colors. A node's shape can be set by calling its setShape method. There are more than 100 predefined node shapes and apart from them, MindFusion.Diagramming for JavaScript offers an easy way to define custom shapes. Shape nodes can be rotated, either interactively using the round selection handle drawn above them, or programmatically using the RotationAngle property.

SVG Nodes

The SvgNode class represents nodes that can display SVG drawings. SVG graphics are rendered instead of Image, and on top of the geometry rendered by the base ShapeNode class. Enable the Transparent property to hide the node's geometry and leave only the drawing visible. The SVG file is loaded and associated with the node through an SvgContent object, which should be initialized and then assigned to the Content property.

Table Nodes

A TableNode displays tabular data, and can be used to represent table schemas in database diagrams or classes in class-hierarchies. A table contains cells arranged in a grid, and every cell can display text and/or image. Cells, columns and rows can be customized in various ways - there are properties available for setting their extents, style, image and text alignment. Tables' dimensions can be programmatically changed; inserting, appending or deleting rows and columns can be done in a very comprehensive, intuitive way whenever you might need it. Tables can also display background images and graphics.

Free-form Nodes

A FreeFormNode collects all points from users' mouse or touch input and displays them as node's outline. To let users draw free-form nodes interactively, set Behavior to DrawFreeForms. Use the Points property of FreeFormNode to get or set outline points programmatically. If the Closed property is set, the node is drawn as a closed shape and its interior filled, or otherwise the node is drawn as a poly-line. If the distance between first and last points drawn by user is shorter than AutoCloseDistance, the node gets closed automatically.

Container Nodes

A ContainerNode can contain other diagram nodes. When a container is moved, its child nodes move too. Containers can be nested one within another to unlimited depth. They can be folded to a smaller size, hiding their child items, and unfolded to show content again. Nodes inside a container can be linked to nodes both inside and outside of it. If a link connects items in the same container, the container is not considered an obstacle by the auto-routing algorithm.

Links

DiagramLink objects are used to represent various types of connections and relations in diagrams. MindFusion.Diagramming for JavaScript offers three basic link shapes, which can be set by calling setShape:

A link can be connected to a node at each of the link's ends. It is also possible to have unconnected links - having one or both of their ends  not connected to nodes. Some customizable link's properties are: arrowheads, style, text, pen width and style, modification behavior and number of segments.

See Also
Controlling User Interaction