Connecting the Pieces
This function can be performed by users with Contributor role or higher.
Once you've added new shapes onto the editing canvas, you need to join them together using the connector arrows and label all "decision diamond" arrows. If you forget to do so, users won’t know which path to follow!
Adding arrows
To add your arrows, click the Connector Arrow above the canvas, then click and drag the arrow cross-hairs between the two shapes you want to connect. You'll know the arrow is connected when the connector point highlights to a green circle when the cross-hairs are hovered them. Continue to connect all shapes in your flow.
When you're done connecting your shapes, you'll need to click the Pointer arrow icon to continue editing.
Bend any diagonal arrows. Start by adding a straight arrow from where you need the arrow to start to where you need the arrow to finish. Then grab the green dot in the middle of the arrow and use your mouse to drag the arrow into the required 90-degree angle.
If the arrow requires two bends, click the arrow again and a second green dot will appear. Click on the second green dot and drag green dashed arrow into the second angle.
Label your arrows, for example Yes / No pathways from a decision diamond, or something like New / Existing Customer:
- Double-click on the arrow to open the Edit Connector box.
- Enter the desired text.
- Click Update to add the text to the arrow.
You can also change the line style from Solid to Dashed in the Edit Connector box.
Arrow Tips
No, not the tips of the arrows - we mean what you should avoid when adding arrows. You want clean lines so the user knows where to go, so avoid the following:
Avoid crossing arrows
Avoid diagonal or crooked arrows. Always use straight or 90-degree bends (see above).
Avoid using really long arrows and “boxing in” the next steps of the process. Instead, copy and paste the desired destination and build exceptions and additional processes out the right side of the flow.
