Overview The ExpressFlowChart Suite allows for easy creation of applications that display charts, schemes, hierarchies, graphs, etc. It can help you present extremely complex schemes to end users. All objects within the flow chart are called items. The base class for items is TdxFcItem. It provides the functionality for all other objects within the flow chart. A block within a flow chart control is called an object . Objects may be of different shapes and may be drawn with different colors. Every object can contain text as well as an image. Object provides different layouts of text and image within the object area. Flow chart objects are linked via connections. Connection either links two objects or "hangs"; that is, it is linked only to one object or has no linked objects . It may be drawn in different ways; for instance, two points may be linked via a straight or curved line, or via horizontal and vertical line. Like objects , connections may include associated text that appears as a caption next to the line. An object can be united (grouped) into a union. If the main Object of the union moves, all other objects move accordingly. Though you can move several objects if you select them all, union makes the same movement easier for end users. For instance, assume you construct a plan of several hotel rooms. If you unite a room and all its contents, you need not select several objects in order to move them to another location within your scheme; All you must do is move the main object of the union. ExpressFlowChart also provides a number of functions to work with individual lines, i.e. calculating and mass center of a polyline, calculating distance between two points, connection points by lines of different types, etc. Double click a flow chart control to call the flow chart designer at design time. With it you can create new objects and connections and customize their look. Use the right mouse button to call the popup menu for customizing flow chart items.

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ExpressFlowChart - Getting Started To fastest way to apply the ExpressFlowChart in your applications, is to review the projects which shipped with the installation set. In this Getting Started section, we will offer step by step instruction to facilitate your learning process. TutorialObject FeaturesConnection FeaturesLines Procedures

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TdxFlowChartHierarchy Properties Methods Events

Represents a window for the display and editing of different linear, hierarchical, or network data structures.  Unitdxflchrt TdxFlowChart = class(TdxCustomFlowChart ); DescriptionA flow chart data structure includes any number of objects linked by any number of connections. Separate groups of objects, called unions with hierarchical relations between members may be placed within a general structure. Such structures have a wide range of applications from electrical schemes to business plans. A flow chart control has many possibilities for creating and editing both the entire data structure and its separate items.

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TdxCustomFlowChartHierarchy Properties Methods Events See Also

TdxCustomFlowChart is an abstract class designed to work with irregular data structures. Unitdxflchrt TdxCustomFlowChart = class(TCustomControl ); DescriptionUse TdxCustomFlowChart as a base class for the creation of new classes to introduce data structures of different types. It contains many protected properties and methods that are published in its direct TdxFlowChart descendant.

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TdxFcItemHierarchy Properties Methods See Also

 Unitdxflchrt TdxFcItem = class(TObject); DescriptionTdxFcItem is a common ancestor of TdxFcObject and TdxFcConnection. It provides fundamental methods and properties for both classes. Never create an instance of TdxFcItem directly; instead create its TdxFcObject and TdxFcConnection descendants.

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TdxFcConnectionHierarchy Properties Methods

Describes an individual connection within the flow chart. Unitdxflchrt TdxFcConnection = class(TdxFcItem); DescriptionConnection is a line that generally links two objects. Each connection can have its own line style and width, drawing style, color, and up to two arrow shapes. Additionally, it can have any number of intermediate points to build a line. The flow chart also allows to display"hanging" connections, which are linked only with one object.

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TdxFcConnectionArrowHierarchy Properties Methods

Determines the style of TdxFcConnection edges. Unitdxflchrt TdxFcConnectionArrow = class(TObject); DescriptionTdxFcConnectionArrow is an additional class, which describes the style of connection edges. It may be a real arrow, or a rectangle or an ellipse with a specified width, height and color. TdxFcConnectionArrow objects are created by TdxFcConnection and are not implemented for separate use. Any TdxFcConnection object contains two TdxFcConnectionArrow objects.

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TdxFcObjectHierarchy Properties Methods

TdxFcObject describes an individual object within a flow chart. Unitdxflchrt TdxFcObject = class(TdxFcItem); DescriptionPresents the basic building blocks of a flow chart. Each object can have its own location, size, shape, color, bitmap image, text and font. Any object can be linked with other objects via connections. Objects can be merged to form object unions (Group of Objects). All objects comprising a union, move together when one of the grouped objects moves.

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DistanceSee AlsoCalculates the distance between two points. Unit Lines function Distance(const A,B: TPoint): Integer; DescriptionUse this procedure to calculate the shortest distance between two points on screen. The A and B parameters define coordinates of the first and second point respectively. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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ExtendRectSee AlsoEnlarges the rectangle, specified by R. Unit Lines procedure ExtendRect(var R: TRect; const P: TPoint); DescriptionIf a point, specified by P, is outside the rectangle, rectangle coordinates are changed to P coordinates. The following figures illustrate this:

If a point is inside the rectangle, it is not enlarged. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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LineCenterSee AlsoReturns a point that represents the center of a polyline. Unit Lines function LineCenter(LType: TLineType; var Points; Count: Integer): TPoint; DescriptionUse this function to get a point that represents the center of a polyline. LType determines line type. The Points parameter represents a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. The following example demonstrates the LineCenter implementation: varPnts : array [0..3] of TPoint;Pnt : TPoint;

 { . . . }

 implementation { . . . }

 Pnts[0].x := 10; Pnts[0].y := 10;

Pnts[1].x := 20; Pnts[1].y := 10;

Pnts[2].x := 20; Pnts[2].y := 20;

Pnts[3].x := 10; Pnts[3].y := 20;

// returns point (20, 15)

Pnt := LineCenter(liStraight, Pnts ,4);

 { . . . }

 Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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LineLengthSee AlsoCalculates the length of a polyline. Unit Lines function LineLength(LType: TLineType; var Points; Count: Integer): Integer; DescriptionUse this function to get the length of a polyline. LType determines line type. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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MassCenterSee AlsoReturns a point that represents the ‘mass’ center of a polyline.  Unit Lines function MassCenter(LType: TLineType; var Points; Count: Integer): TPoint; DescriptionUse this function to calculate the ‘mass’ center of a polyline. LType determines line type. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. The following code demonstrates a MassCenter implementation: varPnts : array [0..3] of TPoint;Pnt : TPoint;

 { . . . }

 implementation { . . . }

 Pnts[0].x := 10; Pnts[0].y := 10;

Pnts[1].x := 20; Pnts[1].y := 10;

Pnts[2].x := 20; Pnts[2].y := 20;

Pnts[3].x := 10; Pnts[3].y := 20;

// returns point (16, 15)

Pnt := MassCenter(liStraight, Pnts ,4);

 { . . . }

 Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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PtOnLineSee AlsoDetermines whether a specified point belongs to a polyline. Unit Lines function PtOnLine(LType: TLineType; var Points; Count,Delta,X,Y: Integer): Boolean; DescriptionPtOnLine returns True if a point, specified by X and Y, belongs to a polyline. LType determines polyline type. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. Delta determines the smallest distance within which a point, outside of the line, is still considered to belong to the line. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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QSplineSee AlsoDraws a curved line that connects specified points. Unit Lines procedure QSpline(DC: HDC; var Points; Count: Integer); DescriptionThis procedure connects specified points via a line of type liQSpline. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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RectHLineSee AlsoConnects points via horizontal and vertical lines. Unit Lines procedure RectHLine(DC: HDC; var Points; Count: Integer); DescriptionThis function draws a line of type liRectH on screen to connect points. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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RectVLineSee AlsoConnects points via vertical and horizontal lines. Unit Lines procedure RectVLine(DC: HDC; var Points; Count: Integer); DescriptionDraws a line of type liRectV on screen to connect points. The Points parameter is a pointer to an array that contains coordinates of vertices. Count specifies the number of vertices in polyline. Note: To use this function, you should include

‘Lines ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘#include Lines.hpp ’ in the header file (for C++ Builder)

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ShowFlowChartEditor Displays the flow chart editor. function ShowFlowChartEditor(AChart: TdxFlowChart ; EditorCaption : String): Boolean;

 DescriptionUse this function to display the flow chart editor at runtime. This function shows an editor for the AChart flow chart. EditorCaption specifies the caption of the editor form. ShowFlowChartEditor returns True, if any chages have been made to the flow chart in the flow chart editor. The result of ShowFloatChartEditor is used only at design time. At runtime this function always returns False. The following code is attached to the OnDblCliCk event handler that activates the flow chart editor: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.dxFlowChart1DblClick(Sender: TObject);

beginShowFlowChartEditor(dxFlowChart1, ‘FlowChart Editor’); end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

ShowFlowChartEditor(dxFlowChart1,"FlowChart Editor");

}

 Note: In order to use this function, you should

include ‘dxFcEdit ’ in the uses section of a unit (for Delphi) or ‘ #Include "dxFcEdit.hpp"‘ ‘ in the header file (for C++ Builder).

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TLineTypeSee Also Unit Lines TLineType = (liStraight, liQSpline, liRectH, liRectV);

 DescriptionTLineType is used to determine the type of line that links two points. The following values are available:  liStraight - A straight line between two points. liQSpline - Points are connected by a curved line. liRectH - Point are connected by horizontal and vertical lines (see the figure below).

liRectV - Points are connected by vertical and horizontal lines (see the figure below).

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TdxCustomFlowChart.CreateConnection, TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedObjects, TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedObjectCount, TdxConnection.Color, TdxConnection.Style ExampleThis example requires a form with TdxFlowChart and TSpeedButton. The following code creates a new connection which links two selected objects. procedure TForm1.SpeedButton1Click(Sender: TObject);

varNewConnection : TdxFcConnection;

beginwith dxFlowChart1 dobeginif SelectedObjectCount > 1 thenbeginNewConnection := CreateConnection(SelectedObjects[0], SelectedObjects[1], 0, 0);

NewConnection.Color := clNavy;

NewConnection.Style := fclstraight;

end;

end;

end;

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TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnection, TdxConnection.ArrowSource, TdxConnection.ArrowDest, TdxConnectionArrow.ArrowType Example The following code changes edges of the selected connection: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);

beginwith dxFlowChart1.SelectedConnection dobeginArrowDest.ArrowType := fcaArrow;

ArrowSource.ArrowType := fcaEllipse;

end;

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

if (dxFlowChart1->SelectedConnection != NULL){

dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedConnection ->ArrowDest->ArrowType = fcaArrow;

dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedConnection ->ArrowSource->ArrowType = fcaEllipse;

}

};

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TdxCustomFlowChart.Connections, TdxCustomFlowChart.ConnectionCount example This example highlights all ‘hanged’ connections, that is, connections without a source or destination object.  // Delphi

procedure TForm1.SpeedButton2Click(Sender: TObject);

vari : Integer;

beginwith dxFlowChart1 dobeginfor i := 0 to ConnectionCount-1 doif (Connections[i].ObjectSource = nil) or(Connections[i].ObjectDest = nil) thenConnections[i].Color := clRed;

end;

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

for (int i=0;i<dxFlowChart1->ConnectionCount;i++){

if (dxFlowChart1->Connections[i] ->ObjectSource == NULL ||dxFlowChart1 ->Connections[i] ->ObjectDest == NULL)

dxFlowChart1 ->Connections[i] ->Color = clRed;

}

};

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TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnections, TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnectionCount, TdxCustomFlowChart.DeleteConnection example This example demonstrates the deletion of several connections at a time. The following procedure is the OnClick event handler of TSpeedButton: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.SpeedButton1Click(Sender : TObject)

vari : integer;

beginfor i := dxFlowChart1.SelectedConnectionCount-1 downto 0dxFlowChart1.DeleteConnection( dxFlowChart1.SelectedConnections[i]);

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

for(int i = dxFlowChart1->SelectedConnectionCount -1; i>=0; i--) dxFlowChart1 ->DeleteConnection( dxFlowChart1->SelectedConnections[i]);

};

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TdxCustomFlowChart.BeginUpdateTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Prevents multiple screen repaints when updating the flow chart window. procedure BeginUpdate; DescriptionBeginUpdate prevents the screen from being repainted when items are added, deleted, or changed. Use BeginUpdate to prevent screen repaints and to speed the processing time while making multiple changes in the flow chart. Note: BeginUpdate disables repainting of the flow chart window until the EndUpdate method is called. BeginUpdate and Endpdate methods work together to prevent numerous refresh events of a flow chart window. Be sure to call EndUpdate for every call of the BeginUpdate method.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.BorderStyleTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Determines whether a flow chart control includes a border. typeTBorderStyle = (bsNone, bsSingle)

property BorderStyle : TBorderStyle; DescriptionBorderStyle specifies whether a flow chart control includes a single-line border. Possible values include:  

 If BorderStyle is equal to bsSingle and Ctl3D isTrue, the border is 3Dimensional.

Value Meaning

 

bsNone No visible border

bsSingle Single-line border

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TdxCustomFlowChart.CanSelectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Determines whether a particular item within the flow chart can be selected. function CanSelect(Item: TdxFcItem): Boolean; virtual; DescriptionReturns True if a specified item can be selected. To get proper results, the CanSelect method first determines whether the fcoCanSelect option is active and then generates the OnSelection event.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ChangedTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Generates an OnChange event. procedure Changed(Item: TdxFcItem); virtual; DescriptionIt is a good practice to write an OnChange event handler in case something unexpected occurs when changing flow chart items. The Item parameter determines the changed item.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ChartPointTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Converts window coordinates into the flow chart coordinates. function ChartPoint(X,Y: Integer): TPoint; DescriptionUse ChartPoint to access flow chart coordinates corresponding to a specified window’s coordinates. X and Y are coordinates of the flow chart window client area. ChartPoint converts them into native flow chart coordinates, according to the current zoom factor and scrolling position. procedure Form1.ChartMouseDown(Sender: TObject; Button: TMouseButton; Shift: TShiftState; X,Y: Integer);

varP: TPoint;

beginif (ssCtrl in Shift) and (Button = mbLeft) thenbeginP := Chart.ChartPoint(X,Y); // Get chart point

Chart.CreateObject(P.X,P.Y,60,40,fcsRectangle); // Create object at

end; // specified point

end;

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ClearTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Deletes all items in a flow chart. procedure Clear; DescriptionUse Clear to remove all items managed by a flow chart and to empty the flow chart.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ClearSelectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Cancels selection of all selected items. procedure ClearSelection; DescriptionUse ClearSelection to remove selection of all items. When ClearSelection is called, the OnSelected event is generated for each of the selected items.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ConnectionCountTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns the total number of connections within a flow chart. property ConnectionCount : Integer; DescriptionUse ConnectionCount to determine the total number of connections within the flow chart structure. This value changes when creating and deleting connections. It is usually used with the Connections property to iterate through all presented connections. ReadOnly Property

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ConnectionsTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Represents an indexed array of all connections within a flow chart. property Connections[Index:Integer] : TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionUse Connections to access any connection in the flow chart structure. Use the ConnectionCount property to determine the value of a valid Index. ReadOnly Property

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TdxCustomFlowChart.CreateTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Creates a flow chart control. constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override; DescriptionCreates and initializes a flow chart. Flow chart controls placed onto forms at design time are created automatically.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.CreateConnectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Creates a new connection. function CreateConnection(OSrc,ODst:TdxFcObject; PSrc,PDst:Byte): TdxFcConnection ;

 DescriptionUse CreateConnection to create a new connection between specified objects. OSrc and ODst specify source and destination objects; PSrc and PDst specify linked points for these objects. All other properties must be set separately or via the OnCreateItem event handler. CreateConnection returns a newly created connection.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.CreateObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Creates a new object within a flow chart. typeTdxFcShapeType = (fcsNone, fcsRectangle, fcsEllipse, fcsRoundRect, fcsDiamond, fcsNorthTriangle, fcsSouthTriangle, fcsEastTriangle, fcsWestTriangle, fcsHexagon, fcsUser);

function CreateObject(L,T,W,H: Integer; AShape: TdxFcShapeType): TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse CreateObject in order to create a new object with specified bounds and shape type. Set the L and T parameters to specify left and top coordinates of the new object within a flow chart in pixels. The W and H parameters determine width and height of the new object. AShape specifies the shape of the created object. In order to determine any other properties, you should use OnCreateItem event. CreateObject returns a newly created object. Descendants override this method to get objects of a new class. They also have to override InternalCreateObject when overriding the CreateObject method. The following code creates a new object of ellipse shape at the left top corner of a flow chart: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);

varNewObject : TdxFcObject;

beginNewObject := dxFlowChart1.CreateObject(5, 5, 25, 25, fcsEllipse);

NewObject.Text := 'New Object Text';

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::Button1Click(TObject *Sender){

TdxFcObject * NewObject;

 NewObject = dxFlowChart1->CreateObject(5, 5, 25, 25, fcsEllipse);

NewObject->Text = "New Object Text";

};

 Note: The L, T, W, H parameters are specified in flow chart coordinates, not in real coordinates based on a zoom ratio.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DefaultDrawObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Draws a flow chart control on screen. procedure DefaultDrawObject(AObject: TdxFcObject; R: TRect); virtual; DescriptionThis is the default drawing procedure for a flow chart control. It is called, if the OnDrawObject event handler has not been defined. DefaultDrawObject calls PaintImage and PaintText methods to draw image and text elements of AObject. Descendants can override this method to draw a flow chart control in their own unique way. The R parameter determines the rectangle to draw a flow chart control.  For objects with a user-defined shape (ShapeType is equal to fcsUser) the client area is defined as a rectangle between the first and eighth linked points. Descendant controls, which implement such objects may need to override DefaultDrawObject to correct this area.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DeleteTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Generates an OnDeletion event. procedure Delete(Item: TdxFcItem); virtual; DescriptionThis method is called before actual destruction of an Item. If necessary, it cancels Item selection and generates an OnDeletion event handler. Be sure to call the inherited method from the overridden method to completely delete Item.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DeleteConnectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Removes a specified connection from a given flow chart control. procedure DeleteConnection(AConnection: TdxFcConnection );

 DescriptionUse DeleteConnection to delete a specific connection. Use the OnDeletion event to respond to deletion of a particular connection.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DeleteObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Removes a particular object from a flow chart. procedure DeleteObject(AObject: TdxFcObject);

 DescriptionUse DeleteObject to delete a separate object from the flow chart. This method is similar to the Free method of AObject. Use the OnDeletion event to respond to deletion of a particular object. The following code deletes a selected object: // Delphi

dxFlowChart1.DeleteObject(dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject);

 // C++ Builder

dxFlowChart1 ->DeleteObject(dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject);

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DeleteSelectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

DeleteSelection deletes all selected items. procedure DeleteSelection; DescriptionUse DeleteSelection to remove all selected items from a flow chart. Do not confuse it with ClearSelection: this method unselects items, but does not delete them.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.DestroyTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Destroys a flow chart control. destructor Destroy; override; DescriptionDestroys a flow chart. Before calling the inherited destructor, Destroy calls Clear to delete all flow chart items. Do not call Destroy directly; use Free instead. Manual deletion is required only for controls created at runtime via an explicit call of Create.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.EndUpdateTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

EndUpdate re-enables screen repainting turned off by the BeginUpdate method. procedure EndUpdate; DescriptionBeginUpdate and EndUpdate work together to prevent multiple refresh events of the flow chart window when adding or deleting several items. Use EndUpdate to enable screen updating after BeginUpdate has been called. Be sure to call EndUpdate after each call of the BeginUpdate method.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.GetConnectionAtTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns a connection found at specified coordinates. function GetConnectionAt(X,Y: Integer): TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionCall GetConnectionAt to access a connection at a position specified by the X and Y parameters. X and Y specify a position relative to the top left corner of a flow chart window. If there is no connection at the location specified by X and Y, GetConnectionAt returns nil. It returns a particular connection, if a specified point is on the connection line, or connection text, or arrow shape, or selection point of a curved line.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.GetHitTestAtTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns an item which contains a specified point. type

TdxFcHitTest = set of (htNowhere, htByObject, htOnObject, htOnConnection, htOnConLabel, htOnArrowSrc, htOnArrowDst, htOnSelPoint);

function GetHitTestAt(X,Y: Integer): TdxFcHitTest; DescriptionUse GetHitTestAt to determine what portion of a flow chart item, if any, is found under the point specified by X and Y parameters. X and Y specify coordinates relative to the top left corner of the flow chart window. Possible return values include: 

 To determine which flow chart item is found at a specified position, use GetObjectAt and GetConnectionAt. TdxFcObject GetSelPoint and TdxFcConnection GetNearestPoint methods determine the selection point found.

Value Meaning

 

htNowhere No flow chart item is found.

htByObject The point is inside the object rectangle.

htOnObject The point is inside the object shape. If this flag is set, htByObject is also set.

htOnConnection The point is on the connection line.

htOnConLabel The point is on the connection text.

htOnArrowSrc The point is on the source arrow shape of the connection.

htOnArrowDst The point is on the destination arrow shape of the connection.

htOnSelPoint The point is on the selection point of a single selected object or connection.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.GetObjectAtTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns an object at specified coordinates. function GetObjectAt(X,Y: Integer): TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse GetObjectAt to determine a flow chart object under specified coordinates. X and Y determine the coordinates relative to the top left corner of a flow chart window. GetObjectAt returns a particular object, if a specified point belongs to the object rectangle; i.e. the point either belongs to an object shape or is located within an object. If no object is found, GetObjectAt returns nil.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.ImagesTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Determines which image list is associated with a flow chart control. property Images : TImageList; DescriptionUse Images to provide a customized list of bitmaps that can be displayed within any flow chart object. The image that is displayed on an individual object is determined by the ImageIndex property of the object.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.InternalCreateConnectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

InternalCreateConnection creates a new "abstract" connection. function InternalCreateConnection: TdxFcConnection ; virtual; DescriptionCreates a new connection and calls the OnCreateItem event handler if defined. Descendants override this method to create connection of a new class, derived from TdxFcConnection. Do not call this method directly; instead use CreateConnection.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.InternalCreateObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Creates a new object. function InternalCreateObject: TdxFcObject; virtual; DescriptionInternalCreateObject creates an "abstract" TdxFcObject instance and generates the OnCreateItem event. Descendants can override this method to create objects of a new class, derived from TdxFcObject. Do not call this method directly; instead use CreateObject.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.KeyDownTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Processes keyboard events. typeTShiftState = set of (ssShift, ssAlt, ssCtrl, ssLeft, ssRight, ssMiddle, ssDouble);

procedure KeyDown(var Key: Word; Shift: TShiftState); override; DescriptionAfter calling the inherited method, KeyDown processes the keys listed below: Key Function

 

Ctrl-Left Scrolls one screen to the left.

Ctrl-Right Scrolls one screen to the right.

Home Scrolls to the left margin.

End Scrolls to the right margin.

PgUp Scrolls one screen up.

PgDn Scrolls one screen down.

Ctrl-PgUp Scrolls to the topmost margin.

Ctrl-PgDn Scrolls to the bottom margin.

Ctrl-Home Scrolls to the topmost left corner.

Ctrl-End Scrolls to the to bottom right corner.

Arrow keys Selects the next object in the arrow direction. It should be single-selected and the fcoCanSelect option should be turned on.

Shift + arrows Resizes a single-selected object, if the fcoCanDrag option is turned on.

Alt + arrows Moves selected object(s), if the fcoCanDrag option is turned on.

Del Deletes selected item(s), if the fcoCanDelete option is turned on.

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TdxCustomFlowChart.LeftEdgeTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Determines the left position of a flow chart’s window in coordinates of the flow chart control.  property LeftEdge : Integer; DescriptionUse LeftEdge to horizontally scroll a window and to determine the distance a flow chart control is scrolled to the left. You can set any integer value, but the value must be within the current scroll range. When creating a flow chart control, scroll range is 0. After creating and moving items, the left margin may produce a negative value. This value also changes when using the Zoom property. It is best to calculate a new LeftEdge value relative to its current value. To scroll the window towards an absolute left or right margin, use the TO_HOME and TO_END constants. // Delphi

case Key ofVK_LEFT: LeftEdge := LeftEdge – ClientWidth; // Scroll one screen left VK_RIGHT: LeftEdge := LeftEdge + ClientWidth; // Scroll one screen right

VK_HOME: LeftEdge := TO_HOME; // Scroll to left margin

VK_END: LeftEdge := TO_END; // Scroll to right margin

end; // C++ Builder

switch(Key){

case VK_LEFT: dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge = dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge – ClientWidth; break; // Scroll one screen left

case VK_RIGHT: dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge = dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge + ClientWidth; break; // Scroll one screen right

case VK_HOME: dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge = TO_HOME; break; // Scroll to left margin

case VK_END: dxFlowChart1->LeftEdge = TO_END; break; // Scroll to right margin };

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TdxCustomFlowChart.LoadFromFileTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Retrieves flow chart objects from a file specified by FileName. procedure LoadFromFile(const FileName: String); DescriptionUse LoadFromFile to retrieve flow chart items from a file and load it into the flow chart. FileName entirely defines the name of a file. Neither extensions nor path is added to the FileName parameter. // Delphi

procedure TForm1.SpeedButton1Click(Sender : TObject);

begindxFlowChart1.LoadFromFile( ‘Figure.dat’); end;  // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

dxFlowChart1 ->LoadFromFile("Figure.dat");

};

Page 51

TdxCustomFlowChart.LoadFromStreamTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

LoadFromStream loads data from a stream into the flow chart. procedure LoadFromStream(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionUse LoadFromStream to read flow chart items from a specified stream. Use this method to retrieve data from file and load it into the flow chart.

Page 52

TdxCustomFlowChart.ObjectCountTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Represents the total number of objects in a flow chart. property ObjectCount : Integer; DescriptionUse ObjectCount to determine the number of objects in a flow chart structure. ObjectCount changes when creating and deleting objects. It is usually used with the Objects property to iterate through all presented objects. ReadOnly Property

Page 53

TdxCustomFlowChart.ObjectsTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Represents an array of all objects in a flow chart. property Objects[Index:Integer] : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse Objects to access any object within a flow chart structure. The first element in the array has index 0. Use the ObjectsCount property to determine the total number of objects within the flow chart. ReadOnly Property

Page 54

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnChangeTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when changing items within a flow chart. type

TdxFcEvent = Procedure( Sender: TdxCustomFlowChart ; Item: TdxFcItem) of object;property OnChange: TdxFcEvent DescriptionWrite an OnChange event handler to perform actions when changing one of the flow chart items. The Item parameter determines the changed item. Note: OnChange is not generated when the Selected property changes. Use OnSelection and OnSelected events to monitor selection state.

Page 55

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnCreateItemTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when creating a new item. typeTdxFcEvent = Procedure(Sender:TdxCustomFlowChart ; Item:TdxFcItem) of object;

property OnCreateItem: TdxFcEvent; DescriptionWrite an OnCreateItem event handler to set predefined properties of a newly created object or connection. For instance:  procedure TForm1.ChartCreateItem(Sender:TdxCustomFlowChart; Item:TdxFcItem);

beginif Item is TdxFcObject thenwith TdxFcObject(Item) dobeginShapeColor := clRed;

BkColor := clYellow;

HorzImagePos := fchpLeft;

endelsewith TdxFcConnection(Item) dobeginArrowSource.Width := 6;

ArrowSource.Height := 6;

ArrowSource.ArrowType := fcaEllipse;

ArrowDest.Width := 10;

ArrowDest.Height := 3;

ArrowDest.ArrowType := fcaArrow;

Color := clBlue;

end;

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::dxFlowChart1CreateItem(TdxCustomFlowChart *Sender, TdxFcItem *Item){

AnsiString type_name = Item->ClassName();  if( type_name == "TdxFcObject" ){

((TdxFcObject *)Item)->ShapeColor = clRed; ((TdxFcObject *)Item)->BkColor = clYellow; ((TdxFcObject *)Item)->HorzImagePos = fchpLeft; }

else{

((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowSource ->Width = 6; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowSource ->Height = 6; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowSource ->ArrowType = fcaEllipse; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowDest->Width = 10; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowDest->Height = 3; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->ArrowDest->ArrowType = fcaArrow; ((TdxFcConnection *)Item)->Color = clBlue; };

Page 56

};

Page 57

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnDeletionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when an item is about to be deleted. typeTdxFcEvent = Procedure(Sender: TdxCustomFlowChart ; Item: TdxFcItem) of object;

property OnDeletion: TdxFcEvent; DescriptionWrite an OnDeletion event handler to respond when an item is deleted from a flow chart control. It is called before actual deletion.

Page 58

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnDrawObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when drawing an object within the flow chart. typeTdxFcDrawEvent = Procedure(Sender: TdxCustomFlowChart ; AObject: TdxFcObject; R:TRect) of object;

property OnDrawObject: TdxFcDrawEvent; DescriptionThe OnDrawObject event allows an application to draw a particular object in its own unique way. If the OnDrawObject event handler has been assigned, it is called after drawing object shape. Otherwise, the DefaultDrawObject method is called. The OnDrawObject event handler has to completely draw AObject. The R parameter determines the rectangle for drawing. You may use TdxFcObject PaintImage and PaintText methods to draw AObject within the OnDrawObject event handler.

Page 59

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnSelectedTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when item selection has just changed. typeTdxFcEvent = Procedure(Sender: TdxCustomFlowChart ; Item: TdxFcItem) of object;

property OnSelected: TdxFcEvent; DescriptionUse the OnSelected event handler to perform actions when changing the state of a selected item. It can examine the Selected property to determine whether the Item parameter has been selected or unselected. The Item parameter determines an item within a flow chart control.

Page 60

TdxCustomFlowChart.OnSelectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Occurs when Item is about to be selected. typeTdxFcAllowEvent = Procedure(Sender:TdxCustomFlowChart ; Item:TdxFcItem; var Allow:Boolean) of object;

property OnSelection: TdxFcAllowEvent; DescriptionWrite an OnSelection event handler to determine whether a specified item can be selected. The Allow parameter contains the value of the fcoCanSelect option. The OnSelection event handler can set Allow to True/False to enable/disable Item selection. Note: Unlike OnSelected, OnSelection is not generated when an item loses selection.

Page 61

TdxCustomFlowChart.OptionsTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Specifies different working modes for a flow chart control. typeTdxFcOptions = set of (fcoCanDelete, fcoCanDrag, fcoCanSelect, fcoMultiSelect, fcoHideSelection, fcoDelOnClick);

property Options : TdxFcOptions; DescriptionUse Options to specify flow chart characteristics available to users. Possible values include: 

 By default, all options are active.

Value Meaning

 

fcoCanDelete Selected item(s) can be deleted using the Del key.

fcoCanDrag Users can move and resize objects, or change connections via the mouse or keyboard.

fcoCanSelect Determines whether objects in the flow chart can be selected. If fcoCanselect is turned off, selection of a separate item can be enabled via the OnSelection event handler.

fcoMultiSelect Enables selection of several objects. To select several objects within the flow chart, click them while holding the Shift key.

fcoHideSelection Selection is not displayed if the flow chart control does not have input focus.

fcoDelOnClick A mouse click on a point of a selected connection deletes it from the chart.

Page 62

TdxCustomFlowChart.RealZoomTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns a real scaling factor for a flow chart control. property RealZoom : Word; DescriptionWhen the Zoom property does not equal 0, RealZoom is the same as the Zoom value. When it is 0, RealZoom contains a real calculated scaling factor. Use this property to determine the scaling factor in fit mode. ReadOnly Property

Page 63

TdxCustomFlowChart.SaveToFileTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Saves the flow chart to a file specified by FileName. procedure SaveToFile(const FileName: String); DescriptionUse SaveToFile to store flow chart data to a file. Items can be later reloaded from a file into a new flow chart object via the LoadFromFile method. The FileName parameter entirely defines the file name; neither extensions nor additional path is added to FileName. // Delphi

procedure TForm1.SpeedButton2Click(Sender : TObject);

begindxFlowChart1.SaveToFile( ‘Figure.dat’); end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton2Click(TObject *Sender)

{

dxFlowChart1 ->SaveToFile("Figure.dat");

};

Page 64

TdxCustomFlowChart.SaveToStreamTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Writes flow chart data to a stream passed as the Stream parameter. procedure SaveToStream(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionUse the SaveToStream method to stream out flow chart data. It can be streamed back into another flow chart object via the LoadFromStream method. SaveToStream is also used in DefineProperties to store data in a form file.

Page 65

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelCountTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Returns the total number of selected items. function SelCount: Integer; DescriptionUse SelCount to determine the state of a current selection. If the return value is 0, there are no selected items; if it is 1, there is one single-selected item; if it is more than 1, the flow chart is in multi-select state.

Page 66

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Generates an OnSelected event. procedure Select(Item: TdxFcItem); virtual; DescriptionThis method is called when changing the selection within a flow chart control. TdxCustomFlowChart descendants can override this method to provide additional actions when changing item selection. When overriding be sure to call the inherited Select to generate the OnSelected event.

Page 67

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectAllTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Selects all items in a flow chart. procedure SelectAll; DescriptionUse SelectAll to select all flow chart items. When SelectAll is called, OnSelection and OnSelected events are generated for each unselected item.

Page 68

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnectionTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

SelectedConnection points to the current single-selected connection. property SelectedConnection : TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionIf the flow chart has a single-selected connection, SelectedConnection points to it. Else, it returns nil. Setting a new value for this property selects a specified connection and cancels the previous selection. Setting SelectedConnection to nil will cancel any previously selected connection.

Page 69

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnectionCountTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Determines the total number of selected connections within a flow chart control. property SelectedConnectionCount : Integer; DescriptionUse SelectedConnectionCount to determine the number of selected connections in a flow chart structure. Usually used with the SelectedConnections property to iterate through selected connections. ReadOnly Property

Page 70

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedConnectionsTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Defines an array of selected connections in a flow chart control. property SelectedConnections[Index:Integer] : TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionUse SelectedConnections to access any selected connection in a flow chart structure. The index of the first connection in the array is 0. Use the SelectedConnectionsCount property to determine the total number of selected connections. ReadOnly Property

Page 71

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedObjectTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

SelectedObject points to the currently selected object. property SelectedObject : TdxFcObject; DescriptionIf a flow chart has a single-selected object, SelectedObject points to it; Else, it returns nil. Specifying a new value to this property selects a specified object and cancels all previous selections. Setting a nil value cancels selection of a single-selected object or performs no action in all other cases. The following example changes the shape width of a selected object: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.SpeedButton2Click(Sender: TObject);

beginif dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject <> nil thenbegindxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.ShapeWidth := 10;

dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.ShapeType := fcsDiamond;

dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.ShapeColor := clAqua;

end;

end;  // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

if(dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject != NULL){

dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->ShapeWidth = 10;

dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->ShapeType = fcsDiamond;

dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->ShapeColor = clAqua;

};

};

Page 72

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedObjectCountTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Represents the number of selected objects within the flow chart. property SelectedObjectCount : Integer; DescriptionUse SelectedObjectCount to determine the number of selected objects in a flow chart structure. Usually used with the SelectedObjects property to iterate all selected objects. ReadOnly Property

Page 73

TdxCustomFlowChart.SelectedObjectsTdxCustomFlowChart See Also Example

Represents an indexed array of selected objects in a flow chart. property SelectedObjects[Index:Integer] : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse SelectedObjects to access any selected object in a flow chart structure. To determine the value of a valid Index, use SelectedObjectCount. ReadOnly Property

Page 74

TdxCustomFlowChart.SetLeftTopTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Sets LeftEdge and TopEdge properties. procedure SetLeftTop( ALeft, ATop: Integer); DescriptionUse SetLeftTop to scroll a window both in horizontal and vertical directions at a time. It produces the same effect as separate setting of LeftEdge and TopEdge, but works quicker and provides more accurate scrolling. Use TO_HOME and TO_END constants to scroll to margin positions. // Delphi

case Key ofVK_HOME: SetLeftTop(TO_HOME,TO_HOME); // Scroll to top left corner

VK_END: SetLeftTop(TO_END,TO_END); // Scroll to bottom right corner

. . .

end; // C++ Builder

switch(Key){

case VK_HOME: dxFlowChart1->SetLeftTop(TO_HOME,TO_HOME); break; // Scroll to top left corner

case VK_END: dxFlowChart1->SetLeftTop(TO_END,TO_END); break; // Scroll to bottom right corner. . .

};

Page 75

TdxCustomFlowChart.TopEdgeTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Represents the topmost position of a window in chart coordinates. property TopEdge : Integer; DescriptionUse TopEdge to vertically scroll a flow chart’s window. You can set any integer value, but this value must be within the current scroll range. When creating a flow chart control, the scroll range is 0. After creating and moving items, the top margin may produce a negative value. This value also changes when using the Zoom property. It is best to calculate a new TopEdge value relative to its current value. To scroll the window towards an absolute top or bottom, use the TO_HOME and TO_END constants. // Delphi

case Key ofVK_UP: TopEdge := TopEdge - ClientHeight; // Scroll one screen up VK_DOWN: TopEdge := TopEdge + ClientHeight; // Scroll one screen down

VK_PRIOR: TopEdge := TO_HOME; // Scroll to top margin

VK_NEXT: TopEdge := TO_END; // Scroll to bottom margin

. . .end; // C++ Builder

switch(Key){

case VK_UP: dxFlowChart1->TopEdge = dxFlowChart1->TopEdge - ClientHeight; break; // Scroll one screen up

case VK_DOWN: dxFlowChart1->TopEdge = dxFlowChart1->TopEdge + ClientHeight; break; // Scroll one screen down

case VK_PRIOR: dxFlowChart1->TopEdge = TO_HOME; break; // Scroll to top margin

case VK_NEXT: dxFlowChart1->TopEdge = TO_END; break; // Scroll to bottom margin. . .

};

Page 76

TdxCustomFlowChart.ZoomTdxCustomFlowChart See Also

Specifies the scaling factor for item display. property Zoom : Word; DescriptionSet Zoom to shrink or expand images in a flow chart’s window. This value must be set in percentages. The default value is 100; All point coordinates and linear sizes are displayed as they are set by the application. If Zoom is not 100, these values are recalculated respectively to a new scaling factor. If the window is resized, the scaling factor is recalculated. Setting Zoom to 0 forces the flow chart into "fit" mode. In this mode, the scaling factor is calculated automatically to place the entire flow chart to fit window size. Use the RealZoom property to obtain the real scaling factor in "fit" mode.

Page 77

TdxFcConnectionArrow.ArrowTypeTdxFcConnectionArrow Example

Specifies the edge type of a connection. typeTdxFcaType = (fcaNone, fcaArrow, fcaEllipse, fcaRectangle);

property ArrowType : TdxFcaType; DescriptionUse ArrowType to specify how the connection edge should be displayed.There are four possible values: Value Meaning

 

fcaNone Nothing is drawn (default).

fcaArrow Real arrow.

fcaEllipse Ellipse or circle.

fcaRectangle Rectangle or square.

Page 78

TdxFcConnectionArrow.ColorTdxFcConnectionArrow See Also

Determines the background color for ellipse and rectangular arrow shapes. property Color : TColor; DescriptionUse Color to specify the fill color for ellipses and rectangles. This property is meaningless for a TdxFcConnectionArrow object of fcaArrow or fcaNone style. The color for drawing fcaArrow-styled edges and other shapes is always defined by the Owner Color property. The foreground color of the connection arrow is the same as color of the connection.

Page 79

TdxFcConnectionArrow.CreateTdxFcConnectionArrow

Creates an instance of type TdxFcConnectionArrow. constructor Create(AOwner: TdxFcConnection ); DescriptionThe Create method creates and initializes the TdxFcConnectionArrow object. It is called within the TdxFcConnection Create method. Do not call it directly.

Page 80

TdxFcConnectionArrow.DestroyTdxFcConnectionArrow See Also

Destroys an instance of type TdxFcConnectionArrow. destructor Destroy; override; DescriptionDestroys the TdxFcConnectionArrow object and releases any memory it allocates. The TdxFcConnectionArrow Destroy method is called within TdxFcConnection Destroy. Do not call it directly.

Page 81

TdxFcConnectionArrow.HeightTdxFcConnectionArrow See Also

Determines the height of a TdxFcConnectionArrow object. property Height : Byte; DescriptionUse Height to specify height in screen pixels. This value should be set for the natural size of a chart (TdxFlowChart Zoom property is equal to 100). For ellipses and rectangular edges, the Height property is the real height; for arrow edges, it is the height of the horizontal arrow.

Page 82

TdxFcConnectionArrow.OwnerTdxFcConnectionArrow See Also

Specifies the connection-owner of a TdxFcConnectionArrow object. property Owner : TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionUse Owner to determine the TdxFcConnection object to which a given TdxFcConnectionArrow belongs. ReadOnly Property

Page 83

TdxFcConnectionArrow.WidthTdxFcConnectionArrow See Also

Determines the width of a TdxFcConnectionArrow object. property Width : Byte; DescriptionUse this property to specify TdxFcConnectionArrow width in screen pixels. This value must be set for the natural size of a flow chart (TdxFlowChart Zoom property is 100). For ellipse- and rectangle-styled edges, Width is the real width; for arrow-styled edges, it is the width of the horizontal arrow (i.e. the length of its middle line).

Page 84

TdxFcConnection.AddPointTdxFcConnection See Also

Adds a new point to a connection. procedure AddPoint(Pt: TPoint); DescriptionCreates a new intermediate point and adds it to the end of the intermediate points array, specified by the TdxFcConnection Points property. Use AddPoint to add a new point to the end of the Points list. Use InsertPoint to add a new point to a specified position.

Page 85

TdxFcConnection.ArrowDestTdxFcConnection See Also Example

Specifies the destination arrow of a connection. property ArrowDest : TdxFcConnectionArrow ;

 DescriptionUse ArrowDest to specify a particular style of the destination arrow of a connection. The destination arrow style is described by a TdxFcConnectionArrow object. This object is created upon the creation of a connection and cannot be nil.

Page 86

TdxFcConnection.ArrowSourceTdxFcConnection See Also Example

Specifies the style of the source arrow. property ArrowSource : TdxFcConnectionArrow ;

 DescriptionUse ArrowSource to specify a particular style for the source arrow of a connection. The source arrow is described by a TdxFcConnectionArrow object. This object is created upon the creation of a connection and cannot be nil.

Page 87

TdxFcConnection.ColorTdxFcConnection See Also Example

Determines the color of a connection. property Color : TColor; DescriptionUse the Color property to specify the color of a connection. This color is also used for drawing arrows and arrow shapes. Choose Color from the toolbar palette of the flow chart editor or use connection customizing form to change it.

Page 88

TdxFcConnection.CreateTdxFcConnection See Also

Creates an instance of type TdxFcConnection. constructor Create(AOwner: TdxCustomFlowChart ); DescriptionCreates and initializes TdxFcConnection properties. A direct call of Create may be required only within the overridden InternalCreateConnection method of a TdxCustomFlowChart descendants. Generally, your application should use the CreateConnection method to create a connection.

Page 89

TdxFcConnection.DestroyTdxFcConnection

Destroys an instance of type TdxFcConnection and releases any memory it allocates. destructor Destroy; override; DescriptionThe Destroy method first removes the connection from all flow chart and object lists, then calls inherited Destroy. Do not call Destroy directly; instead use Free.

Page 90

TdxFcConnection.GetNearestPointTdxFcConnection See Also

Returns index of the nearest intermediate point to a specified point. function GetNearestPoint(X,Y: Integer): Integer; DescriptionUse GetNearestPoint to determine which point of a connection is the nearest to a given point. X and Y are the flow chart client area coordinates. GetNearestPoint returns the index of the intermediate point in the Points array. GetNearestPoint returns -1, if the nearest point is a point on a source object; GetNearestPoint returns PointCount, if the nearest point is on a destination object.

Page 91

TdxFcConnection.InsertPointTdxFcConnection See Also

Inserts a new intermediate point to the connection points list. procedure InsertPoint(Index: Integer; Pt: TPoint); DescriptionThe InsertPoint method creates a new intermediate point and inserts it in the Points array of TdxFcConnection. The Index parameter determines the index of a new point in the Points array. The Index value should be in a range from 0 to PointCount. If Index is equal to PointCount, InsertPoint is equivalent to AddPoint.

Page 92

TdxFcConnection.LoadTdxFcConnection See Also

Reads TdxFcConnection properties from the stream. procedure Load(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionTdxFcConnection descendants can override Load to read additional properties. The overridden Load must first call the inherited Load and then read additional data. The Load method is called automatically within the TdxCustomFlowChart LoadFromStream method. Do not call Load directly.

Page 93

TdxFcConnection.ObjectDestTdxFcConnection See Also

Specifies a destination object for a connection. property ObjectDest : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse ObjectDest to determine a destination object to which a given connection is linked. A destination object is an object within a flow chart to which a connection is linked by one of its edges. If connection has a specified destination object, then it is automatically resized when destination object moves. The connection can link to a destination object at one of the 16 predefined link points. If ObjectDest is nil, connection has no destination object. Use the SetObjectDest method to change the value of this property.  ReadOnly Property

Page 94

TdxFcConnection.ObjectSourceTdxFcConnection See Also

Specifies a source object for a connection. property ObjectSource : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse ObjectSource to determine a source object to which a given connection is linked. The source object is an object within a flow chart to which a given connection is linked by one of its edges. If connection is linked to an object, then its size is automatically changed when this object moves. If ObjectSource is nil, the connection has no source object. Use the SetObjectSource to change the ObjectSource value. ReadOnly Property

Page 95

TdxFcConnection.PenStyleTdxFcConnection See Also

Specifies the pen style for connection drawing. typeTPenStyle = (psSolid, psDash, psDot, psDashDot, psDashDotDot, psClear, psInsideFrame);

property PenStyle : TPenStyle; DescriptionUse PenStyle to specify how a connection is drawn. It can include a solid line, a dashed line, a dotted line or any other standard TPen style: 

 Note: Only the psInsideFrame style will produce a dithered color to match the Color property that is not in the color table. All others choose the closest color from the Windows color table. Dotted or dashed pen styles are not available when the PenWidth property is not equal to 1.

Value Meaning

 

psSolid A solid line.

psDash A line made up of a series of dashes.

psDot A line made up of a series of dots.

psDashDot A line made up of alternating dashes and dots.

psDashDotDot A line made up of a serious of dash-dot-dot combinations.

psClear No line is drawn (used to omit the line around shapes that draw an outline using the current pen).

psInsideFrame A solid line, but one that may use a dithered color if Width is greater than 1.

Page 96

TdxFcConnection.PenWidthTdxFcConnection See Also

Specifies the width (in pixels) of the pen used to draw a connection. property PenWidth: Integer; DescriptionUse PenWidth to specify the width (in pixels) of the pen used to draw a connection. Use the PenStyle property to specify how a connection is drawn.

Page 97

TdxFcConnection.PointCountTdxFcConnection See Also

Determines the total number of a connection’s intermediate points.  property PointCount : Integer; DescriptionUse PointCount to determine the number of points a connection includes (source and destination points are excluded). If a connection has two linked objects and PointCount is equal to 0, it is a straight line; if PointCount is greater than 0, it is a polyline. If a connection has only one linked object, it must have at least one point; if it has no linked objects, it must have at least two points. The PointCount property changes when adding and removing points to/from the connection. ReadOnly Property

Page 98

TdxFcConnection.PointDestTdxFcConnection See Also

Determines a linked point of the destination object to which a connection is linked. property PointDest : Byte; DescriptionReturns a value from 0 to 15 that determines at which point of ObjectDest a given connection is linked. The TdxFcObject linked points are enumerated in the following order:

If the connection has no destination object, the PointDest value is meaningless. Use the SetObjectDest method to change PointDest.  ReadOnly Property

Page 99

TdxFcConnection.PointsTdxFcConnection See Also

Represents an indexed array of a connection's intermediate points. property Points[Index:Integer] : TPoint; DescriptionUse Points to read coordinates of a connection's intermediate points or set its new coordinates. Points are enumerated sequentially from source to destination. Points of linked objects are not included in this list: they belong to objects, but not to the connection. The total number of intermediate points is described by the PointCount property. Unlike RealPoints, the Points property specifies coordinates within a flow chart, that is, these coordinates are not changed when a user changes the zoom ratio.

Page 100

TdxFcConnection.PointSourceTdxFcConnection See Also

Determines a linked point of the source object to which a connection is linked. property PointSource : Byte; DescriptionPointSource contains values from 0 to 15 that determines at which point of ObjectSource a given connection is linked. TdxFcObject’s linked points are enumerated in the following order:

If the connection has no source object, the PointSource value is meaningless. Use the SetObjectSource method to change PointSource. ReadOnly Property

Page 101

TdxFcConnection.RealPointsTdxFcConnection See Also

Represents an indexed array of a connection's intermediate points in a zoomed flow chart. property RealPoints[Index:Integer] : TPoint; DescriptionTdxFcConnection descendants can use the RealPoints property to read the real coordinates of intermediate points based on zoom ratio. The total number of the RealPoints array is described by the PointCount property. Unlike Points, the RealPoints property specifies coordinates of intermediate points according to the zoom ratio. ReadOnly Property

Page 102

TdxFcConnection.RemovePointTdxFcConnection See Also

Removes a point from the connection points. procedure RemovePoint(Index: Integer); DescriptionUse RemovePoint to remove a particular intermediate point from the Points list. The Index parameter specifies the index of the removed point.

Page 103

TdxFcConnection.SaveTdxFcConnection See Also

Writes connection properties to a specified stream. procedure Save(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionTdxFcConnection descendants can override Save to write additional properties to Stream. When overriding, first call the inherited method and then write additional data. Do not call Save directly; It is called automatically from the TdxCustomFlowChart SaveToStream method.

Page 104

TdxFcConnection.SetObjectDestTdxFcConnection See Also

Sets a destination object for a connection. procedure SetObjectDest(AObject: TdxFcObject; APoint: Byte);

 DescriptionUse SetObjectDest to set ObjectDest and PointDest properties for a given connection. The connection is linked to AObject, as the destination object via a linked point specified by APoint. APoint should be from 0 to 15. If AObject is nil, the connection has no destination object and the APoint value is ignored.

Page 105

TdxFcConnection.SetObjectSourceTdxFcConnection See Also

Sets a source object for a connection. procedure SetObjectSource(AObject: TdxFcObject; APoint: Byte);

 DescriptionUse SetObjectSource to set ObjectSource and PointSource properties for a given connection. The SetObjectSource method sets AObject as the source object of a connection, via a linked point specified by APoint. APoint should be from 0 to 15. If AObject is nil, the connection has no source object and the APoint value is ignored.

Page 106

TdxFcConnection.StyleTdxFcConnection See Also Example

Determines the drawing style of a connection. typeTdxFclStyle = (fclStraight, fclCurved, fclRectH, fclRectV);

property Style : TdxFclStyle; DescriptionUse Style to specify how a connection appears on screen. The following values are available: 

 Horizontal and vertical rectangular polylines differ only in drawing order. For fclRectH any two points are linked first by a horizontal and then by a vertical line; for fclRectV they are linked vice versa: 

Value Meaning

 

fclStraight Standard polyline.

fclCurved Smooth curve (parabolic line).

fclRectH Horizontal rectangle polyline.

fclRectV Vertical rectangle polyline.

fclRectH fclRectV

 

Page 107

TdxFcConnection.TransparentTdxFcConnection See Also

Specifies the overlapping order of a connection and objects. property Transparent : Boolean; DescriptionTransparent is meaningful only when a connection intersects object shape. If Transparent is True, an object overlaps the connection; if False, the connection is drawn over an object.

Page 108

TdxFcItem.CreateTdxFcItem See Also

Creates an instance of type TdxFcItem. constructor Create(AOwner: TdxCustomFlowChart ); DescriptionCreates and initializes an object of type TdxFcitem. Do not call it directly. Instead, use CreateObject and CreateConnection methods of the TdxCustomFlowChart object.

Page 109

TdxFcItem.DestroyTdxFcItem See Also

Destroys an instance of the TdxFcItem object. destructor Destroy; override; DescriptionDestroys an object of type TdxFcItem and releases any memory it allocates.

Page 110

TdxFcItem.DestroyingTdxFcItem See Also

Determines whether an item is about to be destroyed. property Destroying : Boolean; DescriptionUse Destroying to determine if an item is in the process of being destroyed. This property is set to True before calling the Destroy method of an item. ReadOnly Property

Page 111

TdxFcItem.FontTdxFcItem See Also

Specifies characteristics of the font used for the drawing of item text. property Font : TFont; DescriptionUse to specify the font for drawing item text. By default, Font is the same as that of a control's owner. You can specify another font either by changing separate properties of the Font object or by assigning a new TFont object to the Font property. In the design-time editor, a new font can be set via the pop-up menu. Note: When the Zoom property of the flow chart changes, the font size of an item is scaled respectively to the new zoom ratio. This scaling works best if an item uses a true-type font.

Page 112

TdxFcItem.FontChangedTdxFcItem

Provides an interface called when changing the Font property of an item. procedure FontChanged; virtual; DescriptionThis method is called when changing the Font property of an item. Descendants override it to correctly respond to font changes.

Page 113

TdxFcItem.InvalidateTdxFcItem

Points Windows to repaint an item on screen. procedure Invalidate; virtual; abstract; DescriptionTdxFcItem introduces an abstract Invalidate method. It is used internally if necessary to repaint an item. Descendants override this method to redraw an item.

Page 114

TdxFcItem.OwnerTdxFcItem

Specifies the TdxCustomFlowChart object that contains a given item. property Owner : TdxCustomFlowChart ; DescriptionUse Owner to determine the TdxCustomFlowChart component that owns a given item. ReadOnly Property

Page 115

TdxFcItem.ParentFontTdxFcItem See Also

ParentFont determines where an item obtains its font information. property ParentFont : Boolean; DescriptionSet ParentFont to True to force an item to use the same font as its Owner. If ParentFont is False, the item uses its own Font property. When changing any Font, the sub-property automatically sets ParentFont to False.

Page 116

TdxFcItem.RealFontTdxFcItem See Also

Determines the real font used for drawing an object within the flow chart window. property RealFont : TFont; DescriptionThis property is used internally. It specifies the font used for drawing an object within the flow chart window. RealFont is the same as the font defined by the Font property, but the size of RealFont changes according to the zoom ratio of the flow chart window.

Page 117

TdxFcItem.SelectedTdxFcItem See Also

Determines whether an item is selected. property Selected : Boolean; DescriptionSet Selected to True to select an item or to False to cancel selection. The selected item can be moved, resized or deleted by the mouse or keys, if its parent flow chart has appropriate options set. Selection of one item can cancel selection of other items if the TdxFcFlowChart fsoMultiSelect option is turned off. When an item is selected, TdxFcFlowChart OnSelection and OnSelected events are generated.

Page 118

TdxFcItem.SelListTdxFcItem See Also

Provides an interface, which returns a list of selected items. function SelList: TList; virtual; abstract; DescriptionTdxFcItem introduces an abstract SelList method. SelList is used internally to retrieve a list of objects, selected in the flow chart. It returns selected objects of the same type as contained in a given item. For instance, the TdxFcObject SelList method returns a list of selected objects; the TdxFcConnection SelList returns a list of selected connections.

Page 119

TdxFcItem.SetTextTdxFcItem

Provides an interface which sets the text property of an item. procedure SetText(Value: String); virtual; abstract; DescriptionTdxFcItem introduces an abstract SetText method. The purpose of SetText is to set the Text property of items in the flow chart. This method is used internally. Descendants override it to set their Text property.

Page 120

TdxFcItem.TextTdxFcItem See Also Example

Represents a text string associated with an item. property Text : String; DescriptionUse Text to specify a string, which identifies a given item to a user. The Text property can either be a single-line or multi-line string. For objects, a text string is displayed within the object's client area and wraps within its margins. For connections, text is placed relative to the center of the connection line and does not automatically wrap.

Page 121

TdxFcObject.AddToUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Adds AObject to the object union. procedure AddToUnion(AObject: TdxFcObject);

 DescriptionUse the AddToUnion method to make AObject the child of a calling object, i.e. to include AObject in the object union. AObject is not added if it is already in a union.

Page 122

TdxFcObject.BkColorTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the background style of TdxFcObject. property BkColor : TColor; DescriptionUse BkColor to specify the interior fill color of an object shape. In the design-time editor, BkColor can be set by setting the background color in the flow chart editor or via the object customizing form. Note: BkColor is ignored if the Transparent property is True, or if TdxFcObject has no border, (the ShapeType property is fcsNone).

Page 123

TdxFcObject.BorderStyleTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies the border style for TdxFcObject. property BorderStyle : Word; DescriptionDetermines how an object draws its 3D border. The BorderStyle value is a combination of bit flags listed below.  

Value Meaning

 

BF_ADJUST Rectangle adjusted to leave space for client area. 

BF_BOTTOM Bottom of border rectangle. 

BF_BOTTOMLEFT Bottom and left side of border rectangle. 

BF_BOTTOMRIGHT Bottom and right side of border rectangle. 

BF_DIAGONAL Diagonal border. 

BF_DIAGONAL_ENDBOTTOMLEFT Diagonal border. The end point is the bottom-left corner of the rectangle; the start point is the top-right corner. 

BF_DIAGONAL_ENDBOTTOMRIGHT Diagonal border. The end point is the bottom-right corner of the rectangle; the start point is the top-left corner. 

BF_DIAGONAL_ENDTOPLEFT Diagonal border. The end point is the top-left corner of the rectangle; the start point is the bottom-right corner. 

BF_DIAGONAL_ENDTOPRIGHT Diagonal border. The end point is the top-right corner of the rectangle; the start point is the bottom-left corner. 

BF_FLAT Flat border. 

BF_LEFT Left side of border rectangle. 

BF_MIDDLE Interior of rectangle to be filled. 

BF_MONO One-dimensional border.  

BF_RECT Entire border rectangle. 

BF_RIGHT Right side of border rectangle. 

BF_SOFT Soft buttons instead of tiles. 

BF_TOP Top of border rectangle. 

BF_TOPLEFT Top and left side of border rectangle. 

BF_TOPRIGHT Top and right side of border rectangle. Page 124

By default, the BorderStyle property is BF_RECT. Note: BorderStyle is available only for rectangular objects with 3D border. For other objects, this property is ignored.

 

Page 125

TdxFcObject.BringToFrontTdxFcObject See Also

Places an object in front of all other objects within a flow chart control. procedure BringToFront; DescriptionUse BringToFront to reorder overlapping objects. BringToFront is useful for making a certain object visible. It is also used to reorder overlapping objects within a flow chart’s window. The order in which objects stack on top of each other (also called the Z order) depends on the order by which objects are placed onto the flow chart.

Page 126

TdxFcObject.ClearUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Removes all objects from a union. procedure ClearUnion; DescriptionUse this method when a given object is the main object of a union. Call ClearUnion in order to remove any united (grouped) objects from a union, where a given object is the main object. This method clears the Objects array, since the Objects property specifies united objects.

Page 127

TdxFcObject.ConnectionCountTdxFcObject See Also

Returns the total number of connections linked with a given object. property ConnectionCount : Integer; DescriptionUse ConnectionCount to determine the number of connections linked with a given object. This value includes the total number, regardless of whether a given object is a source or a destination object for the connection. Use it to iterate through all connections of a given object, for example: // Delphi

for I:=0 to dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.ConnectionCount-1 doif dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.Connections[I].ObjectSource = dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject thendxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.Connections[I].Color := clRed;

 // C++ Builder

for(i=0;i<dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->ConnectionCount;i++)

if(dxFlowChart1 ->Connections[i] ->ObjectSource == dxFlowChart1->SelectedObject)dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->Connections[i] ->Color = clRed;

 ReadOnly Property

Page 128

TdxFcObject.ConnectionsTdxFcObject See Also

Represents an indexed array of connections linked with a given object. property Connections[Index:Integer] : TdxFcConnection ; DescriptionUse Connections to determine which connections are linked to a given object. This array includes all connections for which a given object is a source or a destination object. The Connections property changes automatically when creating and deleting connections and additionally when linking connections with objects. The index of the first connection in the array is zero. Use ConnectionCount to determine the total number of connections, linked with a given object. ReadOnly Property

Page 129

TdxFcObject.CreateTdxFcObject See Also

Creates an instance of type TdxFcObject. constructor Create(AOwner: TdxCustomFlowChart ); DescriptionCreates and initializes an instance of TdxFcObject. The direct call to Create is required only for the overridden TdxCustomFlowChart InternalCreateObject method. In all other cases, use the CreateObject method.

Page 130

TdxFcObject.CustomDataTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies an additional text string, associated with an object. property CustomData : String; DescriptionUse CustomData to identify an object by a user-specified text string. This string is not displayed within the object, nor it is used by TdxFcObject and TdxCustomFlowChart methods. However, it is saved and loaded together with the object.

Page 131

TdxFcObject.DataTdxFcObject See Also

Returns a pointer to any data, associated with an object. property Data : Pointer; DescriptionUse Data to associate an object with an application-defined data structure. This property is not used by component methods, nor is it saved together with the object.

Page 132

TdxFcObject.DestroyTdxFcObject

Destroys a TdxFcObject instance. destructor Destroy; override; DescriptionThe Destroy method destroys a given object and releases any memory it allocates. First it removes the object from all Owner's lists and all object unions, then it calls inherited Destroy. Do not call Destroy directly; instead use Free.

Page 133

TdxFcObject.EdgeStyleTdxFcObject See Also

EdgeStyle specifies the 3D border style of an object. property EdgeStyle : Word; DescriptionUse EdgeStyle to specify the type of inner and outer edge for an object. This value should be a combination of an inner-border flag and outer-border flag. The inner-border flags are as follows:

 The outer-border flags are as follows:

 Alternatively, the edge parameter can specify one of the following flags:

 Note: EdgeStyle is available only for rectangular objects. For other objects, this property is ignored.

BDR_RAISEDINNER Raised inner edge.

BDR_SUNKENINNER Sunken inner edge.

BDR_RAISEDOUTER Raised outer edge.

BDR_SUNKENOUTER Sunken outer edge.

EDGE_BUMP Combination of BDR_RAISEDOUTER and BDR_SUNKENINNER.

EDGE_ETCHED Combination of BDR_SUNKENOUTER and BDR_RAISEDINNER.

EDGE_RAISED Combination of BDR_RAISEDOUTER and BDR_RAISEDINNER.

EDGE_SUNKEN Combination of BDR_SUNKENOUTER and BDR_SUNKENINNER.

Page 134

TdxFcObject.GetLinkedPointTdxFcObject See Also

GetLinkedPoint returns a linked point nearest to a point with (X,Y) coordinates. function GetLinkedPoint(X,Y: Integer): Integer; DescriptionUse GetLinkedPoint to determine which linked point is nearest to a specified point. Each object contains 16 linked points by which connections are linked. Unlike selection points, which are always placed on the rectangle, linked points are placed on the object shape. They are enumerated in following order:

X and Y are the coordinates of the flow chart client area.

Page 135

TdxFcObject.GetSelPointTdxFcObject See Also

Returns a number from 0 to 7, which is the number of a selection point nearest to a point with (X,Y) coordinates.  function GetSelPoint(X,Y: Integer): Integer; DescriptionUse GetSelPoint to determine the selection point of a given object nearest to a specified point. When an object is selected, it has eight selection points, which are placed on the rectangle and enumerated in the following order:

 X and Y are the coordinates of the flow chart client area.

Page 136

TdxFcObject.HasInUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Determines whether an object has AObject in its union. function HasInUnion(AObject: TdxFcObject): Boolean;

 DescriptionUse HasInUnion to determine whether AObject is the child object of a calling object. HasInUnion returns True if the calling object has AObject in its union. It also returns True if AObject is nil or equal to a given object (AObject = Self).

Page 137

TdxFcObject.HeightTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies the height of an object's shape on screen. property Height : Word; DescriptionUse this property to specify the height for an object. This value must be set in pixels for the natural size of a chart (Zoom factor is 100). Use RealHeight to determine the real height.

Page 138

TdxFcObject.HorzImagePosTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the horizontal position of an object's image. typeTdxFcHorzPos = (fchpLeft, fchpCenter, fchpRight);

property HorzImagePos : TdxFcHorzPos; DescriptionUse HorzImagePos and VertImagePos to determine the horizontal layout of an associated image within the client area of an object. The combination of HorzImagePos and VertImagePos provides nine possible positions.

Page 139

TdxFcObject.HorzTextPosTdxFcObject See Also

Determines horizontal position of object text. typeTdxFcHorzPos = (fchpLeft, fchpCenter, fchpRight);

property HorzTextPos : TdxFcHorzPos; DescriptionUse HorzTextPos and VertTextPos to determine horizontal layout of text within the client area of an object. The combination of HorzTextPos and VertImagePos provides nine possible positions. Additionally HorzTextPos defines the text aligned within the client rectangle: by the left edge, centering, or by the right edge.

Page 140

TdxFcObject.ImageIndexTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies an image associated with a given object. property ImageIndex : Smallint; DescriptionImageIndex determines an image from an image list, specified by the TdxFlowChart Images property. Image layout within an object is determined by HorzImagePos and VertImagePos properties. If ImageIndex is less than zero, the object has no associated image.

Page 141

TdxFcObject.IsUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Determines whether an object includes a union. property IsUnion : Boolean; DescriptionUse IsUnion to determine whether an object is the main object of a union, i.e. it has child objects. The object union includes one main object and other child objects. When the main object is moved by the mouse or keys, all its child objects are moved synchronously with the main object; all "internal" connections, which link objects from one union, are moved as well. Unions may be nested: Any child object can include its own union. Unions may be created dynamically at runtime. To change the IsUnion property value, use AddToUnion, RemoveFromUnion and ClearUnion methods. ReadOnly Property

Page 142

TdxFcObject.LeftTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the left coordinate of an object within the flow chart. property Left : Integer; DescriptionUse Left to specify the horizontal position of an object. This value should be set in pixels for the natural size of a chart (Zoom property is equal to 100). Use RealLeft to determine the real position of an object within the flow chart.

Page 143

TdxFcObject.LinkedObjectCountTdxFcObject See Also

Returns the total number of objects linked with a given object. property LinkedObjectCount : Integer; DescriptionUse LinkedObjectCount to determine the number of objects linked with a given object via connections. Use this property to iterate through the LinkedObjects property, for example: // Delphi

for I:=0 to LinkedObjectCount-1 doLinkedObjects[I].Text := Self.Text + ' ' + IntToStr(I+1); { enumerate all linked objects sequentially }

 // C++ Builder

for(int i=0;i<dxFlowChart1->LinkedObjectCount;i++) dodxFlowChart1 ->LinkedObjects[i] ->Text = this.Text + ' ' + IntToStr(i+1); // enumerate all linked objects sequentially

Page 144

TdxFcObject.LinkedObjectsTdxFcObject See Also

Represents an array of objects linked with a given object. property LinkedObjects[Index:Integer] : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse LinkedObjects to access objects linked with a given object by any connection. Use this property to iterate throught all linked objects. The LinkedObjects property automatically changes when creating and deleting objects and connections.

Page 145

TdxFcObject.LoadTdxFcObject See Also

Reads object properties from the stream. procedure Load(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionTdxFcObjects descendants can override Load to read additional properties. When overriding, first call the inherited method and then read additional data. Do not call Load directly; it is called automatically from the TdxCustomFlowChart LoadFromStream method.

Page 146

TdxFcObject.MakeVisibleTdxFcObject See Also

Makes an object visible within the flow chart window. procedure MakeVisible; DescriptionUse MakeVisible to ensure that a calling object is displayed on screen. MakeVisible sets the Visible property to True and then, if necessary, scrolls the chart window to place an object onto the window area.

Page 147

TdxFcObject.ObjectCountTdxFcObject See Also

Returns the total number of child objects for a given object. property ObjectCount : Integer; DescriptionUse ObjectCount to determine the number of child objects a given object unites. This property includes only direct children of the given object; indirect children are not included. ObjectCount and Objects properties are useful for operations with the entire union. For nested unions, this procedure may be recursive, for example: // Delphi

procedure MarkObject(AObject: TdxFcObject; AColor: TColor);

varI: Integer;

beginAObject.BkColor := AColor; // Mark the main object

for I:=0 to AObject.ObjectCount-1 do // If AObject is a union, markMarkObject(AObject.Objects[I],AColor); // all its children on all levels

end;  // C++ Builder

void MarkObject(TdxFcObject * AObject, TColor AColor);{

AObject->BkColor = AColor; // Mark the main object

for(int i=0;i<AObject->ObjectCount-1;i++) // If AObject is a union, markMarkObject(AObject ->Objects[i], AColor); // all its children on all levels

};

 ReadOnly Property

Page 148

TdxFcObject.ObjectsTdxFcObject See Also

Represents an indexed array of objects united (grouped) with a given object as a main object. property Objects[Index:Integer] : TdxFcObject; DescriptionUse Objects to access child objects united (grouped) by a given object. This array includes only direct children of the given object; indirect children are not included. The Objects property is automatically changed when adding to a union and removing from it.

Page 149

TdxFcObject.PaintImageTdxFcObject See Also

Draws an image associated with an object. procedure PaintImage(R: TRect); DescriptionPaintImage is called automatically from the default drawing procedure when an object is being drawn on screen. It draws a bitmap, specified by ImageIndex. The R parameter determines the rectangle, wherein to draw an image in object client area coordinates. In the default drawing procedure, image position is determined by the HorzImagePos and VertImagePos properties. Your program can call the PaintImage method directly from the OnDrawObject event handler (see the TdxCustomFlowChart OnDrawObject event).

Page 150

TdxFcObject.PaintTextTdxFcObject See Also

Draws object text. procedure PaintText(R: TRect); DescriptionPaintText is called automatically from the default drawing procedure when an object is drawn on screen. It draws a text string, defined by the Text property. Text is drawn within the R rectangle. The R parameter determines the rectangle in object client area coordinates. If PaintText is called from the default drawing procedure, text position is determined by HorzTextPos and VertTextPos properties. Your application can call PaintText directly from the OnDrawObject event handler (see the TdxCustomFlowChart OnDrawObject event).

Page 151

TdxFcObject.PutInFrontOfTdxFcObject See Also

Places a given object in front of another object. procedure PutInFrontOf(Value: TdxFcObject);

 DescriptionUse PutInFrontOf to reorder overlapping objects. After calling PutInFrontOf, the calling object will overlap an object specified by Value.

Page 152

TdxFcObject.RealHeightTdxFcObject See Also

Represents the real height of an object in a zoomed flow chart. property RealHeight : Integer; DescriptionDetermines the real height of an object in screen pixels based on zoom ratio. ReadOnly Property

Page 153

TdxFcObject.RealLeftTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies the left coordinate of an object in a zoomed flow chart. property RealLeft : Integer; DescriptionDetermines the horizontal position of a given object in a flow chart based on zoom ratio. Its value may not correspond to the object’s position in the window since a flow chart’s contents may be scrolled within it. Position of an object within the flow chart window is equal to RealLeft - Owner.LeftEdge.  ReadOnly Property

Page 154

TdxFcObject.RealSWTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the real width of lines for drawing an object's shape. property RealSW : Word; DescriptionTdxFcObject descendants use this property to determine the width of a line for drawing the shape frame of an object. RealSW contains the real width of a line based on zoom ratio. Set ShapeWidth to change this property. Note: RealSW is unavailable if the object has no shape or if the rectangle object has a 3D border. ReadOnly Property

Page 155

TdxFcObject.RealTopTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the top coordinate of an object in a zoomed flow chart. property RealTop : Integer; DescriptionDetermines the vertical position of a given object in a flow chart based on zoom ratio. This value may not correspond to the position in the window because chart contents may be scrolled. Use RealTop   Owner.TopEdge to determine position of an object within the window. ReadOnly Property

Page 156

TdxFcObject.RealWidthTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies the real width of an object in a zoomed flow chart. property RealWidth : Integer; DescriptionDetermines the real width of an object in screen pixels based upon zoom ratio.

Page 157

TdxFcObject.RemoveFromUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Removes a specified object from a union. procedure RemoveFromUnion(AObject: TdxFcObject);

 DescriptionUse RemoveFromUnion to remove AObject from a union for which a given object is the main object.

Page 158

TdxFcObject.SaveTdxFcObject See Also

Writes object properties to a stream. procedure Save(Stream: TStream); virtual; DescriptionTdxFcObjects descendants override Save in order to save additional properties to Stream. When overriding be sure to call the inherited method first, then write additional data. Do not call Save directly; it is called automatically from the TdxCustomFlowChart SaveToStream method.

Page 159

TdxFcObject.SelectUnionTdxFcObject See Also

Selects all children of a calling object. procedure SelectUnion; DescriptionUse SelectUnion to select the entire union of a calling object. SelectUnion selects all children at all levels; that is, it selects direct children of a given object, their children, etc. The fcoCanSelect and fcoMultiSelect options must be set. The following example demonstrates SelectUnion: // Delphi

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender : TObject)

beginif dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject <> nil thenif dxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.ObjectCount > 0 thendxFlowChart1.SelectedObject.SelectUnion;

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TForm1::SpeedButton1Click(TObject *Sender)

{

if(dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject != NULL )

if(dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->ObjectCount > 0)dxFlowChart1 ->SelectedObject ->SelectUnion();

};

Page 160

TdxFcObject.SendToBackTdxFcObject See Also

Places a given object behind all other objects in Z-order. procedure SendToBack; DescriptionUse SendToBack to reorder overlapping objects. After calling SendToBack, a given object will be overlapped by other objects.

Page 161

TdxFcObject.SetBoundsTdxFcObject See Also

Sets Left, Top, Width and Height properties of an object. procedure SetBounds(ALeft, ATop, AWidth, AHeight: Integer); DescriptionUse SetBounds to set all boundary properties of an object at a time. It has the same effect as setting Left, Top, Width and Height properties separately, but is quicker.

Page 162

TdxFcObject.ShapeColorTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the shape color of an object. property ShapeColor : TColor; DescriptionUse ShapeColor to specify the color used for drawing the object shape. ShapeColor can be changed using the palette of the flow chart editor or in the object customizing form. Note: ShapeColor is ignored for objects with no shape and for rectanglular objects with a 3D border.

Page 163

TdxFcObject.ShapeStyleTdxFcObject

Determines the style in which object shape lines are drawn. typeTPenStyle = (psSolid, psDash, psDot, psDashDot, psDashDotDot, psClear, psInsideFrame);

property ShapeStyle : TPenStyle; DescriptionDetermines the style of a shape’s lines. It may be a solid line, a dashed line, a dotted line or any other standard TPen style.  Note: At this type, ShapeStyle has not been implemented.

Page 164

TdxFcObject.ShapeTypeTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies object type. typeTdxFcShapeType = (fcsNone, fcsRectangle, fcsEllipse, fcsRoundRect, fcsDiamond, fcsNorthTriangle, fcsSouthTriangle, fcsEastTriangle, fcsWestTriangle, fcsHexagon, fcsUser);

property ShapeType : TdxFcShapeType; DescriptionThis property specifies object type. Possible values include.    

Value Shape

 

fcsNone No shape; only image and text are drawn. 

fcsRectangle Object looks like a rectangle. 

fcsEllipse Object looks like an ellipse. 

fcsRoundRect Object looks like a rectangle with rounded corners. 

fcsDiamond Object has a rhomb shape. 

fcsNorthTriangle, fcsSouthTriangle, fcsEastTriangle, fcsWestTriangle

Object looks like a triangle.   

fcsHexagon Object has a hexagon shape. 

fcsUser User-defined shape (for descendant classes only).

Page 165

TdxFcObject.ShapeWidthTdxFcObject

Determines border width. property ShapeWidth : Byte; DescriptionThis property specifies the width of an object’s border in pixels.

Page 166

TdxFcObject.TagTdxFcObject See Also

Represents a user-defined integer value associated with a given object. property Tag : Integer; DescriptionUse Tag to associate a number with an object. This property is not used by component methods but it is stored with the object. An application uses Tag for its own specific requirements.

Page 167

TdxFcObject.TopTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the top coordinate of an object within a flow chart. property Top : Integer; DescriptionUse the Top property to specify the vertical position of an object. This value is set in screen pixels for the natural size of a chart (the Zoom property is equal to 100). Use the RealTop property to determine the real position of an object within a flow chart’s window.

Page 168

TdxFcObject.TransparentTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies whether an object is drawn transparently. property Transparent : Boolean; DescriptionIf Transparent is True, an object is drawn transparently, that is, it does not hide the screen behind it. If the object has no shape, it is always transparent, regardless of the Transparent property value.

Page 169

TdxFcObject.UserLinkedPointsTdxFcObject See Also

Calculates linked points for a user-defined object. procedure UserLinkedPoints; virtual; abstract; DescriptionTdxFcObject introduces an abstract UserLinkedPoints method. Descendants can override this method to perform special processing when changing object bounds or object shape and object’s ShapeType property is fcsUser. If a descendant defines a new shape type, it has to override this method. When entering UserLinkedPoints, all 16 linked points of an object are placed onto the shape rectangle according to the standard scheme for the rectangle object.

The overridden method should correct locations according to desired object shape. For instance, the following procedure corrects linked points for a rectangle with a rounded right side. // Delphi

procedure TMyObject.UserLinkedPoints;

varX0,Y0,A,B: Integer;

beginX0 := LinkedPoints[2].X; // Center of circle or

Y0 := LinkedPoints[6].Y; // ellipse (general case)

A := LinkedPoints[4].X - X0; // Horizontal ellipse radius B := LinkedPoints[4].Y - Y0; // Vertical ellipse radius LinkedPoints[3].X := X0 + A div 2;LinkedPoints[3].Y := Y0 - MulDiv(B,1732,2000); // B * u3 / 2 LinkedPoints[4].X := X0 + MulDiv(A,1414,2000); // A * u2 / 2

LinkedPoints[4].Y := Y0 - MulDiv(B,1414,2000); // B * u2 / 2 LinkedPoints[5].X := X0 + MulDiv(A,1732,2000); // A * u3 / 2

LinkedPoints[5].Y := Y0 - B div 2; for A := 7 to 9 dobegin// Points 7 - 9 are symmetrical to points 3 - 5 LinkedPoints[A].X := LinkedPoints[12-A].X;

LinkedPoints[A].Y := Y0 + Y0 - LinkedPoints[12 -A].Y; end;

end; // C++ Builder

void __fastcall TMyObject.UserLinkedPoints( void){

int X0,Y0,A,B; X0 = LinkedPoints[2]->X; // Center of circle or

Y0 = LinkedPoints[6]->Y; // ellipse (general case)

A = LinkedPoints[4]->X - X0; // Horizontal ellipse radius B = LinkedPoints[4]->Y - Y0; // Vertical ellipse radius LinkedPoints[3] ->X = X0 + A/2;

LinkedPoints[3] ->Y = Y0 – B*1732/2000; // B * u3 / 2 LinkedPoints[4] ->X = X0 + A*1414/2000; // A * u2 / 2

LinkedPoints[4] ->Y = Y0 – B*1414/2000; // B * u2 / 2

Page 170

LinkedPoints[5] ->X = X0 + A*1732/2000; // A * u3 / 2

LinkedPoints[5] ->Y = Y0 - B/2; for(int A = 7; A<= 9; A++){

// Points 7 - 9 are symmetrical to points 3 - 5 LinkedPoints[A] ->X = LinkedPoints[12-A]->X;

LinkedPoints[A] ->Y = Y0 + Y0 - LinkedPoints[12 -A]->Y; };

};

Page 171

TdxFcObject.UserRegionTdxFcObject See Also

Creates the drawing region for a user-defined object. function UserRegion(R: TRect): HRgn; virtual; abstract; DescriptionThe TdxFcObject class introduces an absract UserRegion method. Descendants can override this method if an object needs to create a drawing region and its ShapeType property is fcsUser. If a descendant defines a new shape type, it has to override this method. The overridden UserRegion should create a region within the rectangle R, according to the desired object shape. The overridden method should return a handle to this region. For instance, the following function creates the region for a rectangle with a rounded right side.  // Delphi

function TMyObject.UserRegion(R: TRect): HRgn;

varW,H: Integer;

R2: TRect;

Rgn: HRgn;

beginW := R.Right - R.Left; // Rectangle width H := R.Bottom - R.Top; // Rectangle height if W > H then W := H; // If possible, create a circle lineR2 := R;

R2.Left := R2.Right - W; // Bounds for circle or ellipse Rgn := CreateEllipticRgnIndirect(R2);

Dec(R.Right, W div 2); // Reduce rectangle sizeResult := CreateRectRgnIndirect(R);

CombineRgn(Result,Result,Rgn,RGN_OR); // Rectangle + circle

DeleteObject(Rgn); // No more needed

end; // C++ Builder

HRGN __fastcall TMyObject.UserRegion(TRect * Rect){

int W ,H;TRect * R2;

HRGN Rgn;

HRGN Rgn2;

 W = R->Right – R->Left; // Rectangle width H = R->Bottom – R->Top; // Rectangle height if (W > H) W = H; // If possible, create a circle lineR2 = R;

R2->Left = R2->Right - W; // Bounds for circle or ellipse Rgn2 = CreateEllipticRgnIndirect(R2);

R->Right = R->Right - W/2; // Reduce rectangle size Rgn2 = CreateRectRgnIndirect(R);

CombineRgn(Rgn2, Rgn2, Rgn, RGN_OR); // Rectangle + circle

DeleteObject(Rgn); // No more needed

return Rgn2;};

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TdxFcObject.VertImagePosTdxFcObject See Also

Determines the vertical layout of an object’s image.  typeTdxFcVertPos = (fcvpUp, fcvpCenter, fcvpDown);

property VertImagePos : TdxFcVertPos; DescriptionUse HorzImagePos and VertImagePos to determine where an associated image is displayed in an object's client area. The combination of HorzImagePos and VertImagePos provides nine possible positions.

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TdxFcObject.VertTextPosTdxFcObject See Also

Represents the vertical position of object text. typeTdxFcVertPos = (fcvpUp, fcvpCenter, fcvpDown);

property VertTextPos : TdxFcVertPos; DescriptionUse HorzTextPos and VertTextPos to determine where text is displayed in an object's client area. The combination of HorzTextPos and VertImagePos provides nine possible positions.

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TdxFcObject.VisibleTdxFcObject See Also

Specifies whether an object is visible on screen. property Visible : Boolean; DescriptionSet Visible to False to make an object invisible. Any invisible object is not displayed on screen and cannot be selected. The Visible property can be set only at runtime, and it is not stored with the object.

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TdxFcObject.WidthTdxFcObject See Also

Determines object width. property Width : Word; DescriptionUse Width to get or set the width of an object. This property should be specified in pixels for the natural size of a chart (the Zoom property is equal to 100). Use RealWidth to determine real width.

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TdxFcObject.ZOrderTdxFcObject See Also

ZOrder determines position of an object on Z-axis. property ZOrder : Word; DescriptionUse the ZOrder property to read or change object position in the Z-buffer. When two objects have the same coordinates, an object with the higher ZOrder value overlaps the other. Setting ZOrder to zero makes an object the lowest; setting ZOrder to the total number of objects makes it the highest.

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dxflchrt Unit ClassesTdxCustomFlowChartTdxFcConnectionTdxFcConnectionArrowTdxFcItemTdxFcObjectTdxFlowChart

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TdxCustomFlowChart EventsTdxCustomFlowChart Legend

 TdxCustomFlowChart OnChange OnCreateItem OnDeletion OnDrawObject OnSelected OnSelection

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TdxFlowChart EventsTdxFlowChart Legend

 Derived from TdxCustomFlowChart OnChange OnCreateItem OnDeletion OnDrawObject OnSelected OnSelection

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TdxCustomFlowChart MethodsTdxCustomFlowChart Legend

 TdxCustomFlowChart BeginUpdate CanSelect Changed ChartPoint Clear ClearSelection Create CreateConnection CreateObject DefaultDrawObject Delete DeleteConnection DeleteObject DeleteSelection Destroy EndUpdate GetConnectionAt GetHitTestAt GetObjectAt InternalCreateConnection InternalCreateObject KeyDown LoadFromFile LoadFromStream SaveToFile SaveToStream SelCount Select SelectAll SetLeftTop

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TdxFcConnection MethodsTdxFcConnection Legend

 TdxFcConnection AddPoint Create Destroy GetNearestPoint InsertPoint Load RemovePoint Save SetObjectDest SetObjectSource Derived from TdxFcItem FontChanged Invalidate SelList SetText

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TdxFcConnectionArrow MethodsTdxFcConnectionArrow Legend

 TdxFcConnectionArrow Create Destroy

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TdxFcItem MethodsTdxFcItem Legend

 TdxFcItem Create Destroy FontChanged Invalidate SelList SetText

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TdxFcObject MethodsTdxFcObject Legend

 TdxFcObject AddToUnion BringToFront ClearUnion Create Destroy GetLinkedPoint GetSelPoint HasInUnion Load MakeVisible PaintImage PaintText PutInFrontOf RemoveFromUnion Save SelectUnion SendToBack SetBounds UserLinkedPoints UserRegion Derived from TdxFcItem FontChanged Invalidate SelList SetText

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TdxFlowChart MethodsTdxFlowChart Legend

 Derived from TdxCustomFlowChart BeginUpdate CanSelect Changed ChartPoint Clear ClearSelection Create CreateConnection CreateObject DefaultDrawObject Delete DeleteConnection DeleteObject DeleteSelection Destroy EndUpdate GetConnectionAt GetHitTestAt GetObjectAt InternalCreateConnection InternalCreateObject KeyDown LoadFromFile LoadFromStream SaveToFile SaveToStream SelCount Select SelectAll SetLeftTop

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TdxCustomFlowChart PropertiesTdxCustomFlowChart Legend

 TdxCustomFlowChart BorderStyle ConnectionCount Connections Images LeftEdge ObjectCount Objects Options RealZoom SelectedConnection SelectedConnectionCount SelectedConnections SelectedObject SelectedObjectCount SelectedObjects TopEdge Zoom

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TdxFcConnection PropertiesTdxFcConnection Legend

 TdxFcConnection ArrowDest ArrowSource Color ObjectDest ObjectSource PenStyle PenWidth PointCount PointDest Points PointSource RealPoints Style Transparent Derived from TdxFcItem Destroying Font Owner ParentFont RealFont Selected Text

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TdxFcConnectionArrow PropertiesTdxFcConnectionArrow Legend

 TdxFcConnectionArrow ArrowType Color Height Owner Width

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TdxFcItem PropertiesTdxFcItem Legend

 TdxFcItem Destroying Font Owner ParentFont  RealFont Selected Text

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TdxFcObject PropertiesTdxFcObject Legend

 TdxFcObject BkColor BorderStyle ConnectionCount Connections CustomData Data EdgeStyle Height HorzImagePos HorzTextPos ImageIndex IsUnion Left LinkedObjectCount LinkedObjects ObjectCount Objects RealHeight RealLeft  RealSW RealTop RealWidth ShapeColor ShapeStyle ShapeType ShapeWidth Tag Top Transparent VertImagePos VertTextPos Visible Width ZOrder Derived from TdxFcItem Destroying Font Owner ParentFont  RealFont Selected Text

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TdxFlowChart PropertiesTdxFlowChart Legend

 Derived from TdxCustomFlowChart BorderStyle ConnectionCount Connections Images LeftEdge ObjectCount Objects Options RealZoom SelectedConnection SelectedConnectionCount SelectedConnections SelectedObject SelectedObjectCount SelectedObjects TopEdge Zoom

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ExpressFlowChart Connection FeaturesConnection is the mechanism which links specific Objects in the ExpressFlowChart. Chart connections include key features that help provide complex and colorful structures for the chart: 

ExpressFlowChart allows Object linking via different connection lines: straight, curved, horizontal and vertical. Each connection line can include any number of intermediate points, drawn according to these intermediate points.

Implementing intermediate points provides connection lines with complex shapes. Each connection can include associated text, specific color, different source and destination edges. Each connection can link Objects at specified link points. If a connection is linked to an Object, it is automatically re-sized

when the Object moves. This unique connection feature automatically calculates a connection’s width or height each time a user moves a given Object.

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ExpressFlowChart Objects FeaturesExpressFlowChart Objects include a significant number of properties and methods to allow for massive chart customization and behavioral manipulation. 

Objects can be placed anywhere within the ExpressFlowChart. Objects are connected via connections. Every Object can include its own border color and background color or can be transparent.

Every Object can include associated text and image. Text is drawn using a specified font. You can specify text and image layout within an Object’s area.

Objects within the ExpressFlowChart can include a number of unique shapes including: rectangle, ellipse, triangle, hexagon or diamond.

Objects within the ExpressFlowChart can be grouped into a union. Grouped Objects move together when the main member of the group moves. Once you double click the main Object, ExpressFlowChart selects all united Objects. You can also change properties of several selected Objects. To select several Objects, press and hold the Shift key as you select each individual Object.

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ExpressFlowChart Sample ApplicationThe quickest way to introduce you to the ExpressFlowChart component is to create a chart application. This tutorial guides you through the creation of a unique chart that allows an organization to illustrate document (electronic and paper) flow in the enterprise.  Step 1

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Lines ProceduresExpressFlowChart provides a small library of mathematical functions. These functions are useful for calculating the center of a line, mass center of line, distance between two points, etc. The Lines library also contains functions that draw different kind of lines.  Lines Library

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Tutorial Application - Step 1 Place an ExpressFlowChart component on a form. Determine appearance characteristics of the ExpressFlowChart. Use BorderStyle, Ctl3D, Color, ParentColor, etc to achieve a desired look and feel. Place an ImageList on the same form and add images to it. Next, associate this ImageList with the ExpressFlowChart on your form. This step is necessary to draw images for ExpressFlowChart Objects. Once you complete this step, your form should look similar to that pictured below:

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Tutorial Application - Step 2 Now its time to create individual Objects within the ExpressFlowChart. In order to perform this action at design time, you should use flow chart editor. Double-click ExpressFlowChart control to activate the ExpressFlowChart editor. Using the ExpressFlowChart editor, press the ‘Create Object’ button and drag the mouse pointer diagonally in a desired direction.  You can customize Object properties from the ExpressFlowChart editor toolbar or via the Object customizing form. In order to activate the Object customizing form click the right mouse button on a selected Object and select ‘Properties‘ from popup menu.  With the General page of the Object customizing form, you can set Object text, font, width and height as well as the color of an Object’s border and background.  The Image page contains images from the ImageList, which we created in the first step. The Frame page allows for customization of an Object’s border. Occasionally, you may find that certain flags have no effect. This is due to the fact that certain options disable other options. In our sample chart let’s create an Object for every item in our document flow process: clerks, operators, directors, servers, etc.

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Tutorial Application - Step 3 We have already created Objects within the ExpressFlowChart. We can now link these Object to indicate information flow. Objects within the ExpressFlowchart are linked via connections. Connections within the chart can include unique colors, text, types, as well as source and destination arrow styles. In order to create a connection, press the ‘Create connection’ button on the editor toolbar and drag the mouse pointer diagonally in a desired direction. You can customize Connection properties in the same manner used to customize Object properties: from the ExpressFlowChart editor toolbar or via the connection customizing form. In order to activate the connection customizing form, right click on a selected connection and select ‘Properties‘ from the popup menu.  Connection customizing form allows you to set connection properties including: Connection text, font, arrow style, line color and color of connection arrows. Connections can have any number of intermediate points. Use intermediate points when you wish to pass the connection through specific points. To create intermediate points, click the connection and drag the new point to a desired position.

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Tutorial Application - Step 4 Objects within the ExpressFlowChart can be united in a group. Grouped Objects move together when one the main Object of a group moves. This is known as a Union. In order to group Objects, select several Objects, and use the ‘New union’ menu item from the main menu or popup menu of the ExpressFlowChart editor. The Object selected first becomes the main Object of the union. In our sample application, we can group members of the same department in one union.

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Tutorial Application - Final Step Our sample chart is ready (see figure below). Use the zoom buttons to zoom the ExpressFlowChart’s view. You can also fit the chart’s contents within the ExpressFlowChart window. Write event handlers for the ExpressFlowChart to define ways in which a chart responds to user actions. Use the Options property of the ExpressFlowChart to customize flow chart behavior at run time; You can easily allow end user to move Objects within the flow chart at run time or can allow deletion of such Objects.

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Lines Unit Routines DistanceExtendRectLineCenterLineLengthMassCenterPtOnLineQSplineRectHLineRectVLine Types TLineType

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