* Sorting out the layout of a diagram

[lesleyl]

I'm trying to generate an All Relatives diagram, but failing miserably to get a layout that I am happy with.

Problem 1:

Edward is the first-born and I want Alice to appear to his right. Alice's child is the root, but even so, I'm not happy to have this layout.



Problem 2

The connectors between generations are very long and I don't seem able to shorten them. I have no idea why the generation band is so big.



I use complex software every day, and I love all other aspects of FH. However, I find it terribly frustrating that I am repeatedly unable to create charts in FH that I am happy with. I have gone through the relevant bits in Ch 10, but simply cannot seem to get my boxes to move around as described.
Any help/pointers much appreciated.

ID:6424

[PeterR]

A possible answer for Problem 2 is available if you are using FH Version 5 where there is a Diagram Option for the All Relatives Diagram which allows you to choose Style Flat rather than the default Layered.

[lesleyl]

Thanks Peter, I'll try that out.

[lesleyl]

That does cures the length problem, but then problem 1 looks even worse, beacuse the dotted line to Alice is almost on top of the solid line. I can't understand why (a) Alice's box is where it is in the first place - other than to optimise the layout (which I don't care about) (b)why I can't just drag it to where it needs to go.

My other problem is that single children have a dog-leg; I know I can correct this, but why is it there in the first place?

[PeterR]

The dog-leg is because FH is trying to centre the child directly beneath the pair of parent boxes.  It should disappear if you untick the Diagram Options > More Layout Options checkbox for Straighten descendant branch lines where possible.  Note that this refers to the  branch line as a whole not to the specific line on the diagram.

[PeterR]

I think Problem 1 happens because the All Relatives diagram has to show two parent lines and, above them, four grandparent lines, etc., and it keeps them in male-female pairs from left to right.

I generally prefer to use an Ancestor and Descendant Diagram centred on both parents or on both of one pair of grandparents.  It is sometimes necessary to insert an additional tree into the diagram to show all the cousins of interest, etc.

[lesleyl]

Thank you for your tips, Peter. I have tried a few things and have found that if base the All Relatives on Alice, rather than her daughter, I get the layout I require.
Your solution for straightening the dog-legs also works - thanks.
Feeling less-frustrated about charting than I was earlier[smile][confused]