Re: Bus Object

On 8 Jul 2010, at 16:58, Alan Hawrylyshen wrote:

>=20
> On Jul 7, 2010, at 22:46, Gary Fowler wrote:
>=20
>> I would like to purchase omnigraffle, but the lack of a bus object is =
a deal
>> breaker for me.
>>=20
>> Are there any plans to implement support for bus objects?
>>=20
>> This object type is essential for diagramming networks; specifically
>> creating layer 3 diagrams.
>> You might recognize Visio's main network Bus object as the horizontal =
pipe
>> with vertical line connectors.

There is a sucky way to almost do what you want.
Construct your bus as a chain of shapes linked by lines.
(Stay with me, we'll disappear them at the end)

Then you can use the object alignment and distribution inspector to =
stretch the bus and its connectors (the shapes) as evenly or not as you =
like. The selection inspector is your ally. If your working shapes are =
different colours on different busses you can operate on them =
independently if you wish.

When your diagram is finished, you can mass shrink the shapes to =
invisibility.
I use circles, set their stroke off, and right at the end, fill colour =
to line colour their radius to line width and "poof!".

I originally did this kluge to make line hops play nicely with stacked =
meshes.

It is easier to do than describe, so have a play. Layers and grouping =
adds hours of innocent fun and amazes onlookers.