org chart with dotted line reporting

argh - this is driving me nuts, and i can't beleive smartdraw 2009 can't do what i want.

I have four direct reports, all managers.  I am creating a position that will be reporting to two of them.  but they each have other direct reports that do not co-report.  I can't seem to get it to do what i want.  all i need to do is create a regular org chart, and when i am done, add a dotted line from one employee to another manager.  can't seem to get the box to attach to the line.

Help?

hi, this isnt a solution but you might try creating a new layer and drawing your dotted line onto that.  Move the line to the place you want it and it won't interfere with the org chart on the other layer

William,

Because automatic connector lines and regular lines are not designed to go together necessarily, that may explain some of the issue.  That said, try the following:

1) Click the round SmartDraw Menu Button in the upper left of the screen and choose "Options > Allow Lines to Link".

2) Right-click on the org chart line linking the shapes currently and select "Lock Object".

3) Using the Shape Connector Line or the straight line tool from the Home tab (whichever meets you needs best) draw the lines you need between the necessary shapes.  Then apply the necessary formatting (line style, etc.)

Note:  I would advise you to do this line creation last as the lines will not move with the rest of the automatic connector lines if something gets adjusted.

See if that helps at all.

Regards,

SmartDraw Support