Best Practices

Small steps when moving objects with arrows on keyboard

GilbertB000479 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:22:45 GMT

Hi all,

in most of the software I use, I move objects using the keyboard arrows. In SmartDraw (at least

version 2009), the moving step is very small and it takes a long time to move things this way. Is

there a parameter or an option somewhere to change the moving step ?

Thanks!

Gilbert

Listing of all Keyboard Shortcuts in SmartDraw 2008

Aaron Stannard — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:00:04 GMT

You can get a lot more out of SmartDraw 2008 using the keyboard shortcuts; many of the shortcuts are simply extensions of SmartDraw's automated drawing engine, so they're worth learning if you're interested in becoming even more effecient with SmartDraw.

Here's the list of current keyboard shortcuts for SmartDraw 2008:

Ctrl + Dragging the corner of a shape	Forces a shape to enlarge proportionally
Shift + Ctrl clicking on a shape	Zoom in (stops at 800%)
F1	Help Index
F3	Find Next (Find and Replace dialog)
Alt+F4	Exit / Close SmartDraw
Delete	Clear / Delete selected object
Ctrl+A	Select All
Ctrl+B	Bold Text
Ctrl+C	Copy
Ctrl+D	Duplicate
Ctrl+F	Find
Ctrl+G	Group
Shift + Ctrl + G	Ungroup
Ctrl+H	Replace
Ctrl+I	Italicize Text
Ctrl+J	Enter Text Edit mode. Only works when an object is selected
Ctrl+K	Insert Hyperlink
Ctrl+M	Enter Text Edit mode. Only works when an object is selected
Ctrl+N	New Document
Ctrl+O	Open Document
Ctrl+P	Print
Ctrl+Q	Save changes and exit / close SmartDraw
Ctrl+R	Opens format table dialog
Ctrl+S	Save
Ctrl+T	Opens Font Dialog
Ctrl+U	Underline Text
Ctrl+V	Paste
Ctrl+W	Save changes and exit to template selection screen
Ctrl+X	Cut
Ctrl+Y	Redo
Ctrl+Z	Undo

Ctrl + (numeric key pad only)	Zoom In
CTRL - (numeric key pad only)	Zoom Out
Directional Arrows	Nudges the selected object(s) or group
CTRL + Directional Arrow	Add shape in up/down/left/right (only works when auto connector is present)
Enter (Return key)	Add Shape Below
Insert	Add Shape to the right
Tab	Moves to the next object
Shift+Tab	Moves to the previous object

i need help

rajawhb — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:05:06 GMT

i make dfd of inventory system ............can any one help me to correct it

Automatically plotted chart with 3 dimensions

SilviaR000425 — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:54:27 GMT

Is it possible to create a chart with 3 dimensions, in which the data can be plotted automatically from an Excel table (similar to the plotting fuction within maps)?

Example: X-Axis = Expected margin, Y-Axis = Company fit, Bubble size = volume

or as another example: product placement smart template

Thanks!

Flow Chart Problem, Please help

usheart — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:27:12 GMT

Hey guys,

Would you mind helping me with these questions, Thank you in advance

_ Draw a flowchart for a program that calls a function tax() that accepts dollar amount and a tax rate and return the tax due on the dollar amount. For example, if the number 100.00 and 0.06 are passed to the function, the value returned should be 6.00 , which is 100.00 times .06 .

Program should print the returned value by the function. Repeat the process as long as user wishes.

_ Draw a flowchart for a program that calls a function pass () that returned a reject or accept code depending on weather the value of tolerance of group of parts is less than or greater than 1%. If the value is less than 1.0%, the function should return an A for accept, else it should return an R for reject.

Thank you indeed.

Non-profit organizations

rudy — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:38:18 GMT

Any thing on here about non-profit organizations and tools on here specific to that? I would like some dialogue on that, please.

Add Photos to Org Charts

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:42:21 GMT

Add Photos to Org Charts

Org charts are key tools for communicating within an organization. But wouldn’t it be great to be able to put a face to all those names in the boxes?

With SmartDraw you can!

How to add photos to your org chart:

Step 1

Open the org chart you’ve created with SmartDraw.

Step 2

Select the box to which you’d like to add a photo, then click “Add Picture” in the SmartPanel.

Step 3

Browse to the folder containing your pictures, select one, and click “Open.”

Step 4

Your picture is now inserted into the org chart box, perfectly formatted. Double click the image to adjust the cropping, size and positioning.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Exporting info to Calendar

trafficgal — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:01:29 GMT

I work in the Marketing department of a large company. We use SharePoint to track individual projects. I can export that information to an Excel Spreadsheet. My question is, I'd like to export that information into a SmartDraw calendar template that can support at least six lines of type and that can then print out on very large paper.

Create Dependent Tasks on Project Charts

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:33:05 GMT

Cool Things You Can Do With SmartDraw

Create Dependent Tasks on Project Charts

In any given project there are going to be some tasks that depend on the completion of other tasks. For example, you can’t start building the website until the design specifications are completed. The “build” task is dependent on the “design” task.

SmartDraw 2009 includes a host of new features for project charts (also called Gantt charts), including support for task dependencies.

Here’s how to set up task dependencies in 4 easy steps:

Step 1

Select the task-bar of the task you want to set as dependent on another.

Step 2

Hold down the shift key and click on the task to which you want the task in step 1 to depend.

Step 3

In the SmartPanel, click on “Add Dependency.” That’s it! The first task you selected in step 1 is now dependent on the one identified in step 2.

Step 4

Repeat the process to add dependencies to any task, or group of tasks. Removing dependencies just as easy, simply click “Remove Dependency” in the SmartPanel.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Automatically Style Mind Maps

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:36:27 GMT

Automatically Style Mind Maps

A mind map is a powerful tool for developing and organizing ideas, and using color to differentiate topic levels makes your mind map easy to read and understand. But having to mess around with formatting can derail your train of thought and bring your brainstorming session to a halt. That’s why SmartDraw 2009 automatically formats your mind map for you as you create it.

Here’s how automatic mind map formatting works:

Step 1

Create your mind map using the single-click “Add Topic” commands in the SmartPanel.

Step 2

Notice as you ad subtopics to the main topics that they are automatically colored a different shade.

Step 3

Add more subtopics to one of your original subtopics. These new “3rd level” boxes all share a new color style, making your mind map easier to read. The color changes with ever new subtopic level.

Step 4

Drag a set of subtopic boxes from one area of your mind map to another. Notice how the boxes change style to reflect their new place in the topic hierarchy.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Link Job Descriptions to Org Charts

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:27:09 GMT

Link Job Descriptions to Org Charts

Org charts are key tools for communicating within an organization. SmartDraw makes org charts even more useful by allowing you to link elements of your org chart to other files—like job descriptions, for example. You can even link to other SmartDraw files, to websites, or to a program. What’s more, it’s super easy to do.

How to link job descriptions and other files to org charts:

Step 1

Open the org chart you’ve created with SmartDraw and select the box you’d like to link a file to.

Step 2

Click on “HyperLink” on the Insert tab.

Step 3

In the dialogue box, select “Document,” browse to the location of your file, select it and click “OK.”

Step 4

That box is now hyperlinked to the document. When you click the blue + icon, the job description document you just linked to will open up.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Automatically Develop a Site Map

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:24:49 GMT

Automatically Develop a Site Map

Site maps are useful tools for allowing visitors and to easily view all the pages and sections of a website. But creating a site map diagram, especially for complex websites, can be a real hassle. With SmartDraw you can create site map automatically!

How to automatically generate a site map with SmartDraw:

Step 1

Select “Web Design” from the list of SmartTemplates, and choose “Blank Web Site Map.”

Step 2

In the SmartPanel, enter the URL of the website you’d like to map in the “Index Website” text box and click “Go.”

Step 3

Sit back and watch as SmartDraw builds the site map for you automatically.

Step 4

Edit and label your new site map as you like with the commands in the SmartPanel.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Use Industry-Standard Dimension Lines

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:22:27 GMT

Use Industry-Standard Dimension Lines

For consistency and for meeting building rules and regulations, industry-standard dimension lines in your floor plans and blueprints are a must.

SmartDraw not only includes dimension info for every wall and object automatically, but also makes it easy to toggle them on and off and to reformat them to suit your needs.

Here’s how:

Step 1

Create your floor plan with SmartDraw. Start with a template or from scratch. Note as you draw or resize objects, the dimensions are visible.

Step 2

To see the dimensions of any object on your drawing, simply click on it.

Step 3

To permanently view wall dimensions along your walls, click “Show Dimensions” in the SmartPanel.

Step 4

To permanently view dimensions of objects, select the object, then click “Dimensions” in the “Shape Properties” group of the Design tab. You can also change where and how the dimensions are shown.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Export a Mind Map to a Text Outline

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:17:16 GMT

Export a Mind Map to a Text Outline

A mind map is a powerful tool for developing and organizing ideas. But once you’re finished brainstorming, it’s often useful to have a plain text outline—an indented organized list—of all the elements in your chart. With SmartDraw you can do this in seconds.

How to export your mind map to a text outline:

Step 1

Open or create your mind map with SmartDraw.

Step 2

When you are ready to export your mind map as a text file, click the “Export Outline” button in the Smart Panel.

Step 3

In the dialogue box that opens, choose a name and location for your text file.

Step 4

That’s it. Your indented organized text outline is ready to print or share with others.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Easily Email SmartDraw Diagrams

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:14:47 GMT

Easily Email SmartDraw Diagrams

SmartDraw makes it easy to create diagrams and graphics of all kinds, and sharing them with your colleagues and coworkers is even easier. You can email your diagrams to others directly from SmartDraw.

How to email SmartDraw files to others:

Step 1

Open or create your graphic with SmartDraw.

Step 2

Click the SmartDraw button and select “Email.”

Step 3

Choose either “Email as PDF” or “Email as SDR.” (SDR is SmartDraw’s native file format. Choose this if those you are emailing to have SmartDraw installed.)

Step 4

SmartDraw automatically launches your default email program with your SmartDraw file already attached (as either SDR or PDF depending on what you chose in step three). That’s it!

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Add Notes to Shapes

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:12:43 GMT

Add Notes to Shapes

When you are working on a diagram (like a flowchart, or an org chart, or an office floor plan) wouldn’t it be nice to be able add notes to yourself without cluttering up your drawing? For example: a reminder to get more information from a coworker for your flowchart, or a list likely candidates for the open position on your org chart, or even the phone number for your favorite office furniture supplier for your floor plan. Well, with SmartDraw now you can!

And these private notes only show up when you mouse over the object, and will not print or be included exported PDFs or when you transfer to other programs.

Here’s how to add sticky notes to shapes in 4 easy steps:

Step 1

Select the object to which you’d like to attach a note.

Step 2

Click on the “Note” Button located on the Insert tab in the toolbar.

Step 3

Type your note into the note text box that appears. Format your text anyway you like with the text formatting tools.

Step 4

Click anywhere outside your note box and the note will disappear. To view your note, simply mouse over the “sticky note” icon that is now present on the shape.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Create and Print a Poster

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:09:42 GMT

Create and Print a Poster

Nothing communicates a big idea like a poster. SmartDraw makes it easy to create a great looking poster and to get a poster-sized print out.

How to create a poster in 4 easy steps:

Step 1

Create your poster. Need ideas? The “flyers” selection of templates is a great place to start.

Step 2

Select “Print” from the application menu.

Step 3

If you have access to a large-format printer, select it from the list. If you plan to take your file to print shop (like Kinkos) then select “Smart PDF Filter” from the printer drop-down menu. The PDF format gives you maximum flexibility

Step 4

To adjust the size of you PDF, click “Properties” then the “Advanced” button in the Layout tab and select the size of your poster—dozens of sizes are available.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Adjust Start & End Dates while Preserving Duration

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:06:44 GMT

Adjust Start & End Dates while Preserving Duration

A project chart is a powerful tool for planning and managing your work. But even the best laid plans need to be adjusted to accommodate unforeseen issues.

SmartDraw makes it easy to make adjustments to your project plan without having to re-do the whole chart. For example, you can change the start and end dates of a task without affecting the task duration.

Here’s how:

Step 1

Open or create you project chart in SmartDraw.

Step 2

For the task whose start date needs to be pushed back, simply type a new start date into the chart’s Start column. The task bar moves to its new location in the timeline.

Step 3

If you know that the task needs to be completed by a certain date. Simply enter the new date into the chart’s End column.

Step 4

You can also simply click on the task bar in the chart, and drag it with your mouse to its new location. So simple.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Watch “How-To” Videos while in SmartDraw

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 23:04:01 GMT

Watch “How-To” Videos while in SmartDraw

SmartDraw has been designed to be as easy to use as possible. But with so many different types of drawings—each with its own specialized SmartTemplate—it’s often helpful to view a video that gives you an overview of how to create that drawing with SmartDraw.

Most SmartTemplates include an overview video which you can view without leaving the program.

Here’s how to view a built-in help video:

Step 1

Begin by opening a SmartTemplate for the type of diagram you want to create.

Step 2

CClick the “SmartHelp” button to reveal the SmartHelp panel.

Step 3

Click the video preview image to launch the video.

Step 4

SmartDraw is still open while your video plays, so you can pause and follow along at your own speed.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Annotate a Web Page

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:54:16 GMT

Annotate a Web Page

Business owners often ask the graphic design team or IT department to make cosmetic changes to their company’s website. But these changes can be very difficult to accurately communicate. And unclear direction can result in round after round of revisions, and a lot of wasted time and energy.

The web annotation feature in SmartDraw 2009 makes it exceptionally easy to say exactly what you want. You can now automatically capture images of existing web pages and easily add your own captions and notes—a highly effective way to clearly communicate changes with your web development team.

Here’s how to annotate a web page in four easy steps:

Step 1

Select the “Web Design” category from the SmartTemplates list on the left and click on the “Blank Web Page Annotation” template.

Step 2

Click on the “Insert Web Page” Button ”

Step 3

Go to the Desired Webpage and then Press the “Capture Webpage” button

Step 4

Add Your Annotations by dragging notation boxes from the SmartPanel onto your work area, and typing in your note.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Export to PDF with One Click

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:50:51 GMT

Export to PDF with One Click

The Adobe Portable File format (PDF) is great for sharing documents with colleagues, clients and vendors without losing quality. It’s so effective and pervasive that it’s become the de facto standard for exchanging files.

SmartDraw makes it incredibly simple to export your files to PDF.

Here’s how:

Step 1

Open or create your graphic with SmartDraw.

Step 2

When you’re ready to export your drawing, simply click the “PDF” icon in the Quick Access toolbar. ”

Step 3

In the dialogue box that pops up, type in a file name for your PDF and select a save-to location.

Step 4

If you are planning to email your PDF, select “Email as PDF” from the application menu. SmartDraw exports the file to PDF and automatically opens a new email message with your PDF attached. Just fill out and send!

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Create a Chart Automatically

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:48:20 GMT

Create a Chart Automatically

Charts are valuable tools for communicating data, but creating charts can be a tedious task without the right tools. SmartDraw makes it incredibly easy to create charts—in fact, it creates them for you!

If you can copy and paste you can create a great looking chart in SmartDraw.

Here’s how to automatically create a chart from Excel or Access:

Step 1

Open your Excel or Access file and select the data you want to chart.

Step 2

Open SmartDraw and select “Blank Chart” from the SmartTemplate list.”

Step 3

On the SmartPanel, click “Paste Data from Clipboard.” SmartDraw creates a great-looking chart automatically!

Step 4

Easily customize you chart by selecting different SmartPanel commands. Change colors, add and remove components, and even add images.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Print Diagrams to Scale

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:45:11 GMT

Cool Things You Can Do With SmartDraw

Print Diagrams to Scale

It’s critical with many types of diagrams—especially floor plans—to be able to print to scale so that you can measure lengths with a ruler when you drawing is on paper. For example, on a drawing done on a 1 inch = ¼ inch scale, 1 inch equals 4 feet.

But what happens when your scaled drawing gets too big for a single sheet of paper? SmartDraw makes it incredibly easy to change the scale and can even automatically recalculate the ideal scale for your paper size. How cool is that?

Here’s how to print to scale in 4 easy steps:

Step 1

Select “Print” from the application menu.

Step 2

Under options select “Scale to Fit Page,” or for more options select “Print to Scale.”

Step 3

You can adjust the scale by percentage, by actual size, or by how many sheets of paper you want it to fit on.

Step 4

Click “Ok” to shut that dialogue box, then “Ok” again to print. That’s it!

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Automatically Build a Project Chart from a Mind Map

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:37:47 GMT

Automatically Build a Project Chart from a Mind Map

Turning a great idea into a successful project takes careful planning. Brainstorming your project with a mind map and then planning and managing its execution with a project chart is a great way to get it done.

SmartDraw makes it possible to use the power of a mind map to scope out your project, then immediately convert it into a project chart.

Here’s how:

Step 1

Begin by selecting the Blank Mind Map template.

Step 2

Build your mind map by selecting the “Add Topic” and “Add Subtopic” commands in SmartPanel for each new idea.

Step 3

Once all the elements of your project are scoped out, click “Mind Map” dropdown menu in SmartPanel and select “Project (Gantt) Chart.”

Step 4

Now you have a complete project chart to manage your project. Add completion dates and resources for each task.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.

Plot Data Points on a Satellite Map

Sean — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:33:07 GMT

Plot Data Points on a Satellite Map

Displaying regional data on a map is a powerful way to instantly communicate information. But plotting data on a map can be a tedious task without the proper tools. SmartDraw makes it easy to show regional data by plotting it on your map for you, automatically!

How to plot data on a satellite map:

Step 1

In the “Maps” category of SmartTemplates, select “Blank Interactive Map.”

Step 2

In the SmartPanel, click “Insert Map” and enter in a region (city, state, zip code, or country) for your map.

Step 3

Select “Add Data & Markers” from the overlays section of the SmartPanel. “Import data from a file” is preselected. Click next.

Step 4

Browse to the location of your data file, which can be anything from a txt file to a CSV file. Then select “Open” and “Next.”

Step 5

Click through the dialogue boxes and select your options on how your data will be displayed, then click “Finish.”

Step 6

Your data is now plotted on your map automatically, with greater values shown as larger circular markers.

Watch a “Show-Me-How” Video!
If you’d like a watch a video that shows you how to add and delete flowchart steps in in SmartDraw click here.