What's the best way to draw flow charts in Xara

[Bradj2]

Hi Guys,

I would like to draw flow charts in Xara rather than purchase separate software. One problem I've been having is how best to make use of a grid to evenly distribute spacing between elements and for the layout to fit on the page as a flow chart can soon become complicated with multiple connections and arrows. Xara's grid just looks confusing to me (attached) with its mesh appearance. Is there a better way to go about this for example using a plain square grid (attached) with a solid pale blue line would seem a bit easier to work with and I've played about with the guides to accomplish this but they are red dotted lines. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Brad

[gwpriester]

You can create your own grid then cut and paste it onto a Guides Layer. It will act like a normal snap to grid.

The only trick is to drag one guideline onto the page first to create the Guides Layer.

You can also change the color of the grid lines if you want.

That make sense?

[Bradj2]

Thanks Gary. Not sure I understand completely.

"You can create your own grid then cut and paste it onto a Guides Layer. It will act like a normal snap to grid."
As a test, I drew a blue line and copied it on the layers guide which worked but it drew it as a dashed red line. I would like to end up with solid pale blue grid lines, 1cm spacing that would act like a normal snap to grid.

"The only trick is to drag one guideline onto the page first to create the Guides Layer."
If I created a blue grid with 1cm spacing. Do I need to transfer each line one by one?

You can also change the color of the grid lines if you want.
Not sure how to go about this. I have tried right clicking on layer properties but the colour option is only red.

Thanks for your help,
Brad

[iamtheblues]

If you drag a guide onto the workspace from the ruler (if your rulers aren't visible, Press "Ctrl + Shift + R" to toggle off/on).
Right mouse click on the red dotted line and in the dialogue box that opens, click on "Guide Layer Properties". Here you can change the default red to the colour of your choice.
I have attached a screen grab of the help page on guides to clarify.
Bob.

[Egg Bramhill]

I'd go about it a totaly different way. Basically what you're after is a graph type grid. Here's my solution. Watch in HD.

[Acorn]

I've always just used Snap to Objects to align shapes horizontally and vertically.

To distribute equally, I have used off-page objects to act as anchors. They were aligned with Arrange > Alignment > Distribute equi-spaced.
It is possible to redistribute after you have created your charts but a little forward planning save oodles of stress.

Also the Smart Shapes Arrows (4 or 5) arrowheads actually stick to the edge of the shapes without too much fiddling.



Acorn

[Bradj2]

Thank you for your input and help everyone! Egg thanks for the great video and attached file, very thoughtful and it really helped. Graph paper is what I wanted and didn't even know it, now it reminds me of the dreaded geometry lessons from school days