Using Connector lines in Org Chart using SmartArt (ver 2007)

[DeDe]

Hello,

I have a problem using a connector line to draw an additional line in an
organisation chart. The org chart was created using PowerPoint v2007
SmartArt.

My problem is that the connector line does not link directly onto the box.
Rather, the connector lines "docking points" are around the border of the
SmartArt object not the box itself. If I attempt to draw the connector line
from box to box it is simply a line, not a "stretchy" connector line. How
can I get the org. chart connector lines to behave as they did in v2003?

Thank you in advance.
De

 

[Glen Millar]

Hi De,

It seems that connectors will not snap to Smart Art objects. The only way I
could achieve it was to cut the object the clipboard, paste it as a wmf
(windows metafile) and ungroup the objects. Not exactly what you want.

The alternative is to draw some sort of very small object, like a circle,
make it invisible, group it to the smart art where you want the connector to
snap, and snap the connector to the invisible object.

--

Regards,
Glen Millar
Microsoft PPT MVP

Tutorials and PowerPoint animations at
the original www.pptworkbench.com
glen at pptworkbench dot com

 

[John Wilson]

This is really just an extension of Glen's method but it's what we do so I
thought I'd share it!

Use the freeform tool to carefully trace around the smart art shape, don't
worry too much about rounded corners but get the straight bits right. Right
click the border and add points at appropriate places to allow connectors.
Set the fill and line to none.
--
Amazing PPT Hints, Tips and Tutorials

http://www.PPTAlchemy.co.uk
http://www.technologytrish.co.uk
email john AT technologytrish.co.uk

 

[DeDe]

Thank you John & Glen. I used both methods as described and both worked.

Much appreciated.
De