How to Edit or Modify a Diagram

DocuStudio’s diagram toolbar has several features that allow publishers to make modifications to diagrams. Whether a publisher needs to add a callout, remove text or add text, DocuStudio allows users to manage and modify their images to fit their needs. 

Article Topics

• Diagram Modification Best Practices
• Using the Drawing and Shape Tools
• How to Use the Brush Tool
• Tips for Using the Brush Tool
• How to Use Shapes
• Tips for Using Shapes
• How to Add Text
• Tips for Using Text

Diagram Modification Best Practices

IMPORTANT: any modifications made to a diagram in DocuStudio 
will not be reflected when exporting or printing from Documoto. 
This includes hotpoints, text, shapes, etc. As such, if the 
diagram modifications need be retained when exporting or 
printing from Documoto, we recommend modifying the source 
diagram before importing to DocuStudio. 

Before modifying a diagram, it might be useful to maximize the size of your diagram in your Docustudio window. To do this, click on the close view icon  at the top right of the bill of material (BOM) table.

Additionally, use the magnifying glass icons to zoom in, out or view image at 100% until you reach a view that you find optimal for editing. It is also best to use the magnifying glass tools throughout editing to ensure that you are always viewing the image at an appropriate size to complete the task you are trying to accomplish.

Once a brush, shape or text is added to a diagram, publishers will only be able to delete the modification while there is a red box around the addition. 

DocuStudio does not have a concept of an "undo" function, when modifying diagrams, so use care when using the tools described below.

Using the Drawing and Shapes Tools

Each drawing and shape tool allows you to customize certain characteristics of the tool, such as font or color. Listed below are some of the customizable options that may apply to one, or many, of the different tools. All options will appear right below the dark grey Diagram toolbar header.

• Stroke (Line Color)
• Size (Line Weight)
• Alpha (Transparency)
• Shape
• Style
• Fill (Fill Color)

How to Use the Brush Tool

1. Click on the ‘Brush’ icon  in the Diagram toolbar.
2. Choose the stroke, size, alpha and shape of the paint brush.
3. Draw on diagram as needed by left clicking and holding your mouse as you drag your paint brush on the diagram.
4. Click on the paint brush icon  again when you are done with the tool.

Tips for Using the Brush Tool

• Use a white ‘Fill’ color when you wish to erase small areas of a diagram.
• Remember that the brush tool appears less refined on diagrams than the shape or text tools.
• Avoid using the brush tool to write on diagrams (use the text tool).

How to Use Shapes

1. Click on the shape icon (e.g. line, square or circle ) you want to use in the Diagram toolbar
2. Customize the available options for that tool (ex. stroke, size, etc.).  
3. Click on the spot in the diagram where you want your shape to start and hold until you reach the spot where you want your shape to end
   • For example, refer to the red line, circle and rectangle in diagram below: 
4. Click on the greyed out shape icon you are using again in the Diagram toolbar when you are done with that tool.

Tips for Using Shapes

• Similar to the ‘Brush’ tool, circles and rectangles that are set to have a white ‘Fill’ with a white ‘Stroke’ (border) can be used to erase unwanted areas of the diagram.
• Lines, circles and text can be used to add additional callouts to diagrams.
• Lines can also be used to create arrows.
• Rectangles can function as borders for text you are adding to a diagram.

How to Add Text

1. Click on the ‘Text’ icon  in the Diagram toolbar.
2. Set the text fill (color), size and font.
3. Click on the spot where you want your text to start.
4. Type in the text you want to add.
5. To add a number to an added callout, add the text to a blank area of the diagram.
6. Click the greyed out ‘Text’ icon in the Diagram toolbar when you are done adding text.   
7. If you need to move text, click on the number or text box you created and drag it over the callout or shape you created. 

Tips for Using Text

• Text cannot be added on top of shapes that have been added within the diagram while the ‘Text’ icon is active.
• The text box is stationary until the ‘Text’ icon is no longer active (i.e. no longer greyed out). Once the ‘Text’ function is off, text boxes can be moved to other areas of the diagram.
• Text can be selected and deleted after the ‘Text’ icon is no longer active.
• Added text can be edited whenever the ‘Text’ icon is greyed out and active.
• Avoid adding text to diagrams when the information is likely to change.
• Consider using ‘Comments’ in Documoto instead of text on the diagram for information that will be associated to a single part only.
• Strategically plan the text you are adding to diagrams because changing the text later on will require you to edit the page in DocuStudio and republish it to Documoto.