disable the create block diagram space function

[Neil.Pate]

Hello experts,

Does anyone know how to disable the funcionality that allows you to create block diagram space by holding control and dragging the mouse?

I ask, as I never ever ever ever use this functionality (it really messes things up), but quite often I control-drag a VI to clone it on the block diagram. If I make a mistake while doing this control-drag it sometimes acts as though I wanted to create extra space on the block diagram and expands everything. Sometimes I do not notice this has happened, possibly for a few hours whilst saving my main VI, so I cannot go back to the original without restoring the VI out of my source code control.

This auto-create space function is not a good practice to be teaching or allowing people to use, it generally leads to horrible block diagrams.

ps: I know there is the ability in LV8.6 to clean up a diagram, but this is not really what I want, although I have not tried it I am sure it would mess up the general style I have got going.

[Ben]

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nrp wrote:

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This auto-create space function is not a good practice to be teaching or allowing people to use, it generally leads to horrible block diagrams.

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I'm sorry but I must disagree with that staement. I use that functionality a dozen times a day and it has been years since anyone has used the term "horrilbe" to describe my BDs (at least to the best of my knowledge).

I would be outraged if NI pulled that function.

Done disagreeing.

Ben

[Neil.Pate]

You use it in the middle of a diagram or around the edges?

Maybe I have just gotten so used to not using it that when I have to add a bit more space I do it manually, and subsequently have not ever used it; kind of chicken and egg situation (or catch-22 or whatever metaphor is the flavour of the day)

What I really meant to say was, that in the root VI, where its normally reasonably busy, using it in the middle of the VI by accident creates problems, especially if you do not notice it has created the extra space.

I would never suggest NI removes it, just possibly allow a user to disable it if they require so.

[falkpl]

I would miss this function too, use it every day.  I dont like showing this trick to beginners because it is abused.  A complementary function would be nice, perhaps a ctrl-shift drag to remove whitespace (Assuming there is no non-compressable objects in the selected area).  The implementation would not be too hard and I would use this function as well.

[Ben]

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nrp wrote:

You use it in the middle of a diagram or around the edges?

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Anywhere I need white space.

Actually I use in in only one-dimension most of the time. What I mean by this is when I am doing the ctrl-shift-drag, I usially only drag horizontally OR vertically.

Ben

[Neil.Pate]

One dimension, that is the clue I was missing!

However when I do ctrl-shift my cursor changes to a hand so it pans around the diagram, am I missing something?

[Ben]

Only guessing now.

Are you using auto-tool selection?

I don't and I don't see what you mentioned.

Ben

[Neil.Pate]

Yes Ben, I am using auto-tool (one of those things that once you have gotten into it is impossible to live without).

I will have to try and think of another way to drag in only one dimension...

[F._Schubert]

Ctrl-Shift doesn't work in 7.1.

For nrp (and others using the autoselection), this is how I do:

I do my drag and then minimize the unwanted direction by sight (keep the mouse button pressed). Once the rectangle disappears (one pixel will show a dashed line), I release my mouse button. Takes a steady hand with the mouse, though.

Felix

[Neil.Pate]

Thanks Felix, I will try that.