● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Reladraw Introduces Diagram Language for Relative Element Placement
Key points
- Reladraw uses relative positioning statements for diagram elements.
- It avoids absolute coordinates and full auto-layout.
- Aims to bridge the gap between auto-layout and pixel-based tools.
- Facilitates easier modification of complex diagrams.
Introduction to Reladraw
Reladraw is a new text-based language designed for creating diagrams. Unlike existing tools that either fully automate layout or require precise pixel coordinates, Reladraw focuses on defining the placement of diagram elements relative to one another. This allows users to specify relationships like "below app.ui" or "right of app" without needing to input exact numerical positions.
Addressing Limitations of Existing Tools
Current diagramming solutions often fall into two categories: auto-layout tools (e.g., Mermaid, Graphviz, D2) and absolute-positioning tools (e.g., draw.io, Excalidraw, Figma). Auto-layout tools are efficient for many diagrams but lack control when specific arrangements are desired. Absolute-positioning tools offer full control but make complex diagram edits time-consuming and difficult for automated agents.
Reladraw aims to provide a middle ground. It offers more control than auto-layout languages by allowing explicit relative placement, while avoiding the manual overhead and complexity of pixel-based editors for modifications.
How Reladraw Works
In Reladraw, every position is stated relative to another element, and the source file contains no absolute coordinates. For example, a diagram might include statements such as "node app.api 'API' below app.ui" or "node store 'Database' right of app level with app". This declarative approach means the arrangement is explicitly written in the file.
The language is designed so that no line's position depends on another line's indentation or nesting, simplifying the structure.
Benefits for Diagram Modification
A key advantage of Reladraw's approach is simplifying diagram modification. When changes are needed, such as moving a service, the user or an agent can directly alter the relative placement statement in the source file. This contrasts with pixel-coordinate tools where an agent must interpret numerical data, and auto-layout tools where the arrangement is not explicitly written down and can only be re-rendered after source changes.
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Primary sources
GitHub cmc_internal/api GitHub github/collect GitHub reladraw/reladraw GitHub _private/browser GitHub get-started/accessibility GitHub open-source/sponsorsReporting from
Reladraw is a new text-based diagramming language that allows users to define element positions relative to each other, rather than relying on absolute coordinates or full auto-layout. This approach offers more control over diagram appearance compared to auto-layout tools like Mermaid, while being more flexible than pixel-based editors.