Connect two objects with a third, dynamic symbol.

A new class of Symbol that can be assigned properties of Rotate, Extend, Scale etc. and a new class of Group called an Assembly.

e.g 1. A bullet point and a number in a circle can be connected by a symbol set with the properties of Radial Rotate and Extend, so the when either the bullet or the number are moved the connector symbol adjusts its length to remain anchored to the centre of the other two objects.

e.g. 2 A graphic is connected to create an Assembly of two or more other objects with properties of Focus Rotate and Scale, so that if any of the other objects are moved it is resized (either proportionally or disproportionally depending on selected options) to fill the space (based on its original size relative to the other objects) and rotated (based on where the densest number of other objects are). So a central arrow graphic would scale if the surrounding target graphics are moved closer or further away, but never beyond the nearest of the surrounding objects, and would point in the direction of the most objects in any direction.

This would be useful in annotation, plans (engineering, mapping etc.), flow charts and diagrams.

Symbol properties are set when creating the symbol and connection properties are set when applying to a connected assembly. For example a connection property may be tangential rather than radial so the connector is always angled from the outside edge of one of the parent objects, but the centre of the other.

Just select several objects and apply “Assemble”. The objects appear unaffected and can all still be moved independently but, once a Connector is dragged on from the symbols palette, they are highlighted, the Connector can be dropped in place and constraints applied. Several Connectors can be applied to one Assembly so a cloud of objects and be connected via several paths which will adjust dynamically if any of the objects are moved later.