Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Dan Albertson

Barry Christopher Allyn

Daniel J Clay

Craig L Daw

Evan F B Moran

Technologies are described herein for providing a dynamic user interface (UI) to allow a user to select an active diagram shape for insertion into a flowchart or other diagram without leaving the drawing canvas. Through the use of the embodiments presented herein, a diagramming application provides a user with a dynamic UI within the drawing canvas that includes a selection of diagram shapes from a shape gallery located adjacent to the drawing canvas. Using the dynamic UI, the user may select and insert a shape into the diagram without leaving the canvas. Additionally, the user may select a replacement shape from the dynamic UI for replacing an existing diagram shape without leaving the drawing canvas. The dynamic UI is triggered for display next to a cursor when the cursor hovers over or navigates in proximity to a diagram shape, a connection control, or any other UI trigger.

Dynamic user interface for in-diagram shape selection

Methods and systems for associating two objects in a drawing application with one another are provided. Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a method in a computing environment that includes receiving a command to designate a target and designating the target. The method can further include identifying a subject and providing a suggested association of the subject with the target. The method can still further include receiving a command to accept the suggested association and associating the subject with the target as suggested.

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Issaquah, WA, United States of America

Dan Albertson