graph theory - How to prevent edges in graphviz to overlap each other

Question

I have a graph I've created in graphviz, but the problem is that edges overlap each other (I have 5-7 nodes in each row), so it is hard to tell for each node which are the nodes it connects.

How can I make the edges not to overlap each other? Have them cross each other is OK.

Answer 1

I'm assuming you have a directed graph which you layout with dot.

I don't think there's a magic switch to prevent overlapping edges. Graphviz tries to do that out of the box.

Some suggestions that may help, depending on the graph:

• edge concentrators (concentrate=true): Merge multiple edges with a common endpoint into single edges, and have partially parallel edges share parts of their path.
• ports : Edges can have their origin and endpoint on a specific port (n, ne, e, se, s, sw, w, nw, w, c, _). Depending on the edge ports, the edge changes its form (spline).
• invisible nodes : There may be cases where introducing invisible nodes to route edges can have the desired effect.