From an open Cmap:
Modifying linking lines can be useful when adding new Cmap items onto propositions. You can apply the different techniques found in the help sections Create a New Proposition from One Concept and Create a Proposition from Existing Concepts to add concepts to existing propositions. One type of modified link, the curved link, can be used to complete the addition of a concept to a proposition.
Click the arrows of an existing concept or linking phrase to have an arrow follow the mouse pointer.
Select a concept and connect the arrow to it. The linking line will appear positioned behind other objects that are not part of the link.
Select a linking line that you want to curve, then select Styles... from the Format menu.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
Click the button under the Shape heading to reveal the different curving options for the selected linking line. In our example, we'll use the Make 4pt Bezier. button so that we may fine tune our curve.
When you return to the Cmap, you'll notice a small white box in the middle of the line you have selected to curve. The small white box in the middle of the line actually consists of two boxes or points, one on top of the other. Click and drag one of the two overlapping points from the middle of the line out to a desired location on the Cmap.
Now drag the remaining middle point out to finish the curve.
When you have completed the adjustments of your curve, click on a white portion of the Cmap to set the curved link.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
To curve a linking line by using the corner of an adjustable triangle for reference, click the Make 3pt Bezier. button.
Click and drag the middle point of the line out to a desired location. When you have completed the adjustments of your curve, click on a white portion of the Cmap to set the curved link.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
The Make Splines. button allows you to curve from a middle point directly attached to the link.
Click and drag the middle point out to a desired location, then click on a white portion of the Cmap to set the curved link.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
The Make Vectors. button allows you to create angled links, or vectors, using straight lines.
Click and drag the middle point out to a desired location, then click on a white portion of the Cmap to set the vector link.
You may add additional control points to change the shape of a linking line. Right-click (control-click for Mac users) a linking line that you want to curve. Select Add Control Point from the menu that appears.
Adding additional control points to a link will give you more control over the link's shape.
You can curve links in different ways by adding additional control points, and by making use of Make Splines. from the Line tab of the "Styles" window.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
The Line Thickness button allows you to modify how thick, or thin, you want a linking line to appear.
Now when viewing the Cmap, the thickness of the linking line you selected has changed.
From the "Styles" window, "Line" tab:
The Line Style button allows you to modify a linking line's appearance with the use of a solid pattern, or a combination pattern of dots and/or dashes.
Now when viewing the Cmap, the linking line you selected will appear in the line style you chose.