Build diagrams from Plexii data

A PlexiiDiagrams diagram can draw on the rest of your PlexiiDesk. Build a diagram from the rows of a Plexii table, link single shapes to table rows so they show the row's values, and place live work widgets, apps and tools on the canvas.

Before you start

• Data sources are on every plan.
• To build from a table, you need a Plexii table with some rows. See Table work widget.
• Open a diagram. See PlexiiDiagrams overview.

Open Data sources

Click Data in the toolbar. The Data sources window opens with four tabs: Tables, Work widgets, Apps and Tools.

Generate a diagram from a table

1. In Data sources, open the Tables tab. You can also choose Insert > From a Plexii table….

2. Under Table, choose a table.

3. Under Diagram, choose what to build:

   Diagram	What you get	The extra column it asks for
   Cards (one per row)	One card for each row, in a grid.
   Org chart	A reporting tree.	Reports to (manager)
   Flow / process	Steps joined in order, from left to right.	Next step(s), or Table order to follow the rows in order
   Mind map	A central idea with branches.	Group by

4. Set the rest:

   • Label: the column that names each shape.
   • Colour by: a single-select or multi-select column whose colours tint the shapes. Leave it at None to skip.
   • Extra fields: click the columns to show as more lines on each shape.

5. Choose Add to this page or Replace this page.

6. Click Build diagram.

Each row becomes a shape linked to its row, and the shapes are laid out to suit the kind of diagram. If something could not be built as asked, the window lists notes under Built, with notes:.

Link a shape to a table row

You can link any single shape to a row, so it shows that row's values.

1. Select the shape.
2. In the inspector, open the Data tab and find Data source.
3. Under Table, choose the table. Under Row, choose the row from Pick a row….
4. In Label, type a label template using column names in braces, such as {Name} · {Role}. The shape shows the row's values in their place.
5. Under Show fields, click the columns to list on the shape.

To remove the link, click Unlink from table.

If the table or row is deleted, the shape keeps its place and marks the missing link. The inspector says The linked table is loading or no longer exists.

Colour shapes by their values

Under Conditional formatting (first match wins):

1. Click Add rule.
2. Choose a column, a test, and a value. The tests are is, is not, contains, >, <, ≥, ≤, is empty and has a value.
3. Click the colour box and pick the fill to use when the rule matches.

Add more rules for other values. The first rule that matches sets the colour.

Embed a live work widget

1. In Data sources, open the Work widgets tab and click Choose a work widget…. You can also choose Insert > Work widget from a desk…, which opens Data sources on the Work widgets tab.
2. In Work widget from a desk, search or browse by desk, and click the work widget.

The work widget is placed as a shape that shows its current content and updates as it changes.

You can also drag a work widget from the side menu onto the canvas. Dragging one from the Work widgets section makes a new work widget file, listed in Files, and embeds it. See Work widget files.

Add app and tool tiles

• Apps: tick the Plexii apps you want, then click Add (it shows how many, such as Add 3 apps). Each tile stays linked to its app. Use them to map how work moves between apps.
• Tools: tick the Plexii tools, then click Add, such as Add 2 tools. Use them to plan which tools a workflow uses. To show a tool's live content, embed it from the Work widgets tab instead.

The new tiles are placed below the shapes already on the page.

Custom data, links and notes

The inspector's Data tab also has, for a single shape:

• Link & notes: a web address or Plexii link for the shape, and notes about it.
• Custom data: your own fields and values. Type a Field and a Value and click Add.

Common questions

The Table list says No Plexii tables yet. You have no Plexii tables. Make one first. See Table work widget.

My table has rows but the build added nothing. The window explains why under its notes, or says That table has no rows. if the table is empty.

Can I lay the generated shapes out differently? Yes. Use Layout in the toolbar. See Tidy lines and lay out a diagram.

A section or desk agent will not embed. They arrange a desk, so they only live on one, and the app says so when you drop one.

Related tasks

• PlexiiDiagrams overview
• Tidy lines and lay out a diagram
• Start a diagram from a template or AI
• Table work widget
• Work widget files