I was wondering if it is possible to add new nodes and links to a diagram following the conventions of a layered layout, but without performing a full layout function. The point being that I do not want any existing nodes to be moved. The new nodes will have at least 1 link to an existing node.
The basic problem I have is that if I add a collection of linked nodes to the diagram, they are placed on top of existing nodes and the resulting layout does not look layered. I do not want to perform a full layout of the entire diagram because I want the existing nodes to remain stationary. The resulting layout does not need to be optimum of course.
The best solution I have come up with is to place the new nodes into a network, generate a sub layout, then try to position the sub layout somewhere on the diagram that “has enough space” near the existing nodes they are connected with.
Thanks!