{"id":629,"date":"2024-02-07T14:42:42","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T14:42:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vmlogger.com\/algorithms\/?p=629"},"modified":"2024-02-07T14:42:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T14:42:42","slug":"two-simple-steps-to-animate-your-draw-io-diagram","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vmlogger.com\/algorithms\/2024\/02\/07\/two-simple-steps-to-animate-your-draw-io-diagram\/","title":{"rendered":"Two simple Steps to Animate your Draw.io diagram"},"content":{"rendered":"
Ever felt lost trying to understand how a website works or how your data gets from point A to point B? Flow diagrams are like the superheroes of the software and data world, saving the day by making things crystal clear!<\/p>\n
Think of them as maps for complex systems. They show how information flows, where decisions are made, and how different parts work together. It\u2019s like having a magic decoder ring that unlocks the secrets of how things tick.<\/p>\n
Static diagrams are great for conveying information, but sometimes you need a little extra pop. Imagine visualizing a data flow with lines that flow in real-time or highlighting a specific connection with a pulsating arrow.\u00a0This is where the magic of animated lines in draw.io comes in!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Following is a sample diagram created by an AWS Architect who is trying to show the flow of information across different systems\/modules\/apps in AWS.\u00a0Note that this is a dummy sample created and not for a specific application<\/em><\/p>\n Now, the same diagram is re-created where every static arrow is replaced with an animated pulsating arrow like this:<\/p>\n In my opinion, the second GIF file looks cooler than the first one.<\/p>\n However, It would be over-enthusiastic to say that the second one gives more clarity than the first one as I do not have any scientific research data to support my argument.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Today, we\u2019ll explore how to easily add animation to your draw.io diagrams, taking your architecture, data flow, pipeline, or any type of diagrams to a whole new level.<\/p>\n draw.io offers a built-in feature called Flow Animation. This allows you to animate the path of any connector (line) in your diagram, mimicking the flow of data, information, or processes. It\u2019s perfect for:<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Get Animated!<\/p>\n Follow these simple steps to unleash the power of animation:<\/p>\n All the above steps are shown in the below gif:<\/p>\n Remember:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Animation is a powerful tool, but use it wisely. Over-animation can be distracting, so focus on key elements and maintain clarity.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Now you have created this animated diagram but you want to export it as a gif so that you can show this animated video in your presentation and impress your boss \ud83d\ude03.<\/p>\n Exporting as a GIF file is not as easy as it was to create. Draw.io has refused to provide an option to export it as a GIF. But do not worry, there are a couple of workarounds to export your animated diagram as a GIF file.<\/p>\n Step 1:\u00a0<\/strong>Export your diagram as HTML file.<\/p>\n Step 2:\u00a0<\/strong>Open your HTML file<\/p>\n Step 3:\u00a0<\/strong>Now, using the\u00a0RecordIt<\/strong>\u00a0application, you can record the area that you want to capture in your gif file<\/p>\n Step 4:\u00a0<\/strong>Once the recording is done, you should be able to see the recording video file which can be saved as a gif file too.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
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How to add animated flow lines in Draw.io diagrams<\/h1>\n
The Power of Flow Animation:<\/h2>\n
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How to export Animated Draw.io diagram as a GIF:<\/h1>\n
Workaround 1: Export as HTML file and\u00a0RecordIt tool<\/a><\/h2>\n
Workaround 2: Screen record and convert recorded MP4 to GIF<\/h2>\n