Clean up Simulink block diagram

Is there an automatic way rearrange a Simulink block diagram so that it is easy to read? For example:

• Straighten paths where possible
• Minimize use of white space so map is compact
• Align blocks along program flow path

For example, clean_up_simulink(myModel) would perform these tasks then save the revised model.

[Ben]

Mathworks should invest the energy to develop an auto-cleanup feature. Tools like these are expected for serious and relevant 21st century software. Yes, it is non-trivial, but take a look at National Instrument's LabView--they've implemented such a feature beautifully and it saves hours of aggravation especially if you are developing complex code.

Answer 1

[Andreas Goser]

A year ago, I worked with users and developers ( I called it myself Simulink Beautifier :-) ) to find out if such things are possible. I found myself convinced, that this is a non-trivial undertaking, if you try this in a generic way, as there are too many criteria/rules.

But I know they are customers out there implemented some parts of this. But they all authored own tools. Typically man months of (student) time was invested. I cannot help more specific than saying they created larger MATLAB codes using FIND_SYSTEM, ADD_LINE, SET_PARAM etc.

[K E]

Thanks for the insight - if the solution requires months of development I will live with messy diagrams. Hopefully this will be built into some future Simulink version, similar to automatic code indenting in Matlab.

[Eric D]

LabVIEW had this built in many years ago, so it isnt thaaaat crazy of a task.

[Anh Tran]

From MATLAB R2019b, you can improve your diagram layout and appearance by opening the FORMAT tab on the toolstrip and click on Auto Arrange. This command can realign, resize, and move blocks and straighten signal lines.

In MATLAB R2019a, select Diagram > Arrange > Arrange Automatically.

For more information, see Improve Model Layout.

[Amartya Banerjee]

Rightclick selection>Format> Arrange Automatically [ in 2021b]

Answer 2

[Anh Tran]

From MATLAB R2019b, you can improve your diagram layout and appearance by opening the FORMAT tab on the toolstrip and click on Auto Arrange. This command can realign, resize, and move blocks and straighten signal lines.

In MATLAB R2019a, select Diagram > Arrange > Arrange Automatically.

For more information, see Improve Model Layout.

Hope this helps.

[Naga Sai Sameer Sathwick Atyam]

how to do in 2016a version as this feature is not available

Answer 3

[João]

I know that this post is from two years ago, but I want to check if this function as already been implemented.

Thanks,

Answer 4

[Joe]

I completely agree with Ben. LabVIEW has a very nice solution and has had one for years. I always find myself very frustrated working with the Simulink editor. I find it clunky and time consuming. TMW really needs to invest in a utility to automatically clearn up at least a single wire but preferably the entire diagram.

I also find it absolutely annoying that Simulink doesn't follow the standard set by other applications that the scroll wheel pans the diagram instead of zooming. Very annoying.

Answer 5

[Monika Jaskolka]

Doesn't look like anything is built-in for Simulink. In 2017a there is "Stateflow Layout" which automatically improves the layout of charts.

However, there is this tool on the File Exchange that works on Simulink models: https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/fileexchange/51228-auto-layout-tool

[Rashmi Bharadwaja]

This link can help clean your Simulink models to some extent.

http://blogs.mathworks.com/pick/2014/04/25/clean-up-your-simulink-model/

[Praveen Potluri]

You can use the goto block and the from block from the simulink library so that there won't be too many overlapping lines. It is not a automatic way but your block diagram looks clean.