Is auto-layout inside group nodes supported, or is manual layout required?

[Hugo Gomes]

We are using Syncfusion Diagram with a HierarchicalTree layout. The auto-layout works correctly at the diagram level, but it is not applied to nodes inside group containers.

Our use case requires a tree-like layout inside a group node (not nested groups).

Current implementation

Since auto-layout does not work inside groups, we are currently:

• Excluding group nodes from the Diagram layout

• Manually calculating the tree structure inside each group

• Computing positions (x/y) for every child node programmatically

• Using the group (Canvas) only as a visual container

This approach works, but it significantly increases complexity and maintenance.

Main question

Is there any supported way in Syncfusion Diagram to:

• Enable auto-layout inside group nodes, or

• Apply a built-in layout (such as HierarchicalTree) to the children of a group?

Or is manual layout calculation inside groups the expected and recommended approach?

[Moulidharan Gopalakrishnan]

Hi Hugo Gomes,

Thanks for reaching out.

Currently, our Diagram control does not support applying automatic layouts (including HierarchicalTree or any built‑in layout) inside group nodes. Layouts are only applied at the diagram level, and child nodes within a group are not included in the auto‑layout calculation, and manual layout calculation for childrens inside groups is the available and recommended approach

This requirement has already been logged as a feature request in our backlog under the title “Support for group nodes in automatic layouts.” At the moment, we do not have an immediate plan or scheduled timeline for implementing this enhancement.

You can track the status of this feature or communicate with us through the feedback link below.

Feedback link: Support for group nodes in automatic layouts in Angular | Feedback Portal

Regards,
Moulidharan