How to Add Extra Edit Points to an Elbow Connector in PowerPoint
Question details
The user needs to add extra adjustment points (yellow handles) to an elbow connector in PowerPoint for more precise routing around presentation objects.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Routing elbow connectors precisely around other shapes in complex diagrams and flowcharts.
- Observed behavior
- PowerPoint does not provide a direct user interface command to add more adjustment points to the default elbow connector.
Since this process involves modifying the underlying XML code of your presentation, please create a backup copy of your PowerPoint file before proceeding.
Modify Presentation XML to Change Connector Geometry
By manually editing the slide's XML file, you can change the standard elbow connector to a 5-segment connector, which provides additional adjustment handles.
This method requires renaming the PowerPoint file to a ZIP archive, extracting its contents, and editing the specific slide XML using a text or OOXML editor.
Open PowerPoint, navigate to Insert > Shapes, and place an unattached elbow connector on your slide. Save and close the presentation.
In your file explorer, rename the presentation file extension from .pptx to .zip. Right-click the ZIP file and extract its contents to a new folder.
Navigate to the extracted folder, open the 'ppt' folder, and then the 'slides' folder. Open the relevant slide file (e.g., slide1.xml) using an XML or text editor.
Search the XML document for 'bentConnector3' (the default 3-segment preset). Change this value to 'bentConnector5' to upgrade it to a 5-segment connector, then save the file.
Select all files within the extracted folder, compress them back into a ZIP archive, and rename the extension back to .pptx. Open the file in PowerPoint and reconnect the endpoints to your shapes.
Use Multiple Separate Lines to Create Custom Connectors
If editing XML is too complex, you can draw and group separate straight lines, though this method requires manual adjustments when moving objects.
Try WPS Presentation for Your Flowcharts and Diagrams
Creating complex diagrams and flowcharts shouldn't require coding. WPS Presentation offers a lightweight, free alternative to Microsoft Office with excellent format compatibility and intuitive diagramming tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add edit points to a regular shape instead of a connector line?
Yes. To modify the geometry of a standard shape, select the shape, go to Shape Format > Edit Shape, and select Edit Points. You can then right-click anywhere on the shape outline to add or delete custom points.
Why does my elbow connector keep snapping to the center of shapes?
Connectors automatically snap to predefined anchor points on shapes. To prevent this, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) while dragging the endpoint to place it anywhere on the slide without snapping.
Will the bentConnector5 geometry break if I move the connected shapes?
As long as the endpoints are correctly attached to object anchor points after editing the XML, the 5-segment connector will behave dynamically, although you may need to readjust the yellow handles manually if the shapes are moved significantly.
What is the difference between bentConnector3 and bentConnector5?
The bentConnector3 preset creates a standard elbow connector with three line segments and one yellow adjustment handle. The bentConnector5 preset generates a more complex line with five segments and multiple handles for more precise routing.
