yFiles.NET Version 6.0

The next generation .NET diagramming SDK

About yFiles.NET Version 6.0

yFiles.NET 6.0 introduces a comprehensive revision of many parts of the API. Unlike previous major releases, where we prioritized backward compatibility, this version removes technical debt to provide a more intuitive, consistent, and streamlined experience. The result is a more modern and efficient API that simplifies development.

We focused on areas of the library that were previously complex or difficult to configure. However, core elements like the graph model, GraphControl, and user interaction have only been selectively adjusted to maintain familiarity.

The improved API not only makes it easier for new customers to integrate yFiles into their projects, but also accelerates the implementation of new requirements in existing applications.

With this release, all planned API changes have been finalized, all demos have been migrated, and the documentation has been fully updated. A migration tool is available to support developers transitioning from previous versions.

Revised and streamlined APIs

We have thoroughly revised features like, e.g. folding, the layout graph, and advanced layout configurations. In addition, we have gone through all parts of the library to reduce the overall size and complexity. We removed classes for which there were already better replacements, which had very little use, or were difficult to use properly. In addition, many features are now simpler to use as we have improved built-in default behavior and settings.

The following are examples of revised features.

Custom visualizations in the Graph Control

The visualization of handles, selections, grids, and any other elements that are not graph items, now uses a uniform and simplified interface. This means that more advanced configurations of the display of these elements can all be implemented in a similar way. However, many adjustments to the display can already be achieved directly using styles.

Easier configuration of layout algorithms

The LayoutData concept from the view part is now also available for the layout part, making it much simpler to configure the layout algorithms there. Major refactorings and simplifications were done to reduce the complexity of the API, including things like the labeling API and handling advanced constraints like port candidates.

Aligned graph models for layout and view parts

Due to the API refactoring, the LayoutGraph class and related types are now more similar to the IGraph interface and therefore much easier to use.

Reworked folding API

The new API for Folding makes it easier to adapt this feature to specific requirements, provides more configuration options, and removes inconsistencies in behavior.

New Major Features

Touch and stylus devices support

yFiles.NET now makes interaction more natural than ever. In addition to mouse input, you can now navigate, edit, and explore your graphs using touch gestures on a touchscreen or precise input with a stylus—whether on a tablet, display, or trackpad. This opens up smoother, more intuitive workflows on modern devices.

User interface modernization

The user interface has been modernized in this release. The default styling now features a contemporary design language across all elements - from scrollbars to themed indicators. The interface can be easily customized to match your corporate design using styles and resources.

We have also reimagined the keyboard shortcuts and gesture controls, striking an optimal balance between familiar graphical application conventions and diagram-specific editing needs.

Input support has been expanded beyond mouse and keyboard to touch support for modern touchpad interactions, all of which work seamlessly out of the box.

Beyond orthogonal snapping

Snapping along horizontal and vertical lines has long been possible in yFiles, but not all diagrams are orthogonal. The improved snapping feature of version 3 has you covered: items can now snap to diagonal lines, lines at arbitrary other angles, and even circles.

Port alignment in hierarchical layout

The Hierarchical Layout now allows the ports of edges on the same node to be aligned vertically or horizontally. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for visualizing paths within a graph, as shown below.

More symmetry in hierarchical layout

The Hierarchical Layout now supports a more symmetric placement of the nodes that are part of chains or trees. Such a placement usually increases readability and supports highlighting these specific structures.

Significant speed-up of organic layout

The OrganicLayout algorithm has undergone significant performance optimization through comprehensive implementation refinements. Layout calculations now execute up to an order of magnitude faster than in the previous version, particularly for large-scale graphs.

This improvement transforms what could previously be a minutes-long process into a matter of seconds, enabling responsive diagramming even with complex networks and extensive datasets.

Substructure style for detected clusters

The OrganicLayout now supports selecting specific substructure styles for groups, enabling predefined arrangements of the groups' content, such as placing all children on a single circle or a compact disk. These styles can also be applied to the automatically identified clusters, which helps emphasize such structures better.