Automatically Wiring Objects

If you have automatic wiring enabled, LabVIEW automatically wires objects as you place them on the block diagram. You also can automatically wire objects already on the block diagram. LabVIEW connects the terminals that best match and leaves terminals that do not match unconnected.

Complete the following steps to practice wiring objects automatically as you place them on the block diagram.

  1. If necessary, enable automatic wiring. You also can set the maximum and minimum distances for objects to wire automatically.
  2. Select a digital control on the Controls»Numeric palette and place it on the front panel.
  3. Press the <Ctrl-E> keys to display the block diagram.

    Macintosh Press the <Command-E> keys. Sun Press the <Meta-E> keys. Linux Press the <Alt-E> keys.
  4. Select the Add function on the Functions»Numeric palette and move the left side of the function close to the right side of the Numeric terminal on the block diagram. As you move the function close to the terminal, LabVIEW draws temporary wires to show you valid connections.
  5. When a temporary wire appears between the Numeric terminal and the top left terminal of the Add function, release the mouse button to place the function and wire the objects.

By default, automatic wiring is enabled when you select an object from the Functions palette or when you clone an object already on the block diagram. Automatic wiring is disabled by default when you use the Positioning tool to move an object already on the block diagram. When automatic wiring is enabled, the selected object retains its appearance when you drag it. When automatic wiring is disabled, the selected object appears as a dotted outline when you drag it.

Toggle automatic wiring by pressing the space bar while you drag an object onto the block diagram or move an object using the Positioning tool.