Grouped items and movement in a multidimensional swimlane

Question

Hi there,

I am trying to build a multidimensional swim lane process. I need to be able to tag each step in the process with two labels (either both, or just one).

First, I created a Dynamic table so that I could have both vertical and horizontal swimlanes. I can’t seem to turn magnetize on for this table type, as it’s greyed out (when I have a swimlane selected, and also when I have the whole table selected):

I tried using the tag function. But I can’t seem to move the tags around, and I don’t want them on the top left. I want them either underneath, or in the middle of the process shape. I also want them always fully visible, not just a tiny tag with no text. So that didn’t work for me.

Next, I tried adding a Standard shape (a tiny circle) to a process shape - but I can’t drag it to sit inside the process shape. I cannot group them together on the canvas either, as grouping is greyed out. I can take both off the canvas, then group them together there - but when I do that, and I drag the unified shape back to the canvas, the swimlanes stop auto moving the Standard shape and text - the process moves, but not the circle and the text. It’s like it’s no longer recognising the Process shape as part of the process when it’s grouped with something off-canvas.

I tried adding Dots, but the text I typed kept breaking across the line every time I added a space between words. So I tried adding Standard text next to the dot, which lets me add spaces. But when I group the text and the dot, again the swimlanes stop auto moving the Standard shape with the text.

Next, I created a UML multidimensional swimlane instead of the Dynamic table. The grouped text and image now both move with the swimlanes! I thought I was ready to celebtrate - but then I discovered that I can’t rotate the text on the horizontal swimlane labels, which makes it impossible to read. I also can’t format the inside of the swimlanes (not a dealbreaker, but still pretty annoying):

So! I would really appreciate some help, if possible please.

Does anyone please have any advice? Is there a way to create a Process shape that is able to be joined with other shapes so that I can have always-on, visible tags for each Process shape - and have these move within a Dynamic table when the size and order change? For clarity, the below (or similar) is what I’m looking for - but I need the TAG 1/TAG 2 text and coloured circles to move with the swimlanes when I resize them!

Thank you very much in advance for any advice you can offer.

Best answer by Humas1985

Hi @meredith

Lucidchart’s current structure treats Dynamic Tables, UML swimlanes, and standard containers very differently, which leads to limitations around grouping, magnetization, and the ability to place custom tags inside process shapes.

Dynamic Tables don’t support magnetization or grouped shapes in cells, and UML swimlanes restrict formatting and text rotation, so neither option fully supports always-visible, movable, custom tags.
To achieve shapes with visible, positioned tags that move reliably inside a multidimensional layout, you generally need to build custom lane structures manually using containers. This approach restores grouping and layering flexibility, but you trade off some automated swimlane/table features.

These constraints reflect deliberate design choices meant to preserve table and swimlane integrity, but they do limit freeform shape manipulation

Hope this helps - Happy to help further!!
Thank you very much and have a great one!
Warm regards

Humas1985 · Accepted Answer

Hi ​@meredithLucidchart’s current structure treats Dynamic Tables, UML swimlanes, and standard containers very differently, which leads to limitations around grouping, magnetization, and the ability to place custom tags inside process shapes.Dynamic Tables don’t support magnetization or grouped shapes in cells, and UML swimlanes restrict formatting and text rotation, so neither option fully supports always-visible, movable, custom tags.To achieve shapes with visible, positioned tags that move reliably inside a multidimensional layout, you generally need to build custom lane structures manually using containers. This approach restores grouping and layering flexibility, but you trade off some automated swimlane/table features.These constraints reflect deliberate design choices meant to preserve table and swimlane integrity, but they do limit freeform shape manipulationHope this helps - Happy to help further!!Thank you very much and have a great one!Warm regards

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