Is it possible to resize a force layout in d3.js? For example, I have a layout defined by

var force = d3.layout.force()
.nodes(documents.nodes)
.linkDistance(0)
.friction(.2)
.size([width, height]);

force.start();

and I wish to resize it later in the project. Is this possible?

Is it possible to resize a force layout in d3.js? For example, I have a layout defined by

var force = d3.layout.force()
.nodes(documents.nodes)
.linkDistance(0)
.friction(.2)
.size([width, height]);

force.start();

and I wish to resize it later in the project. Is this possible?

• javascript
• d3.js
• resize
• force-layout

• 1 Have you tried resetting .size()? – Lars Kotthoff Commented Oct 10, 2013 at 18:12
• I tried force.size([newWidth, height]).start(); to no avail... – jcmitt Commented Oct 10, 2013 at 18:35
• Note that increasing the size of the layout doesn't mean that the additional space will be used. What is your specific use case for this? – Lars Kotthoff Commented Oct 10, 2013 at 18:38
• I have a few items on one page, and when focused on one of the other layouts, I'd like the force layout to shrink. – jcmitt Commented Oct 10, 2013 at 18:41
• You'll also have to resize the container. – Lars Kotthoff Commented Oct 10, 2013 at 18:46

2 Answers 2

Shortly, on a resize event you should change the attributes of your svg object (it changes also the center of gravity) and resume force calculations:

window.onresize = function() {
  width = window.innerWidth, height = window.innerHeight;
  svg.attr('width', width).attr('height', height);
  force.size([width, height]).resume();
};

An example for the d3 force resize is provided here.

According to the documentation, the .size() parameter of the force layout affects only the center of gravity and initial distribution of nodes, not the space available. You will have to enforce any constraints on that yourself, e.g. in the tick function:

force.on("tick", function() {
    node.attr("cx", function(d) { return Math.min(maxX, Math.max(minX, d.x)); })
        .attr("cy", function(d) { return Math.min(maxY, Math.max(minY, d.y)); });
}