PowerPoint Shape Connector Routing Around Obstacles: How to Set

When you connect two shapes in PowerPoint using a connector line, the line may take a longer path around intermediate shapes instead of crossing through them. This behavior is controlled by the connector routing mode, which is set to Avoid crossing connectors by default. You may want the connector to take the shortest path or to route around obstacles in a specific way. This article explains how to change the routing mode for individual connectors and for all connectors on a slide.

Why Connectors Take a Detour Around Other Shapes

PowerPoint connectors are dynamic lines that maintain a connection between two shapes even when you move those shapes. To keep the diagram readable, PowerPoint applies a routing algorithm that tries to avoid crossing other shapes. This algorithm is called Avoid crossing connectors and is enabled by default for all connectors on a slide.

When you insert a connector between Shape A and Shape B, and there is a third shape between them, PowerPoint calculates a path that goes around the third shape instead of through it. This can create long, winding connectors that make your diagram look cluttered. The routing is recalculated every time you move a connected shape or add a new shape to the slide.

The routing mode is not a property of the connector itself. It is a slide-level setting that applies to all connectors. However, you can override the automatic routing for a single connector by using the Reroute Connectors command. This command forces the connector to take the shortest path between the two anchor points, ignoring obstacles. The result may be a connector that crosses other shapes, but it gives you full control over the visual layout.

Steps to Change Connector Routing for a Single Connector

Use this method when you want one specific connector to take the shortest path, even if it crosses other shapes. This is useful for diagrams where clarity is more important than avoiding overlaps.

1. Select the connector
   Click the connector line you want to reroute. Handles appear at the start and end points.
2. Go to Shape Format tab
   On the ribbon, click Shape Format. This tab appears only when a connector or shape is selected.
3. Open Edit Shape menu
   In the Insert Shapes group, click Edit Shape. A dropdown menu appears.
4. Click Reroute Connectors
   From the dropdown, select Reroute Connectors. The connector immediately redraws along the shortest path between its two anchor points. If the shortest path crosses another shape, the connector will cross it.

After rerouting, the connector is no longer bound by the Avoid crossing connectors algorithm. If you move a shape later, the connector may revert to the default routing. To lock the new path, right-click the connector and choose Lock Anchor Points. This prevents the connector from reconnecting to different anchor points when shapes move.

How to Reroute All Connectors on a Slide at Once

PowerPoint does not have a single command to reroute all connectors simultaneously. However, you can select all connectors and apply the reroute command in one action.

1. Open the Selection pane
   On the Home tab, click Select and then Selection Pane. The pane lists every object on the slide.
2. Select all connectors
   In the Selection pane, hold Ctrl and click each connector. Alternatively, click a connector, then press Ctrl+A to select all objects, then hold Ctrl and deselect the shapes by clicking them in the pane. This selects only the connectors.
3. Apply Reroute Connectors
   With all connectors selected, go to Shape Format > Edit Shape > Reroute Connectors. All selected connectors are rerouted to their shortest paths.

Be aware that rerouting all connectors may create a messy diagram if many connectors cross each other. Use this command only when you are okay with overlaps and want to minimize connector length.

How to Change Connector Type to Influence Routing

The type of connector you choose also affects how it routes around obstacles. PowerPoint offers three connector types: straight, elbow, and curved. Each type handles obstacle avoidance differently.

1. Select the connector
   Click the connector you want to modify.
2. Open Format Shape pane
   Right-click the connector and select Format Shape. The pane opens on the right side.
3. Go to Line > Connector Type
   In the Format Shape pane, click Line to expand the section. Then select Connector Type. You see three options: Straight, Elbow, and Curved.
4. Choose a type
   Click Straight for a direct line. Click Elbow for right-angle bends. Click Curved for smooth arcs. The connector updates immediately.

Straight connectors ignore obstacles and draw a direct line between anchor points. Elbow connectors create a path with 90-degree turns and will try to avoid shapes by adding extra bends. Curved connectors create a smooth arc that also avoids obstacles. If you want the shortest possible path, use Straight. If you want a clean, organized look that avoids crossing shapes, use Elbow or Curved.

Common Issues With Connector Routing and How to Fix Them

Connector Keeps Jumping to a Different Shape When I Move It

This happens when the connector is not locked to specific anchor points. PowerPoint tries to find the nearest anchor point when a shape moves. To prevent this, right-click the connector and select Lock Anchor Points. The connector stays attached to the same connection points on both shapes.

Reroute Connectors Command Is Grayed Out

The command is only available when you have selected a connector. If you have selected a shape, the command is disabled. Click only the connector line. If you have multiple objects selected, the command may be unavailable. In that case, use the Selection pane to ensure only connectors are selected.

Connector Crosses a Shape Even After Rerouting

This is the expected behavior when you use Reroute Connectors. The command forces the shortest path, which may cross other shapes. If you want the connector to avoid the shape but still take a shorter route, change the connector type to Elbow or Curved and manually adjust the yellow diamond handles on the connector to fine-tune the path.

All Connectors on the Slide Suddenly Reroute When I Add a New Shape

This is the default behavior of the Avoid crossing connectors algorithm. When a new shape is added, PowerPoint recalculates all connector paths on the slide to avoid the new shape. To prevent this, lock the anchor points of each connector. Locked connectors do not reroute automatically. You can also group the connectors with their connected shapes, but grouping may break the dynamic connection.

Connector Routing Comparison: Default vs Rerouted vs Manual

Item	Default (Avoid Crossing)	Reroute Connectors	Manual Adjustment
Path calculation	Longest path that avoids shapes	Shortest path regardless of shapes	User-defined path using yellow handles
Automatic update when shapes move	Yes, recalculated automatically	No, may revert to default on move	No, path stays fixed
Best use case	Complex diagrams with many shapes	Simple diagrams with few obstacles	Diagrams needing precise connector placement
Effect on readability	Clean but long connectors	Short but may cross shapes	Balanced if adjusted carefully

After setting the routing mode and connector type, you can further refine the path by dragging the yellow diamond handles that appear on the connector when selected. These handles allow you to adjust individual bend points without changing the anchor points. This gives you complete control over the connector’s appearance while keeping the dynamic connection intact.