Automatic layout of items along an embedded one-manifold path

A method for placing objects in a container of a graphics application system that is executed on a computer, the method comprising:

• defining via the computer, a circular one-manifold of the graphics application system based, at least in part, on a non-zero amount of space surrounding each object of a set of objects that are to be placed along the circular one-manifold, wherein the non-zero amount of space is defined by a dimensional attribute of each object;
• determining via the computer, a set of x, y, and z coordinates;
• and
• using the x, y, and z coordinates to place each object with a center line of each object oriented in a radial direction so as to orthogonally intersect the circular one-manifold, wherein the center line of each object is defined as a horizontal axis extending from one edge of the object to an opposing edge of the object.

A computer-readable storage medium comprising computer-executable instructions for:

• defining a curved one-manifold;
• placing a set of objects along the curved one-manifold based, at least in part, on a non-zero amount of space defined by a dimensional attribute of an individual object, the non-zero amount of space surrounding each object in the set of objects;
• embedding at least a portion of the curved one-manifold in a visible portion of a container of a graphics application;
• and
• translating a scrolling movement of a cursor along the curved one-manifold into a corresponding movement of a position indicator along a horizontal scroll bar, the translating comprising mapping of a position along the one-manifold to a corresponding position of the position indicator along the horizontal scroll bar.