Working with Project Graphs

In this platform, a project is an interactive, visual blueprint of your organization or system. System blocks represent real-world teams, services, or locations, while connecting arrows represent handoffs, dependencies, and communication lines.

ℹ️ Mindset: Living Diagrams, Not Static Drawings

Unlike traditional sketching tools or static slide decks, the diagrams you assemble here are functional models. The way you arrange blocks and draw arrows directly powers delivery simulations, operational timelines, and automated cost estimates[cite: 2, 9].

A multi-tier architecture diagram showing connected system blocks, arrows, and nested layers — Figure 4.0: Visual layout, nested diagram layers, and directional connection lines on the canvas.

Moving Around the Canvas

The canvas is an infinite drafting workspace. You can explore, zoom in on specific clusters, and reposition items using intuitive mouse controls:

Action	How to Do It	What Happens on Screen
Pan the Canvas	`Left-Click` on empty space + Drag	Glides your view across the diagram in any direction.
Zoom In / Out	Scroll your `Mouse Wheel`	Smoothly enlarges or shrinks the diagram, focusing directly on where your cursor is pointing.
Reposition a Block	Hold `Ctrl` + `Left-Click` block + Drag	Picks up the block and places it at a new position on the grid. Connecting arrows automatically stretch and follow.
Draw a Connection	Hold `Shift` + `Click` Block A, then Block B	Instantly draws a directional arrow from Block A to Block B.
Open Block Inspector	`Left-Click` directly on a block	Selects the block and slides open the settings drawer on the right side of the screen.

⚠️ Repositioning Safeguard

Dragging a block without holding Ctrl will move the entire canvas view instead of the block. This prevents accidental changes when reviewing dense, complex diagrams.

Exploring Nested Layers (Drill Down & Return)

When a system gets too large to fit cleanly on one screen, you do not need to clutter your diagram. Any single block can hold its own detailed internal diagram underneath.

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  HIGH-LEVEL OVERVIEW                                   │
│                                                        │
│  [ Customer Portal ] ──────► [ Fulfillment System ]    │
│                                       │                │
└───────────────────────────────────────┼────────────────┘
         Right-Click ──► "Navigate Down" │
                                        ▼
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  INSIDE: FULFILLMENT SYSTEM                            │
│                                                        │
│  [ Verify Order ] ──► [ Charge Card ] ──► [ Dispatch ] │
│                                                        │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
         Right-Click ──► "Navigate Up"