Working with Components

This guide explains how to add, connect, and manipulate structural elements (nodes) on the ArchFlow canvas.

1. Adding Elements to the Canvas

You can add components to your workspace using two methods:

Element Library Panel:

• Click on any of the library categories on the left side of the screen.
• Select the desired component directly onto the canvas.
• The component will be instantiated at the location you drop it (or centered within your viewport if clicked)

2. Connecting Nodes

Connections represent lines of communication, data streams, or network routes between components.

• Creating a Connection: Hover over any component to reveal its connection handles (located on the top, bottom, left, and right borders). Drag from one handle and drop it onto the handle of another component.
• Routing Connections: By default, connections use “Elbow” routing, which automatically navigates around elements. You can change this behavior in the Line Properties panel.

3. Manipulating Elements

Click on a node to select it and show its handles:

📐 Resizing

• Drag any of the corner resize boxes to scale a node.
• Certain node types maintain fixed aspect ratios, while standard shapes allow freeform resizing.

🔄 Rotating

• When a node is selected, a rotation handle (a stem with a circle) appears above the top border.
• Drag this handle in a circular motion to rotate the element. The angle is applied instantly.

🥞 Depth & Ordering (Layering)

To organize stacked elements or group backing plates:

• Select the target element(s) to show the floating properties panel.
• Use the Layering controls:
  • Bring to Front: Places the selected component on top of all other elements.
  • Send to Back: Places the selected component behind other elements (perfect for grouping containers or background sections).

4. Selection & Grouping

• Single Selection: Click any node or edge.
• Multi-Selection:
  • Hold down Shift and click multiple elements.
  • Alternatively, click and drag a selection marquee box over multiple elements to select them in bulk.
• Grouping / Containers: You can use the standard container blocks (like GCP’s VPC or standard Header Boxes) to act as visual grouping boundaries. Set their depth to “Send to Back” so child elements remain interactable.

5. Auto-Layout Grid

If your canvas becomes cluttered:

• Click the Auto-arrange nodes button in the top bar (represented by a layout clean/re-arrange icon).
• ArchFlow will instantly calculate an optimal columns-to-rows grid layout based on your current nodes and rearrange them cleanly.