Layers, annotations and grid
Each view has layers that you switch on or off, such as the legend, the title block, the finding pins or the technology labels. They are saved with the view, so the canvas, every export and the PDF pack show the same sheet.
On this page
Before you start
A diagram open on the view you want to change. To save layers you need edit rights; on a diagram you can only read, the switches change your screen for this session only.
Switch the layers of a view
- Open the layers
Select the Layers button on the canvas, or press Ctrl K and run Layers of this view….
- Switch what you need
Each switch says what it draws. Only the layers that apply to the view type show.
Layer What it draws Views Key Finding pins open review findings pinned to the drawing: Off, Important (high and medium) or All every view Shift R Trust boundaries trust zones as boundaries, as an outline or as lifeline boxes Data flow, Deployment, Network, Sequence Logos Auto, Placed, Official or Neutral every view but BPMN Technology labels the technology line on elements and relationships every view but BPMN Step numbers the numbers of scenario steps Dynamic, Sequence Legend the legend made from what the view draws every view L Title block title, document id, revision, status every view Shift T Grid references the frame around the sheet, A to Z and 1 to n, that findings cite every view Shift G
For a review copy, keep Finding pins on All and the grid references on, so reviewers can cite "C4" on the sheet. For a slide, turn the pins off and keep the legend.
Add notes to a view
A note is text on the sheet of one view, not part of the model. Use it for a remark that does not belong in an element's description, such as "Migration to the new payments provider in Q2".
- Pick the Text tool
Select Text on the left of the canvas, or press T. You can also right-click the sheet and choose Add note here.
- Write it
Click where the note goes and type. Double-click a note later to edit it; select it and press Delete to remove it.
Notes show in the view they were added to, and in its exports.
Grid references and minimap
- Grid references frame the sheet with letters across and numbers down, like a technical drawing. A finding or a comment can say "B3", and anyone with the PDF finds the spot. The Plate theme has no grid frame.
- The minimap shows the whole sheet in a corner while you work zoomed in. Press M to keep it shown or hidden.
- Zoom: Shift 1 fits the drawing, Shift 2 fits the selection, Ctrl 0 goes to 100 %.
If it doesn't work
“Read-only: the layers are saved with the view by its editors.”
You can read this diagram but not edit it. Your switches still change your screen, for this session only. Ask an editor of the diagram to save the layers you need.
A layer is not in the list
It does not apply to this view type: step numbers only show on Dynamic and Sequence views, trust boundaries on Data flow, Deployment, Network and Sequence views.
“The Plate theme has no grid frame.”
The view uses the Plate theme. Show the menu bar with F10, open View and, under Diagram theme, choose Vellum or Ink.
More symptoms in Diagram troubleshooting.
Was this page helpful?Your answer is anonymous and counts only if you accepted measurement.
What went wrong?
Don't write personal data.