Guides Overview
Task-based guides for every Fractal OSI feature — from drawing your first relationship to computing fields and managing digital assets.
This section contains task-based guides for using specific Fractal OSI features. Each guide answers a single "how do I…" question and is self-contained — you don't need to read them in order.
Canvas and Modeling
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Working with the Canvas | Pan, zoom, select, and multi-select on the canvas |
| Defining Classes | Create class definitions with attributes and inheritance |
| Creating Instances | Drag classes from the Palette to create instances |
| Drawing Relationships | Connect instances with semantically typed edges |
Structural and Edge Features
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Structural Links | Composition, Aggregation, Classification, Hierarchy, Reference |
| Edge Routing and Path Types | Bezier, Step, and Orthogonal path styles |
| Rewiring Edges | Drag edge endpoints to reconnect |
Composition and Grouping
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Using FractalSets | Nested canvases — create, enter, and navigate |
| Upgrading and Downgrading Instances | Convert instances to FractalSets and back |
| FractalParent Groups | Inline grouping on the same canvas |
Advanced Features
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Hover Preview | Pin/unpin metadata preview on node hover |
| Computed Fields | Arithmetic, conditional, and date expressions |
| Avatar Sprites | Assign visual sprites to instances |
| Digital Asset Management | Upload and attach files to instances |
| Exporting and Importing Models | .fractal file round-trip |
| Setting a Target Instance | Mark the canvas focus instance |
| Document Lifecycle | Draft → Review → Final status transitions |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Complete keybinding reference |
Canvas Toolbar
| Guide | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Canvas Toolbar Overview | All seven toolbar toggles |
| Data Model Mode | Class-centric view of the canvas |
| Attribute Mode | Inline attribute editing on canvas nodes |
| Layout Tools | Auto-layout, align, distribute, snap-to-grid |
| Using the MiniMap | Canvas overview navigation panel |