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Getting Started with Metapad

Welcome to Metapad, the collaborative platform for designing enterprise models, knowledge graphs, and digital twins. This guide will help you get up and running in just a few minutes.

Create Your Account

  1. Visit app.metapad.ai
  2. Sign up with your email or use Google/GitHub authentication
  3. Verify your email address

That's it - you're ready to start modeling!

Your First Model

When you log in, you'll see your Model Gallery. This is where all your models live.

Create a New Model

  1. Click the "New Model" button
  2. Give your model a name (e.g., "My Organization")
  3. Click Create

You'll be taken to the modeling workspace with four main areas:

AreaPurpose
Tree View (left)Navigate your model structure - types, instances, and diagrams
Canvas (center)Visual diagram editor for drawing your models
Toolbox (right)Drag elements onto the canvas
Properties (right)Edit selected element properties

Understanding the Model Structure

Metapad uses a layered approach to modeling:

M2: Your Metamodel (Types)

Define what kinds of things can exist in your model:

  • Node Types: Categories like "Department", "Employee", "System"
  • Relationship Types: Connections like "works_in", "depends_on"
  • Properties: Attributes like "name", "budget", "start_date"

M1: Your Model (Instances)

Create actual things based on your types:

  • Nodes: Specific items like "Engineering Department", "Alice"
  • Relationships: Connections like "Alice works_in Engineering"

Diagrams

Visual views of parts of your model. One model can have many diagrams showing different perspectives.

Using the AI Assistant

Metapad includes an AI assistant that can help you build models faster.

  1. Click the AI icon in the toolbar to open the chat panel
  2. Describe what you want to create in natural language
  3. Review the proposed changes
  4. Click Apply to add them to your model

Example prompts:

  • "Create a Department node type with budget and location properties"
  • "Add three employees: Alice, Bob, and Carol"
  • "Connect Alice to the Engineering department"

See the Tutorial for a complete walkthrough.

Collaboration

Metapad supports real-time collaboration:

  1. Open your model's Share settings
  2. Invite team members by email
  3. Choose their role: Viewer, Editor, or Owner

Changes sync instantly - you'll see your teammates' cursors and edits in real-time.

Import & Export

Export Your Model

  • JSON: Full model export for backup or transfer
  • SVG: Export diagrams as vector graphics

Import a Model

  • Click Import in the gallery
  • Select a JSON file from a previous export
  • A new model will be created with the imported data

Next Steps

Need Help?

Happy modeling!