Adding Node Types to Your Metamodel

Beginner

Adding Node Types to Your Metamodel

Node Types define the categories of elements in your model.

Creating a Node Type

  1. In the Model Navigator, find the Node Types section
  2. Click the + button
  3. A new Node Type is created with a default name
  4. Type a meaningful name (e.g., "Server", "Application", "Person")

Configuring Properties

Properties define what data each instance (node) will carry. Select the Node Type, open the Property Definitions section in the Properties panel, and click + Add to define a property's name and data type.

Metapad supports nine data types (text, numbers, dropdowns, files, and more) plus required and computed properties — see Property Data Types for the full list.

Customizing Appearance

Each Node Type has visual settings — fill color, shape, borders, and label visibility — that control how its instances look on the canvas. See Styling Node Types: Shapes, Colors & Borders for all the options.

Readable IDs

You can give every node of a type an auto-numbered ID like REQ-42. See Automatic IDs (Auto ID).

Tips

  • Keep names clear: Use singular nouns ("Server" not "Servers")
  • Add descriptions: Describe what this type represents — it helps team members and the AI assistant
  • Start simple: You can always add more properties later
  • The Node Type appears in the Toolbox immediately after creation, ready to drag onto the canvas
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Setting Up Allowed Connections

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Relationship Types vs Relationships