Editing Properties

How to view and edit properties on nodes, relationships, and types using the Properties Panel.

Every element in Metapad (nodes, relationships, types) can have properties — key-value pairs that store data.

Viewing Properties

1. Select any element (click on the canvas or in the Model Navigator)
2. The Properties Panel (below the center view) shows all details:
   • Label: The display name
   • Description: A longer text description
   • Type-specific properties: Properties defined by the element's type

The panel opens at a modest height and can be dragged taller by its top edge — useful when a type defines a lot of properties.

Editing Values

1. Click on a property value field
2. Type the new value
3. Changes are saved automatically (no save button needed)
4. Other collaborators see the change in real-time

Long descriptions: fields that grow

Description and Rich Text fields grow as you type, so you see more of your text without scrolling (they stop growing at a sensible height inside the narrow panel, then scroll). For serious long-form writing, open the element as a document — double-click it in the Model Navigator, or right-click → Open as document — to get a full editing page with a live reading view beside it. See Working with Documents. You can also click the expand icon on a text field to edit it in a larger overlay.

Property Data Types

Metapad supports nine property data types: String, Number, Boolean, Date, Option, Asset, JSON, Rich Text, and Dictionary. Each is edited differently — a Number shows a number field, an Option shows a dropdown, a Date shows a date picker, and so on. In the picture above, active is a Boolean and shows a checkbox, while lead_time_days is a Number. See Property Data Types for the full list and when to use each.

Adding Properties to Types

To add a new property to a Node Type or Relationship Type:

1. Select the type (not an instance) in the Model Navigator
2. In the Properties Panel, find the Property Definitions section
3. Click + Add
4. Enter the property name and choose a data type
5. The new property now appears on all instances of this type

Tips

• Properties defined on a type apply to ALL instances of that type
• Changing a property name on the type updates it everywhere
• Use descriptions on types to explain what each property means