Editing Properties

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

Viewing Properties

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

Editing Values

Click on a property value field
Type the new value
Changes are saved automatically (no save button needed)
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. 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:

Select the type (not an instance) in the Model Navigator
In the Properties Panel, find the Property Definitions section
Click + Add
Enter the property name and choose a data type
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