Visual Modeling Canvas

Design systems visually using ports and connections. Build subsystems, organize large graphs, and edit parameters without losing context.

Outcomes

• Create blocks and wire signals quickly with keyboard-first palette
• Group blocks into subsystems and reuse them across projects
• Parameterize blocks with rich editors and units where supported
• Keep large models readable with alignment, layers, and comments

Core capabilities

• Palette search: press / or click “+” to add blocks by name or tag
• Smart ports: type- and rate-aware ports with visual hints for mismatches
• Multi-select and alignment: drag to select, Shift click to add, align/space tools
• Subsystems: encapsulate logic, define inputs/outputs, promote key parameters
• Inline editing: double-click labels and parameters; Enter to commit

Typical flow

1. Add sources and sinks

   Example: Step, Sine, Constant → Scope or Logger

2. Compose operators

   Drag Sum, Gain, Integrator, State blocks into a chain

3. Group as a subsystem

   Select related blocks → “Create Subsystem”; expose I/O ports

4. Parameterize Open the inspector for block parameters; attach units or link to variables

5. Validate the graph

   Fix port type/rate mismatches; add delays where loops are detected