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Domain Modes

The Schematics Editor features specialized modes that tailor the interface and symbol library to specific industries. Use the Mode Switcher pill in the secondary toolbar to change domains.

1. General Mode

The default vector drawing environment.

  • Best For: General-purpose illustrations, icon design, and freeform sketching.
  • Symbol Palette: Empty by default, allowing for maximum canvas space.
  • Behavior: Standard vector manipulation without specialized connectivity logic.

2. Electrical / PCB Mode ⚡

A specialized environment for creating circuit diagrams and wiring schematics.

  • Best For: Circuit design, electrical system mapping, and PCB layouts.
  • Symbol Palette: Includes standardized electrical components (Resistors, Capacitors, ICs, Transistors, and Connectors).
  • Key Features:
    • Pins & Terminals: Components have predefined connection points.
    • Trace Integration: Activating Trace mode highlights the specific path of an electrical signal through the diagram.
    • Smooth Routing: Toggle Smooth to enable 45-degree bends in wiring, reducing visual clutter in complex schematics.

3. UML / Software Architecture ◈

Designed for software engineers and architects to map out system relationships.

  • Best For: Class diagrams, Flowcharts, Sequence diagrams, and System architecture.
  • Symbol Palette: Standard UML shapes including Actors, Classes, Interfaces, Databases, and Decision diamonds.
  • Key Features:
    • Auto-Flow: Wires behave as relational arrows that can be customized with head/tail styles (Composition, Inheritance, etc.) via the Properties panel.
    • Text Integration: Double-click any UML block to edit its name or attributes directly.

4. Floorplan Mode ⬛

A tool for architectural layout and interior planning.

  • Best For: Room layouts, HVAC mapping, and simple architectural floorplans.
  • Symbol Palette: Architectural symbols such as Walls, Doors, Windows, HVAC units, and basic furniture.
  • Key Features:
    • Measurement Sync: Designed to be used with the Metric or Imperial measurement systems.
    • Coordinate Precision: Every element has precise X/Y/W/H properties that translate to real-world dimensions based on the defined scale.

Switching Modes

  1. Select the desired mode pill (e.g., Electrical) in the top toolbar.
  2. The Symbol Palette will automatically open on the left with the corresponding library.
  3. Drag symbols from the palette directly onto the canvas.
  4. Switch back to General to hide the palette and maximize your viewport.

Tip

Each mode saves its own symbol layout. You can mix elements from multiple modes by dragging a symbol onto the canvas, switching modes, and then dragging another.