Dynamic layers

Add interactivity to layers in your diagram to see only the information that you need.

You can:

  • Add toggles, links, or buttons in your diagram that users click to show or hide layers of information.

  • Use a single diagram to display different levels of information with your users. See Add dynamic layers.

Best practices when creating dynamic layers

  • Plan your layer combinations in advance, before creating your diagram. Think of what do you want users to experience when they interact with your diagram.
  • Group objects in layers according to what information to show or hide.
  • Name layers meaningfully (such as background, base layer, yes button, and so on).
  • Preview the behaviors as you build your diagram.
  • Avoid too many interactions spread over many layers.

Example 1: Decision tree

You create a decision tree diagram and the base layer shows the start of the tree with the first decision point. If users click Yes, a layer with additional information related to this response appears. If users click No, a different layer of information appears.

Decision tree diagram with a box and a Yes arrow and a No arrow

Example 2: Service architecture diagram

Your base layer includes a simple service architecture diagram. When users click an object in the diagram, a layer with more detailed information appears on the right side. When users click a different object, the first object's layer is hidden and replaced with information about the second object, and so on.

Gliffy architecture with 3 objects on the left (confluence, gliffy diagrams, jira) and details about jira on the right

Example 3: Slide show to explain process

You create a diagram to explain a corporate expense process and want to display it like a slide show. When users click the Next Step button, they see a new layer with information about the next step.

expense process slide show with screen shot at top and Next Step at bottom

Other interactivity tools in Gliffy