Dynamic layers

You can add interactivity to layers in your diagram to enable users to see only information that they need. You can add togglers, links, or buttons in your diagram that users click to show or hide layers of information. You can therefore use a single diagram to display different levels of information with your users. For detailed steps on adding them, see Adding dynamic layers.

Best practices when creating dynamic layers

• Plan your layer combinations in advance of creating your diagram. 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 for their purpose (such as background, base layer, Yes button, No 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.

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.

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 Net button, they see a new layer with information about the next step.

Other interactivity tools in Gliffy

• Popup notes: Show dismissible descriptive text for a shape or group of shapes (see Adding Popup notes).
• Shape or text links: Link to an external web page (see Linking objects and diagrams or Linking text).