This guide shows you how to create a reference in a viewpoint by dragging from a component, or by searching for the component to connect to. Use it when the target isn't visible on screen.
Prerequisites
You are working in a viewpoint. This isn't available in workspaces or in the presentation viewer.
Steps
1. Start the gesture
Right-click the component you want to connect from, and select Drag to create reference. A search box opens in a panel on the right side of the screen.
2. Choose the target
Pick one of two ways.
Drag to it
Drag from the source component to a component on the canvas or in the navigator tree. A curved line follows your pointer. The cursor changes over a valid target. Over an invalid one, a tooltip says No reference types available between these components.
Search for it
Start typing a component name. You don't need to click the search box first. Matching components are listed under their parents, so you can see where each one sits. The results cover your whole organization, not just the current view. While you search, the line to your source component turns grey and stays attached.
You can also select a parent component from the results. The list shows loading and empty states while it works.
3. Choose the reference type
Dropping on a target, or selecting a search result, opens a list of reference types. Each option reads Source component → Reference type → Target component.
Types used in the current viewpoint come first. Other types are listed under Reference types not in the view.
References that already exist are greyed out and marked Exists.
The arrow always points left to right. If you worked against the direction of the reference, the component names swap.
4. Confirm
Select an option. The reference is created immediately, with no confirmation step.
Verify it worked
A confirmation message appears with an Undo button. The new reference shows in the viewpoint if its type is part of the view.
Things to know
The component search field in the Create references panel is hidden while this version is on. Use the search box that opens when you start dragging instead.
The reference is saved in the workspace that holds the source component. You need edit permission there, and it must define the reference type.
Only reference types allowed by your metamodel are offered.
The gesture starts from the right-click menu, so it isn't keyboard accessible.
Common issues
"No reference types available between these components." No allowed reference type connects these two component types, or you can't edit the owning workspace.
The search field is missing from the Create references panel. It moved. Right-click a component, select Drag to create reference, and start typing.
The component I searched for gives no reference type options. Your metamodel doesn't allow a reference from this source to that component.