Highlighting Referenced Elements in Screen Flow Diagrams

With the Highlight references option turned on, Software Ideas Modeler instantly shows which UI control or region a user interaction leads from. This makes large Screen Flow diagrams easier to read and helps reviewers understand navigation paths at a glance.

Turn the feature on or off

• Open File → Options to display the Options window.
• Select the Diagram Editor tab from the list on the left.
• In the General group, locate Highlight references.
• Tick the checkbox to enable the feature, or clear it to disable it.
• Click OK to confirm.

Result – When enabled, Software Ideas Modeler will highlight the referenced element on the source screen whenever you select a Flow connector.

Assign a referenced element to a Flow connector

A Flow connector can reference any element that appears on the source screen (the screen from which the flow starts).

Option A – Properties Sidebar (quickest)

• Select the Flow connector on the diagram.
• Open the Properties sidebar.
• Find Referenced element.
• Click the drop‑down list and choose the element you wish to reference.

Option B – Properties Dialog (full form)

• Double‑click the Flow connector (or right‑click → Properties…).
• In the dialog that appears, open the General tab.
• Use the Referenced element combo box to pick an element from the source screen.
• Click OK.

Tip – Only elements present on the input (source) screen are listed. If you do not see the item you need, make sure it exists on that screen first.

See the highlight in action

• Ensure Highlight references option is enabled.
• Click a Flow connector that has a referenced element set.
• The referenced element on the source screen will animate with an orange frame (see the illustration below).

Highlighting referenced elements