Diagram metadata

Metadata lets you record extra information on your diagram elements, such as barrier type, condition, owner and location.

Create metadata within a diagram

Metadata created within a diagram applies only to that diagram. For standardised changes, use the Bowtie Master metadata settings.

Step 1: In the Metadata menu on the left of the diagram, click + NEW METADATA.

There are two types of metadata:

  • Free Text - type up to 500 characters into the metadata block when it’s applied to an element.
  • Dropdown - apply metadata in a standardised format by selecting from pre-made options.

Step 2 (Free Text): Enter a name, choose a colour using the dropper tool, HEX code or preset, then click SAVE.

Step 2 (Dropdown): Enter a name and choose a colour. Click + DROP DOWN OPTION on the right and give each option a name and colour, then click SAVE.

Your new metadata appears in the Metadata menu.

Add metadata to an element

Step 1: Double-click the element you want to add metadata to.

Step 2: In the Element Description Box, assign the metadata.

Step 3: The metadata appears in the element.

You can attach documents or websites to metadata with a hyperlink.

Delete metadata within a diagram

Step 1: In the Metadata menu, click the metadata you want to delete.

Step 2: In the Edit Metadata pop-up, click DELETE.

Step 3: In the warning message, click DELETE. This permanently removes the metadata from the side menu and from any elements it’s assigned to.

If the metadata is standardised in the Bowtie Master settings, it opens in the View Metadata window with UNLINK METADATA shown in the top right instead of LINK METADATA. Click it to unlink, and the DELETE option appears.

Delete metadata from an element

Step 1: On the diagram, select the element whose metadata you want to remove.

Step 2: In the pop-up, click the X next to the metadata.

Linked and unlinked metadata

Within a diagram, metadata is either linked or unlinked:

  • Linked metadata (shows UNLINK METADATA) is synced with your organisation’s Bowtie metadata and can’t be edited directly within the diagram.
  • Unlinked metadata (shows LINK METADATA) is specific to the diagram. You can edit it freely, but it isn’t synced with the company metadata.

If you find yourself creating the same metadata across diagrams, link it for consistency.

Step 1: To unlink, click the metadata, then click UNLINK METADATA. Your changes are now local to the diagram.

Step 2: To link, click the metadata, then click LINK METADATA.

Step 3: In the Link Metadata pop-up, choose the metadata from the dropdown, then click LINK METADATA. It’s now synced with the company Bowtie metadata and can’t be edited directly.

Edit metadata

When you create a diagram, all metadata is linked by default from the Bowtie Master metadata settings.

Step 1: Click the metadata you want to edit. If it’s linked to the company metadata, click UNLINK.

Step 2: Make your changes, then click SAVE.