Master multi-level diagrams by drilling down into nodes to create hierarchical architecture documentation
One of ArkT's most powerful features is the ability to create infinite levels of detail. You can drill into any node to see what's inside it, creating a hierarchical architecture diagram with unlimited nesting.
🚀 Think of it like folders: Just as you can organize files in nested folders, you can organize your architecture in nested diagrams within nodes!
Alt/Option click any node to see its internal components
Navigate back up using breadcrumb trail
Create as many levels as needed for your architecture
Maintain context across all diagram levels
Node drilling allows you to create hierarchical diagrams by "zooming into" nodes to see their internal structure. Each node can contain its own complete diagram with nodes and edges.
Think of it like zooming:
Each node can contain its own complete diagram with nodes and edges!
Major systems (Frontend, Backend, Database, External APIs)
Services within each system (Auth Service, User Service, Payment Service)
Internal modules within services (Controllers, Models, Utilities)
Service mesh overview (API Gateway, Services, Databases, Message Queues)
Individual microservices (User Service, Order Service, Notification Service)
Service internals (Endpoints, Business Logic, Data Access Layer)
Cloud regions and availability zones
VPCs, subnets, and network boundaries
Individual resources (EC2 instances, Lambda functions, S3 buckets)
Progressive Disclosure: Multi-level diagrams let you show high-level architecture first, then drill down to reveal details only when needed. This keeps diagrams clean and understandable!
Mac users: Hold Option and click
Windows/Linux users: Hold Alt and click
Quick tip: You'll see the cursor change when hovering over a node with Alt/Option held!
You enter a new "canvas" inside that node
This new canvas starts empty (unless you've added content before)
You can create nodes, edges, and even drill down further
The parent context is preserved - you can always navigate back
Breadcrumbs show your current location in the diagram hierarchy and provide quick navigation between levels.
Example breadcrumb trail:
Root > Backend Service > Auth Module
This shows you're currently viewing the "Auth Module" inside "Backend Service" at the root level.
Return to the top level of your diagram
Jump directly to that level in the hierarchy
Click any level between root and current
Navigation tips:
Planning Your Hierarchy:
🌍 Top Level: High-level architecture overview
🔍 Middle Levels: Subsystem details
🔬 Deep Levels: Implementation details
Avoid Over-Nesting: While ArkT supports unlimited levels, too many levels can make navigation confusing. Most architectures are well-served by 2-4 levels of depth.
On any node - Drill down into the node to see its internal diagram
Top of canvas - Shows current location in diagram hierarchy. Click any breadcrumb to navigate to that level.
First item in breadcrumb trail - Always available. Click to return to top level.
You now understand how to create hierarchical architecture diagrams with infinite levels of detail!
What you've mastered: ✅ How to drill down into nodes (Alt/Option click) ✅ How to create internal components at each level ✅ How to navigate using breadcrumbs ✅ How to organize hierarchical architecture ✅ Best practices for multi-level diagrams
Pro tips to remember: