The Dalus workspace provides an intuitive interface for creating, editing, and navigating complex system models. This guide covers the key components and navigation patterns.

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Workspace Overview

The workspace is organized into several main areas designed for specific modeling tasks:

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Main Layout Components

The left sidebar is your primary navigation hub:

  • Model/Library Tabs: Switch between your current model and components library
  • Page Navigation: Access Architecture, Requirements, Documents Hub, and Mission Planning
  • Element Tree: Hierarchical view of all model elements organized by type
  • Search and Filtering: Find specific elements quickly

The sidebar can be collapsed to maximize canvas space. When collapsed, hover to temporarily expand it.

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Central Canvas Area

The main workspace where modeling takes place features an interactive drawing surface for creating and editing diagrams.

The floating tab header shows open model elements for easy switching between different parts of your model.

Breadcrumb navigation displays your current location in the model hierarchy, helping you understand context.

The vertical toolbar provides quick access to element creation tools for building your model.

The right sidebar provides contextual information and collaboration tools.

The header contains toggle buttons to switch between the Properties Panel (details and settings for selected elements) and Copilot Panel (AI-powered assistance and chat interface), as well as a Share button for collaboration.

Like the left sidebar, the right sidebar can be collapsed to provide more modeling space.

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Tab Navigation

Within the Architecture page, work with multiple model elements using tabs:

  • Opening Tabs: Double-click elements in the sidebar tree
  • Switching Tabs: Click tab headers or use Alt+Left/Right

Each tab can show different view modes (Part, Action, State) for different modeling perspectives.

Quick access to any element in your model:

  • Activation: Press Ctrl/Cmd+K
  • Universal Search: Find elements, requirements, and documents
  • Smart Filtering: Results filtered by context and relevance

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Essential Tips

  1. Use Search: Don’t scroll through long lists—search for elements
  2. Collapse Strategically: Hide unused sidebars to maximize modeling space
  3. Master Tab Navigation: Keep related elements open for easy reference
  4. Learn Key Shortcuts: Ctrl/Cmd+K for search, Alt+arrows for tab navigation

The flexible layout adapts to your workflow, allowing you to focus on modeling while keeping essential tools accessible.