Visual Mapper
The Visual Mapper is the heart of HomeRunbook - an infinite, zoomable canvas where you visualize and connect all your devices.
The Infinite Canvas
Your workspace expands automatically as you add devices:
- Drag a device near any edge and the canvas extends by 2000px
- No limits on map size - document as many devices as you need
- Your view adjusts automatically so you never lose your place
- Bezier curves keep connection lines clean and readable
Navigation Controls
Zooming
| Ctrl + Scroll | Zoom in/out (Windows/Linux) |
| Cmd + Scroll | Zoom in/out (Mac) |
| Shift + Scroll | Alternative zoom shortcut |
| Pinch gesture | Zoom on touch devices |
Toolbar Zoom Controls
| Zoom in one step | |
| Zoom out one step | |
| Reset to 100% zoom | |
| Fit all devices in view |
Panning
- Mouse: Click and drag on the background
- Touch: Single finger drag on touch devices
Device Chips
Each device appears as a "chip" on the canvas with interactive icons:
| Icon | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Top-left (green) | Network chip - Device has IP addresses or ports. Click to view network details. | |
| Center | Category icon - Shows device type. Custom images appear here if uploaded. | |
| Virtual | Center (badge) | Virtual badge - Indicates a VM or container. Shows host device name. |
| Bottom-left | Cross-room - Create connections to devices in other rooms. | |
| Bottom-right | Attachments - View attached manuals, receipts, and documents. | |
| Bottom-center | Notebook - Open the device's notebook page for notes and documentation. |
Virtual Devices
VMs and containers have distinct styling:
- Dashed border instead of solid
- Light gray background
- Host badge showing which physical device runs the VM
Connection Lines
Line Colors
Each connection type has its own color:
- Ethernet: Orange
- HDMI: Red
- USB: Purple
- Coax: Black
- WiFi: Cyan (dashed)
- Power: Light cyan
- Custom types: Colors you define
Line Styles
- Solid: Default for physical wired connections
- Dashed: Wireless connections (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee)
- Dotted: Available for custom connection types
Signal Direction
Arrowheads on lines show signal flow direction. When creating connections, the "from" device is the source and "to" device is the destination.
Connection Legend
The collapsible legend in the bottom-right shows all connection types on your current map with their colors and styles.
Legend Filtering
- Hover: Move your mouse over a connection type to hide all non-matching devices, connections, and labels - only the selected type remains visible
- Click: Click a connection type to "pin" the filter - it stays active until you click again
- Clear: Click the same legend item again, or click the map background to clear the filter
Toolbar Actions
| Move | Default mode. Drag devices to reposition them. |
| Connect | Click two devices to draw a connection between them. |
| Delete | Click any device or connection to remove it. Confirmation required. |
| Add Device | Opens a form to add a new device directly on the map. |
| Auto Layout | Automatically arrange all devices into a clean grid by category. |
| Export PDF | Generate a professional PDF with map image and connection table. |
| Export CSV | Download inventory as a spreadsheet file. |
| Share | Create public links with QR codes for contractors and family. |
Creating Connections
- Select the Connect Tool from the toolbar
- Click the source device (it highlights)
- Click the destination device
- Select a connection type from the dropdown
- Add optional port numbers or specifications
- Click Save Connection
Cross-Room Connections
Connect devices that are in different rooms:
- Right-click a device or click its cross-room icon
- Select the target room
- Select the target device
- Choose connection type and specifications
- Click Create Connection
Room Boxes
When a room has cross-room connections, a "room box" appears on your map:
- Shows the room name and device count
- Drag to reposition on your map
- Double-click to navigate to that room
- Connection lines link to related local devices
Auto Layout
Click Auto Layout to automatically organize your map:
- Devices sorted by category, then by brand/model
- Arranged in a clean grid with generous spacing
- External devices positioned near their connections
- Centered in your current view
Auto Layout overwrites your current positions. A confirmation dialog appears first.
Version History
Track changes to your maps over time (Professional+ plans):
- Automatic snapshots: Created when you move, add, or delete items
- Browse history: Use the History dropdown in the toolbar
- View past versions: Opens in read-only mode
- Return to live: Click to resume editing
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Ctrl/Cmd + Scroll | Zoom in/out |
| Shift + Scroll | Zoom (alternative) |
| Escape | Exit delete/connect mode |
| Click + Drag (background) | Pan the map |
| Right-click (device) | Cross-room connection menu |
| Double-click (device) | Open device details |
| Double-click (room box) | Navigate to that room |
Mobile & Touch Controls
HomeRunbook is fully optimized for tablets and smartphones:
Touch Gestures
| Single tap | Select a device (in Connect or Delete mode) |
| Double tap | Open device details modal |
| Long press (500ms) | Open device details modal with haptic feedback |
| Drag | Move devices or pan the canvas |
| Pinch | Zoom in/out |
Tip: Long press is often easier than double-tap on mobile devices. Press and hold a device for half a second to view its details.
Offline Support
HomeRunbook works even without an internet connection:
- Automatic caching: Maps, devices, and connections are cached locally
- Offline indicator: A yellow badge appears in the navbar when offline
- View-only mode: Browse your maps and device details offline
- Sync on reconnect: Changes sync automatically when back online
Editing features require an internet connection. View and browse your documentation anytime.
Read-Only Mode
When viewing shared links or historical versions:
- Read Only Mode badge appears in the toolbar
- You can pan, zoom, and view device details
- Cannot move devices, add items, or create connections
- PDF export still available