> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.xviz.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.xviz.com/performance-management/links.md).

# Links

Other than the parent-child connectors, we can add additional Links i.e., additional connectors for the nodes.

To plot the Links, we need the following information:

1\.      Destination node – Id of the destination node

And optional styling details:

2\.      Arrow direction – Acceptable values are ‘Start’, ‘End’ and ‘Both’

3\.      Style of the line – Acceptable values are ‘Solid’, ‘Dashed’ or ‘Dotted’

4\.      Color of the line – Hex color codes are accepted

Example:

<figure><img src="/files/RR593DOQqYhaxw7sJiRM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Links can be plotted using any of these methods:

### **1.      Data-driven Links**

Provide the data for the links from the data source.

Add the columns in the ‘Fields’ data field and use ‘Map Fields’ to map the columns:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/Z6IRo7L4Y7mp1rHFNdrF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/wgIpdipIJXGxSdnFHwhM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The links are now plotted in the visual:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/xlr6POchce00rbNMrHp5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

&#x20;

### **2.      Custom Links**

We can draw the connectors within the visual canvas using one of the two mechanisms:

1\.      By selecting the source and destination nodes on the canvas:

On the top ribbon -> Links section menu -> Select ‘Add Link’<br>

<figure><img src="/files/GxWghFroGzbzVlyKUrvm" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

&#x20;The visual will prompt you to click on the source and then destination nodes. Upon selection, the custom link will be plotted.

&#x20;2\.      By selecting the source and destination nodes using Node Selector:\
On the top ribbon -> Links section menu -> Select ‘Manage Links’

<figure><img src="/files/neAMmAnd6UZjD5wn4Pyo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the ‘Manage Custom Links’ menu, click on ‘Add New’:

<figure><img src="/files/hz6UrRkixcwfmJJsHAyP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Click on ‘Select Node’ for Source and then Destination. A Node Selector will open where we can search for the required node and select it:<br>

<figure><img src="/files/1oVDwzOSTALHV6SBbHtZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We can adjust the formatting for individual links using the ‘Manage Links’ or by clicking on any Link and using the floating menu:

<figure><img src="/files/SpR4oUJG5eSSs6Ms9EBe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

For every kind of link (based on the line style and color), a representation will be added to the Legend. The label for each representation can be set using the ‘Edit’ icon next to the Legend:

<figure><img src="/files/FqEkj3c6pXXT9z6eY7km" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Advanced Links

The **Advanced Link** feature provides greater flexibility in visualizing relationships between nodes by improving link positioning and avoiding clutter.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Applicable only for straight links and not curved links
{% endhint %}

1. Option is available in **Font & Color** section in the **Links** settings<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/Z6A0zkGrcBPtnQrLm1US" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. When the **Advanced Link** option is enabled, the direction of links automatically adjusts from **side-to-side**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/k5ICUwT8O514qX9lO5GE" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Link Overlapping:
   * In scenarios where **Group Nodes** are connected to multiple other nodes, links may overlap, enabling the **Advanced Link** feature reroutes the links, ensuring they are visually distinct and do not overlap unnecessarily.

<figure><img src="/files/iCv0IKSe2yOx1BFJvp9E" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
