> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vex-nx.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vex-nx.com/vex-nx-user-guide-1/labs/design-mode.md).

# Design mode

Use **Design** when you are changing the topology - not while students are typing in consoles.

## Add devices

1. Stay in **Design**.
2. Open the template drawer on the left (collapse it when you need space).
3. Drag a template onto the canvas, or use **Add** / canvas context menu **Add node...**.
4. For **QEMU** nodes, assign a disk from **Images -> Library** when prompted.
5. For **Docker** nodes, ensure the container image exists on the appliance (`quay.io/frrouting/frr:10.2.1`, `alpine:3.20`, ...).

Templates describe *how* to run something. Disks live under **Images**. See [Catalog and Compatibility](/vex-nx-user-guide-1/images/catalog-and-compatibility.md).

## Interface aliases

Port labels use short aliases (`e0/0`, `eth0`, `gi0/0`, ...) from the template naming profile when you add a node, change NIC count, or bind an image. On the node inspector under Interfaces:

* **Refresh aliases from config** - parse the active startup-config for interface names
* **Reset aliases** - rebuild from the template naming profile

## Connect ports

1. Click a port on node A, then click a port on node B (or use **Connect** on the selection bar).
2. Select the link to edit label, colour, path style, WAN delay/loss, or capture (Pro).

Links are real L2 paths on the Linux fabric inside the appliance.

## Cloud nodes

**Management**, **NAT**, and **Bridge** cloud templates attach the lab to a host NIC:

* **NAT** - lab peers often get `100.64.x.x` and egress through NAT
* **Management / Bridge** - L2 attachment toward the mapped NIC

Set appliance defaults under **Infrastructure**; override per node in the inspector when needed.

## Annotations and nested maps

* Right-click empty canvas -> **Add text label**, **Add shape...** (rectangle, rounded rectangle, oval, arrow).
* Resize with handles; bring to front / send to back as needed.
* Select nodes -> nest into a **child map** (More menu or context action). Use the breadcrumb to navigate.

## Config profiles

Open a node's **Config** editor for named profiles (`default`, `imported`, `assist`, ...). The active profile injects at boot for supported templates (Cisco IOS family, Arista EOS, VyOS, FRR Docker).

Export / import config packs as ZIP when you want a portable lab definition (not vendor images).

## Undo and lock

* **Undo / Redo** apply while Design allows edits.
* **Lock positions** (More menu) stops accidental drags during a demo - pair with Present when teaching.

Next: [Operate and consoles](/vex-nx-user-guide-1/labs/operate-and-consoles.md).


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