Introduction
The FluidFlow user interface (UI) is designed for efficiency and clarity, giving engineers quick access to design tools, data, and results. Whether you’re building a new model or reviewing calculations, the intuitive UI layout ensures you can work efficiently without getting overwhelmed by complexity.
This guide follows our Graphic User Interface tutorial and highlights the main interface elements you’ll use every day.
Main Content
1 – Title & Main Menu Bar
The Title Bar displays the FluidFlow version and the current project name.
The Main Menu Bar contains File, Edit, View, Database, Options, Tools, Window, and Help menus.
Used for opening/saving projects, changing view modes, and configuring the FluidFlow setup.
2 – Standard & Options Toolbars
Quick-access buttons for common actions:
New Project, Open, Save, and Close
Export options (Print Content, Print Preview, and Write To/Read From Excel)
Undo, Cut, Copy, and Paste
Zoom Controls
Run Calculation
Icons for Calculation, Flowsheet, and Environment Options
Hover over any icon to display helpful tooltips.
3 – Flowsheet Workspace
The central design canvas where you build your network.
Supports isometric and orthogonal views.
Drag components directly from the Component Palette into the workspace.
4 – Flowsheet Toolbar
Located on the left side.
Composed of:
Flowsheet Tools - includes selectors, resizers, text, shapes, and image options for customizing your flowsheet
Flowsheet Settings - controls grid display and visibility options
5 – Component Palette
Located at the top of the flowsheet, this palette contains all components needed to build your model.
Categorized tabs for:
Boundary Conditions
Pipes
Junctions
Boosters
Valves
Special Equipment
Drag-and-drop components directly into the flowsheet to build your model.
Each component includes comprehensive engineering databases with parameters required for accurate flow modeling.
6 – Input Editor
Located on the right side
The display changes automatically depending on the component selected, showing only relevant options.
Displays the component input parameters such as node elevation, pipe diameter, and design flow.
Editable fields update the model instantly as you work.
7 – Data Palette
Located at the bottom of the Input Editor
Divided into 5 tabs:
Messages
Displays warnings or messages about the model
Clicking a message highlights the relevant component on the flowsheet
Results
Shows calculation results that update automatically based on the selected component
Customize displayed information via the Set Visible Results window (F8)
Chart
Displays system curves for pipe components and pump curves
Can be configured to show pump efficiency and NPSH curve information
List
Provides a filterable list of all components in the model for easy selection and multi-selection
Watch
Shows details of the convergence process during calculation, useful for advanced troubleshooting
8 – Status Bar
Located at the bottom of the UI.
Displays:
Cursor coordinates
Active calculation methods and configuration options
Calculation status indicators that show whether:
The model has been solved
A recalculation is needed
Calculation is in progress or complete
Best Practices
Keep the Input Editor open when building models for quick parameter adjustments.
Use the Selector tools (Mark rectangular or Mark Any area) to efficiently select multiple components.
Toggle the Component Flyby option to quickly view component information.
Filter components using the List tab to quickly find specific elements in large models.
Always check the Messages tab for warnings and the Results tab after calculations for quick validation.
Conclusion
The FluidFlow UI is built around clarity and speed, with the flowsheet at the center, flanked by input tools and results. Once familiar with its layout, you’ll be able to build, run, and review hydraulic models in minutes.
Next Step: Explore the Build Your First Network guide to apply these UI skills in a real model.