'Action: Navigate'

actionsnavigateurllinksscroll

The Navigate action opens a URL or scrolls to a specific location. It's one of the simplest actions — attach it to any element and participants can click to visit a website, open a resource, or jump to a specific spot on the canvas.

Navigation Targets

The Navigate action supports four targets:

Open URL

Opens a web address. By default, URLs open in a new tab so participants don't leave the Ripple. You can disable this to navigate in the same tab if needed.

Common uses:

  • Link to an external resource, document, or website
  • Open a signup form or survey
  • Direct participants to a related Ripple

Scroll to Element

Scrolls the canvas to a specific element by its HTML ID. This is useful for long or zoomed-out Ripples where you want to guide participants to a particular area.

To use this, give the target element a custom HTML ID in its properties, then reference that ID in the Navigate action.

Scroll to Top

Scrolls to the top of the canvas. Simple and useful for "back to top" buttons.

Scroll to Bottom

Scrolls to the bottom of the canvas.

Setting It Up

  1. Select the element you want to make clickable
  2. Open the Actions panel
  3. Add a new action and choose Go To
  4. Select your navigation target (URL, scroll to element, scroll to top, or scroll to bottom)
  5. If using URL, enter the web address and choose whether to open in a new tab

Tips

  • Always local: Navigate actions only affect the person who clicks — you cannot force everyone to open a URL. This is by design.
  • Use descriptive elements: Make it clear something is clickable. A shape with text saying "Open Resource" or an image styled as a button works well. Consider adding a hover visual effect for feedback.
  • External links: Participants' browsers may block pop-ups if too many new tabs are opened rapidly. Stick to user-initiated clicks (not activation triggers) for URL navigation.

What's Next?