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Reference Links

Overview​

Reference links allow you to attach external resources, documentation, and reference materials to individual steps in your workflow. Each step can include up to 10 reference links pointing to websites, documentation, specifications, or other online resources.

To add a reference link to a step:

  1. Click on a step to open the step editor

  2. Select the Links tab (or Reference Links section)

  3. Click Add Reference Link

  4. Fill in the link details:

    • Title: A descriptive name for the resource
    • URL: The web address (must start with http:// or https://)
    • Notes: Optional context about why this resource is relevant

  5. Click Add to save the link

To edit an existing reference link:

  1. Open the step with the link
  2. Navigate to the Links tab
  3. Click the Edit button next to the link
  4. Update the title, URL, or notes
  5. Click Save to apply changes

To remove a reference link:

  1. Open the step with the link
  2. Navigate to the Links tab
  3. Click the Delete or trash icon next to the link
  4. Confirm the deletion

Reference links are displayed in the order they were added. To change the order, you currently need to delete and re-add links in your preferred sequence.

  • Maximum links per step: 10 reference links
  • URL format: Must be a valid http:// or https:// URL
  • Title length: Up to 200 characters
  • Notes length: Up to 1000 characters

In the Flow Editor​

Steps with reference links display an indicator in the flow editor, showing how many links are attached.

In Document View​

When viewing your flow in document mode, reference links appear below the step content. Each link displays:

  • The link title
  • The full URL (as non-clickable text for security)
  • Any notes you've added
  • Optional metadata (like last checked date, if available)

In Shared Flows​

Reference links are included when you share a flow, allowing recipients to see all the external resources associated with each step.

In Exports​

When you export your flow:

  • Word documents: Links appear with their titles and URLs
  • JSON exports: Complete link data is preserved

Security Considerations​

For security reasons, reference link URLs are displayed as plain text rather than clickable links in document view. This prevents:

  • Phishing attacks through malicious links
  • Accidental navigation away from your workflow
  • Security issues in shared flows

To open a link, copy the URL and paste it into your browser.

URL Validation​

Cambigo validates that all URLs:

  • Start with http:// or https://
  • Are properly formatted
  • Don't contain dangerous characters

Best Practices​

Use Descriptive Titles​

Instead of "Link 1" or "Documentation," use specific titles like:

  • "API Documentation - User Authentication"
  • "Design Spec - Payment Flow"
  • "Compliance Guidelines - HIPAA Requirements"

Add Context in Notes​

Use the notes field to explain:

  • Why this resource is relevant
  • What information to focus on
  • When this link should be referenced
  • Any credentials or access requirements

Periodically review your reference links to ensure:

  • URLs are still valid
  • Resources haven't moved
  • Information is still current
  • Links point to the latest versions

Organize by Purpose​

Group related links on the same step, such as:

  • All API documentation links
  • All compliance requirement links
  • All design specification links

Use for External Resources Only​

Reference links are best for:

  • External documentation
  • Third-party resources
  • Online specifications
  • Regulatory guidelines

For internal notes or descriptions, use the step's description or notes fields instead.

Common Use Cases​

Technical Documentation​

Link to:

  • API documentation
  • System architecture diagrams
  • Database schemas
  • Technical specifications

Compliance and Regulations​

Link to:

  • HIPAA guidelines
  • GDPR requirements
  • Industry standards
  • Regulatory documentation

Design Resources​

Link to:

  • UI mockups and prototypes
  • Design systems
  • Brand guidelines
  • User research findings

Project Resources​

Link to:

  • Project plans
  • Meeting notes (if online)
  • Stakeholder documents
  • Related workflows

Common Questions​

Q: Can I attach files instead of links?
A: Use the Attachments feature for files. Reference links are for external URLs only.

Q: Can I link to internal network resources?
A: Yes, if the URL is accessible to everyone who will view the flow.

Q: Why can't I click on the links in document view?
A: For security reasons, links are displayed as text. Copy and paste them into your browser to open them.

Q: Can I add the same link to multiple steps?
A: Yes, you can add the same resource to as many steps as needed.

Q: What happens if a link URL changes?
A: You'll need to manually update the link with the new URL.

  • File Attachments: Attach images directly to steps
  • Notes: Add internal context without external links
  • Export Features: Links are preserved in exports