# BPMN properties panel

The properties column on the right holds the fields that are not visible on the diagram: id, documentation, and the type-specific settings that make an element mean something precise.

The panel is resizable, which matters because some property groups are wide.

![image-20260907-085729.png](https://help.gocapable.com/images/685fb1c9-a5ad-41c1-badc-68b34ad52889.webp)

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## What this is for

* Setting documentation that travels with the model.
* Configuring type-specific fields such as timer definitions.
* Giving elements stable ids for anything downstream.

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## How it works

| **Action**           | **How**                                                           |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Name                 | The label shown on the diagram.                                   |
| Id                   | The stable identifier. Anything referencing this element uses it. |
| Documentation        | Free text, stored in the BPMN file itself.                        |
| Type-specific fields | Timer definitions, error codes, condition expressions.            |
| Resize the panel     | Drag its edge; some property groups need the width.               |

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## A few things that catch people out

* Documentation lives in the BPMN XML, so it survives export and opens in other tools.
* Ids matter if the process will be executed. Set them deliberately rather than accepting generated ones.
* A cramped panel hides fields. Widen it before concluding a setting does not exist.

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## Related

[Camunda properties in BPMNExecution details, for processes that will run.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/camunda-properties-in-bpmn.html)

[BPMN token simulationPlay the process before anyone runs it.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/bpmn-token-simulation.html)

[BPMN editorBack to the editor overview.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/bpmn-editor.html)

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_Simulate it before you publish it._