# Xref Graph

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Starting with IDA 9.2, the external *qwingraph* used to make graphs has been replaced with our native and interactive graphing tool, **Xref Graph**.
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The integrated **Xref Graph** visualizes cross-reference relationships between code and data elements in a binary through an interactive interface. Xref Graph is available right out of the box via **View → Graphs → Xrefs to|from** and **View → Graphs → Manage...**.

## Core Features

* Interactive graph visualization of cross-references
* Multiple node types (code, data, imports) with distinct visual styling
* Filtering options to focus your analysis
* Force-directed layout with interactive adjustment
* Multiple savable graphs per database
* Fully supported dark theme

{% hint style="success" %}
**How to use Xref Graph**

Check our [blog post](https://hex-rays.com/blog/mapping-relationships-in-ida-9.2-dynamic-xref-graph-and-xref-tree) that introduces the new Xref Graph alongside the Xref Tree, and demonstrates a typical workflow with practical usage tips.
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## Xref Graph Basic Controls

* **Move nodes around**: Click and drag a selected node
* **Pan**: Click and drag graph background to move the whole graph. Hold <kbd>Shift</kbd> while dragging to pan without accidentally selecting and moving nodes.
* **Zoom**: Hold <kbd>Ctrl</kbd>/<kbd>CMD</kbd> while scrolling to zoom in/out
* **Jump to address**: Double-click a node to navigate to the corresponding item in the IDA View
* **Layout**: Use the <kbd>Space</kbd> key to pause or resume the layout mechanism

### Adding and Removing Nodes

You can add or remove nodes from the graph using the right-click context menu on a node, or by using the following shortcuts with one or more nodes selected:

* Press `A` to add all cross-referenced nodes (**A**ll Xrefs)
* Press `F` to add nodes referenced by the selected nodes (Xrefs **F**rom)
* Press `T` to add nodes that reference the selected nodes (Xrefs **T**o)
* Press `X` to open a chooser dialog for selecting specific cross-references (**X**ref from or to)
* Press `D` to delete the selected nodes (**D**elete)
* Press `P` to pin the node in place

### Components of the main graph view

#### Nodes

Nodes represent code, data, or import elements and are color-coded:

* **Blue**: Code (functions, instructions)
* **Green**: Data (variables, structures)
* **Pink**: Imports (external references)

Each node displays the name of the element it represents.

#### Information Display

* **Node information**: Hover over a node to see details in the top-left corner: name, address, type, and cross-reference counts
* **Edge information**: Hover over an edge to see source, destination, and reference type details

## Fit to viewport

The Fit to viewport option adjusts the view to optimally display content:

* `W` (Now) — Fits selected nodes to the viewer; if no nodes are selected, it fits the entire graph.
* `Shift-W` (Always) — Enables continuous fitting to the viewer.

## Overlay elements

### Minimap

Press `M` to toggle the minimap, which shows an overview of the entire graph and helps with navigation in large graphs. The minimap highlights the current viewport area for easy orientation.

### Search Bar

Press `S` to toggle the Search Bar and Layout button to improve visibility.

### Options Panel

Press `O` to toggle the options panel, which includes:

#### Filters

The filters section allows you to control which elements are displayed:

* **Node name filter** - Filter nodes by name
* **Filter orphan nodes** - Hide nodes with no visible connections
* **Edge type filters** - Show/hide specific edge types (Read, Write, Offset, Code)
* **Node type filters** - Show/hide specific node types (Code, Data, Import)

The number of filtered (hidden) nodes is displayed at the top of the filter panel.

#### Layout Configuration

The force-directed graph layout can be customized with the following parameters:

* **Drag** - Controls how quickly node movement slows down (damping)
* **Gravity** - Pulls nodes toward the center of the graph
* **Repulsion** - Controls how strongly nodes push each other away
* **Spring strength** - Determines how rigidly the edges hold nodes together
* **Spring length** - Sets the preferred distance between connected nodes
* **Minimum velocity** - Threshold below which node movement stops
* **Maximum velocity** - Caps the maximum speed of node movement
* **Node mass** - Base mass value for nodes (affects how easily they move)
* **Edge mass** - Base mass value for edges (affects how easily group of nodes move)
* **Timestep** - Controls the simulation speed
* **Theta threshold** - Performance parameter for the Barnes-Hut approximation

Click "Reset the layout parameters" to restore default values.


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