To view a cluster in your browser, click the Asterisk symbol.

Star power in a Relativity dashboard: knowing where to click to see a cluster

If you’re poking around a Relativity project window, you’ll notice a handful of symbols that act like signposts. Some point you to a file, others summon a search, and a few hint at grouping. Here’s the simple truth that makes many users smile: when you want to view a cluster—a collection of related items—the symbol you’re after is the asterisk. A tiny star with a big job.

Let me explain why that little mark works so well in this context. A cluster is more than a pile of items. It’s a connective tissue: a group where documents, tasks, notes, or other data share a common thread. Think of a cluster as a memory map for a project—everything related to a specific topic, a phase, or a set of issues sits together so you can see the big picture at a glance. The asterisk, by convention, signals “something central,” something that ties several elements together. It’s the visual shorthand that says, “Here lives a collectivity, not just one item.” And yes, it’s intentional that this symbol is not the same as the folder, the magnifying glass, or the tag.

Let’s parse what each symbol tends to imply, because in a busy software window, misreading one icon can send you off in the wrong direction. You’ll often see:

• Asterisk: clusters, groups, or collections that you can expand to reveal the items inside. It’s the go-to cue for “look here if you want the big, linked set.”

• Folder: directories or categories. It organizes items into a tree-like structure, good for structural navigation.

• Magnifying glass: search. It means you’re looking for specific items, not necessarily a larger group.

• Tag: labels assigned to individual items. Tags help you filter but don’t themselves represent a collection.

In other words, the asterisk is not about finding a single document; it’s about discovering the whole constellation that shares a thread. The folder helps you walk a shelf of labeled boxes, the magnifying glass helps you zoom in on a target, and the tag helps you tag along with a keyword. The asterisk, by contrast, invites you to step into a cluster where related pieces mingle and interact.

Why the asterisk, and not something else, feels natural to users? It boils down to a mix of visual cue design and cognitive shortcuts. The star shape evokes a sense of centrality and discovery. It’s easy to spot, even on a crowded interface, and it implies something broader than a single document. When you click it, you’re choosing to view a network rather than a solitary item. It’s a small action with a big payoff: you gain context, you see dependencies, and you can plan next steps with fewer blind spots.

A practical glance at a real-world workflow

Let me paint a simple, relatable picture. Imagine you’re handling a large data room for a case or project. You’ve got thousands of documents, a handful of issues, a project plan, and a pile of correspondence. You want to group everything that touches a particular topic—say, “contract amendments for Q2”—so you can assess risk, track approvals, and prepare for a milestone review. In your browser window, you’d zero in on the asterisk next to that topic’s cluster. A quick click, and suddenly you’re peeking into a curated space where related items live side by side.

This is what the asterisk does in a clean, predictable way: it highlights a nexus. The other symbols have their roles, sure, but the asterisk marks the spot where related items converge. It’s like going from a map that shows provinces to a city’s central square where all routes converge. The cluster view is your hub for quick discovery and coherent analysis.

A few practical tips for navigating clusters smoothly

• Look for the star first when you want the big picture. If your goal is to understand how a set of items relates, the cluster view is your friend, and the asterisk is the gate.

• Don’t mistake the folder for a cluster. Folders organize, but clusters connect. If you’re trying to understand relationships, the asterisk is the shortcut.

• If a symbol isn’t clearly labeled, hover or click for a tooltip. Designers often add little notes like “View cluster” or “Open cluster” to clarify intent, especially in complex dashboards.

• Combine cluster views with filters. You might open a cluster and then sift what you see with a date range, a status field, or a particular tag. That way, you’re not overwhelmed by every item in the cluster—just the ones that matter now.

• Use color cues. Some interfaces color-code clusters or the asterisk itself. A small nudge of color can tell you where clusters are prioritized or where they’re newly added.

A moment of clarity about UI language

If you’ve spent time with modern project management software, you’ve probably noticed a pretty standard language around icons. Icons do a lot of heavy lifting without a lot of words. The asterisk stands out precisely because it’s not overloaded with meaning. It’s short, it’s recognizable, and it carries a shared mental model: “This is something worth looking at because it ties things together.” In the context of Relativity’s environment, that clarity matters. You’re juggling large sets of information, and you want to move quickly from discovery to decision.

A gentle digression: why symbols matter beyond the screen

I’ll admit it: small icons can feel like tiny dust specks in a busy workflow. Yet they shape how you think about your work. When you consistently reach for the asterisk to view a cluster, you build a mental map of how information clusters. That mental map isn’t just about speed; it’s about confidence. You’re less likely to overlook a related item, less likely to lose track of a cross-reference, and less likely to spin your wheels chasing unrelated data. In short, the symbol becomes a tactile shortcut for professional judgment.

A quick reflective aside: how this plays out in a team setting

In a team, different people might be responsible for different data streams—documents, tasks, communications. A cluster view lets everyone see where the threads cross. If one member needs to understand “all contract-related documents tied to Q2 amendments,” they don’t wade through a flat list; they enter the cluster and inspect the ecosystem of related items. That shared, concise view reduces back-and-forth. It also helps new team members join the project more quickly, because clusters act as natural onboarding anchors.

A reference mini-guide you can keep handy

• Asterisk: go to the cluster view; it’s your gateway to a connected set of items.

• Folder: browse categorized shelves—good for hierarchical navigation.

• Magnifying glass: search for a needle when you know what you’re looking for.

• Tag: filter and label individual items; great for ad hoc grouping and quick slicing.

Putting it all together: a simple rule of thumb

If you want the heart of the matter—the way related items relate to one another—the asterisk is where you start. It’s the symbol that signals that something bigger is at play. The folder is the map of structure, the magnifying glass is your searchlight, and the tag is the label you keep sticking on items as you categorize them. But for a consolidated view of related elements, the asterisk stands out.

As you move through Relativity’s interfaces, you’ll get a feel for when to reach for the cluster view. It’s not about memorizing a single trick; it’s about building a working intuition. When in doubt, glance for that star. If it’s there, you’ve found the hub where related pieces gather, and you can start making sense of the whole story rather than one scattered chapter.

Final thought: stay curious, stay organized

A good project workflow isn’t just about storing information; it’s about revealing connections. The asterisk—that unassuming star—helps you see where threads meet. In a world of documents, notes, and decisions, clusters keep you anchored. They make complex projects feel navigable rather than overwhelming. So next time you’re sifting through a Relativity window and you spot a cluster, remember the star. It’s inviting you into the center of the action, where related items converge and clarity follows.

If you’re curious to test this in your own workflow, take a moment to locate a cluster in your current workspace. Watch how your understanding sharpens once you’re looking at the constellation rather than a lone document. And as you gain fluency with these symbols, you’ll find your pace quickening—one insightful view at a time.