In This Section

Basic Elements

• Shapes - Create and manipulate rectangles, ovals, and custom shapes
• Connectors - Connect shapes with smart routing lines
• Smart Connectors - Automatic routing modes and obstacle avoidance
• Connector Bend Points - Manual routing control
• Connector-to-Connector - Advanced connector connections
• Sticky Spots - Custom connection points on shapes
• Arrowheads - Complete reference of 31 arrowhead styles
• Text Editing - Add and format text in your diagrams
• Text Tool - Create standalone text objects

Organization

• Groups - Keep multiple elements together as one unit
• Reusable Elements - Save compositions with fill-in text slots and reuse them from the palette
• Repeat - Make evenly spaced copies in a line or around a circle
• Tables - Create structured data grids with cell spanning and UML class boxes

Drawing & Editing

• Vector Drawing - Draw custom shapes with Bezier curves and paths
• Vector Path Editing - Edit paths and polygons at the node level
• Combine Shapes - Union, subtract, intersect, and exclude shapes
• Replace Shapes - Swap shape types while preserving connections

Images & Media

• Images - Add and manipulate images in your diagrams
• Sticky Notes - Quick, resizable notes with attached images

Layout & Alignment

• Alignment - Align and distribute objects precisely
• Grid & Snapping - Use grid and snap features for precision
• Smart Guides - Dynamic alignment guides while dragging

Library & Tabs

• Clipart Library - Save and reuse custom symbols
• Document Tabs - Keep several pages in one document

Quick Start

1. Add a shape: Drag a symbol from the library on the left, or pick a shape from the toolbar Draw menu and drag on the canvas
2. Connect shapes: Press C for the Connector tool, then drag between shapes
3. Add text: Select a shape and press T to edit its text, or press T with nothing selected for the Text tool
4. Style elements: Select an element and use the Inspector panel to change colors, fonts, and effects

Tips

• Double-click a shape or connector to open its floating action toolbar
• Use Cmd+D to duplicate selected elements, or Edit → Repeat… (Shift+Cmd+D) for several evenly spaced copies
• Right-click a connector and choose Add Bend Point for manual routing
• Group related elements with Cmd+G to move them together