Skip to main content

The shapes panel in draw.io

The shapes panel is typically on the left of the drawing canvas, and provides access to the large collection of built-in shapes in draw.io.
The draw.io shapes panel is typically on the left of the drawing canvas and allows you to search for shapes, use the scratchpad and access shapes from the enabled shape libraries

Some of the simpler editor themes may hide the shapes panel. Press the Ctrl + Shift + K keyboard shortcut in any editor theme to show or hide the Shapes panel.

To search for shapes - even in shape libraries that are not currently open - enter the shape name in the search field. This will search for shape that have names that match as well as those with alternate names that match.
The draw.io search feature is now an omnibox providing quick access to options and diagram tools, as well as searching the shape libraries

Tip: This search omnibox is more powerful than just finding shapes. Search for help about or enable/disable features and dialogs, quickly describe your diagram and generate a template, and more.

Scratchpad​

This temporary shape library can hold your favourite shapes, or even entire sections of your diagram so you can quickly drop copies back onto the drawing canvas.
Add multiple shapes as one element on the scratchpad in draw.io

Note: The Scratchpad contents are saved in your browser - if you clear your browser's cookies and browsing data, any shapes stored in the Scratchpad will be deleted. Make sure you export the scratchpad to a custom shape library if you want to keep these shapes.

Learn more about working with the Scratchpad in draw.io

Shape libraries​

To see and enable/disable the shape libraries, click on More Shapes at the bottom of the shapes panel.
Click on More Shapes to see all of the built-in shape libraries in draw.io

The shape libraries are sorted into categories. Enable or disable shape libraries by clicking the checkbox next to their names.
Enable and disable the shape libraries that are displayed in the shapes panel

Enable the shapes panel in the Sketch editor theme​

Click on + > Shapes in the toolbar on the left to see the Shapes panel.

Drag the floating panel around the drawing canvas. Click on the arrow in the top right to minimise/maximise the panel.

Click on More Shapes to show or hide specific shape libraries.
Click on the Shapes tool to open this panel when using the Sketch editor theme in draw.io

From here you can also enable or disable the search feature and the scratchpad.
Show or hide the search and scratchpad features in the Shapes panel

See how to use a custom shape library in the Sketch editor theme.