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Insert shapes and connectors via the menu

While you would normally double click on the drawing canvas and select a shape, or drag a shape from the shape libraries, you can also add some basic shapes via the Arrange > Insert menu.

See all of the elements you can insert into your diagram

Insert a rectangle, ellipse or rhombus​

Select Arrange > Insert then choose one of Rectangle, Ellipse or Rhombus to add that shape to the drawing canvas. Alternatively, click the + icon in the toolbar, then select the shape you want to insert.
You can insert rectangle, ellipse, and rhombus shapes via the Arrange /> Insert menu in draw.io

Insert a note shape​

Select Arrange > Insert > Note to insert a yellow sticky note shape on the drawing canvas.
You can insert note shapes via Arrange > Insert > Note in draw.io

Insert a connector​

  1. Select Arrange > Insert > Line to insert a simple connector that has an arrow at one end.
  2. Drag the ends of the connecor and drop them on a source and a target shape to connect them.
  3. Change the style using the Style tab of the format panel, or the quick style box that appears above the connector.
    You can insert a connector via the Arrange > Insert > Line menu in draw.io

Learn more about connecting shapes

Insert a custom shape​

  1. Select Arrange > Insert > Shape
  2. Describe the geometry and style of the shape in XML by modifying the example in the large text field.
    You can insert a custom shape with its geometry described in XML via Arrange > Insert > Shape in draw.io

See how to describe the geometry and style of a custom shape