Create frames and shapes

Frames organize content, while shapes provide visual elements such as cards, circles, lines, and stars.

The representative video demonstrates this exact workflow: Choose the rectangle tool and drag on the canvas to create a new shape.

Verified result: A new rectangle is selected on the canvas with its corner controls visible.

Create a rectangleChoose the rectangle tool and drag on the canvas to create a new shape.Result: A new rectangle is selected on the canvas with its corner controls visible.

Transcript

1. Choose RectangleChoose the Rectangle tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw the rectangleDrag across the canvas and release to create the rectangle.

Download the tutorial videoDownload English captions

Before you start

Open an editable file and move to a clear area of the canvas. Creation tools are unavailable in viewing mode. If you cannot see the toolbar, close an open drawer or expand the editor controls.

Choose a frame or shape

• Choose Frame, or press F, when you need a container for a screen, section, or group of content. Open the arrow beside Frame to search common size presets; choosing a preset creates a frame at that exact size.
• Choose Rectangle, or press R, for a basic shape. Open its arrow to choose Line, Arrow, Ellipse, Circle, Arc, Polygon, Star, or Table. Press O to start an ellipse directly.

Frames clip content that extends beyond their boundary by default. Use a shape instead when you only need a visual object and no containing boundary.

Draw on the canvas

1. Activate Frame or the shape you want.
2. Point to where one corner should begin.
3. Drag diagonally while watching the live preview.
4. Release when the object reaches the intended size.

The new object is selected and also appears in Layers. Use the width and height fields in Design when you need an exact size after drawing.

If you click without making a meaningful drag, Editor v2 creates a useful default-sized object instead of an almost invisible one. Successful shape creation normally returns you to Move so an accidental second drag does not add another shape.

Constrain the shape or draw from its center

You can press or release these keys at any point during the drag:

• Hold Shift to make a rectangle or frame square, an ellipse circular, or a line follow a nearby 45-degree direction.
• Hold Alt on Windows or Option on macOS to draw outward from the starting point as the center.
• Hold both to combine the effects, such as drawing a square from its center.

On a touch layout, use the visible Constrain drawing and Draw from center controls when they are offered. Turn them off after drawing if you do not want the next object to use the same behavior.

Recover from a drawing mistake

• Before releasing the pointer, press Escape to cancel the preview without adding an object.
• After creation, press Ctrl + Z on Windows or ⌘ + Z on macOS to undo it. Use Redo if you change your mind.
• If dragging moves an existing object, undo the move, activate the intended creation tool again, and start on a clear point of the canvas.
• If the wrong shape appears, delete it and reopen the arrow beside Rectangle to confirm the active shape.

Locked objects do not prevent you from drawing elsewhere, but a read-only file does. If every creation tool is unavailable, check the mode indicator and request edit access.