Add text and connectors

Text labels ideas, and connectors show a relationship or flow between objects.

The representative video demonstrates this exact workflow: Create one text label, then activate Connector to prepare the next link.

Verified result: One text label remains on the canvas and the Connector tool is active.

Create text and choose ConnectorCreate one text label, then activate Connector to prepare the next link.Result: One text label remains on the canvas and the Connector tool is active.

Transcript

1. Choose TextChoose the Text tool from the toolbar.
2. Create a text boxDrag on the canvas to create a text box.
3. Type the labelType Flow starts here in the new text box.
4. Finish the textPress Control and Enter to finish editing the text.
5. Choose ConnectorChoose Connector to prepare a link between canvas objects.

Download the tutorial videoDownload English captions

Before you start

Open an editable file. To practice connectors, place two shapes or frames on the canvas with some space between them. Creation tools are unavailable in viewing mode.

Add an auto-width text layer

1. Choose Text in the toolbar, or press T.
2. Click once on the canvas.
3. Type your text. The layer grows horizontally as you type.
4. Click outside the text to finish editing.

Use this method for short labels and headings. The text layer appears in Layers, where you can select or rename it later.

Add a fixed-width text box

Choose Text, then drag a box instead of clicking once. Type inside the box and click outside when finished. A fixed width is useful for paragraphs because lines wrap within the box.

To edit existing text, double-click the text on the canvas. Select the text layer without entering text editing when you want to move or resize the whole layer.

Connect two objects

1. Choose Connector in the toolbar.
2. Hover over the first object until its connection points appear.
3. Click the point where the connector should start.
4. Hover over the second object and click its destination point.

The connector remains attached when either connected object moves. Select the connector path to change its path style, line style, stroke color, or stroke width in the Quick Bar or Design panel.

Connectors are made between eligible canvas objects. Clicking empty canvas does not provide an attached endpoint, so move the pointer onto the source or destination until a connection point is visible.

Cancel or fix an unfinished item

• Press Escape while a new connector is waiting for its destination to cancel the preview.
• Press Escape before finishing a new text draft if you do not want to keep it.
• After an item is created, use Ctrl + Z on Windows or ⌘ + Z on macOS to undo it.
• If a connector no longer follows an object, delete the loose connector and create it again by clicking visible connection points on both objects.

Know the device limits

Text works with pointer, keyboard, and supported touch editing. Connector creation can be unavailable on a touch-only device. If Connector is disabled or reports that it is unavailable, use a supported pen or pointer device rather than repeatedly tapping the canvas.

Locked or view-only content cannot be edited. Unlock the relevant layer in Layers, or request edit access, before changing text or connector endpoints.