Drawing basics

Sketch a service and its dependencies on the canvas before you commit to a structured diagram. Shapes, text and images can sit beside structured elements in the same document.

Creating and editing documents requires docs:write.

Draw and label a shape

1. Open a document, or follow Getting started to create one.
2. Press Shift+N and choose Rectangle, Diamond or Ellipse.
3. Drag on the canvas to draw the shape.
4. Select the shape and press Enter to add a label, such as Dispatch Service.

A shape's label belongs to this document. If Dispatch Service needs a shared name across diagrams, insert an object reference instead.

Connect shapes

Choose Arrow from the insert palette, then drag between the shapes you want to connect. Select the arrow to change its style. Choose Elbow arrow for a connection with right-angle bends.

With nothing selected, press A to choose the arrow tool. Press A again while the tool is active to cycle its arrow type. Use Line when you want a line without an arrowhead.

Add text or an image

For a note outside a shape, choose Text in the insert palette and click where the note belongs. Press Enter on a selected text element to edit it.

Choose Image to select an image file, then place it on the canvas. ArchDocs doesn't convert an image into editable shapes or structured elements.

Group an area with a frame

1. Clear the selection and press F for the frame tool.
2. Drag a frame around the area you want to group, such as a booking platform.
3. Select the frame and press Enter to edit its name.

To move the framed area into its own document, use Create Architecture Doc From Elements.

Hold Space and drag to pan across the canvas, or press H for the hand tool. The shortcut reference lists drawing, editing and view commands.