Using the Diagram Builder

Diagram Builder Guide

The Diagram Builder is a canvas-based editor for creating UML diagrams, ERDs, flowcharts, and general visual diagrams.

Creating a Diagram

1. Navigate to Diagrams in the sidebar.
2. Click Add.
3. Enter a diagram name and optional description.
4. Click Save to create the diagram and open the canvas editor.

Adding Shapes

1. In the canvas editor, use the shape palette on the left to select a shape type.
2. Click on the canvas to place the shape.
3. Available shape types include rectangles, rounded rectangles, circles, diamonds, and specialized UML shapes (class boxes, interface boxes, etc.).
4. Double-click a shape to edit its text content.

Connecting Shapes

1. Hover over a shape to see connection points (top, bottom, left, right).
2. Click and drag from a connection point to another shape’s connection point.
3. Choose the connector type: Straight (direct line) or Orthogonal (right-angle lines).
4. Connectors automatically route around shapes.

Editing Shapes and Connectors

• Click a shape to select it. Drag to move, use handles to resize.
• Use the properties panel to change colors, borders, and text styling.
• Click a connector to select it. Drag waypoints to adjust the routing.

Canvas Controls

• Zoom: Use the mouse wheel or zoom controls to zoom in and out
• Pan: Click and drag on empty canvas space to pan the view
• Undo/Redo: Use the undo and redo buttons to reverse or reapply changes
• Grid: Toggle the grid for alignment assistance

Grouping and Layering

Select multiple shapes and group them to move and resize as a unit. Use the layering controls to bring shapes to front or send to back.

Exporting Diagrams

From the diagram list or the editor, export diagrams as PNG images or PDF documents. The export captures the full diagram at high resolution.

Deleting Shapes

Select a shape or connector and press the Delete key, or use the delete button in the toolbar.