Add canvas elements

Canvas elements are the objects you place on a canvas: sticky notes, text, shapes, arrows, drawings, spreadsheets, stickers, files, images, PDFs, links, YouTube embeds, and sub-canvases. Use them to make work visible, give it structure, and collect feedback in the same place.

Start here when you need to add content, choose the right object type, select several objects, or understand why an object cannot be edited.

What you can add

Most canvas work starts from the toolbar. The exact tools depend on device, workspace settings, canvas type, and your permission.

Choose the right element

Use one sticky note for one idea. If a note turns into a paragraph, make it text, a comment, or a document instead.

Use text when the words explain the canvas itself: a heading, label, instruction, caption, or decision. Text should help people read the page; it should not become another brainstorm item.

Use shapes when the canvas needs structure. A large rectangle can become a section, a rounded rectangle can mark a process step, and a diamond can show a decision point. Add text when the meaning would not be obvious to someone joining later.

Use arrows and lines when the relationship matters. Arrows say which way the relationship points; a plain line only says the two things are related. If the line carries meaning such as "blocked" or "optional", label it.

Use stickers sparingly. A sticker can make status or reaction easier to scan, but it should not be the only explanation of important state.

Add elements from the toolbar

On desktop, common tools include Select, Drawing, Comment, Sticky notes, Text, Shapes, Arrow or line tools, Spreadsheet, Stickers, Upload files, YouTube, and Sub-canvas. You may also see AI or workspace-specific shortcuts.

On mobile, the toolbar is smaller. It commonly focuses on Select, Hand Tool, Drawing, Sticky notes, Upload files, and Insert links.

Select a tool, then click or drag on the canvas. Some tools create an object immediately. Others show a placement preview first. Sticky notes and spreadsheets can be placed with a single click on desktop. On mobile, new sticky notes appear near the visible canvas area so they are not lost off-screen.

Useful desktop shortcuts include Select V, Drawing D, Comment C, Sticky notes P, Text T, Shapes S, Arrow A, Upload files U, YouTube Y, Stickers K, Sub-canvas Z, and the slash command /. If a shortcut does not respond, check focus state and use the visible toolbar.

Select and edit elements

Use Select, then click an object. A selected object shows handles, an outline, or an inline toolbar when quick actions are available. If the inline toolbar does not show the action you need, open the Element menu.

Text, spreadsheets, and some embeds may need a second click or explicit edit action. If you enter text-edit mode by mistake, click outside the object, choose Select again, and drag from the object edge.

Use multi-select when objects should move, align, group, duplicate, lock, or delete together. Drag a selection area or use the supported keyboard modifier for your device. If multi-select catches the wrong objects, zoom in and try again.

Arrange and protect layouts

Drag selected objects to move them. Use resize handles when they are available. Use alignment, distribution, and Tidy Up when a group of objects should be easier to scan.

Use layer actions such as Bring to front and Send to back when shapes, images, notes, or labels overlap. Send large background shapes behind the content they organize.

Use Lock when an object should stay in place during a workshop, presentation setup, or review. Locking prevents accidental edits, but explain locked areas with visible text if collaborators may need to understand why they cannot move something.

Comment and review

Select an element and use Comment from the toolbar, inline toolbar, or element menu. Element comments are best when feedback is about a specific sticky note, file, image area, diagram block, or decision.

Mention a person when you need an answer. Resolve the thread when the discussion is done. Before deleting reviewed content, check whether attached comments will be removed with the object.

Unread object indicators can show what changed since you last reviewed the canvas. Hover an unread object to mark it as read, or use the slide rail to find pages with unread object counts.

If something does not work

If a creation tool is missing, check your permission, device, guest status, workspace restrictions, and canvas type. Viewers and commenters cannot create objects. Guests cannot create sub-canvases.

If an object will not move or resize, it may be locked, grouped, still processing, or currently in text or spreadsheet edit mode. Exit edit mode, select the object boundary, or ask someone with permission to unlock it.

If Download is missing but Preview works, the workspace or canvas may restrict file downloads. That is a permission setting, not necessarily a broken file.

If selection feels inaccurate, zoom in, switch to Select, and avoid dragging from editable text or spreadsheet cells.

Examples

For a design review, upload screens, add short text labels, use arrows to show flow, and ask reviewers to comment on the exact screen or object that needs a decision.

For a workshop, create one page per activity, use sticky notes for participant input, use shapes for sections, group final clusters, and lock instructions that should stay in place.

For research synthesis, place PDFs or files near the notes that summarize them, use links for source material, and use comments to track open questions.