Create a draw.io shape library

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Once more than a couple of people draw architecture diagrams, they diverge. A shared library is the cheapest way to stop that.

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#How to

#1. In the draw.io editor, build the shapes you want to share.

The draw.io shape search panel with the Scratchpad section expanded, a drop area reading drag elements here, and an Edit tooltip over the pencil button.

#2. Add any images you want to the shape library

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#3. Save them as a library file.

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#4. Upload it so it is available site-wide. See https://innovator.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/NDFC/pages/1409089631.

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#What belongs in one

  • Your product's own components, drawn once and named properly.

  • Brand-correct colours and logos.

  • A standard legend, so every diagram explains itself the same way.

#A few things that catch people out

  • Libraries are stored as attachments in your own site, so they never leave it.

  • Adding a shape to the library does not update diagrams already drawn with the old version.

  • Name shapes for what they are, not what they look like. Search uses the name.

One vocabulary, drawn the same way by everyone.