# Global shape libraries

A shared shape library means everyone drawing architecture diagrams uses the same components, drawn the same way. Without one, five people invent five versions of your own product.

Libraries are draw.io mxlibrary files, stored as attachments in your own site, and available in every editor once uploaded.

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## When you would change this

* Standardising diagrams across teams.
* Distributing brand-correct shapes, colours and logos.
* Sharing a library somebody has already built on their own machine.

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## What you can set

![The Diagrams tab of Capable global settings, showing a Diagram titles toggle above a Shape libraries card listing two uploaded XML libraries with an Add library button.](https://help.gocapable.com/images/94ddf256-cda6-48d1-8dae-96d110efc7ec.webp)

Each uploaded file is listed with who added it and how large it is, and editors pick up a new one the next time they open.

| **Setting**      | **What it does**                                        |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Format           | draw.io mxlibrary XML, exported from the editor.        |
| Where they live  | Attachments in your Confluence site. Nothing leaves it. |
| Who can upload   | A Confluence administrator.                             |
| Who can use them | Everyone, in every space, automatically.                |

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## A few things that catch people out

* Updating a library does not update diagrams already drawn with the old shapes.
* Name shapes for what they are; the name is what search matches on.
* Excalidraw libraries are a different format and are managed separately.

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## Related

[Global template libraryStarting points, kept in one place.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/global-template-library.html)

[Space diagram settingsDefaults for every diagram in a space.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/space-diagram-settings.html)

[ExamplesWorking diagrams you can copy.](https://help.gocapable.com/diagrams/examples.html)

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_Set it once, in the right place._