Create and update shapes with automatic handling of positioning, parenting, and batch operations, even in complex scenarios.
Partial updates
Shape properties with partial objects that merge with existing data. Perfect for building reactive applications where shapes respond to data changes or user interactions.
Type-safe creation
Create shapes programmatically with automatic IDs, parent detection, and property validation. The system applies editor styles and keeps layer ordering consistent.
Coordinate transforms
Automatic coordinate space conversion between page, parent, and local coordinates. Build applications that position shapes precisely without manual transform calculations.
Smart parenting
Automatic parent detection based on shape positioning and containment rules. Shapes find appropriate containers while respecting type compatibility and hierarchy constraints.
Shape complexity, solved
APIs handle positioning and transforms so your canvas apps stay reactive and predictable.
Automatic parent detection
The creation system processes shapes through validation, parent assignment, coordinate transformation, and property merging. Shapes receive auto-generated IDs if none are provided, determine their parents based on position and containment rules, and are placed at the correct z-index in the hierarchy. Current editor styles are applied automatically, with type-specific properties validated through shape utilities.
Lock enforcement and validation
Shape updates use partial objects that merge with existing shape data while respecting lock states and maintaining referential integrity. The system validates each update against shape schemas, removes invalid changes, and processes multiple updates as atomic operations. Animation cleanup ensures manually updated shapes are removed from active animations for consistent behavior.
Automatic transforms
The transform system manages conversions between page space, parent space, and shape-local coordinates using cached transformation matrices. When shapes are reparented, their page coordinates are preserved through automatic space conversion. Efficient matrix caching allows it to handle complex nested hierarchies without requiring manual calculations.
Starter kits
Production ready starter kit to integrate agents into your canvas. Building something different?
Examples
See for yourself
Have a look at our examples on how to control shape creation and updates programmatically.
Controlling the canvas
Build programmatic shape creation and updating workflows.
Before create/update shape
Intercept the creation or update of any record in the store and return a new record to be used in it place.
After create/update shape
Register handlers to run after any record is created or updated.
Shape control without the hassle
From creation to transforms, the system keeps everything in order.