Create a basic diagram

This article uses the Basic Diagram template to explain what you need to get started quickly - the basics of how to open a template, put shapes in the drawing, and connect those shapes.

You can find much more information about how to use the shapes themselves in the article Shape basics. For information about using other kinds of Edraw diagram libraries, see the article How can I tell what each Edraw library is for?.

1. Open Edraw. When Edraw opens, all you need to work with is the one titled Template Categories. (Tips: If you already have Edraw open, on the Edraw Main Button, point to New, and then click Choose Drawing Types....)
2. In the Template Categories list, click the Basic Diagram category. All of the libraries in the Basic Diagram category appear in the central window.

3. Double-click the template titled Highlight Shapes.
4. When the Highlight Shapes library opens, most of the space is taken up with a blank drawing page. Because it is important to line up the shapes when you create a diagram, the page appears with grid lines on it.
5. Click any shape on the Highlight Shapes template, hold down the mouse button, and drag the shape onto your drawing page.

6. When you release the mouse button, the shape is bounded by a dashed green line that has green squares , called selection handles, and sometimes yellow diamonds, called control handles . To learn how to use control handles, selection handles, and other important shape features, see the article Shape basics.
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 to add another shape to the page.
8. Connect the shapes together by using the Connector.

You can also learn how to use Edraw by using the training courses and demos that are available on the Edraw Online Web site.