EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 2 of 111
Content
Chapter 1 Get Started with EdrawMax .........................................................................................5
EdrawMax Navigation ............................................................................................................... 5
System Requirements ...............................................................................................................7
Download and Install EdrawMax ...............................................................................................8
Register EdrawMax ...................................................................................................................8
Update EdrawMax .................................................................................................................. 10
Activate and Deactivate EdrawMax ........................................................................................ 11
Chapter 2 File .............................................................................................................................14
Create New Diagrams .............................................................................................................14
Open Files .............................................................................................................................. 15
Import Files ............................................................................................................................. 15
Save Files ............................................................................................................................... 16
File Recovery ..........................................................................................................................17
Version History ....................................................................................................................... 19
Export Files .............................................................................................................................21
Share Files ..............................................................................................................................25
Publish Files ........................................................................................................................... 26
Print Files ................................................................................................................................27
Encrypt Files ........................................................................................................................... 28
Create Personal Templates .................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 3 Page .......................................................................................................................... 31
Add Pages .............................................................................................................................. 31
Delete Pages .......................................................................................................................... 31
Reorder Pages ........................................................................................................................31
Preview Pages ........................................................................................................................32
Zoom Pages ........................................................................................................................... 32
Background and Layer ............................................................................................................33
Page View Options ................................................................................................................. 35
Snap and Glue ........................................................................................................................36
Page Layouts ..........................................................................................................................38
Focus Mode ............................................................................................................................ 39
Spelling Check ........................................................................................................................40
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 3 of 111
Find and Replace ....................................................................................................................41
Capture Screen .......................................................................................................................42
Chapter 4 Presentation .............................................................................................................. 43
Create Presentation Slides ..................................................................................................... 43
Presentation Mode ..................................................................................................................45
Chapter 5 Symbol ...................................................................................................................... 46
Select Symbols ....................................................................................................................... 46
Move Symbols ........................................................................................................................ 49
Resize Symbols ...................................................................................................................... 49
Rotate and Flip Symbols .........................................................................................................50
Connect Symbols ....................................................................................................................51
Replace Symbols .................................................................................................................... 55
Protect Symbols ......................................................................................................................55
Reorder Overlapping Symbols ................................................................................................57
Align Symbols ......................................................................................................................... 58
Distribute Symbols .................................................................................................................. 58
Group and Ungroup Symbols ................................................................................................. 59
Center Symbols ...................................................................................................................... 59
Draw Shape Tool .................................................................................................................... 59
Path and Anchor Point ............................................................................................................ 63
Pencil Tool .............................................................................................................................. 66
Pen Tool ................................................................................................................................. 67
Create Your Own Symbols ..................................................................................................... 69
Create Your Own Library ........................................................................................................ 73
Smart Shape ...........................................................................................................................75
Shape Data .............................................................................................................................76
Chapter 6 Format ....................................................................................................................... 78
Format Symbols ......................................................................................................................78
Format Text ............................................................................................................................ 78
Format Connectors ................................................................................................................. 79
Themes ...................................................................................................................................80
Quick Formatting .................................................................................................................... 81
Chapter 7 Insert ......................................................................................................................... 83
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 4 of 111
Insert Tables ........................................................................................................................... 83
Insert Charts ........................................................................................................................... 84
Insert Timelines ...................................................................................................................... 85
Insert Containers .................................................................................................................... 87
Insert Pictures .........................................................................................................................88
Insert Formulas .......................................................................................................................89
Insert Hyperlinks ..................................................................................................................... 89
Insert Attachments .................................................................................................................. 90
Insert Notes ............................................................................................................................ 91
Insert Comments .................................................................................................................... 91
Chapter 8 Tips & Tricks ..............................................................................................................92
How to Make a Flowchart ....................................................................................................... 92
How to Make a Swimlane Diagram .........................................................................................93
How to Make an Organizational Chart .................................................................................... 95
How to Make a Gantt Chart .................................................................................................... 98
How to Make a Floor Plan .....................................................................................................104
Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................................................................107
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 5 of 111
Chapter 1 Get Started with EdrawMax
EdrawMax Navigation
The Home Page
When you launch EdrawMax on your computer, you will be navigated to the Home page. Here
you can create and manage documents, search and use templates, import Visio or other files,
and modify general options of the software. This page also works as an entrance to the Edraw
workspace.
Workspace
You will see Quick Access Toolbar, Ribbon, Canvas, Context Pane, Symbol Library, and
Footer on the workspace. Getting familiar with these functional areas will help you complete
your designs more efficiently.
Quick Access Toolbar: One-click access to commonly used commands such as Undo,
Redo, Open, Save, Print, and Export. You can also customize this area to fit your
preference.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 6 of 111
Ribbon: There are main toolbars where all commands and controls are organized in
different tabs and groups.
Canvas: It is the heart of the user interface to create your diagrams.
Symbol Library: By default, the symbol library will show the related shapes and symbols
when choosing which diagram you would make in EdrawMax.
Footer: You will find the footer underneath the canvas to manage documents' pages,
adjust the zoom level and present the canvas in full-screen mode.
If you want to change the default settings, you can use the self-defined format settings to
customize a shape's style. Now you can start diagramming simply and intuitively! Go to the File
tab, click Options > Default Setting, and next, all you need to do is choose your favorite font,
connector, theme color, and page size.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 7 of 111
EdrawMax adds new theme colors for UI:
For Win: Light and Dark.
For Mac: Midnight blue and Dark.
Click the Style button in the upper right corner and choose the color you like.
System Requirements
Windows 2000/2003/2008/Vista/7/8/10/11 (32bit/64 bit)
macOS v10.11 to macOS v12; Work on M1 Macs
Linux: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS, OpenSUSE, Mint, Knoppix, RedHat, Gentoo, and
More
Minimum 2 GB RAM and 4 GB disk space (not including the project space)
High monitor resolution
Mouse and keyboard
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 8 of 111
Download and Install EdrawMax
If you don't have Wondershare EdrawMax yet, click the button below to obtain your copy of the
program.
Note: A computer running Windows 11 is used here for illustrations.
Once done, go to the Downloads folder (or to the download location if it's other than the default
one), and double-click the executable file you downloaded. Click Install on the main screen and
follow the instructions to install EdrawMax on your PC.
Register EdrawMax
There are a couple of ways to register your instance of EdrawMax to access all its features for
better productions. It is advisable to get this done right after installing the app.
How to Register?
Method 1: From the File Screen
1. Click Sign In from the top-right corner of the Home page.
2. Click Create account on the Login to your Wondershare ID screen.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 9 of 111
3. Populate the available input boxes on the Create a Wondershare ID screen with your
email ID, a strong password, and region of residence, and click Create Account.
4. After registering, get back to the Login to your Wondershare ID screen, and use the
account's credentials to sign in to the app.
Method 2: From the Account Screen
1. Click Account from the bottom of the navigation bar present on the left side of the Home
page.
2. Click My Account from the right window, and the Login to your Wondershare ID
screen will appear. From there, you can follow the steps explained in the previous
method to register and sign in.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 10 of 111
How to Check Your Account?
After signing in, go to the Account screen as explained earlier.
Click My Account. Click to select Orders from the navigation pane on the left of the My
Account box, and you can check your account details under the Order History section on the
Purchase history tab on the right.
Update EdrawMax
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 11 of 111
It is important to check for software updates regularly to ensure a flawless working experience
and access all the new features added to the program. Because of this, by default, EdrawMax is
configured to check for and install the updates automatically.
However, there might be instances when you don't want the application to install the updates
automatically. In such a situation, you can turn off automatic updates and check for them
manually whenever convenient for you.
To turn off automatic updates on EdrawMax, and update the software manually when needed:
Activate and Deactivate EdrawMax
How to Activate?
To get the full features of our product, you can activate EdrawMax and use the premium version.
Edraw Activation is an anti-piracy technology designed to verify that software products are
legitimately licensed. It works by checking whether the valid license code is used in another
device more than the permitted number.
Run EdrawMax with computer administrator privilege and navigate to Account > Activate.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 12 of 111
The Activation window will open. You can write your name and paste the valid license code in
the input boxes. Then click Activate button.
If you buy a subscription or lifetime plan of EdrawMax, you can sign in with your account to
activate the software. If you get a license code, click Enter License Code to Activate
If you buy a subscription or lifetime plan of EdrawMax, you can sign in with your account to
activate the software. If you get a license code, click Enter License Code to Activate
If you buy a subscription or lifetime plan of EdrawMax, you can sign in with your account to
activate the software. If you get a license code, click Enter License Code to Activate
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 13 of 111
How to Deactivate?
Deactivation is necessary if you want to activate Edraw programs on another computer. Go to
the Account window and click Deactivate.
Once you deactivate the software, EdrawMax on this computer will turn into the unlicensed
version, and you can activate it on another computer.
Note: Deactivation can only be done once every 30 days.
The Limitation of Unlicensed Version
An unlicensed version allows you to use EdrawMax freely for 15 days. Using diagrams created
by EdrawMax (unlicensed version) for commercial purposes is NOT ALLOWED.
The unlicensed EdrawMax will add watermarks when you want to export your designs, and
there are also some other functional limitations. Refer to EdrawMax FAQ.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 14 of 111
Chapter 2 File
Create New Diagrams
You can start drawing with a new file or build from a pre-designed template. There are several
ways as follows.
Launch EdrawMax, choose Recommended in the pop-up window and click Blank
Drawing.
Choose a pre-made template in the diagram collections window and click the template to
open it.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 15 of 111
Win: Use the shortcut Ctrl + N ( Mac: Use the shortcut + N / cmd + N )
Or click the New button on the Quick Access Toolbar in the workspace
Right-click on the desktop, open the context menu, and select New > Edraw.Document.
Open Files
There are several ways to open a file as follows.
Double-click the file, or right-click and choose Open in the context menu.
Drag and drop the file into EdrawMax to open it.
Use the shortcut (Win: Ctrl+O Mac:
+ O / cmd + O) or select File > Open, locate the
file you want and open it.
Import Files
EdrawMax supports importing multiple file formats, including Visio(VSDX, VSD)and SVG.
Open EdrawMax and select File > Import. You can easily import Visio files (VSDX, VSD) into
EdrawMax one by one or in batch.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 16 of 111
Save Files
There are several ways to save a file as following.
Use the shortcut Ctrl + S (Mac: + S / cmd + S).
Select File > Save. If the file is saved for the first time, please follow the instructions to
rename it and keep it on the right path.
Select File > Save As. You can save the file to a new path or create personal templates.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 17 of 111
File Recovery
File Recovery is not a replacement for saving your files manually. Save files frequently, and the
software will recover files with more versions.
The File Recovery panel can be accessed by clicking the Advanced tab at the top of the
workspace.In the tab you will see two buttons, namely Version History and File Recovery,
where you can see all the available backup files.
Win: Select File > Options > Save to set a time interval for saving backup files.
Mac: Select File > Options > General to set a time interval for saving backup files.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 18 of 111
How to Restore Files?
1. Win: Click the Advanced tab from the top of the workspace.
Mac: Click the Version History & File Recovery icon.
2. Click the File Recovery button.
3. Click the Open icon present next to the backup file you want to recover.
4. Save the file to your PC or Personal Cloud for future uses.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 19 of 111
Version History
Version History in EdrawMax allows you to view the change history of the file, revert a file to a
previous version, and create a new copy from an earlier version. Version History will work after
you have saved the file in the Cloud.
1. Win: Go to Advanced > Version History to open the Version History pane.
Mac: Click the Version History & File Recovery icon.
2. Click Create a Version to create a version manually for your file, which will be saved in
the Cloud and your PC.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 20 of 111
3. Name specific version by clicking on the title of the version.
4. Click on the three dots to the right of each tile. A menu will display with three options.
Click Create a copy of this version to create a new file from the previewed version and
not replace the current version. Click Revert to this version to return the file to the
previewed version, removing all edits made in between that version and the current
version.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 21 of 111
Note: EdrawMax automatically generates a new version to be saved in the Cloud and locally
when a file is left unsaved for longer than the set auto-save time.
Export Files
EdrawMax currently supports exporting file formats such as PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF, Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, Visio, HTML, etc.
Navigate to File > Export & Send or click the Export button on the Quick Access Toolbar.
Then choose the desired export options.
Export to Graphic
EdrawMax supports exporting PNG, JPG, BMP, ICO, PPM, TIF, and TIFF.
1. Select Export & Send > Graphics. The Export Graphics window will appear.
2. Choose the size, which page(s) or shape(s) of your file to export, and the resolution.
3. Click OK.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 22 of 111
4. Choose what type of graphic to export and save the exported graphic.
Tip: If you only need to export one or some shapes in the drawing, select them on the canvas
before clicking the Export button. Otherwise, there will be no "Selected Shapes" for you to
choose from.
Export to PDF
EdrawMax supports exporting regular and image-based PDFs.
1. Navigate to Export & Send > PDF, PS, EPS.
2. Choose Image-based PDF or Regular PDF to export the document.
3. The Export window pops up.
4. The options under the Documents tab will be available only when "All Pages" or
"Selected Pages" are selected.
5. Select to export the file as a single PDF file or multiple separated PDF files when the file
contains multiple pages.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 23 of 111
Export to PS/EPS
EdrawMax supports exporting PS and EPS. Select Export & Send > PDF, PS, EPS and
choose PS Format or EPS Format instead. Determine where to save the file and open it with
Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.
Export to MS Office
EdrawMax supports exporting editable MS Office files, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 24 of 111
1. Navigate to Export & Send > Office;
2. Choose the desired file formats (.docx, .pptx, .xlsx) and customize your export settings.
3. Save the file in the path.
Note: For the export documents, we recommend you open and edit them in Microsoft Office
2013 and the advanced versions to get a better preview effect.
Export to Html
1. Navigate to Export & Send > Html.
2. Choose Html Format and customize the export options.
3. Save the file in the path.
Export to SVG
1. Navigate to Export & Send > SVG.
2. Choose SVG Format and select which page(s) or shape(s) to export.
3. Save the file in the path.
Export to Visio
1. Navigate to Export & Send > Visio.
2. Choose Visio VSDX Format.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 25 of 111
3. Save the file in the path.
Share Files
Click on the top right corner of the workspace, and the Share window pops up.
Post on social media: Share your files via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, or
Line directly from EdrawMax.
Share with link: manage shared link permissions and allow others to read and edit files.
Embed into webpages: copy the generated HTML code and paste it into your webpage.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 26 of 111
Publish Files
Click on the top right corner of the interface, and the Publish window pops up.
1. Fill in the file name, file description, and tag, respectively.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 27 of 111
2. Read the terms & conditions, community guidelines and check the box to agree.
3. Click OK and wait for the pop-up window that indicates success.
4. Go through your templates in EdrawMax Templates Community.
Print Files
Use the shortcut to open a print preview interface.
Win: Ctrl + P or select File > Print
Mac:
+ P (cmd + P) or select File > Print
By default, the copy number is 1, and you can choose printers or check printer status in Printer
Properties. Specify the Page Range, Collated/Uncollated, Orientation, Page Size, and other
print settings.
Click More Print Setup to see whether the sizes of the drawing page and the printer paper
meet your requirements. You can add a grid or guideline and know the result in the preview
window.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 28 of 111
Adjust to: The percentage represents how the print size of the drawing page matches that of
the printer paper(s). 100% means that the drawing will be printed exactly on paper. Less than
100% indicates that your drawing does not cover extra space on the print paper. For more than
100%, your drawing will be divided into sections and printed by several papers.
Fit to: The numbers will decide how many sheets will be used to print the whole drawings. The
above means to add printer papers horizontally, while the below is to add papers vertically.
Encrypt Files
You can add passwords to protect the file.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 29 of 111
1. Select Advanced > Encrypt File ( Mac: Select View > Encrypt File).
2. Enter and confirm the password that contains at least four characters.
3. You can also change or remove the password.
Create Personal Templates
If you and your team often use the same diagrams, you can easily convert the diagram into a
template and share it. Creating personal templates can help you, and your team save more time
and standardize the workflow.
1. Create the diagram, select the page size, background, theme that you want, and choose
the commonly-used symbol libraries attached to the diagram.
2. Select File > Save As > Personal Templates, name the file, and click OK.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 30 of 111
3. See the template thumbnail and the pop-up window if uploaded successfully.
4. Access and use the self-designed template from the Personal Templates panel
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 31 of 111
Chapter 3 Page
Add Pages
There are several ways to add pages as follows.
Select Insert > Blank Page.
Click the plus icon next to the page number on the footer.
Right-click on the page name and choose Add Page on the context menu.
You can also duplicate a page in EdrawMax.
Select Insert > Blank Page > Duplicate This Page.
Right-click on the page name and choose Duplicate Page on the context menu.
Delete Pages
Right-click on the page name and choose Remove Page on the context menu.
Reorder Pages
Drag page tabs and rearrange pages.
Right-click on the page name and choose Reorder Pages on the context menu. The
Reorder Pages window pops up.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 32 of 111
Note: If you check the Update page name automatically, EdrawMax will rename pages in
numerical order.
Preview Pages
Select View > Page Preview.
Click the Preview Page button on the footer.
Zoom Pages
Use the zoom bar, click and drag the slider to the left or right to zoom out or in.
Select View > Zoom and choose a suitable zoom level.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 33 of 111
Whole Page: Adjust the page size to fit the window size.
Page Width: Adjust the page width to fit the window width.
Note: EdrawMax supports zoom in/out based on the current position of the cursor.
Background and Layer
Add or Change Backgrounds
For Win: Select Design > Background Color / Background Picture and choose a color or a
picture you want;
For Mac: Select Page Layout > Background Color / Background Picture and choose a color
or a picture you want.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 34 of 111
Remove Backgrounds
1. Select Design> Background Color/Background Picture.
2. Click Remove Background on the menu.
Add Layers
The Background is the default setting that you can't delete. When there are only Background
and Layer-1, you can't delete Layer-1.
1. Open Layer pane on the bottom of the canvas ( Mac:on the right-side of the canvas)
2. Click New Layer.
Click the pen icon, and you can rename the layers and background.
Click the open-eye icon, and the eye will be closed, which means you will not see any shapes
on this layer.
Click the lock icon, the shapes in this layer will be locked and cannot be selected or changed if
the lock is closed.
The circle dot icon indicates whether the layer is active or not, and it will tell you which layer
you are editing.
Click the printer icon, and it shows banned; the shapes in this layer will not be printed.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 35 of 111
Add Watermark
Watermark: Add a pre-designed watermark on the drawing page, make your watermark or
remove all watermarks.
Page View Options
The View tab contains
From Beginning: Start the slide show from the first page.
From Current Page: Jump right into the show from this page.
Normal View/Background View: You can switch between two views. The grey button means it
is active.
Auxiliary view tools: Ruler, Page Break, Guide lines, Gridlines, Action Button,
Connection Points. You can use them to help you draw accurately and easily.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 36 of 111
Snap and Glue
Turn Snap On/Off
When you create or move a symbol, snap pulls symbols and their edges into positions that
align with other symbols, ruler subdivisions, grids, guidelines, or connection points. You can
specify the types of drawing elements that symbols are snapped to.
1. Select File > Options > Snap & Glue.
2. Click None to clear all check boxes and turn snap off.
3. Click All or select the drawing elements you want to turn snap on.
Note: The snap settings you choose will apply to all symbols in the drawing.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 37 of 111
Turn Glue On/Off
When you draw a connector, glue keeps symbols and connectors attached. If glue is turned off,
you can move symbols while connectors are unattached.
1. Select File > Options > Snap & Glue.
2. Clear the Connection points check box to clear all check boxes and turn glue off.
3. Select the Connection points check box to turn glue on.
Note: The above procedures change the default glue setting for newly-created connectors but
do not change the glue setting for existing connectors.
A glued connector shows red dots and circles at its end points when selected.
An unglued connector shows blue dots or circles at its end points when selected.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 38 of 111
Page Setup
The Page Setup in Design tab contains
Auto Size: Extend the drawing page as needed to help you create larger diagrams than one
printed page without changing the printer paper size. Combined with the Page Break option
(View > Page Break), it shows you where page breaks would happen if you were to print the
diagram.
Page Size: Choose a page size for your drawing, including A3 Sheet, A4 Sheet, A5 Sheet, B5
Sheet, Letter, Envelope, etc. You can customize page sizes in the Page Setup dialog box.
Orientation: Change page orientation to Portrait or Landscape.
Unit: Choose a unit of measurement for your drawing, including millimeters, inches, feet, yard,
mile, pixel, etc.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 39 of 111
Line Jumps: Show or remove connector line jumps. You can change the line jumps setting to
make connectors on a page intersect as straight crossing lines or line jumps. You can change
line jump styles in the Page Setup dialog box.
Fit to Drawing: Resize the drawing page to fit the symbols on the page.
Focus Mode
Focus Mode keeps you away from distractions and enables you to focus only on the diagram
by switching the interface to the full-screen view. All important tools and libraries can be
accessed from the floating toolbar on the left of the screen in the Focus Mode.
To turn on Focus Mode:
1. Start a new document or open an existing one.
2. Click Focus from the bottom-right corner or use the shortcut F11 (Mac:
˄
+
+ F / ctrl +
cmd + F).
To turn off Focus Mode:
Click the Exit button present at the bottom of the toolbox.
Use the shortcut Esc.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 40 of 111
Spelling Check
1. Open the file with a text or other content.
2. Win: Select Advanced > Spelling Check or use the shortcut F7 to open the Spelling
Check menu.
Mac: Select Home > Spelling Check or use the shortcut Fn + F7
3. From the bottom of the panel, you can use the available buttons to manage the
misspelled word
The buttons and their use are explained below:
Accept To replace the wrong word with the one that EdrawMax suggests. If there are
multiple suggestions, you can click the one that you believe is contextually correct and
then click the Accept button.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 41 of 111
Ignore once To ignore the spelling error in the instance of the selected misspelled
word and leave it unchanged.
Ignore To ignore the spelling error in all the instances of the misspelled word,
regardless of the number of times it is present in the text.
Add to dictionary Add the misspelled word to EdrawMax's built-in dictionary, so the
app doesn't consider the spelling incorrect anymore. The language of the dictionary can
be selected from the drop-down list that is present next to the button.
Start To enable automatic spelling check.
Stop To stop automatic spelling check. In this case, you must check for the misspelled
words manually.
Find and Replace
1. Open the file with a text or other content.
2. Win: Select Advanced > Find or use the shortcut Ctrl + F
Mac: Select Home > Find & Replace or use the shortcut
+ F (cmd + F) to open the
Find & Replace menu.
3. In the Find field, enter the word that you want to replace.
4. In the Replace field, type the word you want to replace with something else.
5. Press the Replace or Replace all button next to the Replace textbox to replace the first
instance of the word or all its instances in the entire text, respectively.
You can fine-tune the replacement process with the help of the checkboxes that are present at
the lower section of the Find and Replace panel. The following descriptions explain what these
boxes do when checked:
Case sensitive Searches for and replaces the words that match the upper and lower
cases. For instance, with this box checked, when you find the word 'Block,' it would
ignore 'block' and find only the word with 'B' in the upper case.
All pages Searches and replaces the word across all the pages in the file.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 42 of 111
Whole words only Searches only the entire word and not any part of it. For instance, if
you search 'Block' with this box checked, the tool would ignore the words like 'Blocked,'
'Blocking,' etc.
Capture Screen
1. Open the file or create a new one.
2. Win: Select Advanced > Capture Screen or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R to open
the snipping tool.
Mac: Select Home > Capture Screen or use the shortcut + + R (cmd + shift + R)
3. Win: Alternatively, select Advanced > Capture Screen > Capture Screen with Window
Hidden or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + X to hide EdrawMax's interface and capture
anything else that is present underneath it.
(Mac:Select Home > Capture Screen > Capture Screen with Window Hidden or use
the shortcut
+ + X / cmd + shift + X)
4. Drag the mouse pointer across the area on the screen you want to capture a screenshot.
Once the screen is captured, the options that are then available include:
Undo To discard the current capture and start over.
Shapes, Line, and Text Tools To draw shapes like rectangles, ellipse, etc., line, and
add text to the captured snapshot.
Copy To copy the captured image to the clipboard.
Save To save the screenshot to your PC in PNG, JPG, or BMP format.
Cancel To discard the capture and exit the Capture Screen mode.
OK To accept the capture and place the screenshot on the canvas.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 43 of 111
Chapter 4 Presentation
Create Presentation Slides
EdrawMax can automatically create presentation slides based on the project file's pages. It also
helps you manually create slides out of different shapes or parts of a page, preview the
slideshow, define the presentation's aspect ratio, and export the slideshow in PPTX format,
which can then be opened in Microsoft PowerPoint for further inputs and slight modifications.
Auto-create Presentation Slides
1. Open a file or create a new one.
2. Add your preferred diagram to the canvas of the first page.
3. Click the + (Add Page) button to add a new page and create the next diagram you want
to have in the presentation.
4. Repeat the process to add as many pages and diagrams as you need.
5. Win: Go to View and click the launcher botton of Presentation group Mac: Click the
Presentation icon from the toolbox of the right pane.
6. Click Auto-Create presentation by pages to automatically create a presentation using
each page as an individual slide.
7. Click the Play button belowthe Auto-Create button to preview the slideshow before
exporting.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 44 of 111
Create Slides Manually
Manual slide creation doesn't require you to have multiple pages, and you can even create
them out of different sections of a diagram on any page. The method is as follows:
1. Open a file or create a new one and create a new diagram on the canvas.
2. Open the Presentation pane and click Create a slide by selecting any area of the
page to add a section frame.
3. Drag the selection frame over the area or shape on the canvas that you want to create a
slide. If need be, use the corner handles of the selection frame to resize and cover the
area you want to capture for the slide.
4. Repeat the process to create as many slides as you need.
5. Win: Change the slide size for the section frame.
Mac: Click the gear icon and change the aspect ratio for the section frame.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 45 of 111
Export Presentation Slides
Exporting to PPTX enables you to view and edit the presentation in MS PowerPoint. The good
thing is, you can even edit the shapes and captions of the exported presentation in PowerPoint
as well.
1. Create slides either manually or automatically.
2. Click Export PPT from the bottom of the Presentation pane.
3. Save the presentation in PPTX format.
Presentation Mode
Presentation mode saves people the extra steps of exporting and leaving the software. It makes
EdrawMax itself a great presentation tool.
Present from the current page and do one of the following:
Use the shortcut Shift + F5 (Mac: + F5)
Select View > From Current Page.
Click the play button on the footer.
Present from the beginning and do one of the following:
Use the shortcut F5 (Fn + F5)
Select View > From Beginning.
The buttons in the presenter view and their use are explained below:
Auto Play Automatically display the pages.
Arrow Keys Move to the previous or next page.
Zoom In/Out Zoom in or out the page.
Fit in View Make a drawing fit on the screen.
Close Close and exit the presentation mode.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 46 of 111
Chapter 5 Symbol
Select Symbols
Where to Find Symbols?
Do one of the following to open the menu of libraries and choose symbols you want:
Select Symbols > Predefine Libraries on the ribbon.
Open the Libraries pane on the left side of the canvas.
Select One Symbol
Note: If you cannot select, move, resize, or rotate a symbol on your diagram, it might be
protected.
1. Open a file or create a new one.
2. Simply drag a symbol from the library and drop them on the drawing page.
3. Select Home > Select > Select to ensure the mouse cursor becomes an arrow.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 47 of 111
4. Click the symbol, and the cursor turns into a four-headed arrow.
Select Multiple Symbols
Note: The primary symbol in the selection box has a thick magenta outline, and you can press
the Tab key to switch the outline into another symbol.
Do one of the following ways:
Use area selection by clicking and dragging the mouse pointer on the page.
Select Home > Select > Lasso Select Tool or use the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + 1 (Mac:
+
+ 1 / cmd + option + 1)and drag a freeform lasso around the symbols that you want
to select. Release the mouse point after you have surrounded symbols. The lasso
doesn't need to be completely closed to select symbols.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 48 of 111
Hold down Shift or Ctrl (Mac: or / shift or cmd) while clicking symbols to select
multiple symbols at once. You can also use these keys to add another shape to a current
selection without deselecting.
Select All Symbols
Select Home > Select > Select All.
Use the shortcut Ctrl + A (Mac:
+ A)
Select by Type
1. Select Home > Select > Select by Type to open the Select by Type dialog box. Check
the type of objects you want to select, such as symbols, pictures, or connectors, and then
click OK.
2. Right-click on a blank area on the diagram and choose objects in the context menu.
Deselect Symbols
1. Deselect one or multiple symbols when several are selected: Press Shift or Ctrl (
Mac: or / shift or cmd) and click a symbol to cancel its selection.
2. Deselect all symbols: Click a blank area on the diagram.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 49 of 111
Move Symbols
There are several ways to move symbols as follows.
Select a symbol and drag it to a new position.
Select a symbol and press an arrow key to nudge the symbol.
Select a symbol, hold down Shift and press an arrow key to move a symbol one pixel at
a time.
Select a symbol, select Home > Size, and type in new values for X and Y.
Tip: Use Dynamic Grid to help align with other symbols when moving a symbol. Select File >
Options > Snap & Glue and select Dynamic Grid to turn it on.
Resize Symbols
There are several ways to resize symbols as follows.
Select a symbol and drag one of its control points or end points (for 1D shapes).
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 50 of 111
Select a symbol, select Home > Size, and type in new values for W (width/length) and H
(height).
Select a symbol and drag a corner handle to resize it proportionally.
Select a symbol and press the Ctrl key to resize the symbol without moving its center
point.
Select a symbol and press the Shift key to resize the symbol smoothly.
To make several symbols the same size, select the symbols, and the symbol as a reference has
a thick magenta border. Select Home > Size > Same Size.
Same Width - keep symbols in the same width with the reference symbol.
Same Height - keep symbols in the same height with the reference symbol.
Same Angle - keep symbols in the same angle with the reference symbol.
Same Size - keep symbols in the same size with the reference symbol.
Rotate and Flip Symbols
There are several ways to rotate and flip symbols as follows.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 51 of 111
Select a symbol and drag the rotation handle.
Select a symbol, select Home > Rotate, and select either Rotate 90
o
clockwise (Win:
Ctrl + R ; Mac: + R / cmd + R) or Rotate 90o counter clockwise (Win: Ctrl + L ;
Mac: + L / cmd + L).
Select a symbol, select Home > Rotate, and type in new values for Angle.
Select a symbol, select Home > Rotate > Flip Vertical.
Select a symbol, select Home > Rotate > Flip Horizontal.
Connect Symbols
About Connectors
There are four different types of connectors: (Right-angle) Connector, Curved Connector,
Straight Connector, and Freeform Connector. The connector means a connection line here.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 52 of 111
A connection point helps "glue" connectors and the symbol. When you move a symbol
connected with another one via a connector, the line will be automatically adjusted to keep
symbols connected and the end points of the line glued on symbols.
When you draw connectors, you will see two kinds of connection points connection points
and floating connection points. Both can be used to draw connectors from a symbol. The
floating connection point changes position on the edge as the cursor moves, but the connection
point is relatively fixed.
Automatically Connect Symbols
1. Open the libraries of flowcharts, organizational charts, or mind maps and drag a symbol
on the canvas.
2. Point to the symbol and position to the arrow or plus that indicates the direction of the
next symbol you want to add.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 53 of 111
3. Select the symbol you want to add and connect.
Manually Connect Symbols
1. Select Home > Connector and choose a kind of connector. Select Current Tool Only to
keep drawing connectors.
2. Point to a symbol until you see the connection points around the edge.
3. Select a connection point and drag to draw a line to a connection point on the symbol
you want to connect to. The end points turn red when symbols are connected.
4. Release the mouse button and repeat drawing connectors.
5. Right-click on the canvas and choose All Connectors on the context menu to select all
connectors.
Connection Points Tool
Add a connection point on a symbol
1. Select a symbol.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 54 of 111
2. Select Home > Connector > Connection Points tool.
3. Position the point where you want to add and click.
4. Press the Esc key or select the select tool.
Delete a connection point
1. Select a symbol.
2. Select Home > Connector > Connection Points tool.
3. Click and select the connection point (it turns magenta).
4. Press Delete.
5. Press the Esc key or select the select tool.
Move a connection point
1. Select a symbol.
2. Select Home > Connector > Connection Points tool.
3. Click to select the connection point (it turns magenta).
4. Drag and move the connection point to the new spot.
5. Release the mouse button.
6. Press the Esc key or select the select tool.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 55 of 111
Replace Symbols
1. Select the symbol you want to replace.
2. Select Home > Change Shape or select Replace Shape on the right-click menu.
3. Choose the new symbol you need on the sub-menu.
4. All text and formatting applied to the original symbol are applied to the new one.
Protect Symbols
Symbol protection allows you to prevent changes to symbol attributes and lock symbols from
being selected. Thus, your diagrams can be protected from changes.
1. Select a symbol in your diagram.
2. Select Home > Lock to open the protection menu.
3. Select the symbol attributes you want to lock or clear the check marks for the attributes
you wish to unlock.
The following table specifies the attributes of a selected symbol that you can lock or prevent
changes.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 56 of 111
Symbol Attribute
Usage
Width
Lock the selected symbol's width to prevent resizing. To lock a 1D
shape like a straight line against rotation, its width must be locked.
Height
Lock height of symbols to prevent resizing, and it's invalid for 1-D
shapes.
Aspect Ratio
Lock the ratio between a symbol's height and width so its
proportions won't change when you resize it.
X Position
Lock the X (horizontal) position of a symbol so it can't be moved.
Y Position
Lock the Y (vertical) position of a symbol so it can't be moved.
Rotation
Lock a symbol so that you can't rotate it. You can still rotate 1D
shapes by dragging their end points, and you must lock their width
to prevent rotation.
Begin Point
Lock the beginning point of a 1D shape to a specific location so it
can't be moved.
End Point
Lock the end point of a 1D shape to a specific location so it can't be
moved.
Ungroup
Lock the grouped symbol so that you can't ungroup it using the
Ungroup command.
Edit Text
Lock the text in the symbol so that it can't be edited.
From Selection
Lock the symbol so it can't be selected.
From Deletion
Lock the symbol so it can't be deleted.
From Connector
Lock the symbol so it can't be connected.
Format
Lock the symbol so it can't be formatted.
From Group Formatting
Lock the formatting (color, fill, line, and shadow) in sub-symbols to
not change if the grouped symbol is formatted. You can still format
a sub-symbol by selecting it.
From Group Fill
Lock the fill in sub-symbols so that they do not change if the
grouped symbol is formatted. You can still format a sub-symbol by
selecting it.
From Theme
Lock the symbol, so it doesn't change if a theme is applied.
From Outline
Lock floating connection points of a symbol so they can't be glued.
None
Click Unlock All on the menu.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 57 of 111
Reorder Overlapping Symbols
Do one of the following and bring the selected symbol in front of all other symbols.
Go to Home > Position > Bring to Front;
Win: Press Ctrl + Shift+ ] (right bracket).
Mac: Press
+ + ] (right bracket).
Click Bring to Front > Bring to Front on the right-click context menu.
Do one following and send the selected symbol behind all other symbols.
Go to Home > Position > Send to Back;
Win: Press Ctrl + Shift + [ (left bracket).
Mac: Press + + [ (left bracket).
Click Send to Back > Send to Back on the right-click context menu.
Do one of the following and bring the selected symbol forward.
Select Home > Position > Bring Forward;
Win: Press Ctrl + ] (right bracket).
Mac: Press + ] (right bracket).
Click Bring to Front > Bring Forward on the right-click context menu.
Do one of the following and send the selected shape backward.
Go to Home > Position > Send Backward;
Win: Press Ctrl + [ (left bracket).
Mac: Press
+ [ (left bracket).
Click Send to Back > Send Backward on the right-click context menu.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 58 of 111
Align Symbols
The commands align symbols evenly spaced. Do as following procedures and choose an
alignment direction.
1. Select the primary symbol that you want the other symbols to align to.
2. Press and hold Shift or Ctrl (Mac: or / shift or cmd) while selecting the other
symbols you want to align with the primary symbol.
3. You can press Tab to switch the primary symbol to other selected symbols.
4. Click Home > Align and select the desired alignment direction.
Distribute Symbols
Note: If you don't select three or more symbols, the commands for distributing symbols are
unavailable.
1. Select three or more symbols by holding down Shift or Ctrl (Mac: or
/ shift or
cmd)while clicking symbols.
2. You can press Tab to switch the primary symbol to other selected symbols.
3. Click Home > Align and select a distribution option.
For vertical distribution, the boundaries are defined by the top and bottom shapes in
the selection box.
For horizontal distribution, the boundaries are defined by the leftmost and rightmost
shapes in the selection box.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 59 of 111
Group and Ungroup Symbols
Select two or more symbols by holding down Shift or Ctrl (Mac: or / shift or cmd) while
clicking symbols or using the area selection tool. Do one of the following and group symbols.
Select Home > Group > Group.
Right-click a selected symbol and click Group > Group on the menu.
Select the group and do one of the following to ungroup symbols.
Select Home > Group > Ungroup.
Right-click the group and click Group > Ungroup on the menu.
Center Symbols
Do as following and center symbols on the drawing page.
1. Select symbols you want to center by holding down Shift or Ctrl (Mac: or / shift
or cmd) while clicking symbols or using the area selection tool.
2. Right-click the symbol(s) and select Center on the menu.
Note: If there is only one symbol, it will be moved to the center of the page. If there are several
shapes, they will act as a group, and the center point of the group will move to the center of the
page.
Draw Shape Tool
Draw Shape Tool on Home Tab
You can draw custom shapes using the rectangle, oval, line, and Bezier tools on the Home tab
of EdrawMax. The shapes will contain default text blocks and connection points.
1. Select Home > Shape and click the tool for the kind of shape you want to draw.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 60 of 111
2. Drag on the canvas to draw the shape.
3. Select Current Tool Only, and you will keep drawing one kind of shape continuously.
4. Click Select on the ribbon to stop drawing and turn the cursor into the arrow.
The following list specifies the usages of tools and what the cursor will be like.
Rectangle Tool: the cursor will be ; you can draw rectangles or squares by dragging
diagonally with the tool.
Oval Tool: the cursor will be ; you can draw ovals or circles by dragging diagonally
with the tool.
Line Tool: the cursor will be ; the line will have a default arrow at the end, and you
can change the styles.
Bezier Tool: the cursor will be ; the line will have a default arrow at the end, and you
can change the styles. You can drag the end points of the curve to change the direction.
The yellow squares are used for changing the radian of the curve.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 61 of 111
Draw Shape Tool on Symbols Tab
You can draw more custom-sized shapes with the Draw Shape Tool on the Symbols tab of
EdrawMax. The shapes will not contain any default text block or connection points.
1. Select Symbol and click the tools next to Convert Anchor for the kind of shape you
want to draw.
2. The cursor will be . Drag on the canvas to draw the shape.
3. Double-click where the shape will be to open the property dialog box. You can type in
values for width, height, length, angle, etc.
4. Click Select on the ribbon or press Esc to stop drawing and turn the cursor into the
arrow.
The following table specifies the usages of tools and what property dialog boxes would be like.
Shape Tool
Usage
Dialog Box
Rectangle Tool
Draw rectangles.
Draw squares by holding
down Shift (Mac: ) while
dragging on the canvas.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 62 of 111
Polygon Tool
Draw polygons.
Star Tool
Draw stars.
Line Tool
Draw straight lines.
Round Tool
Draw rounded rectangles.
Draw rounded squares by
holding down Shift (Mac:
) while dragging on the
canvas.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 63 of 111
Oval Tool
Draw ovals.
Draw circles by holding
down Shift (Mac: )
while dragging on the
canvas.
Arc Tool
Draw arcs or curved lines.
Spiral Tool
Draw spirals.
Path and Anchor Point
Before you use the Pencil or Pen tools, you need to know what paths and anchor points are,
and then you will have more control over a graphic project.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 64 of 111
About Path
A path consists of one or more straight or curved segments. A basic path can be either open,
like a wavy line, or closed, like a circle. You will see anchor points at the beginning and end of
each segment. The starting and ending anchor points are called "end points " for an open path.
You change the direction and curvature by dragging the path's anchor points, the direction
points at the end of direction lines that show at anchor points, or the path segment itself.
A. End point B. Anchor point C. Direction point D. Direction line
There are two types of anchor points: corner points and smooth points. You can draw paths
using any combination of corner and smooth points. At a corner point, a path can change
direction unexpectedly. At a smooth point, a path continues as one smooth line.
Corner points can connect straight segments, curved segments, or a combination of the two.
While smooth points always connect curved segments.
A. Corner point B. Smooth point
Move Anchor Points
1. Select Symbols > Move Anchor or press Ctrl + M (Mac:
+ M / cmd + M);
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 65 of 111
2. Select the path or shape to see all anchor points.
3. Click on the anchor point that you want to move.
4. Drag the point and move to another spot.
Add Anchor Points
1. Select Symbols > Add Anchor;
2. Select the path or shape to see all anchor points.
3. Move the cursor to the spot where you want the new anchor point to appear.
4. Click on the spot and add a new anchor point.
Delete Anchor Points
1. Select Symbols > Delete Anchor;
2. Select the path or shape to see all anchor points.
3. Click on the unneeded anchor point, and it will disappear on the path.
Convert Anchor Points
Using the Convert Anchor Point tool, you can convert anchor points on a path between corner
points and smooth points precisely.
1. Select Symbols > Convert Anchor or press Ctrl + Shift + M (Mac:
+ + M);
2. Select the path or shape to see all anchor points.
3. Move the cursor to the anchor point you want to convert and do one of the following:
Convert a corner point to a smooth point: Drag the direction point out of the corner
point.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 66 of 111
Convert a smooth point to a corner point without direction lines: Click the smooth
point.
Convert a smooth point to a corner point with independent direction lines: Drag
either direction point.
Convert a corner point without direction lines to a corner point with independent
direction lines: Firstly, drag a direction point out of a corner point (making it a smooth
point with direction lines). Then, release the mouse only, but don't release any keys you
may have pressed to activate the Convert Anchor. Last, drag either direction point.
Pencil Tool
The Pencil tool lets you draw custom shapes as if you were drawing with a pencil on paper. It is
useful for fast sketching or creating a hand-drawn look.
1. Select Symbol > Pencil Tool. The cursor will look like a pencil.
2. Drag on the canvas to draw the first segment of the shape.
3. After you draw the first segment, there display anchor points.
4. Click the anchor point at the end of the first segment you added, and drag to draw the
second segment.
5. Repeat the above process to get enough segments.
6. To close the shape, drag the end point of the last segment that you create over the
anchor point at the beginning of the first segment.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 67 of 111
7. Click Select on the ribbon or press Esc to stop drawing and turn the cursor into the
arrow.
Note: Only a closed shape can be applied to fill colors.
Pen Tool
The Pen tool allows you to create shapes or vector graphics with freeform paths. You can
practice and duplicate most paths found in the real world by using the Pen tool.
Draw Straight Lines
1. Select Symbol > Pen Tool. The cursor will look like a pen.
2. Click and release on the canvas to create the first anchor point (do not drag).
3. Move the pen, and you'll see a preview of the path you create. The first segment you
draw will not be visible until you click a second anchor point.
4. Keep clicking and releasing to create paths until you get what you want.
5. Complete the path by doing one of the following:
Move the pen over the first anchor point. Click or drag to close the path.
To leave the path open, double-click anywhere on the canvas, select a different tool
or choose Select.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 68 of 111
Draw Curves
You create a curve by adding an anchor point where a curve changes its direction and dragging
the direction lines that shape the curve. The length and slope of the direction lines determine
the shape of the curve.
Curves are easier to edit, display, and print if you draw them using as few anchor points as
possible. Too many points can also introduce unwanted bumps in a curve. Instead, it's a good
way to draw widely spaced anchor points and practice shaping curves by adjusting the length
and angles of the direction lines.
1. Select Symbol > Pen Tool. The cursor will look like a pen.
2. Position the pen where you want the curve to begin. Hold down the mouse button, and
the first anchor point will appear.
3. Drag to extend direction lines. In general, you can extend the direction line to one-third of
the distance to the next anchor point you plan to draw. You can adjust one or both sides
of the direction line later.
4. Release the mouse button but note that the first segment will not be visible until the
second anchor point is drawn.
5. Position the pen where you want the curve to end, and do one of the following:
To create a C-shaped curve, drag in the direction opposite to the previous direction
line. Then release the mouse.
A. Position pen tool; B. Drag the direction line; C. Release the mouse and move to
the next point position
To create an S-shaped curve, drag in the same direction with the previous direction
line. Then release the mouse.
A. Create the second point; B. Drag away from the previous direction line to create a
C curve; C. Drag in the same direction with the previous direction line to create an S
curve
6. Continue dragging the Pen tool from different locations to create additional smooth
curves. Note that you need to place anchor points at the beginning and end of each
curve, not at the tip of the curve.
7. Complete the path by doing one of the following:
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 69 of 111
Move the pen over the first anchor point. Click or drag to close the path.
To leave the path open, double-click anywhere on the canvas, select a different tool
or choose Select.
Draw Straight Lines Followed by Curves
1. Select Symbol > Pen Tool.
2. Use the pen to click and create a straight segment.
3. Position the pen over the end point that the curve starts. Click the anchor point and drag
the direction line that appears.
4. Position the pen where you want the next anchor point. Click and drag the new anchor
point to complete the curve.
Draw Curves Followed by Straight Lines
1. Select Symbol > Pen Tool.
2. Use the pen to drag and create the first smooth point of the curved segment and release
the mouse button.
3. Reposition the pen where you want the curved segment to end, drag to complete the
curve, and release the mouse button.
4. Position the pen over the end point that the straight segment starts, move, and click to
complete the straight segment.
A. Complete the curve; B. Move to the straight segment end; C. Finish drawing
Create Your Own Symbols
Make New Symbols
If the built-in symbol library in EdrawMax can't meet your needs, let's start making your own
symbol! Navigate to the Symbols tab and select 2 or more shapes. Some options are used for
making combined shapes.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 70 of 111
Union: Make a symbol from several overlapping shapes, and the lines in the
overlapped area will disappear.
Combine: Make a symbol from several overlapping shapes, and you can still see
where these shapes are overlapped.
Subtract (on the first line): Create a symbol by subtracting the overlapped area from
the selected upper shape.
Fragment: Divide multiple shapes into smaller parts based on intersecting lines or
overlapping areas.
Intersect: Create a symbol from the area where multiple selected shapes overlap.
Subtract (on the second line): Create a symbol by subtracting the overlapped area
from the selected lower shape.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 71 of 111
Add Text Blocks
Select the symbol and do one of the following.
Select Symbols > Text Tool > Add Text with Control Point, double-click the symbol,
and a text block shows below. You can move the text box by dragging the control point.
Select Symbols > Text Tool > Add Text Above the Shape; this option will add a text
block above the symbol. You will not see the symbol, but the text block when you type
words.
Select Symbols > Text Tool > Text Block Adjust Tool, and you can move, rotate and
resize the text block on the symbol.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 72 of 111
Add Connection Point
Select the symbol and do one of the following.
Select Symbols > Point Tool > Add Connection Points Automatically, and four basic
connection points will be added to the symbol.
Select Symbols > Point Tool > Remove Connection Points. All connection points on
the symbols will be removed.
Select Symbols > Point Tool > Connection Points Tool, the cursor will look like a
connection point, and you can choose to add additional connection points on the symbol.
Save Symbols
Don't forget to save your symbol when it is done!
1. Select Symbols > Save Symbol.
2. The window for saving the symbol will open.
3. Name the symbol and click Save.
4. You will see a .ede file and a png file to save symbols. You can also import them into
your symbol library.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 73 of 111
Create Your Own Library
You can create your symbol library and add your favorite symbols to your editable libraries!
1. Select Symbols > New Library.
2. There will be a new blank library on the left library pane. (Rename it directly)
3. Import your symbols by doing one of the following.
Right-click the title and select Import Symbol on the context menu.
Click the Import Symbols icon on the title bar to open the Import Symbols dialog
box. In the Import Symbols dialog box, type the symbol's name, browse and select
its .ede file and icon (.png). Click OK, and the new symbol will be added to the library.
You can also import images, SVG files, and EDT/EDL files.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 74 of 111
4. Alternatively, another simple way is to add your symbols into the custom symbol library.
Select the symbol, image, or SVG file on the canvas. Click the Add icon on the library
pane.
Here, you can easily add all the symbols you want into your library!
5. Right-click the title of New Library, and you can save and export the library as .edt files.
6. When you open EdrawMax, you will see your custom symbol library on the top of the
pane so that you can put your commonly-used symbols into your library.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 75 of 111
Smart Shape
Create Smart Shapes by Yourself
EdrawMax makes it easy to create original smart shapes to enhance creativity in your
diagramming, except for using built-in smart shapes.
1. Choose a basic shape and select Symbols > Create Smart Shape.
2. Drag the selected symbols in the boxes, respectively. The Repeat Element means that
the circle will be used several times. The Main Element will serve as the center in the
formed smart shape.
3. Choose a custom type for your smart shape. Here I select the fourth one Center
surround.
4. The new smart shape will look like the right part in the picture below. You can save it in
your library when you finish making your smart shape.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 76 of 111
Shape Data
You will use this feature to add data or important information to symbols, which is useful for
providing details. Shape data can show steps in a process or pieces of equipment in the
diagram without filling up the diagram with text.
1. Select a symbol on the drawing page.
2. Right-click on the symbols and select Shape Data on the menu or press F8.
3. The Data Properties pane opens.
4. Click Manage Data, and the Define Shape Data window opens. Then you can build or
change a data set for the selected symbol.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 77 of 111
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 78 of 111
Chapter 6 Format
Format Symbols
Selectthesymbolyouwanttoformatanddooneofthefollowing.
Select style options on the Home
o
Fill - Select a color or no fill to fill the symbol.
o
Line Style Select the line thickness or type of line.
o
Line Select the line color.
o Quick formatting Quickly change the appearance of symbols in one click.
o Quick Style - Select a line and fill combination.
Select a style option on the menu of the color bar. Position the cursor on the color
and click to change the colors of fill, line, or both.
Select Home > Styles > Dialogue launcher button to open the Style pane.
o Fill Fill the selected symbol with a solid color, gradient, picture, or texture.
o Line Pick the color, width, and line style for the symbol's outline.
o Shadow Apply the shadow to the selected symbol.
Format Text
Add text to the drawing page and do one of the following.
Double-click the area where you want to add text and type the text.
tab.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 79 of 111
Select Home > Text, drag to draw a text box, and type the text.
For adding text to symbols, see Add Text Blocks. Use these steps to set text formatting in a
symbol, text box, or drawing page.
Format Text in One Symbol
1. Double-click the text you want to edit.
2. Select the text or specific sections you want to apply format changes. The selected text
will be highlighted.
3. Use the text format commands on the Home tab.
4. Click a blank area on the page or press Esc to finish.
Format Text in Multiple Symbols
1. To format specific symbols, select the first symbol by holding down Shift or Ctrl (Mac:
or / shift or cmd) and clicking others.
2. To format all the text, right-click on the canvas and choose All Texts.
3. Use the text format commands on the Home tab.
4. Click a blank area on the page or press Esc to finish.
Format Connectors
Format One Connector
1. Select the connector.
2. To change the look of the connector, do one of the following.
Select Home > Quick Style and choose a style you want.
Select Home > Line and choose a line color you want.
Select Home > Line Style and choose width, begin/end arrow type, begin/end arrow
size, dash type, and connector type.
Open the Line tab on the Style pane and alter the look of connectors.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 80 of 111
Format Multiple Connectors
1. Win: To format specific connectors, select the first connector by holding down Shift or
Ctrl and clicking others.
Mac: To format all the text, right-click on the canvas and choose All Texts.
2. To format all connectors, right-click on the canvas and choose All Connectors.
3. Use the line format commands on the Home tab or Style pane.
4. Click a blank area on the page or press Esc to finish.
Themes
Apply a Theme to a Diagram
You can change colors and effects for all symbols at once by applying a theme.
1. Go to the Design tab.
2. Hold your mouse pointer over a built-in theme to see a preview on the drawing page.
3. Click the theme to apply it.
For preventing a theme from applying to a symbol, see Protect Symbols.
Create a Custom Theme
EdrawMax provides a set of built-in themes, but you can also create and edit custom themes.
For example, you can create a custom theme to match your company's logo and branding.
1. Select Design tab >Color >Customize Colors. IntheCreate NewTheme Colorsdialog
box,select acombination oftheme colors.In the Name box,type anappropriate name,and
thenclickOK.
2. Select Design tab > Color > Customize Connectors and choose the preset connector
style or create a new one.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 81 of 111
3. Select Design tab > Color > Customize Text and choose the preset font style or create a new
one.
Quick Formatting
Use Auto Formatting
The Auto Formatting feature enables you to automatically format your diagrams using the best
possible theme style and colors.
1. Open a file with the diagram.
2. Select Design > Quick Formatting > Auto Formatting.
3. Click the Auto Formatting option repeatedly to switch between themes and colors until
you find the one that suits the project.
Batch Replace Colors
The Batch Replace Color enables you to change fill and line colors to all the symbols in the
diagram in a single go. Furthermore, you can even choose whether the outlines (technically
known as 'strokes') of the symbols should have the same or different colors than the one you
used to fill symbols with.
1. Open a file with the diagram.
2. Select Design > Quick Formatting > Batch Replace Color.
3. Click and select a color from under the Fill Color section in the Replace Color dialog
box. Optionally check the Set the same color for lines box to use the same color for the
outlines of the symbols.
4. Click the Bucket icon from the right side of the Fill Color section. Pick a color from the
swatch to fill all the shapes at once.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 82 of 111
5. If you didn't check the Set the same color for lines box earlier, you could choose a
different color for outlines by following the same procedure but using the options under
the Line Color section. You can click Select All to select all colors once.
6. Click OK to save the changes when done.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 83 of 111
Chapter 7 Insert
Insert Tables
Insert a Table
1. Select Insert > Table. Move the cursor over the grid until you highlight the number of
columns and rows you want.
2. For a larger table or customize a table, select Insert > Table > Insert Table. In the
Insert Table dialog box, type in the numbers of rows and columns you want.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 84 of 111
Format a Table
Select the table, click the More icon on the mini toolbar, where you can
Format the entire table by using options under Table Styles.
Change table margins.
Add or remove borders.
Automatically add it up, calculate averages, pick up the maximum or minimum numbers.
Add or delete a row or column.
Merge or split cells.
Distribute rows or columns.
Table Data
Select the table, click the More icon on the mini toolbar, where you can
Copy and paste data into the blank worksheet.
Click cells of the worksheet and type numbers or text.
Click Import to import the data file (XLSX, CSV).
Click Export to export the table data into files (XLSX, CSV).
Insert Charts
Insert a Chart
1. Select Insert > Chart.
2. In the Insert Chart dialog box, choose a type of chart. These include column charts, bar
charts, line charts, area charts, scatter charts, bubble charts, radar charts, pie charts,
doughnut charts, rose charts, gauge charts, and funnel charts.
3. Click OK.
Format a Chart
Select the chart, and you will see the mini toolbar where you can change the chart type, legend,
axis color, label position and so on.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 85 of 111
Chart Data
Select the chart, click the Chart icon to open the Data pane where you can
Copy and paste data into the blank worksheet.
Click cells of the worksheet and type numbers or text.
Click Import to import the data file (XLSX, CSV).
Click Export to export the table data into files (XLSX, CSV).
Insert Timelines
Inserting a timeline means creating a time-bound process workflow, where each date, month, or
year in the timeline represented an instance when something noteworthy took place. For
example, you can show how often the annual meetings were organized during the past decade.
Insert a Timeline
1. Select Insert > Timeline.
2. In the Insert Timeline dialog box, choose a horizontal or vertical timeline you want.
3. Click OK.
Format a Timeline
Select the timeline, and you will see the Timeline mini toolbar. Depending on the timeline you
create, the menus and options in the Timeline mini toolbar may vary. Choose the style options
you want.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 86 of 111
Nevertheless, some of the important input fields and menus that you can use include:
Shape Numbers: This lets you add or remove the instances of the events from the
timeline.
Timeline Type: This lets you switch between horizontal and vertical timelines.
Milestone Style: Enables you to choose between filled and hollow shapes representing
milestones. This may vary. For instance, you will get the corresponding options if the
diamonds represent milestones. Likewise, the 'Milestone Style' option will not be
available if milestones are shown using other symbols or icons.
Horizontal Intervals: These are available in some timelines and allow you to increase or
decrease the horizontal spaces between the shapes that represent the instances.
Vertical Intervals: Available in some timelines and let you increase or decrease the
vertical spaces between the main Timeline and the labels or icons.
Central Axis: This lets you choose the shape types for the instances in the relevant
timelines.
Symbol Inserter: This lets you choose the shapes of the symbols that represent the type
of instances the timeline has. Some good examples of 'Symbol Inserter' would be an icon
representing a Graduation degree, when a company was founded, etc.
Connection Line: This lets you choose the type of connection lines used to connect the
main timeline to the symbols representing the instances.
Data: This option might be present under different labels and different names and lets
you add or remove the instances from the timeline.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 87 of 111
Insert Containers
A container is a special symbol in EdrawMax that visually groups together logically-related
symbols on the page. Visible grouping makes it easier to understand the structure of a complex
diagram quickly.
Insert a Container
1. Select the symbols you want to contain.
2. Select Insert > Container.
3. Hover the pointer over the container styles. Click to insert the container.
4. To add symbols to a container, drag the desired symbol into the container notice the
green border then drop the symbol in the container. The container's border highlight in
green indicates that the symbol will be confined when you release the mouse button.
5. You can format a container using the style options on the Home tab.
6. Contained symbols have a specific relationship with the container and are affected by
actions performed on the container.
Delete a Container
To delete a container only, click on the container and press Delete.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 88 of 111
To delete shapes only, click on the shape with the container's border highlighted in green
and press Delete.
To delete a container and its shapes, select them all and press Delete.
Image Container
Except for the basic containers, EdrawMax also provides image containers (Symbol Library >
General > Image Container), which will make it easy for you to make family trees and illustrate
relationships between different people.
Simply add an image container on the page, select a picture and drag it into the container. The
picture will fit into the container automatically.
Insert Pictures
Insert a Picture
1. Select Insert > Picture.
2. Locate the picture you want to insert, click the picture file, and click Open (the picture
should be on your PC).
3. If the image is oversized, there will be a dialog box that lets you decide whether to
compress the image or not.
4. Drag the picture to the location you want on the canvas.
5. Drag a resize handle until the picture is the size you want.
Adjust a Picture
Select the picture and you will see the picture mini toolbar. You can change pictures, crop
pictures to trim away unwanted parts, and adjust the picture's brightness, contrast, transparency,
and color.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 89 of 111
Insert Formulas
1. Select Insert > Formula.
2. In the pop-up Formula Editor window, type and edit the formula you need.
3. Click Confirm.
4. Double-click the formula on the canvas to open the editor again.
Insert Hyperlinks
1. Select the symbol that you want to link.
2. Select Insert > Hyperlink > Hyperlink or right-click on the symbol and select Insert >
Hyperlink.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 90 of 111
3. In the pop-up Hyperlink dialog box, insert a hyperlink from the Current Document, File
or application, Internet address, or Folder.
4. Click the plus icon to add new hyperlinks and click the delete icon to delete hyperlinks.
5. Click OK. You will see a web icon in the upper right corner of the symbol.
6. To change a hyperlink, select the hyperlink in the hyperlink list, make the changes you
want in the dialog box, and click OK.
Insert Attachments
1. Select the symbol that you want to insert a file.
2. Select Insert > Attachment or right-click on the symbol and select Insert > Attachment.
3. Click the folder icon, locate and click the file you want to insert, click the picture file, and
click Open (the file should be on your PC).
4. Click the plus icon to add new hyperlinks and click the delete icon to delete hyperlinks.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 91 of 111
5. Click OK. You will see a clip icon in the upper right corner of the symbol.
6. If you don't need the attachment, just right-click on the icon and choose Remove.
Insert Notes
1. Select the symbol that you want to insert a note.
2. Select Insert > Note or right-click on the symbol and select Insert > Note.
3. Type and format the text.
4. Click OK. You will see a pencil icon in the upper right corner of the symbol.
Insert Comments
1. Select the symbol that you want to add a comment.
2. Select Insert > Comment or right-click on the symbol and select Insert > Comment.
3. Type your comment.
4. Click Send. You will see a comment icon in the upper right corner of the symbol.
5. To read a comment, click the comment icon. The comment opens.
6. To close the comment, click on a blank area of the page.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 92 of 111
Chapter 8 Tips & Tricks
How to Make a Flowchart
Open a Flowchart Template
1. Select File > Basic > Flowchart.
2. Click a flowchart template.
3. Alternatively, click File > Templates. Type and search "Flowchart." Choose a flowchart
template you want and click Duplicate.
4. To add text to a symbol or connector, select it, and then type. When you are finished
typing, click on a blank area of the page.
Add and Connect Flowchart Symbols
1. Select and open the Basic Flowchart Shapes library.
2. Select a flowchart symbol and drag it onto the drawing page.
3. To add or connect the next symbol, do one of the following.
Point to the symbol, and point to the arrow that indicates the direction of the next
symbol you want to add. Select the symbol you want to add.
Select Home > Connector. Point to the symbol until you see the connection points
around the edge. Select a connection point and drag to draw a line to a connection
point on the symbol you want to connect to.
Drag a flowchart symbol from the library and move to the arrow that indicates the
direction of the next symbol you want to add. Release the mouse button until the
arrow turns blue.
4. To change the look of the connector, select it, select Line or Line Style on the Home tab,
and select a color, line weight, dash style, and arrow style.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 93 of 111
How to Make a Swimlane Diagram
Add or Delete a Swimlane
Swimlanes are used to divide your flowchart into different sections. Choose a template from
Cross-Functional Flowchart in EdrawMax, and you can use a pre-designed swimlane diagram
directly.
5. In the Cross-Functional Flowchart library, drag a swimlane symbol (either horizontal or
vertical) onto the drawing page.
6. Drag more swimlane symbols from the Library window. Drop and move them when you
see the orange connection indicator appear where you want the swimlane to go. Release
the mouse button.
7. Drag any basic flowchart symbols into the correct swimlanes. When the symbol is
contained in the swimlane, the swimlane shows a green highlight.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 94 of 111
8. If you drop a new swimlane onto a flowchart symbol that's already on your drawing, to
group the symbol with a swimlane, move the symbol, so the EdrawMax highlights the
swimlane, and then drop the symbol.
9. When you move the swimlane, the contained symbols automatically move with it.
10.To delete a swimlane, click it so that a blue dashed-line box appears inside the swimlane,
then press Delete. Deleting a swimlane also deletes the symbols it contains.
Format a Swimlane
1. Select a swimlane in the diagram so that the Swimlane pop-up menu appears.
2. In the Swimlane mini toolbar, you can change a swimlane's orientation, text orientation,
swimlane numbers, positions of the main title, colors, etc.
3. If you need to change the width of any swimlane, drag one of the swimlane's separator
lines until it is the width you want.
4. If you want to make any swimlane longer or shorter, drag its end line until it is the length
you want.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 95 of 111
How to Make an Organizational Chart
Create a Simple Organizational Chart
1. Select File > Basic > Organizational Chart.
2. Click an organizational chart template.
3. Alternatively, click File > Templates. Type and search "Organizational Chart" or "Org
Chart." Choose an org chart template you want and click Duplicate.
4. Replace the sample text with your information.
5. To add a new person, do one of the following.
Select a symbol from the library, drag it onto the drawing page and place it on top of
the symbol you want to connect the two. The green area indicates the direction of the
next symbol you wish to add.
Select the symbol on the drawing page and click the floating buttons to add the new
person.
Select the symbol on the drawing page, right-click and select Add Subordinate, Add
Colleague and Add Assistant.
6. To insert and change photos, select the symbol, select content layouts that include the
default photo (if the symbol has no default photo) on the Organization Chart pane, click
Change Photo, and select the photo file.
Create an Organizational Chart from Data
If all the employee information of your organization is saved in a document (.txt, .csv, .xls, .xlsx),
you can use EdrawMax to create an org chart from the data file.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 96 of 111
1. Select File > Basic > Organizational Chart. Click and open a blank org
chart(automated) template.
2. Click Import on the Organization Chart mini toolbar.
3. On the first page of the pop-up dialog box, locate the data file that contains employee
information from your local storage, and click Next. The data file must include employee
names and whom the employee will report to.
4. On the second page, you will see how your worksheet data is shown in the data import
window.
5. On the final page, you need to select what information you want to show on the symbol
and how the information is displayed. Besides, you can decide whether to show photos
or not and choose the photo position. After you have made all your selections, click
Finish.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 97 of 111
Format an Organizational Chart
1. Select an org chart so that the Organization Chart mini toolbar appears.
2. You can arrange the layout of the org chart, space between symbols, the height, and
width of symbols, using the various commands and options in the Organization Chart
mini toolbar.
3. Before formatting the chart, remember to check the selected objects you will apply
effects to in the Select tab.
4. To show or hide information in an org chart, do the following.
Select the checkboxes for the fields you want to show in the symbol.
Clear the checkboxes for the fields that you want to hide.
5. Click Card Infomation and select the checkboxes for the field you want to add into the
Card Field. If there is no field you need, click Define fields and create a custom field.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 98 of 111
How to Make a Gantt Chart
Create a Gantt Chart
1. Select File > Business > Project Management.
2. Click a Gantt chart template.
3. Alternatively, select the Gantt library. Drag a Gantt chart onto the drawing page. In the
Gantt Options dialog box, set the dates for the timescale. Major Unit is the longest unit
of time you want to use in the Gantt chart, and Minor Unit is the smallest, e.g.,
month/day. Accept the default choices if you aren't sure of other formatting options. You
can change them later.
4. Replace the sample text with your information.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 99 of 111
Create a Gantt Chart from Data
Save project data in a document (.txt, .csv, .xls, and .xlsx) and is arranged in a fixed format.
1. Select File > Business > Project Management. Click and open a Gantt chart template.
2. Click Import on the Gantt Chart mini toolbar.
3. On the first page of the pop-up window, choose the file that contains the project plan data,
and then click Next. The data file must have the task name, task start date, and task
finish date.
4. On the second page of the window, confirm the date format, column name, column type,
and data type. There you can preview your data set in the worksheet of Task List.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 100 of 111
Column Name
Specification
ID
[Optional] Unique identifier of the task, if there is no column in your data
file, EdrawMax will add a numbered list; this unique identifier is used for
Dependency.
Task Name
The description of the task.
Start
The date that you start to work on the task.
Finish
The date that you finish working on the task.
Duration
[Optional] duration time of a task, if there is no column in your data,
Edraw will calculate the duration value from Start and Finish.
Complete
[Optional] The percentage value of task complete.
Task Level
[Optional] Identify the task or sub-task with an integer value. Level 1 task
is a sub-task of level 0 task.
Dependency
[Optional] Help define relationships between tasks.
Resource
[Optional] Task resource.
Cost
[Optional] Task cost.
Hyperlink
[Optional] Hyperlinks to other source files.
Priority
[Optional] Indicate task priority with an integer value from 0~5.
Left Label
[Optional] Text label for the task.
Right Label
[Optional] Text label for the task.
6. Set formats for your Gantt chart on the third page of the window. After you have made all
your selections, click Finish.
EdrawMax https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 101 of 111
5. Get a Gantt chart that comes from your project data.
Add Data to a Gantt Chart
Tasks
Each task in a Gantt chart occupies a row in the chart frame.
Goal Action
Change a task name
Double-click the cell in the Task Name column and type a new
name.
Change task start or
finish date
Double-click the cell in the Start/Finish column, then select the
new date and ensure the new data format is the same as others.
Click on the task bar, drag the bar. The start date and finish date
determine the bar's length in the Gantt frame.
Set or change task
duration
Double-click the cells in the Duration column, type the new value.
Add percent complete
indicators to tasks
Click on the left margin of the task bar, hold the mouse and move
to the date you want.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 102 of 111
Type the percentage of the task completed in the Complete
column. A percent complete indicator appears in the task bar.
Add a new task row
Right-click a task and click Add Task Before/After.
Select a task and click Insert Before/After on the Gantt Chart
pane.
Delete a task
Right-click the task and click Delete.
Change task style
Select a task or multiple tasks, choose the fill color on the color
bar of the footer or go to the Style pane.
Milestones
A milestone represents a significant event in a schedule. Its duration is set to zero.
Goal
Action
Convert a task to a
milestone
Select the task row that you want to convert to a milestone. Check
Milestone box on Gantt Chart pane.
Type a duration of zero (0) in the Duration column of the row
representing the task that you want to convert to a milestone.
Delete a milestone
Select the row of the milestone and uncheck the Milestone box on
the Gantt Chart pane.
Delete the row of the milestone.
Summary Tasks
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 103 of 111
You can use a summary task to combine several subordinate tasks (sub tasks) under one
umbrella task. A summary task summarizes the sub-tasks that are indented below it.
Goal
Action
Add a subtask under
a summary task
Select a normal task row, right-click and select Sub Task. The
normal task row becomes a summary task.
Select a normal task row, click Sub task on the Gantt Chart pane.
Convert a task to a
subtask
Select the task, click Indent on the Gantt Chart pane.
Set the duration for a
summary task
After adding the task duration information for all the sub-tasks, the
summary task duration fills in automatically.
Promote (Outdent) a
task
Select the subtask, click Outdent on the Gantt Chart pane.
Dependencies (Linked tasks)
An arrow joins the two task bars in your Gantt chart when you make one task dependent upon
another. If you change the date or duration of a task dependent upon another task, the dates of
the dependent tasks change as well.
Goal
Action
Set dependencies
between tasks
Click on a task bar, drag and move to another task bar, release the
mouse. The red boxes indicate that you can link tasks.
Select 2 or more tasks, click Link Tasks on the Gantt Chart pane.
Break
dependencies
Select the linked tasks, click Unlink Tasks on the Gantt Chart
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 104 of 111
between tasks
pane.
Task Label
You can add text labels to the taskbar to have more descriptions of the task. Right-click the task,
click Add Left Label, or Add Right Label on the context menu. Double-click the labels to edit
the text, and move the label.
Task Hyperlink (Link to Task Resource)
Right-click the column name, click Insert column, and check Hyperlink to add a Hyperlink
column. Right-click the task, click Hyperlink on the task context menu to add hyperlinks. Refer
to Insert Hyperlink and see how to insert a hyperlink in the task.
How to Make a Floor Plan
Start a New Floor Plan
To make a floor plan in EdrawMax, you can choose its corresponding preset, pick a pre-
populated template, or start with a blank document.
1. Select File > Engineering > Building Plan.
2. Click a floor plan template.
7. Alternatively, click File > Templates. Type and search "Floor Plan." Choose a template
you want and click Duplicate.
3. To add floor plan symbols from Wall Shell and Structure library, drag them onto the
canvas and resize them to create a blueprint.
Change Drawing Scale
1. Select the floor plan or the symbol.
2. In the Floor Plan mini toolbar, select the Drawing Scale arrow.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 105 of 111
3. Choose a pre-defined scale and click.
The Floor Plan pane comprises various commands and options to fine-tune the blueprint of the
building plan.
View The category lets choose whether you want to hide or view the thickness of the
walls of the building plan.
Drawing Scale The drop-down menu can set the size ratio between the floor plan
displayed on the screen and the hardcopy printout.
Unit The drop-down menu contains the units of measurements that you can switch to
as needed.
Precision The drop-down menu allows you to set the minuteness (extreme size details)
of the construction measurements, such as the thickness of the wall, carpet area, etc.
Wall The category lets you define the thickness of the wall and the shape you select on
the canvas.
Note: You can check the Apply to all walls box to set the thickness of all the floor plan walls at
once.
Area Calculation
Calculating the area of a room or the entire floor plan is pretty simple in EdrawMax.
1. Drag the Space symbol from the Wall Shell and Structure library on the left to the
portion of the floor plan you want to calculate the area.
2. Use the scaling handles of the symbol to cover the available space.
3. Specify your preferred unit of the area from the Unit drop-down list present in the Floor
Plan mini toolbar.
4. Note the values that appear at the center of the Space symbol.
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 106 of 111
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 107 of 111
Keyboard Shortcuts
Select File > Options > Shortcuts. You will see the inbuilt shortcut key list. Click Customize
Shortcuts, and you can set custom shortcut keys for any function.
The keyboard shortcuts refer to the U.S. keyboard layout. Keys on other keyboard layouts may
not correspond exactly to the keys on a U.S. keyboard.
Goal
Shortcuts: For Win (Mac)
Quick Access Toolbar
Undo
Ctrl + Z
+ Z
Redo
Ctrl + Y; Ctrl + Shift + Z + + Z
Create a new document
Ctrl + N ( + N)
Open
Ctrl + O (
+ O)
Save
Ctrl + S ( + S)
Save as
Ctrl + Shift + S ( + + S; Fn + F12
Print
Ctrl + P + P
Close
Ctrl + W + W
Home
Cut
Ctrl + X (
+ X)
Copy
Ctrl + C (
+ C)
Paste
Ctrl + V ( + V)
Paste as special formats
Ctrl + Alt + V (
+
+ V)
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 108 of 111
Format painter
Ctrl + Shift + C ( + + C)
Increase font size
Ctrl + Shift + .( period) /
+ + . ( period)
Decrease font size
Ctrl + Shift + ,(comma) / + + , (comma)
Make the selected text bold
Ctrl + B (
+ B)
Italicize the selected text
Ctrl + I (
+ I)
Underline the selected text
Ctrl + U (
+ U)
Subscript
Ctrl + Alt + - ( + + -)
Superscript
Ctrl + Alt + = (
+
+ =)
Select tool
Ctrl + 1 (
+ 1)
Select all shapes
Ctrl + A ( + A)
Text tool
T; Ctrl + 2 ( + 2)
Text block adjust tool
Ctrl + Alt + 2 ( + + 2)
Add right-angle connectors
Ctrl + 3 ( + 3)
Add curved connectors
Ctrl + 4 ( + 4)
Add straight connectors
Ctrl + 5 ( + 5)
Rectangle tool
R; Ctrl + 8 (R; + 8)
Oval tool
O
Bezier tool
Ctrl + 7 (
+ 7)
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 109 of 111
Repeat a command
F4 ( + Y)
Connection points tool
Ctrl + Shift + 1 (
+ + 1)
Bring to front
Ctrl + Shift + ] ( + + ] )
Bring forward
Ctrl + ] (
+ ] )
Send to back
Ctrl + Shift + [ (
+ + [ )
Send backward
Ctrl + [ (
+ [ )
Group shapes
Ctrl + G ( + G)
Ungroup shapes
Ctrl + Shift + G (
+ + G)
Make selected shapes in the same width
Ctrl + Shift + W (
+ + W )
Make selected shapes in the same height
Ctrl + Shift + H ( + + H)
Make selected shapes at the same angle
Ctrl + Shift + A ( + + A)
Make selected shapes in the same size
Ctrl + Shift + Z ( + + Z)
Align shapes by left
Alt + L ( + L)
Align shapes by center
Alt + C ( + C)
Align shapes by right
Alt + R ( + R)
Find & Replace
Ctrl + F ( + F)
Spelling check
F7 (Fn + F7)
Capture screen
Ctrl + Shift + R (
+ + R)
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 110 of 111
Capture screen with the interface hidden
Ctrl + Shift + X ( + + X)
Insert
Insert a blank page
Shift + F11 ( + F11)
Insert a table
Ctrl + Alt + T ( + + T)
Insert a chart
Ctrl + Alt + P (
+
+ P)
Insert pictures from files
Ctrl + Alt + I ( + + I)
Insert a formula
Ctrl + Alt + E ( + + E)
Add vector text
Ctrl + Shift + V ( + + V)
Insert hyperlinks
Ctrl + K ( + K)
Insert attachments
Ctrl + H ( + H)
Insert notes
Ctrl + Alt + Z (
+
+ Z)
Insert comments
Ctrl + Alt + X (
+
+ X)
Insert QR codes
Ctrl + Alt + Q ( + + Q)
Page Layout
Open page setup dialog box
F6 (Fn + F6)
View
Present from the beginning
F5 (Fn + F5)
Present from the current page
Shift + F5 ( + F5)
Zoom in
Ctrl + =; Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel ( + =)
EdrawMax
https://www.edrawsoft.com/guide/edrawmax/
Page 111 of 111
Zoom out
Ctrl + -; Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel ( + -)
Show or hide shape data pane
F8
Symbols
Open pencil tool
Alt + P ( + P)
Open pen tool
P
Open move anchors tool
Ctrl + M ( + M)
Open convert anchors tool
Ctrl + Shift + M ( + + M)
Save the selected shape as a new symbol
Ctrl + F11 (
+ F11)
Open or hide datasheet
F9