Miro Diagrams

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Platforms: Browser, desktop

Diagram is a Format in Miro that enables you to visualize complex ideas and brainstorm. With easy access to essential tools like Miro AI, layers, and diagramming shapes, Diagram is a complete workspace for process mapping and system design, for example.

NOTE: Miro Formats, like Docs and Sticky notes, now have uniform access to Miro AI. Where each Format previously had its own dedicated AI agent, you can create any Format using one, unified Sidekick experience. For more information, see Sidekicks evolve AI creation in Miro.

Add a new Diagram to the canvas

1. On a Miro canvas, on the Creation bar click Formats and Flows.
2. Click Diagram.
   The Sidekick panel opens ready to create your diagram.
3. Do one of the following:
   • Prompt the Sidekick to generate your diagram using Miro AI. You can select or mention existing content on the canvas to use as context in your prompt.
   • To start creating your diagram manually, click anywhere on the canvas to place the format. For more information, see Work on your Diagram.

Create a diagram in Miro manually or use Sidekicks to prompt Miro AI.

TIP: If you start creating your diagram manually, you can still get Sidekick assistance anytime. In the format context menu above the diagram, click Create with AI. The Sidekick panel opens ready for your prompt.

Start a diagram with a template

Create a Diagram from an existing diagram

If you've already created a diagram on the canvas and want to structure it into a Diagram format, you can convert it with one click. This keeps all connections intact while adding Diagram-specific functionality.

To convert an existing diagram on the canvas into a Diagram format:

1. Select multiple connected shapes.
2. Click Wrap as diagram in the context menu.

Your selected shapes and connections will be structured into a Diagram. You can still move shapes in and out of the Diagram format.

Work on your Diagram

Once you've added or generated a Diagram, you can refine it using Focus mode, Layers, and the Context menu. These tools help you stay organized, minimize distractions, and efficiently structure your diagram.

Use Focus mode

Diagrams can be opened in focus mode (full screen) when you want to focus solely on the Diagram you're working on and not other content on the board. Focus mode is the diagramming workspace in Miro designed for efficient diagramming. To access this mode, click on the Focus mode icon above the Diagram you're working on.

While in focus mode, you can access all Diagram editing tools, including shape customization, layers, AI-powered generation, and the pen tool for freehand drawing and annotations. Additionally, shapes snap to a grid, making it easier to align elements precisely. You can also use Precise resizing in Focus mode, allowing you to specify pixel dimensions for widgets within your Diagram. For more information, see Precise resizing.

Use layers

Layers in Diagrams allow you to organize and manage content within a Diagram without affecting the rest of the board. Unlike canvas layers, which apply to the entire Miro board, Diagram layers are specific to the Diagram you're working on.

Layers in Diagrams work as follows:

• Layers can only be managed within the Diagram's focus mode. You can quickly access focus mode by clicking on any shape within the diagram and then selecting the "You are editing: Diagram layer name" button.
• Each Diagram has its own set of layers, separate from the canvas layers.
• Each Diagram starts with a default layer, where all new elements are placed. If needed, you can create additional layers to better structure complex Diagrams.
• You can add multiple layers to structure your Diagram.
• Elements inside a Diagram can be moved between layers.
• You can hide or lock layers to focus on specific parts of the Diagram while editing or presenting.
• If you copy and paste or duplicate a Diagram, all of its layers will be duplicated as well. This is particularly useful for creating different versions of a diagram without having to recreate the layer structure each time.

Add a new layer

To create a new layer inside a Diagram, follow these steps:

1. Open the Diagram's focus mode.
2. Click Layers in the top-right corner to open the Diagram layers sidebar.
3. Click + New layer to create a new layer.
4. Rename the layer (optional) to keep your Diagram organized.

Alternatively, you can right-click an element on a diagram and then select Move to layer > + New layer.

Manage layers

By default, all new elements are placed in the default layer. To better organize your Diagram, you can move elements between layers, hide or lock layers, and adjust layer settings.

Move elements between layers:

To move elements between layers:

1. Right-click the element(s) you want to move.
2. Select Move to layer and then select the layer you want to move your element to.

Hide layers:

Hiding layers can help simplify your view while editing or presenting a Diagram. To hide a layer:

• In the Diagram layers sidebar, click the eye icon next to a layer to hide or show it.

Lock layers:

Locking a layer prevents accidental edits. To lock a layer:

• In the Diagram layers sidebar, click the lock icon next to a layer to disable modifications. Click it again to unlock.

Modify layer settings:

You can rename, duplicate, move, or delete layers. To modify layer settings:

• In the Diagram layers sidebar, click the three-dots icon next to a layer to access additional options.

Use containers

Containers are similar to frames but are optimized for diagramming. They help you group and organize elements on your canvas. With containers, connector lines work seamlessly, and you can nest containers within each other.

There are two main types of containers you can use:

• Generic containers: These function like frames and act as parents to all the elements placed inside them. You can name these containers to define specific regions within your diagram. You can also nest generic containers to create subsections, which is useful for managing more complex diagrams.
• Swimlanes: These are primarily used for process diagrams to visually separate different lanes of work, such as different departments or stages in a process.

For additional organization, you can move containers to different layers within your diagram.

Diagram context menu

Add your Diagram to a Doc

1. Select the Diagram on the canvas.
2. Drag and drop your Diagram into a Doc.
3. Resize and position your Diagram within the Doc as needed.

✏️ Synced copies are view-only for everyone. To change the copy content, modify the content of the original Diagram.

Copy your Diagram to another board

When multiple teams collaborate across different boards, you can share the same Diagram in multiple places by creating a synced copy. This ensures everyone stays aligned around a single source of truth, no matter where they're working.

To copy a synced Diagram to another board, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Diagram you want to share.
2. Select Copy and sync.
3. Navigate to the target board and paste the Diagram.

The copied Diagram will stay synchronized with the original—any changes made to the source will be reflected automatically in the synced copy.

✏️ Synced copies are view-only for everyone. To change the copy content, modify the content of the original Diagram.

Share your Diagram

Frequently asked questions