When you add a diagram, chart, mind map, or flowchart (whether from scratch or from a template), you can fully customize the appearance of the shapes directly on the design canvas.

About Diagram Shapes

Diagram shapes appear in mind map and flowchart templates. To use them:

• Select a template from the Templates page.

• Or, add a flowchart or mind map template page into a design you’re already working on in the Editor.

These shapes are typically grouped elements with resizable text boxes that you can ungroup and customize. They are designed to help you:

• Customize designs more flexibly

• Show hierarchy (e.g., a circle for the root, squares for child nodes)

• Highlight group associations within data

👉 By default, text inside diagram shapes is center-aligned for a clean, consistent look.

Resizing & Moving Shapes in Mind Maps or Flowcharts

• Select a shape, then drag the side handles of the bounding box to resize.

• Click and drag the shape to reposition it anywhere on the canvas.

• When you resize or move a shape, the connecting line will automatically adjust to stay linked.

•  

Changing Shapes

• In mind maps, polygon and circle sizes are determined by the content with the most space, keeping a 1:1 aspect ratio.

• When converting a square or rectangle into a circle, the text stays fixed in a single square cell in the center.

• As you resize, text scales proportionally but won’t redistribute like in flexible rectangular resizing.

Types of Item Layouts in Diagrams

In diagrams (like mind maps, flowcharts, or other structured visuals), item layouts describe how the content inside a diagram shape is arranged. Venngage supports different item layouts so you can control what appears inside a shape and how it’s displayed.

Here are the common types of item layouts in diagrams:

• Multiple text boxes – A shape can contain more than one text box, useful for labeling different parts of the same item.

• Single text box – The most basic layout, where the shape only contains one text box for simple labeling.

• Single icon – A shape that only displays an icon (no text). Great for visual indicators.

• Icon + text box(es) – A combination layout that pairs icons with text, so you can highlight both visuals and labels together.

👉 These layouts make it easier to visually organize data and add variety to diagrams, depending on whether you want the emphasis on text, icons, or a mix of both.

Customizing Diagram Shape Appearance

Change Shape or Border Color

• Select the shape, then use the Color Tool in the top toolbar.

• Choose colors from your Brand Kit, Project Colors, or use the color picker for a custom look.

Change and Customize Text in Shapes

• Double-click inside the shape to edit text.

• Customize font face, size, style (Bold/Italic/Underline), and color using the top toolbar.

• Add links, bullet lists, or numbered lists inside shapes.

Adjust Text Alignment, Line Height & Letter Spacing

Text in a diagram shape is center-aligned by default.

Alignment
To change text alignment, double-click the text → open the Alignment dropdown in the toolbar.

Line Height
To adjust the spacing between lines, double-click the text → open the Line Height dropdown in the toolbar.

• Use the slider to quickly adjust spacing, or

• Manually enter a number for precise control.

  

Letter Spacing
To modify the spacing between letters, double-click the text → open the Letter Spacing dropdown in the toolbar.

• Use the slider to increase or decrease spacing, or

• Manually enter a number for exact adjustments.

  

Mind Map or Flowchart Ports

In flowcharts and mind maps, ports are the connection points on a shape. These are the small anchor spots where connecting lines attach.

• Ports are available in all four directions (North, West, East, South) as well as a central port.

• When you connect one shape to another, the line attaches to a port.

• If you move, resize, or drag the shape, the connecting line will automatically adjust to stay linked through the port.

👉 Think of a port as the “plug-in spot” that keeps lines connected to a shape, no matter how you reposition it.
 

Connecting Lines

• Change line style via the Line Style dropdown.

  

• Choose from stepped, curved, or straight lines, and add arrow ends.

  

• Use the Edge Type dropdown to refine how lines appear.

  

• Change line color with the Color Tool in the toolbar.

• Adjust the line weight (thickness) using the Line Weight option in the toolbar to make lines lighter or bolder.
   

💡 With these customization options, you have full control over how your diagrams, mind maps, and flowcharts look and feel, making it easier to present your ideas in a clear, professional, and visually engaging way.

Curious about upgrading? Compare our plan features side by side.