---
title: "Add shapes and edit SVG"
canonical_url: https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/shapes/
source: docs/editor/shapes.md
content_revision: 6338386a1dd87e4a
---

# Add shapes and edit SVG

Add vector graphics from the shape library and edit their markup, layout, effects, and timing.

## When to use it

Use shapes for arrows, badges, frames, callouts, and decorative graphics. For visual fill and shape controls inside a layered composition, use [Design Studio](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/text-and-design/).

## How to add a shape

**Navigation:** **Editor → Shape**.

1. Open **Shape**.
2. Search using **Search shapes… (arrow, badge, wave)**, or select a category.
3. Browse **All**, **Basic**, **Text**, **Callouts**, **Backgrounds**, **Marketing**, **Charts**, **Frames**, **Motion**, **UI**, or **Accents**.
4. Scroll to load more results.
5. Click a shape to insert it into the current scene or canvas.

![Zvid Shape tool with its search field, shape category chips, and vector shape gallery.](https://docs.zvid.io/img/dashboard-guide/editor-shape.png)

## How to edit shape markup and layout

1. Select the shape and open **Design**.
2. In **SVG markup**, edit the SVG if you need to change its paths, fill, stroke, or other markup attributes.
3. Leave the field to apply it. The editor reports whether the markup parses as SVG.
4. Open **Layout** to change position, dimensions, rotation, opacity, or stacking order.
5. For a video project, use **Timing** and **Effects** to control its window and animations.

The SVG inspector edits markup. It does not have the same visual fill and stroke controls as a shape layer in Design Studio.

## Troubleshooting

### SVG edits do not appear

**Cause:** The editor rejected markup that does not parse as SVG, or a placeholder cannot resolve.

**Solution:** Correct the markup in **SVG markup**, keeping a valid SVG root element. Define any variables in **Variables**, then apply the change again. Review the notification before continuing.

### The shape library fails to load

**Cause:** The library request failed.

**Solution:** Use **Retry** in the panel and check your connection. Existing inserted shapes remain part of the project.

## What happens next

The shape is saved as an SVG element. You can duplicate or delete it with **Selected element actions** and use **Undo** for local composition edits.

## Related documentation

- [Canvas layout and positioning](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/canvas/)
- [Design Studio](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/text-and-design/)
- [Animations and filters](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/editor/animations/)
- [SVG schema reference](https://docs.zvid.io/docs/structure/svg-elements/)