From Generic to Freeform: Unleashing Creative Diagramming

Our Generic Diagram feature has evolved into something much more powerful—Freeform Diagrams.

Why the Change?

"Generic Diagram" never captured what this tool actually delivers: unlimited creative freedom on an infinite canvas. The name suggested something basic or incomplete, when it's actually our most flexible diagramming workspace.

Freeform better represents what users get: the freedom to create without boundaries, letting ideas take shape organically without formal diagramming constraints.

New Tools for Creative Expression

We've enhanced Freeform with essential shapes for flexible diagramming:

People & Objects Category: A new shape group featuring the Person shape—perfect for representing stakeholders, users, or team members in any context.

Sticky Notes: Two powerful options for capturing thoughts:

  • Sticky Note: Classic yellow squares for quick ideas and labels
  • Endless Sticky Note Box: Auto-expanding notes that grow with your content

When to Use Freeform

Freeform diagrams are perfect for:

  • Brainstorming and ideation sessions
  • Sketching initial concepts before formal modeling
  • Creating hybrid visualizations that don't fit standard categories
  • Facilitating collaborative team sessions

Unlike our specialized diagram types (UML, ERD, Network), Freeform imposes no rules—it's your blank canvas for any visualization you can imagine. 

Ready to Create Your Own Diagrams? 

Start building professional diagrams instantly - no signup required. Try Modeldraw's comprehensive diagramming tools at app.modeldraw.com/draw and see how easy it is to visualize your ideas with unlimited team collaboration.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introducing Quick Connect Mode: Faster Diagram Creation

Image
We're excited to announce Quick Connect Mode in Modeldraw v2.16.0 – create connections between shapes with simple click-and-drag motions directly from shape edges. How It Works Hover over any shape's border Click and drag to your target shape Release to create the connection The system automatically suggests appropriate connection types based on your diagram context. Supported Diagrams Quick Connect Mode is available in: UML : Class, State Machine, Activity, and Use Case diagrams Flowcharts : Process flows and decision trees Generic : Custom workflows and concept maps Why It Matters Faster workflow – no tool switching required Intuitive – drag connections like drawing on paper Smart suggestions – automatically chooses proper connection types Better collaboration – spend more time on ideas, less on interface Get Started Quick Connect Mode is automatically enabled in supported diagram types. Just hover over any shape's border and drag to create ...
Read more

From Side Project to Full-Fledged Platform: Lessons from Building Modeldraw

Image
Modeldraw started as a side hobby of one passionate developer and has since grown into a full-fledged diagramming platform. We officially launched this spring, and the journey has been a masterclass in hard-won lessons. I'd like to share a few of the biggest takeaways and, in return, would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on our journey so far. My Hard-Won Lessons: Your Users Will Tell You What to Build (and What to Fix): I quickly learned that user feedback is invaluable. The users who actually tried to use the app for their work revealed our biggest friction points. Listening to them has been the single most effective way to improve the product and mitigate our user churn. Marketing is Harder Than Coding: For a technical person, marketing is by far more difficult than building the product itself. The results aren't predictable; they require constant testing and iteration to find what works. This has been a humbling but essential lesson. Paid Ads are a Boost, But ...
Read more

Introducing System Architecture Diagrams

Image
We're excited to announce System Architecture Diagrams in Modeldraw v2.15.0 – design and document software systems with professional visual components. Professional Icon Library System Architecture Diagrams feature 50+ professional icons based on the Solace EDA icon set , including: APIs & Protocols : REST methods and messaging protocols Cloud Technologies : AWS, Azure, Kubernetes, Docker Applications & Devices : Servers, mobile devices, IoT sensors Infrastructure : Buildings, locations, enterprise platforms Perfect for Technical Teams Document microservices architectures, cloud deployments, and enterprise integrations with industry-standard symbols. Built with real-time collaboration – free for teams of any size. Ready to Create Your Own Diagrams?  Start building professional diagrams instantly -  no signup required . Try Modeldraw's comprehensive diagramming tools at  app.modeldraw.com/draw  and see how easy it is to visualize your ideas with un...
Read more