Work on the canvas
Use direct editing for precise changes and layouts to keep the system readable.
Components and connections
Add components from the canvas controls. Select a component to edit its label, type, shape, color, and notes. Connect components to show relationships, then label the connections to explain what flows between them.
Architecture, process, and sequence layouts
Architecture layout shows components and dependencies. Process flow arranges actions and branches using their connections. Sequence layout shows participants, lifelines, and numbered messages over time—use it for OAuth, API calls, and other protocols. In a sequence diagram, scroll to explore messages and use the flow picker to move between sections. Select a message to inspect or edit its explanation.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Focus command bar | ⌘ / Ctrl + K |
| Undo | ⌘ / Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | ⌘ / Ctrl + Shift + Z |
| Remove selection | Delete / Backspace |
| Clear selection or menu | Escape |
Back up and restore
Export a Skiva JSON backup to preserve the diagram data. Use the upload control beside New diagram to import it. Image and PDF exports are useful for presentations; JSON is the format to use when you want to restore an editable diagram.