Composable Primitives

Selection and transformation

Precise object selection with multi-modal interaction, precise hit-testing, and seamless transformation controls.

Transformation handles

Transform objects in tldraw with rotating and moving controls that include visual feedback, constraint handling, and proportional scaling, plus snap-to guides for perfect alignment.

Transformation handles

Smart hit testing

Use tldraw’s precise cursor targets with layered shape detection and group awareness to help your users click exactly where intended, even on overlapping shapes or tiny details.

Touch and mobile support

Handle touch gestures, mobile-specific interactions, and responsive transformation controls across all device types. Selection areas automatically adjust for touch targets.

Cloning and duplication

Clone shapes with one click, using intelligent positioning, modifier key support, and batch duplication to avoid stacking and duplicate multiple objects at once.

State machine architecture

Manage complex selection flows with organized hierarchies, easily transitioning between idle clicking, box-dragging, and shape-moving without confusion.

State machine architecture

Intuitive multi-modal selection for your app

Professional-grade selection tools. Hit-testing and transforms that just work.


Solid engineering

Our team spent years to get all the details right, so you don’t have to.

  • Hierarchical state management

    Selection tools operate through elaborate state machines that handle overlapping interaction modes such as brushing, translating, resizing, and rotating. Each state maintains its own interaction logic while sharing common selection context.

  • Hit testing

    The system performs multi-layered hit detection that considers shape geometry, group hierarchies, and locked objects. Hit testing evaluates cursor position against shape bounds, handles, and interactive regions while respecting z-index ordering and group ordering for predictable selection behavior.

  • Modifier-based interaction

    Modifier keys transform selection behavior dynamically. For example, shift enables additive selection, alt switches to scribble brushing mode, and cmd/ctrl provides cloning operations. These modifiers combine naturally with primary interactions to create multi-modal workflows.

Zach Blodgett,Staff Product Managerat

"tldraw’s technology enabled us to deliver a high-quality foundation and also develop native functionality ourselves. The technology and team have been great to work with."

ClickUp modernized its whiteboard for millions of users, replacing legacy infrastructure with the tldraw SDK.

Starter kits

Production ready starter kit to integrate agents into your canvas. Building something different? See all starter kits

Agent starter kit

Give your AI agents visual superpowers. Allow them to read drawings, generate diagrams, and interact with canvas elements just like human users. You handle the AI integration, tldraw handles the complex canvas interactions, shape recognition, and visual rendering.

Multiplayer starter kit

examples

See for yourself

Have a look at our examples on how to implement layout management features.

  • Lasso select tool

    Build custom selection tools with freeform lasso selection and state machine architecture.

  • Screenshot tool

    Implement area selection with drag-based region picking and custom transformation feedback.

  • Canvas events

    Track selection changes and transformation events for analytics and collaborative synchronization.


Built for precise clicks

Multi-modal tools for hit-testing, transforms, and smooth interactions.