Getting Started in Lucid

Getting Started in Lucid

The following steps explain the basic functions of Lucid, from creating a new document, using the basic tools within and embedding in Canvas.

Tip: When navigating in Lucid, with a Track pad - use two fingers to move, pinch and zoom in/out. When using a mouse - hold the right mouse and drag to move, use wheel to zoom 

Lucidchart:

  1. Create a New Document:
    • Click on the “+ New Document” button on the dashboard.
    • Choose a blank document or start with a template.
  2. Add Shapes:
    • On the left sidebar, you’ll see a variety of shapes and symbols.
    • Drag and drop shapes onto the canvas to build your diagram.
  3. Connect Shapes:
    • Select the connector tool (a line with arrows) from the toolbar.
    • Click on one shape and drag to another to connect them with lines or arrows.
  4. Customise Shapes:
    • Click on a shape to select it.
    • Use the options in the toolbar to change the shape’s color, border, text, etc.
  5. Add Text:
    • Double-click on a shape to enter text.
    • You can also add text boxes by dragging a text shape from the sidebar.
  6. Add Visual Activities:
    • Use the spaceship button to add Visual Activities; these are interactive embeds that collaborators can interact with.
  7. Save and Share:
    • Click on the “File” menu to save your document.
    • To share, click on the “Share” button in the top right corner and choose how you want to share or export your diagram.
  8. Collaborate:
    • Invite team members to view or edit the document by entering their email addresses in the sharing options.
  9. Create a New Board:
    • Click on the “+ New Board” button.
    • Choose a blank board or start with a template designed for brainstorming, planning, etc.
  10. Add Sticky Notes:
    • Click on the sticky note icon from the sidebar.
    • Click on the board to place the sticky note.
    • Type your ideas or comments on the sticky note.
  11. Use Shapes and Tools:
    • Use the toolbar to add shapes, arrows, and lines.
    • Drag these items onto the board to organise your ideas visually.
  12. Draw and Annotate:
    • Use the drawing tools to sketch or annotate directly on the board.
    • Select the pen tool from the toolbar and draw or write as needed.
  13. Organise and Group
    • Move and arrange sticky notes and shapes by dragging them around.
    • Use grouping tools to organise related items together.
  14. Add Visual Activities:
    • Use the spaceship button to add Visual Activities; these are interactive embeds that collaborators can interact with.
  15. Collaborate in Real-Time:
    • Invite team members to join your board by clicking the “Share” button.
    • Collaborators can add their own sticky notes, draw, and interact with the board simultaneously.
  16. Save and Export:
    • Your board automatically saves, but you can export it if needed.
    • Click on the “File” menu (3 lines), and choose “Export” to download the board or save it as a PDF or image.

Lucidspark

  1. Create a New Board:
    • Click on the “+ New Board” button.
    • Choose a blank board or start with a template designed for brainstorming, planning, etc.
  2. Add Sticky Notes:
    • Click on the sticky note icon from the sidebar.
    • Click on the board to place the sticky note.
    • Type your ideas or comments on the sticky note.
  3. Use Shapes and Tools:
    • Use the toolbar to add shapes, arrows, and lines.
    • Drag these items onto the board to organise your ideas visually.
  4. Draw and Annotate:
    • Use the drawing tools to sketch or annotate directly on the board.
    • Select the pen tool from the toolbar and draw or write as needed.
  5. Organise and Group
    • Move and arrange sticky notes and shapes by dragging them around.
    • Use grouping tools to organise related items together.
  6. Add Visual Activities:
    • Use the spaceship button to add Visual Activities; these are interactive embeds that collaborators can interact with.
  7. Collaborate in Real-Time:
    • Invite team members to join your board by clicking the “Share” button.
    • Collaborators can add their own sticky notes, draw, and interact with the board simultaneously.
  8. Save and Export:
    • Your board automatically saves, but you can export it if needed.
    • Click on the “File” menu (3 lines), and choose “Export” to download the board or save it as a PDF or image.

Embed Lucid in Canvas

  1. Go to the page, assignment, or discussion where you want to embed the Lucidchart document.
  2. Click on the Edit button to modify the content.
  3. Place your cursor on a new line where you would like to embed the content.
  4. In the Rich Content Editor toolbar, look for the Lucid icon.
  5. If prompted, log in to your Lucid account within the Canvas interface. If this is your first time accessing Lucid, review the How to Access Lucid instructions.
  6. Browse your files and select the one you would like to insert.
  7. Click Continue.
  8. Select the appropriate Access Settings – Edit, Comment only, or View only.
    • Edit: other users can edit, view, or leave comments in the embedded document.
    • Comment only: other users can view the embedded document and add comments.
    • View only: other users can view the embedded document.
      Note: If you choose the View only access setting, you can choose which pages to display and which Lucid viewer type to use. You can enable or disable the embedded document to automatically update by selecting the checkbox next to Automatically update the document when the integration loads.
  9. Click Insert.
  10. Save the Canvas page.

Video Guide: