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Add Surface Element

add_surface_element

Add shapes, connectors, text, or groups to an AFFiNE edgeless canvas. Programmatically build diagrams with customizable properties like fill, stroke, and text.

Instructions

Add a shape, connector, text, or group to the AFFiNE edgeless canvas surface. Shapes support rect/ellipse/diamond/triangle with fill, stroke, and text. Connectors draw arrows between shapes (by id) or between absolute points. Use for building diagrams programmatically. Style fields that don't apply to the chosen element type are reported in the response 'ignored' list (mirrors update_surface_element).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
workspaceIdNoWorkspace ID (optional if default set)
docIdYesDocument ID
typeYesElement type
xNoX position on canvas (shape/text; default 0).
yNoY position on canvas (shape/text; default 0).
widthNoWidth (shape default 100, text default 200).
heightNoHeight (shape default 100, text default 30).
shapeTypeNoShape type (default rect). Shape only.
radiusNoCorner radius for rect (0.1 = rounded). Shape only.
filledNoWhether shape is filled (default true). Shape only.
fillColorNoFill color. Prefer the `--affine-palette-shape-<color>` family (yellow/orange/red/magenta/purple/navy/blue/green/teal/grey/white/black). These are fixed colors — AFFiNE shape colors are not theme-adaptive by design. Shape only.
strokeColorNoStroke color. Prefer the `--affine-palette-line-<color>` family (same color names as fillColor). Fixed colors, not theme-adaptive. Shape only.
strokeWidthNoStroke width (default 2). Shape/connector.
strokeStyleNoStroke style. Shape/connector.
textNoText content (shape/text) or connector label. Replaces existing Y.Text on update.
colorNoText color. Shape default `#000000` — keep unless the fill is dark, then pass a contrasting hex. Canvas text default `--affine-text-primary-color` (theme-adaptive). Shape/text.
fontSizeNoFont size (shape default 20, text default 16). Shape/text.
fontWeightNoFont weight (shape default 600, text default 400). Shape/text.
sourceIdNoConnector source element id. Connector only.
targetIdNoConnector target element id. Connector only.
sourcePositionNoSource [x,y]: relative [0-1] if sourceId set, absolute otherwise. Connector only.
targetPositionNoTarget [x,y]: relative [0-1] if targetId set, absolute otherwise. Connector only. When both source/target are bound by id and neither position is provided, endpoints snap to the BlockSuite side-midpoint facing the other endpoint so connectors flow in a clear direction. Pass [0.5,0] top, [0.5,1] bottom, [0,0.5] left, [1,0.5] right to force a specific side.
modeNoConnector mode: 0=straight, 1=orthogonal (elbow), 2=curve (default 2). Connector only.
frontEndpointStyleNoFront endpoint style (default None). Connector only.
rearEndpointStyleNoRear endpoint style (default Arrow). Connector only.
strokeNoConnector stroke color (default '--affine-text-primary-color' — theme-adaptive, near-black in light / near-white in dark). Accepts any CSS color or AFFiNE palette token. Connector only.
labelNoConnector label (stored as text on the connector). Connector only.
childrenNoChild element ids. Group only.
titleNoGroup title. Group only.
indexNoBlockSuite fractional-index string controlling z-order. On add, defaults to a key above every existing element's index (new elements render on top). On update, replaces the stored value — pass a key less than some existing index to send-to-back, or greater to bring-to-front. Use the value returned by list_surface_elements to pick a specific position.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses that non-applicable style fields are reported in an 'ignored' list, and explains connector endpoint snapping behavior. However, it does not detail return values, auth requirements, or potential side effects beyond creation.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is three sentences, front-loading the action and supported types. It is concise but could be better structured by separating usage guidance from behavioral notes. No unnecessary words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given 30 parameters and no output schema, the description covers core functionality and key details like ignored fields and color preferences. However, it lacks explanation of the full response structure (e.g., created element ID) and does not mention pagination or limits. Adequate for a creation tool but not fully comprehensive.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 100% schema coverage, the description still adds value by providing default values, color palette recommendations, and behavioral clarifications for connector positions. It clusters parameters by element type, enhancing understanding beyond the schema alone.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool adds shapes, connectors, text, or groups to the AFFiNE edgeless canvas. It lists specific types and mentions diagram building, effectively distinguishing from siblings like update_surface_element by referencing the 'ignored' list behavior.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description advises using the tool 'for building diagrams programmatically' and references update_surface_element for the 'ignored' list. It provides context for when to use, but does not explicitly state when not to use or enumerate alternatives among the many sibling tools.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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