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Add Surface Element

add_surface_element

Add shapes, connectors, text, or groups to the AFFiNE canvas to build diagrams programmatically. Supports rect, ellipse, diamond, triangle shapes and arrows between elements or points.

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
xNoX position on canvas (shape/text; default 0).
yNoY position on canvas (shape/text; default 0).
modeNoConnector mode: 0=straight, 1=orthogonal (elbow), 2=curve (default 2). Connector only.
textNoText content (shape/text) or connector label. Replaces existing Y.Text on update.
typeYesElement type
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.
docIdYesDocument ID
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.
labelNoConnector label (stored as text on the connector). Connector only.
titleNoGroup title. Group only.
widthNoWidth (shape default 100, text default 200).
filledNoWhether shape is filled (default true). Shape only.
heightNoHeight (shape default 100, text default 30).
radiusNoCorner radius for rect (0.1 = rounded). Shape 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.
childrenNoChild element ids. Group only.
fontSizeNoFont size (shape default 20, text default 16). Shape/text.
sourceIdNoConnector source element id. Connector only.
targetIdNoConnector target element id. Connector 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.
shapeTypeNoShape type (default rect). Shape only.
fontWeightNoFont weight (shape default 600, text default 400). Shape/text.
strokeColorNoStroke color. Prefer the `--affine-palette-line-<color>` family (same color names as fillColor). Fixed colors, not theme-adaptive. Shape only.
strokeStyleNoStroke style. Shape/connector.
strokeWidthNoStroke width (default 2). Shape/connector.
workspaceIdNoWorkspace ID (optional if default set)
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.
rearEndpointStyleNoRear endpoint style (default Arrow). Connector only.
frontEndpointStyleNoFront endpoint style (default None). Connector only.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
typeYes
addedYes
ignoredYes
elementIdYes
surfaceBlockIdYes
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false, so the mutation nature is known. The description goes beyond annotations by disclosing that non-applicable style fields are reported in the 'ignored' list, and by explaining connector behaviors (arrows between shapes or points). This adds valuable behavioral context without contradicting annotations.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is five sentences, each earning its place: purpose, shape variants, connector behavior, usage context, and the 'ignored' field behavior. It is front-loaded with the action and resource, and contains no fluff or redundant content.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the large schema (30 parameters) with detailed descriptions and an output schema present, the description provides sufficient high-level context: supported element types, connector modes, and response behavior for ignored fields. Full information is available for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly.

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

Parameters3/5

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

The input schema has 100% description coverage, with rich per-parameter details (e.g., fillColor palette family, targetPosition relative/absolute semantics). The description does not add significant parameter-level meaning beyond summarizing element types. Baseline of 3 is appropriate because the schema carries the heavy lifting.

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 opens with the action verb 'Add' and clearly specifies the resource: 'shape, connector, text, or group to the AFFiNE edgeless canvas surface.' It also names the specific shape types and connector modes, and the phrase 'Use for building diagrams programmatically' reinforces the tool's scope. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like update_surface_element and delete_surface_element.

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 provides a clear context: 'Use for building diagrams programmatically.' It does not explicitly state when not to use this tool (e.g., for modifying existing elements, use update_surface_element), but the sibling relationships and the 'mirrors update_surface_element' note implicitly guide the agent. This is clear context without explicit exclusions.

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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