Connect objects with smart connectors

Applies to Infinite documents, Vertical documents, and Paged notes. Smart connectors link two objects and update their paths when the objects move. Ordinary lines and arrows do not store this relationship. Mind map connections are managed separately by the map structure.

Connect existing objects

First place two text boxes, pictures or other objects that support connection.
Open More → Mind Maps & Flowcharts and confirm that Show Connectors is on.
Select the starting object and drag from the surrounding connectors to the target object.
Wait for the connection prompt to appear on the target and release it to confirm that the endpoint is attached to the target object.
Move any object and check that the connection lines still follow the connection positions.

You can also choose Shapes → Connector in Pen Boxes, draw a line, then attach its endpoints to objects. The Connector option in the shape list has Pro access requirements; follow the prompt shown in the app.

In the learning flow chart, the yellow Check understanding diamond is selected by the blue control box, the polyline is connected to the green object in the upper right, and the Apple Pencil tip points to the blue connector on the left side of the target; the blue rounded box in the upper right marks more settings, mind maps and flow charts, and the display connector switch, and the switch is on. — First open "Show Connectors" in "More → Mind Maps and Flowcharts", then drag from the connector of the starting object to the target object. Release when the connection prompt appears. Tap to view the original image

Quickly add the next shape in an empty area

Drag a new connection line from the connector and release it in an empty space. The free endpoint opens a shape picker: select available types such as rounded rectangle, ellipse, triangle, star, polygon, parallelogram, rhombus, double-headed arrow, or angle bracket shape to create and automatically connect at the end.

For example, in the flow chart, first draw "Start", drag the connecting line to the right, select a diamond shape in the blank space, and then add decision text to it. Continue to drag out the next line from the new object, and you will gradually build the structure.

When you don't want to add a new shape, close the selector to retain the free endpoints. Then drag the endpoint to an existing object to establish a connection.

In the learning flow chart, drag the connecting line from the Need more practice purple circle node to the right, and a shape selector will pop up next to the blue endpoint in the blank space, including options such as rounded rectangle, ellipse, triangle, star, pentagon, parallelogram, rhombus, etc. — Drag out the new connection line from the connector, release it in the empty space, and select the next shape from the shape selector. Tap to view the original image

Reconnect and Undo

Select the connection line and drag the endpoint to change it to another object. Drag it to a blank space to keep it as a free end. When adjusting the endpoints of existing connection lines, the selector for quickly creating shapes will not pop up again; this process is only used for creating new connection lines.

If you create an end shape by mistake, Undo removes the new shape and its attachment, leaving a free endpoint again. To change the line direction, arrow or detour position, see Connector Styles and Paths.

Connection handles are missing

Check preferences, object lock status and object type, not all objects provide connectors.

The connector does not follow the object

The endpoint may only be visually close to the object. Drag again until the attachment prompt appears and release.

Related guides: Connector Editing · Creating Shapes · Mind Map

Connect objects with smart connectors ​

Connect existing objects ​

Quickly add the next shape in an empty area ​

Reconnect and Undo ​