Canvas X Draw is 2D technical illustration software for Windows and macOS. It combines vector drawing, image editing and page layout to produce diagrams, measured drawings and illustrated documents. Imported CAD geometry, scanned images and text can share the same document.
Drawing geometry and dimensions
Canvas X Draw positions vector objects using numerical coordinates as well as grids and guides. Snap settings place objects against drawing geometry, while alignment controls organize related elements. A drawing scale lets the illustration represent dimensions beyond the physical size of its page.
The program imports DWG and DXF drawings and lets you edit their 2D CAD elements. Those objects can be combined with new vector graphics and raster images, so an existing drawing can become the basis for an annotated illustration.
Measurements and dimension objects
Dimension tools add measurements to the drawing, including horizontal, vertical, oblique and perpendicular distances. They also measure diameter, radius, angle, area and perimeter. Dimension objects place that information within the illustration, and parametric dimensioning updates it as geometry changes.
Line widths, gaps, dimension text and tolerances can be adjusted and saved for later work. This keeps the presentation of measurements under the user's control alongside the coordinates and scale of the drawing itself.
Combining images and editable vector effects
Scanned material or photographs can sit beneath vector overlays in Canvas X Draw. Raster editing controls adjust tone, contrast and color, while painting, cloning, layers and filters work on the image content. The edited image remains part of the same document as its labels and drawn objects.
Sprite technology applies image and transparency effects to vector objects without first converting those objects into raster images. Their geometry remains available for editing. SpriteEffects also operates on text and images, allowing effects to be changed during the design process.
Transparency controls include gradients, masks and object opacity. A lens object confines an effect to a particular region of the illustration, or magnifies an area to create a detailed view. This lets the document show a selected detail without applying the same treatment everywhere.
The Symbol Library stores supplied technical symbols and objects you create from vector, text, composite or paint content. Altering a symbol in its palette updates its copies in the document, so repeated components can be revised together.
Labels and connected diagrams
Annotations attach labels, callouts and comments to parts of an illustration. SmartLines connect the labels to the drawing and move with a repositioned label. Comments can also be attached to paint, vector and text objects within the document.
Annotation connections
On Windows, the annotation tools offer three arrangements:
- Basic connects one annotation to one object.
- Multiple Sources connects a single annotation to several objects.
- Multiple Notes connects several annotations to one object.
The Properties bar controls annotation shape, size and connector style. Labels can use custom text or a continuing sequence of numbers or letters. Text formatting and pen and fill settings change their appearance, while a separate annotation layer can be hidden when printing.
Flowchart symbols and connectors
The Windows Flowchart palette builds diagrams from standard symbols. Its Create and Branch direction controls add further symbols relative to the selected one. Spacing, symbol size and connector attributes determine how the chart fits together.
Symbols can be replaced with a different shape, and their text remains editable. Connector controls change line appearance, including dashes and arrows. Canvas X Draw also creates charts and tables from data entered directly into the program.
Text and publication layout
Text can flow between columns, wrap inside a shape, follow an object path or stay clear of surrounding objects. Formatting styles can be saved and reused. These controls combine explanatory text with illustrations in a publication rather than keeping the drawing and its written explanation in separate files.
Document templates provide starting layouts for illustrations, publications and presentations. Multi-page documents can then be prepared for print with both text and graphic content in place.
Saving, PDF output and printing
Native documents and image export
On Windows, the native CVX format preserves the document for further editing. Saving the same drawing as TIFF turns its text and vector objects into a single raster image. Reopening that TIFF provides image pixels rather than the original editable text and geometry.
Image Export works on one selected paint object or image. The object must be outside Edit mode before it can be exported. This produces a separate image file from the selected content rather than exporting the entire illustrated document.
PDF data and links
Canvas X Draw can embed its native document data inside an exported PDF. Reopening a PDF containing that data in Canvas X Draw retains the drawing's editing information. PDF encryption, passwords and permissions control opening, editing and printing access.
Hyperlinks and graphic hotspots connect page elements to other destinations. Links can point to files, webpages, an intranet or email, while anchors provide named destinations. These connections become part of the PDF alongside the visible illustration.
Printing controls include color management, image resolution suited to the printer and image-data output options for PostScript devices. Canvas X Draw is available with a subscription or a perpetual licence; these are alternative purchasing models for the drawing application.
