# @tldraw/core
This package contains the `Renderer` and core utilities used by [tldraw](https://tldraw.com).
You can use this package to build projects like [tldraw](https://tldraw.com), where React components are rendered on a canvas user interface. Check out the [advanced example](https://core-steveruiz.vercel.app/).
💕 Love this library? Consider [becoming a sponsor](https://github.com/sponsors/steveruizok?frequency=recurring&sponsor=steveruizok).
## Installation
Use your package manager of choice to install `@tldraw/core` and its peer dependencies.
```bash
yarn add @tldraw/core && yarn build
# or
npm i @tldraw/core && npm run build
```
> Note: You'll need to run the `build` script before running `dev`.
## Examples
There are two examples in this repository.
The **simple** example in [`examples/core-example`](https://github.com/tldraw/tldraw/tree/main/examples/core-example) shows a minimal use of the library. It does not do much but this should be a good reference for the API without too much else built on top.
The **advanced** example in [`examples/core-example-advanced`](https://github.com/tldraw/tldraw/tree/main/examples/core-example-advanced) shows a more realistic use of the library. (Try it [here](https://core-steveruiz.vercel.app/)). While the fundamental patterns are the same, this example contains features such as: panning, pinching, and zooming the camera; creating, cloning, resizing, and deleting shapes; keyboard shortcuts, brush-selection; shape-snapping; undo, redo; and more. Much of the code in the advanced example comes from the [@tldraw/tldraw](https://tldraw.com) codebase.
If you're working on an app that uses this library, I recommend referring back to the advanced example for tips on how you might implement these features for your own project.
## Usage
Import the `Renderer` React component and pass it the required props.
```tsx
import * as React from "react"
import { Renderer, TLShape, TLShapeUtil, Vec } from '@tldraw/core'
import { BoxShape, BoxUtil } from "./shapes/box"
const shapeUtils = { box: new BoxUtil() }
function App() {
const [page, setPage] = React.useState({
id: "page"
shapes: {
"box1": {
id: 'box1',
type: 'box',
parentId: 'page',
childIndex: 0,
point: [0, 0],
size: [100, 100],
rotation: 0,
}
},
bindings: {}
})
const [pageState, setPageState] = React.useState({
id: "page",
selectedIds: [],
camera: {
point: [0,0],
zoom: 1
}
})
return ()
}
```
## Documentation
### `Renderer`
To avoid unnecessary renders, be sure to pass "stable" values as props to the `Renderer`. Either define these values outside of the parent component, or place them in React state, or memoize them with `React.useMemo`.
| Prop | Type | Description |
| ------------ | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `page` | [`TLPage`](#tlpage) | The current page object. |
| `pageState` | [`TLPageState`](#tlpagestate) | The current page's state. |
| `shapeUtils` | [`TLShapeUtils`](#tlshapeutils) | The shape utilities used to render the shapes. |
| `assets` | [`TLAssets`](#tlassets) | (optional) A table of assets used by shapes in the project. |
In addition to these required props, the Renderer accents many other **optional** props.
| Property | Type | Description |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `containerRef` | `React.MutableRefObject` | A React ref for the container, where CSS variables will be added. |
| `theme` | `object` | An object with overrides for the Renderer's default colors. |
| `components` | `object` | An object with overrides for the Renderer's default React components. |
| `hideBounds` | `boolean` | Do not show the bounding box for selected shapes. |
| `hideHandles` | `boolean` | Do not show handles for shapes with handles. |
| `hideBindingHandles` | `boolean` | Do not show binding controls for selected shapes with bindings. |
| `hideResizeHandles` | `boolean` | Do not show resize handles for selected shapes. |
| `hideRotateHandles` | `boolean` | Do not show rotate handles for selected shapes. |
| `hideCursors` | `boolean` | Do not show multiplayer cursors. |
| `snapLines` | [`TLSnapLine`](#tlsnapline)[] | An array of "snap" lines. |
| `users` | `object` | A table of [`TLUser`](#tluser)s. |
| `userId` | `object` | The current user's [`TLUser`](#tluser) id. |
The theme object accepts valid CSS colors for the following properties:
| Property | Description |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| `foreground` | The primary (usually "text") color |
| `background` | The default page's background color |
| `brushFill` | The fill color of the brush selection box |
| `brushStroke` | The stroke color of the brush selection box |
| `selectFill` | The fill color of the selection bounds |
| `selectStroke` | The stroke color of the selection bounds and handles |
The components object accepts React components for the following properties:
| Property | Description |
| -------- | --------------------------------- |
| `Cursor` | Multiplayer cursors on the canvas |
The Renderer also accepts many (optional) event callbacks.
| Prop | Description |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| `onPan` | Panned with the mouse wheel |
| `onZoom` | Zoomed with the mouse wheel |
| `onPinchStart` | Began a two-pointer pinch |
| `onPinch` | Moved their pointers during a pinch |
| `onPinchEnd` | Stopped a two-pointer pinch |
| `onPointerDown` | Started pointing |
| `onPointerMove` | Moved their pointer |
| `onPointerUp` | Ended a point |
| `onPointCanvas` | Pointed the canvas |
| `onDoubleClickCanvas` | Double-pointed the canvas |
| `onRightPointCanvas` | Right-pointed the canvas |
| `onDragCanvas` | Dragged the canvas |
| `onReleaseCanvas` | Stopped pointing the canvas |
| `onHoverShape` | Moved their pointer onto a shape |
| `onUnhoverShape` | Moved their pointer off of a shape |
| `onPointShape` | Pointed a shape |
| `onDoubleClickShape` | Double-pointed a shape |
| `onRightPointShape` | Right-pointed a shape |
| `onDragShape` | Dragged a shape |
| `onReleaseShape` | Stopped pointing a shape |
| `onHoverHandle` | Moved their pointer onto a shape handle |
| `onUnhoverHandle` | Moved their pointer off of a shape handle |
| `onPointHandle` | Pointed a shape handle |
| `onDoubleClickHandle` | Double-pointed a shape handle |
| `onRightPointHandle` | Right-pointed a shape handle |
| `onDragHandle` | Dragged a shape handle |
| `onReleaseHandle` | Stopped pointing shape handle |
| `onHoverBounds` | Moved their pointer onto the selection bounds |
| `onUnhoverBounds` | Moved their pointer off of the selection bounds |
| `onPointBounds` | Pointed the selection bounds |
| `onDoubleClickBounds` | Double-pointed the selection bounds |
| `onRightPointBounds` | Right-pointed the selection bounds |
| `onDragBounds` | Dragged the selection bounds |
| `onReleaseBounds` | Stopped the selection bounds |
| `onHoverBoundsHandle` | Moved their pointer onto a selection bounds handle |
| `onUnhoverBoundsHandle` | Moved their pointer off of a selection bounds handle |
| `onPointBoundsHandle` | Pointed a selection bounds handle |
| `onDoubleClickBoundsHandle` | Double-pointed a selection bounds handle |
| `onRightPointBoundsHandle` | Right-pointed a selection bounds handle |
| `onDragBoundsHandle` | Dragged a selection bounds handle |
| `onReleaseBoundsHandle` | Stopped a selection bounds handle |
| `onShapeClone` | Clicked on a shape's clone handle |
| `onShapeChange` | A shape's component prompted a change |
| `onShapeBlur` | A shape's component was prompted a blur |
| `onRenderCountChange` | The number of rendered shapes changed |
| `onBoundsChange` | The Renderer's screen bounding box of the component changed |
| `onError` | The Renderer encountered an error |
The `@tldraw/core` library provides types for most of the event handlers:
| Type |
| ---------------------------- |
| `TLPinchEventHandler` |
| `TLPointerEventHandler` |
| `TLCanvasEventHandler` |
| `TLBoundsEventHandler` |
| `TLBoundsHandleEventHandler` |
| `TLShapeChangeHandler` |
| `TLShapeBlurHandler` |
| `TLShapeCloneHandler` |
### `TLPage`
An object describing the current page. It contains:
| Property | Type | Description |
| ----------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | A unique id for the page. |
| `shapes` | [`TLShape{}`](#tlshape) | A table of shapes. |
| `bindings` | [`TLBinding{}`](#tlbinding) | A table of bindings. |
| `backgroundColor` | `string` | (optional) The page's background fill color. Will also overwrite the theme. |
### `TLPageState`
An object describing the current page. It contains:
| Property | Type | Description |
| -------------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | The corresponding page's id |
| `selectedIds` | `string[]` | An array of selected shape ids |
| `camera` | `object` | An object describing the camera state |
| `camera.point` | `number[]` | The camera's `[x, y]` coordinates |
| `camera.zoom` | `number` | The camera's zoom level |
| `pointedId` | `string` | (optional) The currently pointed shape id |
| `hoveredId` | `string` | (optional) The currently hovered shape id |
| `editingId` | `string` | (optional) The currently editing shape id |
| `bindingId` | `string` | (optional) The currently editing binding. |
| `brush` | `TLBounds` | (optional) A `Bounds` for the current selection box |
### `TLAssets`
An object describing the current page's assets. It contains:
| Property | Type | Description |
| -------- | -------- | -------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | A unique id for the asset. |
| `type` | `string` | The type of the asset. |
Assets are used for shared resources, such as serialized images and videos in the `@tldraw/tldraw` app. If a shape has an `assetId` property, its component will receive the corresponding asset in the component's props. Like shapes, this interface is meant to be extended with additional properties relevant to the type of asset used (e.g. size, duration, url).
### `TLShape`
An object that describes a shape on the page. The shapes in your document should extend this interface with other properties. See [Shape Type](#shape-type).
| Property | Type | Description |
| --------------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | The shape's id. |
| `type` | `string` | The type of the shape, corresponding to the `type` of a [`TLShapeUtil`](#tlshapeutil) |
| `parentId` | `string` | The id of the shape's parent (either the current page or another shape) |
| `childIndex` | `number` | the order of the shape among its parent's children |
| `name` | `string` | the name of the shape |
| `point` | `number[]` | the shape's current `[x, y]` coordinates on the page |
| `assetId` | `string` | (optional) An asset id from the [`TLAssets`](#tlassets) table. |
| `rotation` | `number` | (optional) The shape's current rotation in radians |
| `children` | `string[]` | (optional) An array containing the ids of this shape's children |
| `handles` | `{}` | (optional) A table of [`TLHandle`](#tlhandle) objects |
| `isGhost` | `boolean` | (optional) True if the shape is "ghosted", e.g. while deleting |
| `isLocked` | `boolean` | (optional) True if the shape is locked |
| `isHidden` | `boolean` | (optional) True if the shape is hidden |
| `isEditing` | `boolean` | (optional) True if the shape is currently editing |
| `isGenerated` | `boolean` | optional) True if the shape is generated programatically |
| `isAspectRatioLocked` | `boolean` | (optional) True if the shape's aspect ratio is locked |
### `TLHandle`
An object that describes a relationship between two shapes on the page.
| Property | Type | Description |
| -------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | An id for the handle |
| `index` | `number` | The handle's order within the shape's handles |
| `point` | `number[]` | The handle's `[x, y]` coordinates |
When a shape with handles is the only selected shape, the `Renderer` will display its handles. You can respond to interactions with these handles using the `on
### `TLBinding`
An object that describes a relationship between two shapes on the page.
| Property | Type | Description |
| -------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | A unique id for the binding |
| `fromId` | `string` | The id of the shape where the binding begins |
| `toId` | `string` | The id of the shape where the binding begins |
### `TLSnapLine`
A snapline is an array of points (formatted as `[x, y]`) that represent a "snapping" line.
### `TLShapeUtil`
The `TLShapeUtil` is an abstract class that you can extend to create utilities for your custom shapes. See the [Creating Shapes](#creating-shapes) guide to learn more.
### `TLUser`
A `TLUser` is the presence information for a multiplayer user. The user's pointer location and selections will be shown on the canvas. If the `TLUser`'s id matches the `Renderer`'s `userId` prop, then the user's cursor and selections will not be shown.
| Property | Type | Description |
| --------------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------- |
| `id` | `string` | A unique id for the user |
| `color` | `string` | The user's color, used for indicators |
| `point` | `number[]` | The user's pointer location on the page |
| `selectedIds[]` | `string[]` | The user's selected shape ids |
### `Utils`
A general purpose utility class. See source for more.
## Guide: Creating Shapes
The `Renderer` component has no built-in shapes. It's up to you to define every shape that you want to see on the canvas. While these shapes are highly reusable between projects, you'll need to define them using the API described below.
> For several example shapes, see the folder `/example/src/shapes/`.
### Shape Type
Your first task is to define an interface for the shape that extends `TLShape`. It must have a `type` property.
```ts
// BoxShape.ts
import type { TLShape } from '@tldraw/core'
export interface BoxShape extends TLShape {
type: 'box'
size: number[]
}
```
### Component
Next, use `TLShapeUtil.Component` to create a second component for your shape's `Component`. The `Renderer` will use this component to display the shape on the canvas.
```tsx
// BoxComponent.ts
import { SVGContainer, shapeComponent } from '@tldraw/core'
import * as React from 'react'
import type { BoxShape } from './BoxShape'
export const BoxComponent = TLShapeUtil.Component(
({ shape, events, meta }, ref) => {
const color = meta.isDarkMode ? 'white' : 'black'
return (
)
}
)
```
Your component can return HTML elements or SVG elements. If your shape is returning only SVG elements, wrap it in an `SVGContainer`. If your shape returns HTML elements, wrap it in an `HTMLContainer`. Note that you must set `pointerEvents` manually on the shapes you wish to receive pointer events.
The component will receive the following props:
| Name | Type | Description |
| ------------------- | ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `shape` | `TLShape` | The shape from `page.shapes` that is being rendered |
| `meta` | `{}` | The value provided to the `Renderer`'s `meta` prop |
| `events` | `{}` | Several pointer events that should be set on the container element |
| `isSelected` | `boolean` | The shape is selected (its `id` is in `pageState.selectedIds`) |
| `isHovered` | `boolean` | The shape is hovered (its `id` is `pageState.hoveredId`) |
| `isEditing` | `boolean` | The shape is being edited (its `id` is `pageState.editingId`) |
| `isGhost` | `boolean` | The shape is ghosted or is the child of a ghosted shape. |
| `isChildOfSelected` | `boolean` | The shape is the child of a selected shape. |
| `onShapeChange` | `Function` | The callback provided to the `Renderer`'s `onShapeChange` prop |
| `onShapeBlur` | `Function` | The callback provided to the `Renderer`'s `onShapeBlur` prop |
### Indicator
Next, use `TLShapeUtil.Indicator` to create a second component for your shape's `Indicator`. This component is shown when the shape is hovered or selected. Your `Indicator` must return SVG elements only.
```tsx
// BoxIndicator.ts
export const BoxIndicator = TLShapeUtil.Indicator(({ shape }) => {
return (
)
})
```
The indicator component will receive the following props:
| Name | Type | Description |
| ------------ | --------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `shape` | `TLShape` | The shape from `page.shapes` that is being rendered |
| `meta` | {} | The value provided to the `Renderer`'s `meta` prop |
| `user` | `TLUser` | The user when shown in a multiplayer session |
| `isSelected` | `boolean` | Whether the current shape is selected (true if its `id` is in `pageState.selectedIds`) |
| `isHovered` | `boolean` | Whether the current shape is hovered (true if its `id` is `pageState.hoveredId`) |
### ShapeUtil
Next, create a "shape util" for your shape. This is a class that extends `TLShapeUtil`. The `Renderer` will use an instance of this class to answer questions about the shape: what it should look like, where it is on screen, whether it can rotate, etc.
```ts
// BoxUtil.ts
import { TLBounds, TLShapeUtil, Utils } from '@tldraw/core'
import { BoxComponent } from './BoxComponent'
import { BoxIndicator } from './BoxIndicator'
import type { BoxShape } from './BoxShape'
export class BoxUtil extends TLShapeUtil {
Component = BoxComponent
Indicator = BoxIndicator
getBounds = (shape: BoxShape): TLBounds => {
const [width, height] = shape.size
const bounds = {
minX: 0,
maxX: width,
minY: 0,
maxY: height,
width,
height,
}
return Utils.translateBounds(bounds, shape.point)
}
}
```
Set the `Component` field to your component and the `Indicator` field to your indicator component. Then define the `getBounds` method. This method will receive a shape and should return a `TLBounds` object.
You may also set the following fields:
| Name | Type | Default | Description |
| ------------------ | --------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `showCloneHandles` | `boolean` | `false` | Whether to display clone handles when the shape is the only selected shape |
| `hideBounds` | `boolean` | `false` | Whether to hide the bounds when the shape is the only selected shape |
| `isStateful` | `boolean` | `false` | Whether the shape has its own React state. When true, the shape will not be unmounted when off-screen |
### ShapeUtils Object
Finally, create a mapping of your project's shape utils and the `type` properties of their corresponding shapes. Pass this object to the `Renderer`'s `shapeUtils` prop.
```tsx
// App.tsx
const shapeUtils = {
box: new BoxUtil(),
circle: new CircleUtil(),
text: new TextUtil(),
}
export function App() {
// ...
return
}
```
## Local Development
To start the development servers for the package and the advanced example:
- Run `yarn` to install dependencies.
- Run `yarn start`.
- Open `localhost:5420`.
You can also run:
- `start:advanced` to start development servers for the package and the advanced example.
- `start:simple` to start development servers for the package and the simple example.
- `test` to execute unit tests via [Jest](https://jestjs.io).
- `docs` to build the docs via [ts-doc](https://typedoc.org/).
- `build` to build the package.
## Example
See the `example` folder or this [CodeSandbox](https://codesandbox.io/s/laughing-elion-gp0kx) example.
## Community
### Support
Need help? Please [open an issue](https://github.com/tldraw/tldraw/issues/new) for support.
### Discussion
Want to connect with other devs? Visit the [Discord channel](https://discord.gg/SBBEVCA4PG).
### License
This project is licensed under MIT.
If you're using the library in a commercial product, please consider [becoming a sponsor](https://github.com/sponsors/steveruizok?frequency=recurring&sponsor=steveruizok).
## Author
- [@steveruizok](https://twitter.com/steveruizok)