# Adding shapes
> Learn how to add pre-made shapes in Sketch with the help of our step-by-step guides and video tutorials.
**URL:** https://www.sketch.com/docs/designing/shapes/adding-shapes/ | **Last updated:** 2026-01-23
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Shapes are a commonly used type of layer in Sketch documents — and because they’re vector-based, they’re incredibly flexible too.
An easy way to get started is to add and edit pre-made shapes. If you want to create a custom shape, try out the [vector editing](/docs/designing/vector-editing/) tool or combine multiple shapes using [Boolean operations](/docs/designing/shapes/boolean-operations/).
### Adding pre-made shapes
You can add a new shape to the Canvas using the **Insert** button in the Toolbar, the **Insert** menu in the Menu Bar, or via [The Command Bar](/docs/interface-and-settings/the-mac-app-interface/the-command-bar/).
Pre-made shapes include the rectangle, oval, line, arrow, triangle, star and polygon.
You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly add pre-made shapes:
| Action | Shortcut |
|--------|----------|
| Rectangle | R Oval |
After you’ve selected a shape, click and drag anywhere on the Canvas or frame to add it. As you drag, you’ll see the shape’s dimensions next to your cursor.
*Click and drag to draw a pre-made shape*
To create a shape with even proportions (such as a perfect square or circle), hold ⇧ as you click and drag. If you’re creating lines or arrows, holding ⇧ will constrain the line’s path by 45° increments.
*Hold ⇧ as you drag to draw a shape with even proportions*
To draw a pre-made shape from its center instead of from the top left, hold ⌥ as you click and drag. You can hold ⌥⇧ to draw from the center and preserve proportions.
*Hold ⌥ as you drag to draw a shape from its center*
To move a shape as you’re adding it, hold the Space bar ␣ as you drag — this is handy if you started drawing the shape in the wrong area and quickly need to place it elsewhere.
*Hold ␣ as you drag to quickly move a shape*
### Drawing freeform shapes with the Pencil tool
To draw a freeform shape, press P or choose the **Pencil tool ** from the **Insert ** menu. When you’ve finished drawing, Sketch will smooth curves and simplify the path you’ve created.
*Use the Pencil tool to draw a freeform shape*
### Adding shapes from SVG Code
To add a shape using SVG code, simply select the code and paste it anywhere on the Canvas. SVG shapes will be added as a Graphic.
*Select the SVG code and paste it anywhere on the Canvas*