PROTOFLOW/Docs

Design Tools

Symbol Editor

Create custom component symbols for use in your schematics. The Symbol Editor provides tools for adding pins, drawing shapes, placing labels, and previewing your symbol — all with full grid and undo/redo support.

# Creating Symbols

Open the Symbol Editor from the Component Library panel to create a new custom component symbol.

Workflow

  1. Open the Component Library panel and click Create Custom Component
  2. The Symbol Editor opens with a blank canvas and grid
  3. Draw the component outline using rectangles, circles, and lines
  4. Add pins at the appropriate locations with correct directions
  5. Add text labels for the component name and pin names
  6. Preview the symbol to ensure it looks correct
  7. Click Apply to save the symbol to your local library
[ Screenshot ]

Symbol Editor interface with a custom IC symbol being designed

# Pin Management

Pins define the connection points of your component. Each pin has a name, direction, and type.

Adding Pins

Press P to activate the pin tool, then click on the canvas to place a pin.

Pin Properties

PropertyDescription
NameThe pin label displayed on the symbol (e.g., VCC, GND, D0, CLK)
DirectionWhich side of the component the pin extends from: Left, Right, Up, or Down
Pin TypeElectrical type: Input, Output, Bidirectional, Power, Passive, etc.
PositionX and Y coordinates on the symbol canvas
[ Screenshot ]

Pin placement tool with direction selector and pin type dropdown

# Drawing Shapes

Use drawing tools to create the visual outline of your component symbol.

Available Shapes

Rectangle

Draw rectangular outlines for IC packages and standard component bodies. Click and drag to set dimensions.

Circle

Draw circles for pin 1 indicators, polarization marks, or rounded component bodies.

Line

Draw straight lines for custom outlines, internal details, or decorative elements.

Text

Add text labels for pin names, component identifiers, or functional descriptions.

Editor Features

  • Grid & snap — Toggle grid visibility (G) and snap-to-grid (Shift+G)
  • Undo / Redo — Full undo/redo support within the symbol editor
  • Delete — Select elements and press Delete to remove them
  • Preview — See how your symbol will look in the schematic before saving
  • Apply / Cancel — Save the symbol to your library or discard changes
[ Screenshot ]

Shape drawing tools in the Symbol Editor with a custom component outline

Next Steps