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There are three ways to add elements to your design in Subframe: quick insert, the insert panel, and the insert tools.
  1. Select an element on your canvas
  2. Hover over the edges of the selection box
  3. Click the button to open the search popup
  4. Search for and select the element you want to add
  5. The new element will be inserted in the direction you clicked

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Keyboard shortcuts

You can also use these keyboard shortcuts after selecting an element:
  • Quick insert above: Ctrl + I
  • Quick insert below: Ctrl + K
  • Quick insert left: Ctrl + J
  • Quick insert right: Ctrl + L

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Method 2: Drag and drop from the Insert panel

  1. Click the Insert button in the toolbar at the bottom of the canvas
  2. Find the element you want to add
  3. Drag it directly onto your canvas

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What’s in the panel

Search across everything from the bar at the top, or browse the sections:
  • Basic elements — text, stacks, icons, images, and dividers.
  • Components — buttons, inputs, and other components from your design system.
  • Snippets — designs you’ve saved to reuse, like page headers, navigation bars, and card layouts.

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Method 3: Insert tools

Press a shortcut to pick up an insert tool, then click where you want the element to land—no need to select an element first.
  • Press F to insert a stack
  • Press T to insert text
As you move over the canvas, a preview follows your cursor and a line shows where the element will land. Click to place it. Inserting text drops you straight into editing so you can start typing. Press V or Esc to exit the insert tool and return to selecting.
Last modified on October 8, 2026