# Dynamic Canvas

Arky provides a new editing interface that embeds Markdown document structure into the canvas. We call this the Dynamic Canvas. You can switch between Canvas view and Document view while continuing your work.

# Canvas view

The canvas view works similarly to [Figma](https://www.figma.com/) or [Miro](https://miro.com/). This feels natural — it mirrors how we actually think. Like a blank sketchbook where you can place thoughts anywhere. Arrange text, images, and blocks freely. Wrap them into Shells to create hierarchy. Structure emerges naturally.

## Canvas Tools

You can pick a tool from the select panel or use shortcuts.

### Select (V)

When you want to move multiple Shells or Block Groups—whether you're dragging them into a Shell or taking them out—you'll need to use the **Select** mode.

Press the `V` key or click the Pointer icon in the select panel at the bottom center of the screen to enter **Select mode**.

### Text (T)

To write a paragraph, use a **Text Block**. You can enter **Text Mode** by pressing the `T` key or clicking the text icon at the bottom center of the canvas. Just click on the canvas, and a new **Text Block** will appear.

While writing in a **Text Block**, press the `/` key to open the **Slash Command** menu. It works the same way on the canvas, too.

> If a Text Block is left empty, it will be automatically removed.

While writing, press `⌘` **+**`Enter` to split a block group into two. (or use `Ctrl` \+ `Enter` on Windows)

### Shell (S)

If you want to create a new **Shell**, press the `S` key or click the Shell icon in the **Select panel** at the bottom center of the screen to enter **Shell Mode**. Once you're in Shell Mode, simply click on the canvas to create a new Shell.

## Visualize your thoughts

Use [Shells](/content/en/docs/shells/index.html), Sections, and Arrows on the canvas to organize thoughts more clearly. Share it with others to provide visual context and help them understand your ideas better.

## Drag & Drop

You can drag and move Shells or Block Groups to rearrange their position, or nest them inside another Shell to build a hierarchy.

## Alignments

You can freely arrange elements on the canvas. While you can move them by drag-and-drop, here are easier options:

- Select multiple elements — hold `Shift` to select multiple items, or drag to select an area.
- Once selected, an alignment toolbar pops up. Use it to space elements evenly—vertically or horizontally—or snap them into alignment: left, top, right.
- Or use keyboard shortcuts for faster alignment:
  - Align Left: `⌥` \+ `A` (or `Alt` \+ `A` for Windows)
  - Align Top: `⌥` \+ `W` (or `Alt` \+ `W` for Windows)
  - Align Right: `⌥` \+ `D` (or `Alt` \+ `D` for Windows)
  - Distribute Horizontally: `⌥` \+ `H` (or `Alt` \+ `H` for Windows)
  - Distribute Vertically: `⌥` \+ `V` (or `Alt` \+ `V` for Windows)

# Document view

Document view is primarily used for reading. This feels like [Notion](https://notion.com/) or [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/).

You can write from top to bottom in a clean, linear flow. With this flow, it's ideal when ideas have come together into a complete document, or when you need to write linearly on a [focused](/content/en/docs/focus/index.html) topic. Everything from the Canvas view is shown here in the same Shell hierarchy — just in a document-style format.

You can also export this document structure as Markdown, Word, or PDF files.