# OpenCharts Library

Browse, install, and use curated community component libraries to build richer whiteboards faster. Over 10 categories covering architecture, UX, cloud, networking, and more.

## What is the Library?

The OpenCharts Library is a curated collection of community-built component packs that ship with the OpenCharts whiteboard. Each pack contains reusable, drag-and-drop elements (icons, shapes, diagrams, and templates) organized by domain.

10

Categories

25+

Library Packs

100s

Components

## Library Categories

### Architecture & System Design

Software architecture, system diagrams, and infrastructure components for planning technical systems.

Examples: Microservice boxes, API gateways, load balancers, database symbols

### UX & Wireframing

Wireframe elements, buttons, inputs, and mobile/web UI components for mocking up interfaces.

Examples: Form fields, navigation bars, card layouts, mobile frames

### Flowchart Symbols

Standard flowchart symbols and shapes: terminals, processes, decisions, and data blocks.

Examples: Start/end ovals, process rectangles, decision diamonds

### Cloud & DevOps

AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes icons for cloud infrastructure and DevOps pipeline diagrams.

Examples: EC2 instances, S3 buckets, Lambda functions, Kubernetes pods

### Data & Databases

Database schemas, data flow, and API icons for modeling data architecture.

Examples: Table symbols, ER relationships, data warehouse icons

### Networking & Protocols

Network topology, routers, switches, firewalls, and protocol flow elements.

Examples: Router icons, switch symbols, firewall shields, server racks

### Presentation & Graphics

Themes, bullet layouts, screen ratios, and decorative elements for slide-like presentations.

Examples: Title slides, bullet templates, section dividers

### Icons & Logos

Software logos, brand icons, technology symbols, and general-purpose icons.

Examples: React, Node.js, Docker, GitHub logos and tech brand marks

### Math & Science

Mathematical symbols, science diagrams, and educational components for academic content.

Examples: Greek letters, equation blocks, circuit elements, lab equipment

### UML & Modeling

UML activity diagrams, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and modeling elements.

Examples: Class boxes, association arrows, lifelines, swim lanes

## How to Use the Library Browser

### Open the Library Browser

Click the library icon in the whiteboard toolbar. The browser opens as a dialog showing all available community libraries.

### Search & Filter

Use the search bar to find libraries by name, description, or component name. Use category pills to narrow results by domain (Architecture, UX, Cloud, etc.).

### Preview & Install

Each library card shows a preview image, author, description, and item count. Click "Add" to install. Components are injected into your whiteboard's library panel immediately.

### Use Components

After installing, the library panel opens on the left. Drag components from the panel onto your canvas. Combine them with freehand drawing and text for rich diagrams.

### Refresh & Manage

Click the refresh button to reload the latest library catalog from the community repository. Libraries are cached locally for 7 days for fast loading.

## Library Persistence & Caching

- Installed libraries are **cached in your browser**(localStorage) with a 7-day TTL. Reopening a project reloads your library instantly.
- Curated libraries **auto-load on first use** A small set of popular packs are pre-fetched when you open whiteboard mode.
- Use the **Refresh button** in the browser header to clear the cache and fetch the latest catalog and library data.
- Libraries are **deduplicated automatically** Installing the same library twice won't create duplicate items.

## Best Practices

- ✓**Install only what you need** Adding every library clutters the panel. Start with one or two relevant packs.
- ✓**Combine components with drawing** Start with library assets for structure, then annotate with pen and text tools for context.
- ✓**Use category filters** With 25+ packs, category pills and search make finding the right library much faster than scrolling.
- ✓**Refresh periodically** The community adds new libraries regularly. Hit refresh to discover new packs.

**Tip:** Recently installed components appear at the top of the library panel, so you can drag them immediately without scrolling.