Add Object Panel
The Add Object panel is your starting point for placing anything on the canvas. It has six tabs: Draw, Hardscape, Plants, 3D Models, Lights, and Water.
The Add Object panel opens on the left side of the canvas in 2D mode. Click any tool icon in the panel to activate it. Tabs that require a specific module (Hardscape, 3D Models, Lights, Water) are only visible if your account has access.
The panel is only visible when the Select tool is active and nothing is selected. Press V to switch to the Select tool, then click an empty area of the canvas to deselect everything and bring the panel back.
Hardscape tab
Lists all parametric hardscape wizards — deck, patio, walkway, stepping stones, edging, fence, wall, privacy screen, pool, pond, pergola, louvered pergola, gazebo, pavilion, covered patio, carport, cabana, outdoor kitchen, arbor, trellis, shade sail, building, and custom structure.
Plants tab
Shows plant profile icons for quick placement (Standard Tree, Conifer Tree, Columnar Tree, Weeping Tree, Palm Tree, Multi-stem Tree, Conifer Shrub, Bush, Spreading Shrub, Mound Shrub, Small Plant, Ornamental Grass, Fern, Bamboo, Ground Cover, Succulent, Climber, Espalier). Also has buttons to launch the Hedge Wizard, Plant Area Wizard, and open the Plant Library browser.
3D Models tab
Opens the 3D model library where you can browse and place furniture, structures, and decorations. Also lets you import custom 3D model files.
Lights tab
Contains light placement tools: directional light, point light, spot light, area light, string lights, and LED strip. Also includes lighting infrastructure tools: transformer, cable run, junction box, and lighting controller.
Water tab
Contains irrigation tools (sprinkler, drip line, irrigation pipe, hose connection, valve, controller, backflow preventer, pressure regulator, filter, valve manifold, downspout connection) and drainage tools (drain inlet, channel drain, catch basin, drain pipe, cleanout riser, outlet point).
Lights tab — luminaires and electrical infrastructure
The Lights tab is grouped into Core Fixtures (Path Light, Spotlight, Area Light), Linear & Suspended (String Lights, LED Strip), Power & Wiring (Transformer, Cable Run, Junction Box), and Controls (Controller). Place fixtures first, then connect them to a transformer using cable runs to build out a complete lighting plan. This tab is available when your plan includes the Lights tab.
Water tab — irrigation and drainage
The Water tab covers irrigation, drainage, and water features in grouped accordions: Sources & Supply (Source, Backflow, Regulator, Filter), Emitters & Heads (Sprinkler), Distribution (Pipe, Dripline), Control (Valve, Controller, Manifold), Manual Access (Hose Bib), then Surface Collection (Drain Inlet, Channel, Downspout), Conveyance & Discharge (Drain Pipe, Outlet), Access & Maintenance (Catch Basin, Cleanout), and Water Features (Fountain). Place heads and inlets first, then route pipes back to the supply or discharge point. This tab is available when your plan includes the Water tab.
Each tool button shows a keyboard shortcut badge on hover. Learning the shortcuts for your most-used drawing tools (for example L for Line, R for Rectangle, C for Circle) lets you switch tools without moving your cursor to the panel.
The Hardscape, 3D Models, Lights, and Water tabs are only visible when your subscription includes the corresponding module. If a tab is missing, it means that module is not active on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Add Objects panel is not visible — where did it go?
The panel only shows when the Select tool is active and nothing is selected. Press V to switch to the Select tool, then click an empty part of the canvas to deselect any selected object. The panel will reappear in the Inspector immediately.
Some tabs (Hardscape, 3D Models, Lights, Water) are missing — why?
Those tabs are gated by your subscription plan. Each tab appears only when your account includes the matching module. Contact your account administrator or visit your subscription settings to check which modules are active.
What is the difference between clicking a plant profile icon and opening the Plant Browser?
Clicking a plant profile icon (e.g., Deciduous Tree) places a generic plant shape immediately — it has the right visual profile but no assigned species. You then assign the exact species in the Inspector. The Plant Browser lets you search by name, characteristics, or growing conditions and place a species-specific plant in one step.
How do I get back to the Add Objects panel after placing or editing an object?
Press V to return to the Select tool and click an empty area of the canvas. Deselecting any active selection restores the Add Objects panel in the Inspector.
Can I place multiple objects without returning to the panel each time?
Yes. Most drawing tools remain active after each placement so you can place several objects in a row. Press Escape or V when you are done to exit the active tool and return to the Select tool.