A cloud frame is what powers the automatic cloud infrastructure visualization in a Lucidchart document. It takes your imported cloud data and the rules you configure (like structure, filters, and layout) and generates an automatic visualization. You can create multiple views within a cloud frame, each displaying your infrastructure from a different perspective. Read this article to learn more.
Lucidscale is available to Lucid Suite Enterprise accounts as an add-on purchase with the Cloud Accelerator. To learn more about the Cloud Accelerator, refer to our Cloud Accelerator overview article.
Steps to add a cloud frame to a Lucidchart document
To add a cloud frame to a Lucidchart document, follow these steps:
- Create a new document with attached cloud data in the data hub.
- In the document, click the cloud icon in the primary toolbar.
- Drag the cloud frame icon onto the canvas.
- Add cloud shapes to the cloud frame from your dataset in the left context panel.
Note: While the frame is in Lucidchart, full view management and filter configuration still happen within the Lucidscale experience. Full control is planned for Lucidchart in the future.
Create and manage views
Once a cloud frame is in your document, switch to Lucidscale to create views within it. In Lucidscale, you can add views using built-in templates or create your own, and configure structure, filters, and layout settings for each view.
Learn more: For full instructions to work with views in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, read our articles.
FAQ
When should I use freeform diagramming instead of a cloud frame?
Use a cloud frame when you want the layout to be generated automatically based on your cloud data and configuration rules. Use freeform diagramming when you want manual, precise control over exactly where each resource appears on the canvas.
When should I use the Cloud Agent instead of a cloud frame?
It depends on what you want to maintain over time. A cloud frame is built to both create and stay current automatically. Configure your structure, filters, and layout rules once, and the diagram regenerates as your infrastructure changes.
The Cloud Agent (beta) produces a freeform diagram: shapes stay linked to live metadata, but you stay in control of what's on the canvas and how it's arranged. Choose the agent when you need a diagram with editorial intent that shouldn't rearrange itself.
Can I delete a cloud frame after it has been added to a Lucidchart document?
No. View configuration (such as adding views, adjusting structure and filters, and managing layout) requires switching to Lucidscale. The Lucidchart canvas currently supports placing the cloud frame and dragging in existing shapes.
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