# Create a diagram

> Create a diagram from the live data of your devices, arrange its layout, and download it as an image.

Section: Diagrams  
Source: https://www.itva.com/docs/diagrams/create-a-diagram  
Last updated: 2026-11-03

In this procedure, you create a diagram, arrange its nodes, and download it as a PNG image. For the diagram kinds and what each one shows, see [Diagrams overview](https://www.itva.com/docs/diagrams/diagrams-overview).

## Before you begin

- Your role has the **Manage** permission for **Diagrams**. For more information, see [Roles and permissions](https://www.itva.com/docs/permissions-rbac/roles-and-permissions).
- The devices for the diagram are in your device inventory. To add a device, see [Add your first device](https://www.itva.com/docs/getting-started/add-your-first-device).
- ITVA has synced data from the devices at least once. See [Sync data from your devices](https://www.itva.com/docs/getting-started/sync-data-from-your-devices).
- The devices run the protocol for the diagram kind, for example LLDP or OSPF. A Layer 3 diagram needs only interface IP addresses.

## Create a folder

Each diagram goes in a folder. If you already have a diagram folder, go to the next section.

1. Open **Diagrams**.
2. Above the folder list, select **Create Folder**.
3. In **Name**, type a name for the folder.
4. Optional: to put the folder inside another folder, select it in **Parent**.
5. Optional: add tags to the folder. Subfolders get the tags of their parent folder by default.
6. Select **Save**.

The tags on a top-level folder control which users can see and manage the diagrams in that folder and its subfolders. For more information, see [Use tags](https://www.itva.com/docs/permissions-rbac/use-tags).

## Create the diagram

1. Open **Diagrams**.
2. Select **New Diagram**.
3. In **Name**, type a name for the diagram.
4. In **Folder**, select the folder for the diagram.
5. In **Kind**, select **LLDP**, **CDP**, **IS-IS**, **OSPF**, or **Layer 3**.
6. Under **Device Options**, select the **Devices** field.
7. In **Select Devices**, select each device that you want in the diagram. To find a device, type in **Search**.
8. Select **Select**.
9. Select **Create**.

ITVA saves the diagram, arranges the nodes with an automatic layout, and opens the diagram.

## Arrange the layout

A diagram opens in **View** mode. In this mode, you can pan and zoom, but you cannot move nodes.

1. At the top of the diagram, select **Manage**.
2. Drag a node to a new position.
3. To move many nodes at once, drag across an empty area to select them. Then drag one of the selected nodes.
4. Optional: to arrange all nodes again, select **Apply Auto Layout**.

ITVA saves each change to the layout automatically.

## Change a diagram

Caution: **Re-Apply Auto Layout** replaces all the node positions that you set.

1. Open the diagram.
2. Select the **Edit Diagram** button.
3. Change the name, folder, kind, or devices.
4. Optional: to arrange all nodes again, select **Re-Apply Auto Layout**.
5. Select **Update**.

## Download a diagram

1. Open the diagram.
2. Select the **Download Diagram** button.

Your browser saves a PNG image of the full diagram, 1920 by 1080 pixels. The file has the name of the diagram.

## Check that it worked

After you select **Create**, the diagram opens. Make sure that:

- Each device that you selected shows as a device node.
- Interface links connect the devices that are neighbors.
- The **Diagrams** page lists the diagram with its kind and folder.

## Troubleshooting

### A notice says that the mode requires devices

This red notice shows below **Kind** when your device inventory is empty. [Add a device](https://www.itva.com/docs/getting-started/add-your-first-device), then create the diagram again.

### The diagram shows devices but no links

ITVA draws a link only when it has synced data for both sides. Check these causes:

- The protocol for the diagram kind is off on the devices or interfaces. Turn it on, then sync the devices.
- ITVA has not synced the devices since the neighbors came up. Sync the devices, then open the diagram again.
- The vendor does not sync the data for this kind. See the vendor table in [Diagrams overview](https://www.itva.com/docs/diagrams/diagrams-overview).
- The neighbor device is not in the diagram. Edit the diagram and add the device.
- For LLDP and CDP: the neighbor name that a device reports does not contain the hostname of the other device in ITVA. Make the names agree.
- For OSPF and IS-IS: ITVA has no synced IP address for one of the interfaces.

### You cannot move nodes

The diagram is in **View** mode. Select **Manage**.

### You get a permission error when you select Create

Your role does not have the **Manage** permission for **Diagrams** for the folder that you selected. Ask an administrator to update your role, or select a different folder.