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October 22, 2026
Question

auto create shapes

we collect assessment data in spreadsheets, then have been creating maps with diagramming tools. would it be possible to pull that data into a diagram, have lucidchart create as many shapes as there are rows with data according to a column field in reference to the diagram key?

Comments

Sylvia X
Lucid support team
October 23, 2026

Hi ​@Marq, thanks for posting in the Lucid Community! 

Just to make sure that we are on the same page, please review our Link data to a Lucidchart document Help article from the Lucid Help Center to see how dataset importing and shape linking work in Lucidchart.

When importing data from Google Sheets, Excel, or CSV files via Data Linking, Lucidchart displays your dataset in the right toolbar panel. While you can drag and drop specific rows directly onto existing shapes to link the data, Lucidchart's general data import does not automatically create a new canvas shape for every row in a custom spreadsheet dataset.

However, a few specific data-driven diagram options automatically generate shapes from imported spreadsheet data:

  • Org Charts: If your spreadsheet data includes employee or hierarchy details, importing it through the Org Chart tool automatically builds the shapes and structure for each row.
  • Smart Tables:You can import a dataset directly into a Smart Table to auto-populate rows and columns.
  • ERD Import: If your data represents database tables or schemas, importing SQL/Salesforce data will automatically generate entity shapes on the canvas.

 

If the issue persists or if you are aiming to build a specific diagram type, please send the following information:

  • A screenshot of your current process or preferred layout.
  • The type of diagram you are trying to build (e.g., flowchart, org chart, process map).
  • The format of the assessment data you are attempting to import (Google Sheets, Excel, or CSV).


Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

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