align_elements · Excalidraw MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What align_elements does on Excalidraw MCP Server

AI agents use align_elements to create or update resources in Excalidraw MCP Server — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Excalidraw MCP Server environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why align_elements needs a policy

Aligning elements repositions diagram components but does not create, delete, or execute external operations. The modification is reversible—elements can be realigned or undone. This is a Write operation (modifying element properties) rather than Destructive (irreversible deletion) or Execute (triggering external code).

From the tool's definition Tool is described as 'Align elements to a specific position', which modifies the layout/positioning of diagram elements.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

align_elements Rate-limited

align_elements stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "align_elements": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "align_elements_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Excalidraw MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about align_elements

What does the align_elements tool do? +

Align elements to a specific position. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Excalidraw MCP Server MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on align_elements? +

Register the Excalidraw MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for align_elements: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Excalidraw MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is align_elements? +

align_elements is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit align_elements? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the align_elements rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block align_elements completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for align_elements. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides align_elements? +

align_elements is provided by the Excalidraw MCP Server MCP server (kakacoding1/mcp_excalidraw). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.