create_element · tldraw MCP Server MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What create_element does on tldraw MCP Server

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

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why create_element needs a policy

Creating visual elements on a canvas is a Write operation: it modifies the drawing state by adding new objects, but the changes are fully reversible (elements can be deleted, modified, or undone). There is no data destruction, code execution, external system impact, or financial consequence. Severity is low because the blast radius is limited to the canvas itself with no side effects beyond the diagram.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Create a new tldraw shape/text/arrow on the canvas' — this is a create operation that adds data to the canvas reversibly.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

create_element Rate-limited

create_element 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": {
    "create_element": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "create_element_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 tldraw MCP Server, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about create_element

What does the create_element tool do? +

Create a new tldraw shape/text/arrow on the canvas. It is categorised as a Write tool in the tldraw 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 create_element? +

Register the tldraw MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for create_element: 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 tldraw MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is create_element? +

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

Can I rate-limit create_element? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the create_element 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 create_element completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for create_element. 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 create_element? +

create_element is provided by the tldraw MCP Server MCP server (mihai-codes/tldraw-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.