How to Create & Add a Custom Route Tree Shape Library in the Play Editor

What is it?

A custom route shape library allows you to:

• Build your entire route tree once
• Store routes in a reusable PowerPoint shape library
• Double-click routes to automatically drop them onto players in the PQD Play Editor
• Maintain consistent route labels and styling across all diagrams

The process involves three main steps:

1. Draw and label routes in the PQD Play Editor
2. Save those routes into a PowerPoint shape library
3. Add the library back into PQD for quick access

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Step 1: Start in the PQD Play Editor

Begin by opening the Play Editor and selecting a formation.

1. Open the PQD Play Editor.
2. Navigate to your formations Drawing Library.
3. Double-click a formation to add it to the page.

Example:
You might start with a formation such as Double from a Pass Game 16x9 formation library.

Once the formation is on the slide, place the players you want to build routes for (for example, an on-ball receiver and an off-ball receiver).

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Step 2: Draw a Route Using the Freeform Tool

Routes should always begin from the center of the player icon. This ensures that the route attaches correctly when used later.

Draw the Route

1. Select the Freeform Tool.
2. Click in the center of the player icon.
3. Hold Shift to keep the line straight.
4. Click to place your route break (example: at 12 yards).
5. Double-click to finish the route.

Example: drawing a Post Route

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Format the Route

After drawing the route, apply your preferred styling:

1. Select the line.
2. Go to Shape Outline
3. Choose:
   • Color: Black (or your preferred color)
   • Weight: e.g., 3 pt
4. Go to Shape Outline → Arrows and select your arrow style.

💡 Tip:
Right-click the route line and select Set as Default Shape.
This ensures all future routes drawn with the Freeform tool automatically use the same styling.

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Step 3: Add a Route Label

Next, label the route so it appears automatically when used.

1. Go to Insert → Text Box
2. Place the text box under the player
3. Enter the route name (example: Post)
4. Customize the font & center align the text
5. Adjust the position so the label appears below the player icon

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Step 4: Copy the Route Into a Shape Library File

Now you will move the route into a new PowerPoint file that will act as your route library.

Create a New Library File

1. Open a new PowerPoint presentation
2. Go to Design → Slide Size → Custom Slide Size
3. Set the size to: 30 x 30 inches

This gives enough space to store many routes on one slide.

1. Delete any default text boxes so the slide is blank.

Paste the Route

1. Copy the route and label from your original play.
2. Paste them onto the blank slide.

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Step 5: Group the Route and Label

Routes must be grouped correctly so PQD knows where the route should attach to a player.

Open the Selection Pane

1. Go to Home → Arrange → Selection Pane

You will see the individual objects (the route line and the text label).

Group the Objects

1. Select both the route line and text label
2. Press Ctrl + G (Group)

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*** Important: Order the Objects Correctly ***

Within the group:

• The route line must be the bottom object

This is critical because PQD uses the bottom object to determine the route's starting point when it attaches to a player.

If needed, adjust the order in the Selection Pane.

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Step 6: Name the Shape

Rename the grouped shape in the Selection Pane.

Example naming format:

This helps identify whether the route is intended for:

• On-ball receivers
• Off-ball receivers

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Step 7: Build Your Entire Route Tree

Repeat the same process for all routes you want in your system.

Typical examples might include:

• Post
• Dig
• Slant
• Out
• Comeback
• Corner
• Fade
• Hitch

Each route should have:

• A route line
• A label
• A grouped shape
• A clear name

All routes should live in the same PowerPoint file.

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Step 8: Save the Shape Library

Once your route tree is complete:

1. Click File → Save As
2. Click Browse
3. Navigate to the designated location you want to save this file: 
   For example - PQD Playbook

Name your Presentation Route Tree

Click Save

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Step 9: Add the Library to PQD

Now you'll load the library into your PQD shapes panel.

1. Open the Shapes Library in the Play Editor.
2. Click the three dots (⋯) menu.
3. Select Add Shape Library.
4. Navigate to your saved file:
5. Click Open

Your new library will appear in the shapes panel.

You can also drag it up or down to reorder where it appears.

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Step 10: Use Your Custom Routes

Once the library is added, using routes becomes extremely fast.

To place a route:

1. Click the player on the field.
2. Double-click a route in your custom library.

The route and label will automatically drop onto the player.

Example:

• Double-click Dig (On)
• The dig route instantly appears on the receiver

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Best Practices

To ensure your routes behave correctly:

✔ Always start routes from the center of the player
✔ Keep route line as the bottom object in the group
✔ Use consistent line styling and arrow types
✔ Name shapes clearly (On/Off ball)
✔ Store routes in one organized library file

Summary

Creating a custom route shape library allows you to dramatically speed up your play-drawing workflow in the PQD Play Editor.

Once built, your routes can be:

• Reused across playbooks
• Added with a simple double-click
• Consistently labeled and formatted

With a full route tree library, you can focus on designing concepts rather than redrawing routes.