How to Use the Outline Shapes Digitizing Tool

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Outline Shapes Digitizing tool in DRAWings PRO XII, focusing on the default “DRAWings” operating mode. This tool is fundamental for creating custom vector shapes that will be converted into embroidery.

1. Basic Drawing: Placing Points

The most basic function of the tool is creating shapes point by point.

• Activate the Tool: Select the Outline Shapes tool from the toolbar.
• Place Points: Use a Left-Click to place nodes (points) on the design area.
• Default Behavior: By default, the software connects these points with a natural-looking curve. The curve’s path is influenced by all the points you place.

2. Key Concept: Objects vs. Sections

Understanding the difference between Sections and Objects is essential for controlling how your design embroiders.

• Object: An “Object” is the entire design component, which can be made of one or many parts.
• Section: A “Section” is a single, continuous part of an object.

Why this matters: If you want two (or more) separate-looking shapes to be embroidered together with connecting stitches, they must be created as multiple sections of the same object. If they are created as separate objects, they will embroider as independent items.

3. Creating and Finalizing Shapes (Controls)

You have precise control over finalizing a section (stopping one part) and finalizing an object (completing the whole design).

How to Create a Multi-Section Object

1. Draw the First Section: Use Left-Click to place the points for your first shape.
2. Finalize the Section: When the first part is complete, do a single Right-Click (or press Enter/Esconce).
   • Tip: This finalizes the section, but the Outline tool remains active.
3. Draw the Second Section: Immediately begin drawing your next shape by Left-Clicking to place new points.
4. Finalize the Object: When you have finished all parts, do a double Right-Click (or press Enter/Esc twice).

Both sections now belong to the same object and will be connected by stitches.

How to Create a New, Separate Object

After you finalize an object (with a double right-click), the tool remains active. Any new shape you start drawing will automatically be a new, separate object.

How to Release (Deactivate) the Tool

When you are completely finished drawing and want to exit the tool:

1. Finalize your current object (double right-click or Enter/Esc twice).
2. Do one of the following:
   • Right-click one more time.
   • Press Enter or Esc one more time.
   • Click the Rectangle Selection tool.

4. Advanced Drawing Controls and Hotkeys

Use these controls to refine your shapes as you create them.

• Create Corner Points (Straight Lines): To place a sharp corner instead of a curve, hold the SHIFT key while you left-click.
  • Tip: In node editing, curve nodes are round, while corner nodes are square. This allows you to easily combine curved and straight segments.
• Create Closed Shapes: To create a filled shape (or a closed outline), simply left-click on the very first point you placed (the starting node) as your final point.
• Delete the Last Point: If you make a mistake, press the Backspace key to delete the last point you placed.
• Edit Curves While Drawing: As you place a point, you can click and drag it to manually adjust the shape of the incoming curve before releasing the mouse button.
• Add to an Open Section: If an object is finalized but has an open end, you can add to it. Place your mouse over the start or end node until the cursor changes, then left-click to begin drawing from that point.
• Create Holes: To create a hole inside a shape, first create your main closed shape. Then, while the object is still active (before finalization), draw another closed shape section completely on top of the first one. This second shape will become a hole.

5. Using Grid Snapping

When the “View Grid” and “Snap to Grid” options are enabled, your drawing will be very precise.

• Default Snap: Your cursor will automatically “snap” to the nearest grid intersection.
• Temporarily Toggle Snapping: You can temporarily override the snap setting by pressing and holding the ALT key.
  • If Snapping is ON, holding ALT temporarily turns it OFF.
  • If Snapping is OFF, holding ALT temporarily turns it ON.