How to Use the Outline Shapes Tool (Bezier Mode)

The Outline Shapes tool in DRAWings PRO XII offers several operating modes (Context Menu, DRAWings, Janome Digitizer, and Bezier). The Bezier Tool mode is designed for users who prefer precise control over node placement and curvature, similar to standard vector graphic design software.

This guide covers how to activate the tool, draw complex shapes, manage object sections, and utilize grid snapping for precision.

1. Activating the Bezier Mode

To use this specific digitizing style, you must first change the tool settings.

1. Navigate to the tool options and select Bezier tool.
2. Important: You must restart the software for this setting change to take effect.

2. Basic Drawing: Lines and Curves

Once the software has restarted and the Outline Shapes tool is selected:

• Straight Lines: Left-click once on the working area to set your starting node. Move the cursor (a preview line will appear) and click again to place the next node. Continue clicking to create a path of straight segments.
• Curves (Method A – Dragging): To create a curved segment, click to place a node but hold and drag the mouse before releasing. This adjusts the curvature of the segment leading up to that node.
• Curves (Method B – Shift Key): Hold down the Shift key while clicking. The next point added will automatically be a curve node (represented by a round node) rather than a corner node (represented by a square node).

3. Managing Sections and Objects

In embroidery digitizing, it is crucial to understand the difference between a Section and an Object.

• Sections: Distinct shapes that belong to the same object. They will be embroidered together with connecting stitches.
• Objects: Completely separate embroidery elements.

How to finalize sections and objects:

4. Closing Shapes and Creating Holes

• Closed Shapes: To close a shape, simply click back on the starting node of your current path.
• Creating Holes: To create a hole inside a filled shape (e.g., a donut), create a closed shape. Then, without finalizing the Object, draw a second closed shape inside the first one. The software interprets the inner shape as a hole.

5. Editing and Resuming Paths

• Deleting Points: If you place a node incorrectly, press the Backspace key to delete the last inserted point.
• Resuming Open Sections: If you have finalized a section but the shape is open, you can continue adding to it. Hover your mouse over the starting or ending point until the cursor changes, then click and drag to extend the shape.

6. Using Grid Snapping

Precision can be improved by using the background grid.

1. Enable the Grid View and Snap to Grid options in the view toolbar.
2. Temporary Toggling:
   • If Snapping is ON: Hold Alt to temporarily disable it while drawing.
   • If Snapping is OFF: Hold Alt to temporarily enable it while drawing.

7. Releasing the Tool

When you have finished digitizing completely and want to exit the Outline Shapes tool, use one of the following methods:

• Right-click one additional time after finalizing the object.
• Press Esc or Enter one additional time.
• Click on the Rectangle Selection tool in the toolbar.

Quick Reference: Keyboard Shortcuts

• Shift + Click: Create a curve node.
• Backspace: Delete the last node created.
• Alt (Hold): Toggle Grid Snapping (On/Off).
• Enter / Esc (1x): End Section.
• Enter / Esc (2x): End Object.