How to Use the Outline Shapes Tool in Janome Digitizer Mode

This guide explains how to utilize the Outline Shapes digitizing tool within DRAWings PRO XII specifically when operating in “Janome Digitizer” mode. This mode offers a specific workflow for manual digitizing that allows for precise control over straight lines, curves, and object sections.

1. Enabling Janome Digitizer Mode

Before starting, ensure the software is set to the correct operating mode. The software offers various modes (such as “Context menu” and “DRAWings”) to accommodate different user preferences.

1. Navigate to the software settings/options.
2. Select “Janome Digitizer” from the operating mode list.
3. Restart the software for the changes to take effect.

2. Basic Drawing: Creating Straight Lines

Once the Outline Shapes tool is activated, the default behavior creates straight line segments.

1. Left-click once on the working area to set your Starting Node. A preview line will appear following your cursor.
2. Left-click again to set the second point. A straight line is created between the two points.
3. Continue Left-clicking to add subsequent straight segments.

Note: At any point, you can press the Backspace key to delete the last inserted point.

3. Advanced Drawing: Creating Curves

To create organic shapes, you need to switch from corner nodes (straight) to curve nodes.

• Right-Click for Curves: Instead of left-clicking, Right-click to place a point. The next segment drawn will curve through this node.
• Click and Drag: You can also Click and Drag the mouse to set a node and immediately adjust the curvature of the previous segment.

Visual Indicators: The software visually distinguishes between node types to help you edit later:

• Square Points: Represent Corners (Straight lines).
• Round Points: Represent Curves.

4. Managing Sections and Objects

In embroidery, you often need multiple separate shapes to be treated as a single object (embroidered continuously with connecting stitches).

To create a multi-section object:

1. Draw your first shape/section.
2. Press Enter or EscONCE.
   • This finalizes the current section but keeps the tool active within the same object.
3. Draw the next section.
4. These parts will now belong to the same object and will be embroidered together.

To finalize the object completely:

1. When you are finished with all sections of the current object, press Enter or Esc TWICE.
2. The object is finalized. Any new drawing created afterward will be a completely separate object.

5. Finalizing and Releasing the Tool

When you are finished digitizing entirely and wish to exit the Outline Shapes tool:

• Click on the Rectangle Selection tool in the toolbar.
• OR press Enter or Esc once more after finalizing an object.

6. Working with the Grid and Snapping

For precision digitizing, you can utilize the background grid.

• Enable Snapping: When the Grid view is enabled, you can turn on “Snap to Grid.” Your cursor will automatically snap to the grid intersections.
• Temporary Toggle (Alt Key):
  • 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. Creating Closed Shapes and Holes

• Closed Shapes: To close a shape, simply click on your Starting Node as your final point.
• Extending Open Shapes: If you have an open section, hover your mouse over the start or end point. The cursor will change, indicating you can continue drawing from that specific point.
• Creating Holes: To create a hole (void) in your embroidery design, draw a closed shape section entirely inside another closed shape section of the same object.

Summary Checklist: Janome Digitizer Mode

Troubleshooting: Switching Between “DRAWings” and “Janome Digitizer” Modes

This guide addresses common issues users encounter when transitioning between the standard “DRAWings” operating mode and the “Janome Digitizer” mode in DRAWings PRO XII. Because these modes fundamentally change how input tools react, users often face confusion regarding tool behavior, node creation, and object finalization.

1. Mode Selection Issues

Problem: “I selected ‘Janome Digitizer’ mode in the settings, but the tools are still behaving like the standard mode.”

• Cause: The software requires a restart to apply the operating mode change.
• Solution:
  1. Go to Tools > Options.
  2. Verify “Janome Digitizer” is selected.
  3. Close DRAWings PRO completely.
  4. Relaunch the application. The new tool behaviors will now be active.

2. Drawing & Node Creation Issues

Problem: “I am trying to draw a curve, but the tool keeps creating straight lines.”

• Cause: Input logic differs between modes. In standard modes, you often click and drag for curves (Bezier). In Janome Digitizer mode, the type of click determines the node.
• Solution:
  • For Straight Lines: Single Left-Click.
  • For Curves: Single Right-Click.
  • Correction: If you accidentally place a straight node (square) where you wanted a curve, press Backspace immediately to remove the last point, then Right-Click to replace it.

Problem: “I can’t adjust the curve while I am drawing.”

• Cause: You may be using the “Click-Click” method only.
• Solution: While Janome mode emphasizes clicking, you can still Click and Drag when placing a node to manually adjust the handle/curvature of the previous segment immediately.

3. Object & Section Finalization

Problem: “I pressed Enter to finish my shape, but the tool is still asking for points.”

• Cause: In Janome Digitizer mode, pressing Enter or Esc once creates a new section within the same object (e.g., for creating a multi-part shape that embroiders continuously).
• Solution:
  • To start a new section in the same object: Press Enter/Esc Once.
  • To finish the object completely: Press Enter/Esc Twice.

Problem: “My separate shapes are being embroidered together with a jump stitch I didn’t ask for.”

• Cause: You likely pressed Enter only once between drawing the shapes. The software interprets this as “Section A” and “Section B” of the same object.
• Solution:
  1. Select the object.
  2. Break it apart (if available) or delete and redraw.
  3. Pro Tip: When drawing distinct objects, ensure you see the object selection handles appear (indicating the previous object is finalized) before starting the next shape.

4. Grid & Snapping Irregularities

Problem: “The cursor keeps jumping to specific spots, making it hard to draw detailed curves.”

• Cause: Grid Snapping is enabled.
• Solution:
  • Permanent Fix: Disable “Snap to Grid” in the view toolbar.
  • Temporary Fix: Hold down the Alt key while drawing. This creates a “reverse” behavior:
    • If Snapping is ON, holding Alt turns it OFF.
    • If Snapping is OFF, holding Alt turns it ON.