{"id":2885,"date":"2025-12-03T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/?post_type=knowledge-base&#038;p=2885"},"modified":"2025-12-03T15:20:40","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T15:20:40","slug":"how-to-use-the-outline-shapes-tool-in-janome-digitizer-mode","status":"publish","type":"knowledge-base","link":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/how-to-use-the-outline-shapes-tool-in-janome-digitizer-mode\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use the Outline Shapes Tool in Janome Digitizer Mode"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains how to utilize the Outline <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/how-to-insert-and-customize-ready-made-shapes\/\">Shapes<\/a> digitizing tool within <strong>DRAWings PRO XII<\/strong> specifically when operating in <strong>&#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221; mode<\/strong>. This mode offers a specific workflow for manual digitizing that allows for precise control over straight lines, curves, and object sections.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed wp-block-embed-youtube is-type-video is-provider-youtube epyt-figure\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"><div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><div  style=\"display: block; margin: 0px auto;\"  id=\"_ytid_82942\"  width=\"1290\" height=\"725\"  data-origwidth=\"1290\" data-origheight=\"725\" data-facadesrc=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/06VwWbI8IzY?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;disablekb=0&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__ epyt-facade no-lazyload\" data-epautoplay=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" data-spai-excluded=\"true\" class=\"epyt-facade-poster skip-lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"YouTube player\" src=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/06VwWbI8IzY\/maxresdefault.jpg\" title=\"\"><button class=\"epyt-facade-play\" aria-label=\"Play\"><svg data-no-lazy=\"1\" height=\"100%\" version=\"1.1\" viewBox=\"0 0 68 48\" width=\"100%\"><path class=\"ytp-large-play-button-bg\" d=\"M66.52,7.74c-0.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79,.13,34,0,34,0S12.21,.13,6.9,1.55 C3.97,2.33,2.27,4.81,1.48,7.74C0.06,13.05,0,24,0,24s0.06,10.95,1.48,16.26c0.78,2.93,2.49,5.41,5.42,6.19 C12.21,47.87,34,48,34,48s21.79-0.13,27.1-1.55c2.93-0.78,4.64-3.26,5.42-6.19C67.94,34.95,68,24,68,24S67.94,13.05,66.52,7.74z\" fill=\"#f00\"><\/path><path d=\"M 45,24 27,14 27,34\" fill=\"#fff\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Enabling Janome Digitizer Mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before starting, ensure the software is set to the correct operating mode. The software offers various modes (such as &#8220;Context menu&#8221; and &#8220;DRAWings&#8221;) to accommodate different user preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Navigate to the software settings\/options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select <strong>&#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221;<\/strong> from the operating mode list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Restart the software<\/strong> for the changes to take effect.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Basic Drawing: Creating Straight Lines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/how-to-use-the-outline-shapes-digitizing-tool\/\">Outline Shapes<\/a> tool is activated, the default behavior creates straight line segments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Left-click<\/strong> once on the working area to set your <strong>Starting Node<\/strong>. A preview line will appear following your cursor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Left-click<\/strong> again to set the second point. A straight line is created between the two points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue Left-clicking to add subsequent straight segments.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> At any point, you can press the <strong>Backspace<\/strong> key to delete the last inserted point.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Advanced Drawing: Creating Curves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To create organic shapes, you need to switch from corner nodes (straight) to curve nodes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Right-Click for Curves:<\/strong> Instead of left-clicking, <strong>Right-click<\/strong> to place a point. The next segment drawn will curve through this node.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Click and Drag:<\/strong> You can also Click and Drag the mouse to set a node and immediately adjust the curvature of the previous segment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Visual Indicators:<\/strong> The software visually distinguishes between node types to help you edit later:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Square Points:<\/strong> Represent Corners (Straight lines).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Round Points:<\/strong> Represent Curves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Managing Sections and Objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In embroidery, you often need multiple separate shapes to be treated as a single object (embroidered continuously with connecting stitches).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To create a multi-section object:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Draw your first shape\/section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Press <strong>Enter<\/strong> or <strong>Esc<\/strong><strong>ONCE<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This finalizes the <em>current section<\/em> but keeps the tool active within the <em>same object<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draw the next section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These parts will now belong to the same object and will be embroidered together.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>To finalize the object completely:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When you are finished with all sections of the current object, press <strong>Enter<\/strong> or <strong>Esc<\/strong> <strong>TWICE<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The object is finalized. Any new drawing created afterward will be a completely separate object.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Finalizing and Releasing the Tool<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are finished digitizing entirely and wish to exit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/using-the-outline-shapes-digitizing-tool\/\">Outline Shapes tool<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Click on the <strong>Rectangle Selection<\/strong> tool in the toolbar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>OR<\/strong> press <strong>Enter<\/strong> or <strong>Esc<\/strong> once more after finalizing an object.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Working with the Grid and Snapping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For precision digitizing, you can utilize the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/create-embroidery-designs-from-any-image\/\">background<\/a> grid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enable Snapping:<\/strong> When the Grid view is enabled, you can turn on &#8220;Snap to Grid.&#8221; Your cursor will automatically snap to the grid intersections.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Temporary Toggle (Alt Key):<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If Snapping is <strong>On<\/strong>, hold <strong>Alt<\/strong> to temporarily <strong>disable<\/strong> it while drawing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If Snapping is <strong>Off<\/strong>, hold <strong>Alt<\/strong> to temporarily <strong>enable<\/strong> it while drawing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Creating Closed Shapes and Holes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Closed Shapes:<\/strong> To close a shape, simply click on your <strong>Starting Node<\/strong> as your final point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extending Open Shapes:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/knowledge-base\/how-to-use-combine-and-break-apart-tools\/\">Creating Holes<\/a>:<\/strong> To create a hole (void) in your embroidery design, draw a closed shape section entirely inside another closed shape section of the same object.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_82f94a-e3\">Summary Checklist: Janome Digitizer Mode<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Action<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Control<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Straight Node<\/strong><\/td><td>Left-Click<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Curve Node<\/strong><\/td><td>Right-Click<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Delete Last Node<\/strong><\/td><td>Backspace<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>New Section<\/strong><\/td><td>Enter \/ Esc (1 time)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>End Object<\/strong><\/td><td>Enter \/ Esc (2 times)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Release Tool<\/strong><\/td><td>Select &#8220;Rectangle Select&#8221; Tool<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading2885_c09695-c8\">Troubleshooting: Switching Between &#8220;DRAWings&#8221; and &#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221; Modes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide addresses common issues users encounter when transitioning between the standard &#8220;DRAWings&#8221; operating mode and the &#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221; mode in <strong>DRAWings PRO XII<\/strong>. Because these modes fundamentally change how input tools react, users often face confusion regarding tool behavior, node creation, and object finalization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Mode Selection Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;I selected &#8216;Janome Digitizer&#8217; mode in the settings, but the tools are still behaving like the standard mode.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> The software requires a restart to apply the operating mode change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong>Tools > Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify <strong>&#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221;<\/strong> is selected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Close DRAWings PRO completely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relaunch the application.<\/strong> The new tool behaviors will now be active.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Drawing &amp; Node Creation Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;I am trying to draw a curve, but the tool keeps creating straight lines.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> Input logic differs between modes. In standard modes, you often click and drag for curves (Bezier). In Janome Digitizer mode, the <em>type<\/em> of click determines the node.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For Straight Lines:<\/strong> Single <strong>Left-Click<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>For Curves:<\/strong> Single <strong>Right-Click<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Correction:<\/strong> If you accidentally place a straight node (square) where you wanted a curve, press <strong>Backspace<\/strong> immediately to remove the last point, then Right-Click to replace it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;I can&#8217;t adjust the curve while I am drawing.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> You may be using the &#8220;Click-Click&#8221; method only.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong> While Janome mode emphasizes clicking, you can still <strong>Click and Drag<\/strong> when placing a node to manually adjust the handle\/curvature of the <em>previous<\/em> segment immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Object &amp; Section Finalization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;I pressed Enter to finish my shape, but the tool is still asking for points.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> In Janome Digitizer mode, pressing <strong>Enter<\/strong> or <strong>Esc<\/strong> once creates a new <em>section<\/em> within the <em>same<\/em> object (e.g., for creating a multi-part shape that embroiders continuously).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>To start a new section in the same object:<\/strong> Press <strong>Enter\/Esc Once<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>To finish the object completely:<\/strong> Press <strong>Enter\/Esc Twice<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;My separate shapes are being embroidered together with a jump stitch I didn&#8217;t ask for.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> You likely pressed <strong>Enter<\/strong> only once between drawing the shapes. The software interprets this as &#8220;Section A&#8221; and &#8220;Section B&#8221; of the <em>same object<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select the object.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break it apart (if available) or delete and redraw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> When drawing distinct objects, ensure you see the object selection handles appear (indicating the previous object is finalized) before starting the next shape.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Grid &amp; Snapping Irregularities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Problem:<\/strong> &#8220;The cursor keeps jumping to specific spots, making it hard to draw detailed curves.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Cause:<\/strong> Grid Snapping is enabled.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Solution:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Permanent Fix:<\/strong> Disable &#8220;Snap to Grid&#8221; in the view toolbar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Temporary Fix:<\/strong> Hold down the <strong>Alt<\/strong> key while drawing. This creates a &#8220;reverse&#8221; behavior:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If Snapping is <strong>ON<\/strong>, holding Alt turns it <strong>OFF<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If Snapping is <strong>OFF<\/strong>, holding Alt turns it <strong>ON<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This guide explains how to utilize the Outline Shapes digitizing tool within DRAWings PRO XII specifically when operating in &#8220;Janome Digitizer&#8221; mode. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2886,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":""},"categories-kb":[333],"class_list":["post-2885","knowledge-base","type-knowledge-base","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categories-kb-how-to-training"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"categories-kb":[{"value":333,"label":"How to Training"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/digitize-outline-shapes-using-ja-1024x576.jpg",1024,576,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"DRAWings Embroidery Software","author_link":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/author\/drawings\/"},"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge-base\/2885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/knowledge-base"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/knowledge-base"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"categories-kb","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drawstitch.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories-kb?post=2885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}