How to use the freehand drawing tool in Vectric software | Creating Vectors

Overview

This video demonstrates how to use the Freehand Drawing tool in Vectric Aspire V12 to trace bitmaps and create organic vector shapes using a mouse or tablet. It covers accessing the tool, drawing freehand around imported images, and adjusting the key controls for smoothing, stabilization, vector ending behavior, and bitmap visibility.

Steps

1. Access the Freehand Drawing tool

   • Go to the Design tab.
   • In the Create Vectors section, click the Freehand Drawing icon.

2. Import and select a bitmap

   • Import a bitmap image to trace around.
   • Ensure the bitmap is selected before opening the Freehand Drawing tool.

3. Draw a freehand shape

   • Zoom in with the mouse scroll wheel for accuracy.
   • Click and hold the left mouse button to define the start point.
   • Move the mouse to draw while holding the button.
   • The crosshair and circle indicate the drawing path; the vector is drawn from the center of the circle.
   • To close the shape back to the start point, press Tab.

4. Adjust the Smoothness setting

   • Left slider position: minimal smoothing, creates more points — good for angular shapes.
   • Right slider position: maximum smoothing, reduces nodes/points — produces smoother curves.

5. Adjust the Stabilize option

   • Low stabilization: sensitive to small mouse jitters, rougher result.
   • High stabilization: software smooths hand/mouse movement, producing cleaner lines.

6. Set end vector behavior

   • Leave End vector at cursor unchecked to finish the vector at the center of the circle.
   • Check End vector at cursor to finish exactly at the crosshair/edge of the circle.

7. Control bitmap visibility

   • If a bitmap was selected before entering the tool, use the fade slider in the form to adjust bitmap visibility while tracing.

8. Review results

   • Exit the form and deselect the bitmap.
   • Select the vectors.
   • Press N to enter node edit mode and see the difference in node count based on Smoothness settings.

Key Points / Warnings

• The Freehand Drawing tool can be used with a mouse or a tablet + pen.
• Press Tab to automatically close an open shape back to its start point.
• Minimal Smoothness creates more nodes; maximum Smoothness creates fewer nodes for curved shapes.
• High Stabilization is useful when using a mouse; low stabilization captures rougher, more raw movement.
• The End vector at cursor option is a preference setting and controls whether the vector stops at the circle center or the crosshair edge.
• Bitmap fading can be adjusted directly inside the tool form if a bitmap was selected beforehand.
• Practice improves drawing accuracy and speed with this tool.