{ "articles": [ { "slug": "introduction-5", "title": "Welcome to Vexy Lines!", "summary": "Get ready to transform your creative vision into stunning vector artwork! Whether you're illustrating, designing, or exploring digital art, Vexy Lines helps...", "chapterSlug": "vexy-lines", "chapterTitle": "Vexy Lines", "headings": [ "What Makes Vexy Lines Special?", "Getting Started", "Your Creative Journey Begins" ], "contentSnippet": "Get ready to transform your creative vision into stunning vector artwork!\n\nWhether you're illustrating, designing, or exploring digital art, Vexy Lines helps you turn raster images (like photos or bitmaps) into expressive vector designs with remarkable control and artistic flair.\n\nThink of Vexy Lines as your bridge from pixel-based images to scalable, editable vector graphics.\n\nWhat Makes Vexy Lines Special?\n\nVexy Lines offers a unique approach to vector creation, focusing on transforming" }, { "slug": "getting-started-4", "title": "Getting Started with Vexy Lines", "summary": "Welcome! Let’s quickly set up Vexy Lines so you can start creating stunning vector artwork.", "chapterSlug": "vexy-lines", "chapterTitle": "Vexy Lines", "headings": [ "Before You Begin", "Installation", "Activation", "Intro Tour", "Create Your First Document", "Workspace Overview", "Create Your First Fill", "Experiment with Fill Properties", "Switch Between Views", "Save Your Work", "Helpful Tips", "Need Help?" ], "contentSnippet": "Welcome!\n\nLet’s quickly set up Vexy Lines so you can start creating stunning vector artwork. This guide is designed to be easy to follow, even if you’re new to design software.\n\nBefore You Begin\n\nEnsure your computer meets these system requirements:\n\n Mac: macOS 12 (Monterey) or newer.\n Windows: Windows 10 or later.\n Memory: Minimum 4 GB RAM.\n Internet: An internet connection is required for initial setup.\n\nInstallation\n\nFollow these steps to download and install Vexy Lines:\nVisit" }, { "slug": "document-structure-overview", "title": "Document Structure Overview", "summary": "Vexy Lines documents are built from several key components that work together to create your artwork.", "chapterSlug": "vexy-lines", "chapterTitle": "Vexy Lines", "headings": [ "The rendering pipeline", "Layers", "Groups", "When something looks wrong", "Building" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines turns a photograph into vector lines. You drop in a bitmap, stack some layers with different fill types, and the app produces strokes that thicken where the image is dark and vanish where it’s light. The result exports as SVG, PDF, or EPS.\n\nThe rendering pipeline\n\nAt the heart of every Vexy Lines document is a source image — a bitmap that supplies brightness data. A photograph of a face, a scanned texture, a flat gradient, anything with light and dark areas. Vexy Lines is primarily" }, { "slug": "create-new-document-1", "title": "Create a New Document", "summary": "Creating a new document in Vexy Lines is the first step in turning your vector ideas into finished artwork. Here’s how to do it, step by step. 1.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "The New Document Dialog", "Set Up Your Document", "Using a Reference Image", "Starting with a Blank Canvas", "Choosing the Right Size", "Built-in Presets", "Custom Sizes", "Understanding Resolution (dpi)", "Additional Features" ], "contentSnippet": "Creating a new document in Vexy Lines is the first step in turning your vector ideas into finished artwork. Here’s how to do it, step by step.\n\nThe New Document Dialog\nClick File > New from the top menu ({⌘N} on macOS / {⌃N} on Windows).\n\n{width=\"800\"}\nThe New Document dialog will appear, showing:\n\n A Preview Area with the initial state of your document.\n Access to Recent Documents for quickly reopening previous work.\n Settings to configure the new document’s properties.\n Two" }, { "slug": "opening-an-existing-document-1", "title": "Open a Saved Document", "summary": "Vexy Lines makes it easy to resume work on your saved projects. This section covers how to open your existing documents.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Opening Saved Documents", "Accessing Recent Documents" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines makes it easy to resume work on your saved documents. This section covers how to open your existing documents.\n\nOpening Saved Documents\n\nYou can open saved Vexy Lines () documents using several methods:\n\n Choose File > Open from the main menu ({⌘O} on macOS / {⌘⌃O} on Windows). Then, browse to and select your file.\n Double-click a file directly in your system's file manager (Finder on macOS, File Explorer on Windows).\n Drag and drop a file onto the Vexy Lines application icon" }, { "slug": "adding-a-fill", "title": "Add a First Fill", "summary": "In Vexy Lines, a Fill is the core mechanism that transforms your source image into vector artwork.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "How to Add a Fill", "Using the Main Menu", "Using the Layers Panel", "In a New Document", "Overview of Fill Types", "Basic Fills", "Artistic Fills", "Expressive Fills", "Customizing Fill Properties", "Working with Fills", "Common Questions" ], "contentSnippet": "In Vexy Lines, a Fill is the core mechanism that transforms your source image into vector artwork. Fills generate patterns of vector lines or shapes based on the image’s details, with each fill type offering a distinct artistic style.\n\nHow to Add a Fill\n\nYou can add a new Fill to your document in several ways:\n\nUsing the Main Menu\n\n{width=\"393\"}\nNavigate to Fill > New in the main menu bar.\nA dropdown list displays the available fill types.\nSelect the desired fill type.\nThe new fill is added to" }, { "slug": "fill-properties-1", "title": "Basic Fill Properties", "summary": "When you work with Fills in Vexy Lines, the Properties Panel gives you detailed control over their appearance and behavior.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Fill Properties Overview", "Using Linear Fill as an Example", "![Interval icon](/media/doc360/Images/sm-interval.svg) Interval", "![Shift icon](/media/doc360/Images/sm-middle.svg) Shift", "![Angle icon](/media/doc360/Images/sm-angle.svg) Angle", "Color Settings", "Static Color", "Color Wheel", "Sliders Panel", "Box Panel", "Swatches", "Picture Panel", "Pick Screen Color", "System Color Dialog", "Dynamic Color", "Color segment length", "Color segment length variation", "Filters", "Image & Signal", "Stroke Properties", "Stroke Thickness", "Thickness", "Transition Mode", "Smoothing", "Thickness at Line Breaks", "Gap Control", "Inverted Mode", "Dashed Lines", "Threshold", "Dash Length", "Gap Length", "Inverted Mode", "Line Caps and Joins", "Start/End Caps", "Intermediate Caps (for Dashes)", "Join Style", "Special Effects", "Emboss Effect", "Height", "Smoothness", "Smooth Mask", "Transform and Positioning", "Combining Properties" ], "contentSnippet": "When you work with Fills in Vexy Lines, the Properties Panel gives you detailed control over their appearance and behavior. Fills are the core elements that generate vector artwork from your source image, and their properties let you fine-tune the result to match your desired style.\n\nFill Properties Overview\n\nEach Fill type has a unique set of parameters, but many properties are shared across different types. These settings control aspects such as color, line appearance, interaction with the" }, { "slug": "adding-a-mask", "title": "Add a Mask", "summary": "In Vexy Lines, a Mask controls the visibility of the Fills within a Layer. It acts like a stencil, defining precisely where the artwork on that layer...", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "How to Add a Mask", "Mask Creation Methods" ], "contentSnippet": "In Vexy Lines, a Mask controls the visibility of the Fills within a Layer. It acts like a stencil, defining precisely where the artwork on that layer appears or is hidden. Each Layer can have one mask associated with it.\n\n{width=\"486\"}\n\nHow to Add a Mask\n\nTo add or modify a mask for a specific Layer:\nSelect the target Layer in the Layers Panel.\nChoose one of the mask creation tools from the Toolbar:\n Brush {B}): Paint mask.\n Rectangle {I}: Draw rectangular mask.\n Ellipse {O}: Draw" }, { "slug": "mask-editing", "title": "Mask Editing", "summary": "Vexy Lines provides several tools specifically designed for creating and refining masks. Masks define the visible areas of a layer’s fills, acting like stencils.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Brush Tool {*B*}", "Paint Mask (Add Mode)", "Erase Mask (Remove Mode)", "Draw Straight Lines", "Adjust Brush Size", "Rectangle Tool {*I*}", "Draw Rectangle", "Draw Square", "Draw from Center", "Auto-Detect", "Subtract from Mask", "Ellipse Tool {*O*}", "Draw Ellipse", "Draw Circle", "Draw from Center", "Auto-Detect", "Subtract from Mask", "Freeform Tool {*S*}", "Draw Custom Shape", "Auto-Detect", "Subtract from Mask", "Edit Tool {*V*}", "Working with Mask Contours (Paths)", "Select Contour", "Select Multiple Contours", "Select All Contours", "Move Contours", "Editing Nodes (Points on Contours)", "Select Node", "Select Multiple Nodes", "Select All Nodes on a Contour", "Adjust Shape**", "Mask Editing Tips" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines provides several tools specifically designed for creating and refining masks. Masks define the visible areas of a layer’s fills, acting like stencils. Understanding each tool helps you achieve precise control over your artwork.\n\nBrush Tool {B}\n\n Ideal for freehand mask painting and detailed adjustments.\n\nWhen the Brush tool is active, additional controls appear in the Toolbar, allowing you to switch between adding to the mask (painting white) and removing from the mask (painting" }, { "slug": "mask-properties", "title": "Mask Properties", "summary": "Masks control the visibility of Fills within a Layer. Vexy Lines provides several options in the Properties Panel to refine how your masks look and behave.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Invert", "Mask Mode", "Opacity", "Feather", "Modify", "Expand / Contract", "Edge to Stroke", "Simplify" ], "contentSnippet": "Masks control the visibility of Fills within a Layer. Vexy Lines provides several options in the Properties Panel to refine how your masks look and behave.\n\nTo access these settings, select the Layer containing the mask in the Layers Panel, then locate and expand the Mask section in the Properties Panel.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\nInvert\n This option instantly reverses the mask, swapping the visible and hidden areas. It’s useful for quickly creating negative-space effects or inverting complex mask shapes" }, { "slug": "units-of-measurement", "title": "Units of Measurement", "summary": "Vexy Lines allows you to work with different units of measurement depending on your project's requirements.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Where Units Are Applied" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines allows you to work with different units of measurement depending on your project's requirements. \n\nYou can choose from:\n\n Pixels (px): Ideal for screen-based design (web graphics, UI elements).\n Millimeters (mm): Commonly used for print design, especially with metric standards (e.g., A4 paper).\n Inches (in): Used for print design, particularly with US standards (e.g., Letter paper).\n Points (pt): Often used in typography and print design (1 point = 1/72 inch).\n\nWhere Units" }, { "slug": "adding-a-layer", "title": "Add a Layer", "summary": "Layers are fundamental organizational tools in Vexy Lines, acting like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "When to Use New Layers", "Adding a New Layer", "Managing Layers", "Visibility", "Selection", "Arrangement (Stacking Order)" ], "contentSnippet": "Layers are fundamental organizational tools in Vexy Lines, acting like transparent sheets stacked on top of each other. Each layer serves as a container for parts of your artwork, holding the Fills that create the visuals and optionally a Mask to control visibility. Using layers helps you manage complex designs, work on elements independently, and control the stacking order of your artwork.\n\n{width=\"221\"}\n\nA single layer usually contains:\n\n Fills: One or more Fill objects that generate the" }, { "slug": "sources-and-groups", "title": "Groups and Sources", "summary": "As your projects become more complex, Groups provide a powerful way to organize your document structure in Vexy Lines.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Creating Groups", "Using Source Images with Groups", "Adding and Managing Source Images in Groups", "Organizational Benefits of Groups" ], "contentSnippet": "As your documents become more complex, Groups provide a powerful way to organize your document structure in Vexy Lines. Similar to folders on your computer, Groups act as containers that can hold multiple Layers, other Groups (creating nested structures or sub-groups), and even their own dedicated Source Image.\n\nUsing Groups helps keep your Layers Panel tidy and allows you to manage related parts of your artwork collectively.\n\n{width=\"221\"}\n\nCreating Groups\n\nThere are several ways to create a" }, { "slug": "document-view-options", "title": "Document View Properties", "summary": "Vexy Lines provides several options to customize how your document and artwork are displayed during the creation process.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Toolbar View Controls", "View Menu", "Workspace Settings" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines provides several options to customize how your document and artwork are displayed during the creation process. Adjusting these settings can help you focus on specific elements, improve editing accuracy, and tailor the workspace to your preference.\n\nToolbar View Controls\n\nThe main Toolbar includes quick-access buttons to toggle the visibility of key elements:\n\n{width=\"177\"}\n\n-01.svg) Highlight Selection \nWhen enabled, highlights the edges of current selection.\n\n-01.svg) Highlight" }, { "slug": "saving-your-work-1", "title": "Save Your Work", "summary": "Regularly saving your Vexy Lines project is crucial to prevent losing progress. While Vexy Lines includes auto-save features for protection against...", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Standard Saving", "Automatic Safety Features" ], "contentSnippet": "Regularly saving your Vexy Lines document is crucial to prevent losing progress. While Vexy Lines includes auto-save features for protection against unexpected interruptions, frequent manual saving remains the best practice.\n\nStandard Saving\n\nVexy Lines saves documents in its native file format. This format preserves all your document information, including layers, groups, fills, masks, settings, and source images.\n\n Save: To save your current changes, choose File > Save from the main menu," }, { "slug": "exporting-the-artwork", "title": "Export Your Artwork", "summary": "When your project is complete, you can export it into various file formats suitable for use in other applications, printing, web display, or further editing.", "chapterSlug": "working-with-documents-1", "chapterTitle": "Your First Artwork", "headings": [ "Vector Export", "Vector Export Options", "Raster Export", "Raster Export Options", "The Export Process", "Clipboard Operations" ], "contentSnippet": "When your project is complete, you can export it into various file formats suitable for use in other applications, printing, web display, or further editing. Vexy Lines offers options for exporting both scalable vector graphics and fixed-size raster images.\n\n.png){width=\"400\"}\n\nVector Export\n\nVector formats preserve the mathematical descriptions of your artwork, allowing it to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. They are ideal for logos, illustrations intended for print, and designs" }, { "slug": "adding-a-fill-1", "title": "Add a Fill", "summary": "Add a new fill to your project using one of these methods: Go to Fill New and choose the desired fill type from the list.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Toolbar View Controls", "View Menu", "Properties Panel (View Section)", "Source Image Opacity", "Visual Highlights", "Background Color" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines provides several options to customize how your document and artwork are displayed during the creation process. Adjusting these settings can help you focus on specific elements, improve editing accuracy, and tailor the workspace to your preference.\n\nToolbar View Controls\n\nThe main Toolbar includes quick-access buttons to toggle the visibility of key elements:\n\n{width=\"177\"}\n\n-01.svg) Highlight Selection \nWhen enabled, highlights the edges of current selection.\n\n-01.svg) Highlight" }, { "slug": "linear-fill", "title": "Linear", "summary": "Linear fill creates patterns using parallel straight strokes, producing an engraving-like effect common in traditional printmaking.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Linear Fill Settings", "Adjusting Linear Fill Settings", "Adjusting Interval", "Adjusting Randomization", "Adjusting Shift", "Adjusting Angle", "Common Properties", "Practice File" ], "contentSnippet": "Linear fill creates patterns using parallel straight strokes, producing an engraving-like effect common in traditional printmaking. Each parameter offers specific control over the pattern's appearance and behavior, letting you achieve anything from subtle shading to bold, dramatic lines.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nLinear Fill Settings\n\nAdjust the Linear Fill using the settings found in the Properties Panel under the LINEAR FILL tab.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nHere's a breakdown of the main settings:\n\n Interval" }, { "slug": "wave-fill", "title": "Wave", "summary": "Wave fill generates patterns using parallel wavy strokes to produce a smooth, flowing effect.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Adjust Wave Fill Parameters", "Interval", "Randomization", "Shift", "Angle", "Wave Height", "Wave Length", "Phase Shift", "Wave Fading", "Curviness", "Additional Properties", "Practice File" ], "contentSnippet": "Wave fill generates patterns using parallel wavy strokes to produce a smooth, flowing effect. It's ideal for creating organic, dynamic textures while retaining precise control over both wave shape and pattern distribution.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Interval units: Sets the distance between wave strokes. Lower values create denser patterns, while higher values produce lighter ones.\n\n Randomization (%): Adds natural variation to the spacing of wave strokes. Useful for" }, { "slug": "radial-fill", "title": "Radial", "summary": "The Radial fill type in Vexy Lines creates patterns with linear strokes that radiate outward from a central point. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} !", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Create and Customize a Radial Fill", "Interval", "Randomization", "Shift", "Center", "Distance", "Auto Distance", "Random Distance", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Radial fill type in Vexy Lines creates patterns with linear strokes that radiate outward from a central point.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Interval (units): Defines the distance between strokes measured at the middle of the radius.\n\n Randomization (%): Adds a touch of variation to the spacing between strokes for a more natural feel.\n\n Shift (%): Modifies the phase of the fill by rotating the strokes around the central point in a clockwise direction.\n\n Center (units):" }, { "slug": "circular-fill", "title": "Circular", "summary": "The Circular fill creates a series of nested circles that start from a central point. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} ! image.jpeg /media/doc360/Images/image%28173%29.jpeg", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add and Customize a Circular Fill", "Interval", "Randomization", "Shift", "Center", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Circular fill creates a series of nested circles that start from a central point.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n{width=\"300\"}\n Interval (units): Specifies the space between the concentric circles. Lower values produce tighter circles, while higher values spread them out.\n\n Randomization (%): Adds random variation to the interval distances, giving the pattern a more organic look.\n\n Shift (%): Adjusts the phase of the fill pattern by shifting the strokes. A 0% shift means no offset, while" }, { "slug": "spiral-fill", "title": "Spiral", "summary": "The Spiral fill type in Vexy Lines produces a continuous spiral engraving using one smooth line. Use this fill for a clean, mechanical engraving effect in your design.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add and Customize a Spiral Fill", "Interval", "Randomization", "Shift", "Center", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Spiral fill type in Vexy Lines produces a continuous spiral engraving using one smooth line. Use this fill for a clean, mechanical engraving effect in your design.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Interval (units): Sets the distance between each turn of the spiral. Use a lower value for a tighter engraving and a higher value for more space.\n\n Interval Randomization (%): Adds a small random variation to the spacing for a slightly hand-crafted look.\n\n Stroke Shift: Adjusts the" }, { "slug": "halftone-fills", "title": "Halftone", "summary": "The Halftone fill technique transforms your artwork by arranging dots or geometric shapes in a specific pattern.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Grid-Based Halftone", "Randomised Halftone", "Image Density Halftone", "Dot Shapes", "Colors", "Fill Parameters", "Add and Customize a Halftone Fill", "Pattern Size", "Angle", "Render Even/Odd Dots", "Random Dot Distribution", "Image Density Halftone", "Morphing", "Dot Rotation", "Dot Randomisation", "Contrast", "Add/Remove/Edit Dot Shapes", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Halftone fill technique transforms your artwork by arranging dots or geometric shapes in a specific pattern. It uses the tonal values of your original image to vary the density and size of the dots, creating an engaging effect that mimics shading and gradients.\n\nGrid-Based Halftone\n-01.png){width=\"400\"}\n \nIn a grid-based halftone, dots are arranged in a fixed grid. Adjust the density and shape of these dots to fine-tune the shading and texture in your printed artwork.\n\nRandomised" }, { "slug": "trace-fill", "title": "Trace", "summary": "The Trace fill converts raster images into clean vector artwork. It analyzes your image's colors and shapes to create precise vector paths, making it easy...", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add a Trace Fill", "Adjust Image Threshold", "Smoothing", "Small Spots", "Additional Properties", "Practice File" ], "contentSnippet": "The Trace fill converts raster images into clean vector artwork. It analyzes your image's colors and shapes to create precise vector paths, making it easy to transform photographs and bitmap graphics into scalable vector designs.\n\n{width=\"400\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Smoothing: Controls how smooth the traced edges appear. Higher values create smoother curves, while lower values follow the original edges more closely.\n\n Small Spots: (units): Defines the smallest detail that will be" }, { "slug": "wireframe-fill", "title": "Wireframe", "summary": "The Wireframe fill creates clean, scalable outlines of your artwork. It highlights the basic structure of your image by finding edges and contours.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add a Wireframe Fill", "Configuring Precision", "Configuring Smoothness", "Stroke Properties", "Practice File" ], "contentSnippet": "The Wireframe fill creates clean, scalable outlines of your artwork. It highlights the basic structure of your image by finding edges and contours. You can easily control how detailed or abstract you want your artwork to be, making it perfect for both simple sketches and complex designs.\n\n.jpg){width=\"400\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Precision (%): Defines how accurately the wireframe replicates image details. Increase the value for sharper, more defined lines; decrease it for a looser," }, { "slug": "scribble-fill", "title": "Scribble", "summary": "The Scribble fill type mimics the look of hand-drawn lines. It offers adjustable settings to control stroke spacing, curve shape, and line...", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add and Customize a Scribble Fill", "Interval", "Curviness", "Randomization", "Angle", "Smoothness", "Details", "Rotation", "Height", "Scribble Pattern", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Scribble fill type mimics the look of hand-drawn lines. It offers adjustable settings to control stroke spacing, curve shape, and line direction—allowing you to create an organic, hand-crafted effect.\n \n.png){width=\"400\"}\n\nFill Parameters\n\nThe following parameters let you fine-tune your scribble fill:\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n Interval (units): Adjusts the spacing between strokes. Lower values produce a denser pattern, while higher values create a more open design.\n\n Curviness (%): Controls the" }, { "slug": "text-fill", "title": "Text", "summary": "The Text fill lets you use your own text as a pattern in your artwork. It adjusts the text to follow the strokes and shapes in your design and offers many...", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Fill Parameters", "Add and Customize a Text Fill", "Base Fill", "Text", "Font", "Repetition", "Paste", "Random Text", "Uppercase", "Tracking", "Flip", "Background", "Overlapping", "Variable Fonts", "Stroke Properties", "Link to Example" ], "contentSnippet": "The Text fill lets you use your own text as a pattern in your artwork. It adjusts the text to follow the strokes and shapes in your design and offers many customization options. You can pick a base template to set the flow of the text, and the image tone will automatically change the text size, weight, and color. Other options include repeating the text, pasting from your clipboard, generating random text, converting text to uppercase, and flipping the text. You can also add a solid background" }, { "slug": "fractals-fill", "title": "Fractals", "summary": "The Fractals fill type uses fractal math to create detailed stroke patterns. Currently, only the Peano curve a type of fractal is supported. {height=\"\" width=\"400\"} Strength" ], "contentSnippet": "Flowlines Fill\n\nFlowlines builds a direction field from the underlying curves (a map that stores the local line angle across the image), then traces a dense set of field-guided isolines to cover the area with continuous, “flowing” strokes. \n\nThe result can resemble woodgrain, fluid motion, or topographic linework—lines that naturally wrap around forms instead of following a fixed global angle. Because the field is just an angle per point, you can rotate or invert it to generate counter-flow and" }, { "slug": "mask-fill", "title": "Mask Fill", "summary": "By using this technique, the software will create a fill stroke along the edges of the mask.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [ "Enable Mask Fill" ], "contentSnippet": "By using this technique, the software will create a fill stroke along the edges of the mask. This fill stroke is advantageous as it ensures that you always have a clearly defined boundary for your fill.\n\nEnable Mask Fill\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nTo enable the \"Mask\" mode in the Handmade fill, please follow these steps:\nBe sure that you have selected the Handmade fill type.\nNavigate to the \"HANDMADE FILL\" tab.\nLocate and click on the Mask button to activate the mask mode.\nEdit your mask as desired and" }, { "slug": "solid-fill", "title": "Solid Fill", "summary": "When pressed, this function fills the defined contours with the currently selected color, ensuring a smooth and uniform application.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "When pressed, this function fills the defined contours with the currently selected color, ensuring a smooth and uniform application. It serves as an additional option for manual strokes, allowing users to enhance their designs by automatically filling enclosed areas while still maintaining control over their freehand strokes.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n| solid: off | solid: on | \n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|" }, { "slug": "filled-mask", "title": "Filled Mask", "summary": "When activated, this function fills the selected mask with the current color, providing a smooth and even coverage.", "chapterSlug": "fills-3", "chapterTitle": "Fills", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "When activated, this function fills the selected mask with the current color, providing a smooth and even coverage.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n| mask: off | filled mask: on | \n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|" }, { "slug": "opacity", "title": "Opacity", "summary": "In Vexy Lines, you can control the transparency of fills, layers, and groups using the Opacity parameter. This allows for more flexible and nuanced visual compositions.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "In Vexy Lines, you can control the transparency of fills, layers, and groups using the Opacity parameter. This allows for more flexible and nuanced visual compositions.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nWhen objects overlap, their opacities are combined, resulting in increased transparency effects. This behavior can be used creatively to achieve depth, shading, or subtle layering in your artwork.\n\n{width=\"472\"}" }, { "slug": "color-5", "title": "Color", "summary": "Vexy Lines offers two ways to set colors for your fills: - Static: A fixed color is applied to your artwork.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Dynamic Color Options", "Static Color Option", "Wheel Panel", "Sliders Panel", "Box Panel", "Swatches Panel", "Picture Panel", "Opacity", "Color Name and Value", "Pick Screen Color", "System Color Dialog" ], "contentSnippet": "Vexy Lines offers two ways to set colors for your fills:\nStatic: A fixed color is applied to your artwork.\nDynamic: The fill color is automatically determined by the colors underneath each element.\n\n| Static Color | Dynamic Color |\n| --- | --- |\n| {width=\"300\"} | .png){width=\"300\"} |\n\nDynamic Color Options\nWhen you use dynamic color fills, the color of each element or segment is picked up from the corresponding area of your source image.\n\nIf your fill uses closed elements (like in Trace," }, { "slug": "filters", "title": "Filters", "summary": "Filters Image Filters Overview This article describes the available image filters and explains what each one does.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Filters", "Image Filters Overview", "Quick Overview", "Detailed Description", "Brightness", "Contrast", "Invert", "Levels", "Blur", "Sharpen", "Shadows / Highlights", "Remove Background", "Color", "Gradient", "Summary" ], "contentSnippet": "Filters\n\nImage Filters Overview\n\nThis article describes the available image filters and explains what each one does.\n\n{width=\"266\"}\n\nQuick Overview\n\n Brightness adjusts the overall lightness of the image.\n Contrast increases or decreases the difference between dark and light areas.\n Invert reverses the image tones, turning light areas dark and dark areas light.\n Levels adjusts the tonal range of the image.\n Blur softens the image and reduces fine detail.\n Sharpen enhances edges and fine" }, { "slug": "image-threshold-2", "title": "Image & Signal", "summary": "The IMAGE THRESHOLD setting defines the range of gray shades—from pure black to pure white—that Vexy Lines considers when processing your image.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Inverted Mode", "Show Source Image" ], "contentSnippet": "The IMAGE & SIGNAL setting defines the range of gray shades—from pure black to pure white—that Vexy Lines considers when processing your image.\n\n{width=\"280\"}\nImagine a scale from 0 to 255, where 0 is pure black and 255 is pure white. Every number in between represents a different shade of gray. The diagram shows taller columns for the gray values that appear most often in your image—darker on the left and lighter on the right.\n\n Invert: switches the threshold or signal to inverted mode.\n\n" }, { "slug": "stroke-thickness-2", "title": "Stroke Thickness", "summary": "Use the STROKE THICKNESS settings to adjust the thickness of your fill lines and the size of Halftone fill dots. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} No", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Stroke Thickness", "Inverted Mode", "Thickness Transition", "Smoothing", "Thickness at Line Break Points", "Auto-thin strokes", "Wobble", "Rough strokes" ], "contentSnippet": "Use the STROKE THICKNESS settings to adjust the thickness of your fill lines and the size of Halftone fill dots.\n\n{width=\"280\"}\n\nNote: This setting is not applicable to Text and Trace fills.\n\nHere is an overview of the main settings:\n\n Inverted Mode: reverses thickness behavior so white strokes become thicker instead of darker ones.\n Smoothing: smooths transitions between thickness values for softer edges.\n Line Break Mode: controls whether new lines start with current or minimum thickness.\n" }, { "slug": "dashed-line-1", "title": "Dashed Line", "summary": "These options allow you to control the dashed pattern of your fill lines. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} Note: This setting is not applicable to Text, Trace,", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Threshold", "Additional Options", "Inverted Mode", "Dash by Thickness" ], "contentSnippet": "These options allow you to control the dashed pattern of your fill lines.\n\n{height=\"\" width=\"300\"}\n\nNote: This setting is not applicable to Text, Trace, and Halftone fills.\n\nThreshold\n\nThe threshold determines when a fill line becomes dotted based on the halftone values in your image. When the halftone exceeds the threshold, the line turns dotted. By default, areas lighter than the threshold show dotted lines, and at a threshold of 255 the dotted effect is disabled. Adjust this value using the" }, { "slug": "stroke-caps-1", "title": "Stroke Caps", "summary": "The STROKE CAPS section lets you control the appearance of your fill line endings.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Stroke Caps on the Edges", "Intermediate Stroke Caps", "Join Strokes Caps" ], "contentSnippet": "The STROKE CAPS section lets you control the appearance of your fill line endings. By adjusting these settings, you can create different visual effects for the start, end, and corners of your strokes.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nNote: This setting is not applicable to Text, Trace, and Halftone fills.\n\nStroke Caps on the Edges\n\nYou can individually customize the shape of both left and right stroke caps, as well as the caps at intervals, break points, and dashes throughout your fill lines.\n\nChoose from three" }, { "slug": "emboss-1", "title": "Emboss", "summary": "The EMBOSS effect gives your artwork depth by creating the appearance of raised or indented designs on the fill surface.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Height", "Smoothness" ], "contentSnippet": "The EMBOSS effect gives your artwork depth by creating the appearance of raised or indented designs on the fill surface. This effect adds a 3D quality to your work, making it stand out with realistic lighting and shadows.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nNote: This effect is not applicable to Text, Trace, or Wireframe fills.\n\n$~$\n\n.png){width=\"300\"}\n\nThe emboss effect has two main properties that you can adjust to create exactly the look you want:\n\nHeight\n\n Height controls how pronounced the effect appears. Use" }, { "slug": "align-and-arrange-1", "title": "Align and Arrange", "summary": "The ALIGN AND ARRANGE section provides tools to precisely position and order your objects. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} The alignment tools help you organize o", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Alignment", "Order Adjustment" ], "contentSnippet": "The ALIGN AND ARRANGE section provides tools to precisely position and order your objects.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nAlignment\n\nThe alignment tools help you organize objects based on their bounding boxes. When multiple objects are selected, alignment is relative to the group's bounding box. With a single object, alignment is based on the document boundaries.\n\n Align Right: Aligns selected objects to the right edge of the bounding box.\n\n Align Center Horizontally: Centers objects horizontally within the" }, { "slug": "transform-3", "title": "Transform", "summary": "The TRANSFORM section lets you precisely move, resize, and rotate your selected objects with numerical control.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Reference Point", "Positioning", "Size", "Rotation", "Flip" ], "contentSnippet": "The TRANSFORM section lets you precisely move, resize, and rotate your selected objects with numerical control.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nTo access these options, click the \"Expand\" button.\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nReference Point\n\nUse this control to set a point on the bounding box of your selected objects. All transformations will happen relative to this point, and its coordinates will be shown in the corresponding input fields.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nPositioning\n\nThese fields display the coordinates of your selected" }, { "slug": "overlap", "title": "Overlap", "summary": "The OVERLAP CONTROL section gives you powerful tools to create complex interactions between your fills.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Core Properties", "How Overlap Works: A Visual Example", "Advanced Options", "Scope", "Dash and Gap", "Stroke Orientation", "Synchronizing with Dashed Lines", "Quick Controls in the Layers Panel", "Example File" ], "contentSnippet": "The OVERLAP CONTROL section gives you powerful tools to create complex interactions between your fills. By controlling how fills intersect and cut through each other, you can achieve sophisticated artistic effects with precise control.\n\n{width=\"400\"}\n\nCompatibility Note: This feature works only with fills based on lines or curves. Text, Halftone, Trace, Wireframe, Fractals, and Scribble fills cannot use overlap controls.\n\n$~$\n\nCore Properties\n\nEvery fill can have two fundamental overlap" }, { "slug": "view-2", "title": "View", "summary": "The VIEW section contains settings that control the appearance of your workspace and interface elements. {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} This slider cont", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Visible Image Opacity", "Fill Highlight Color", "Mask Highlight Color", "Background Color", "Measurement Units", "Interval Value Range", "Thickness Value Range", "Maximum Triangular Cap Stroke Length", "Document Size" ], "contentSnippet": "The VIEW section contains settings that control the appearance of your workspace and interface elements.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nVisible Image Opacity\nThis slider controls how visible your imported background image appears while you work. Adjusting the opacity helps you focus on your vector artwork while still maintaining reference to the original image.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n| Opacity: 100% | Opacity: 50% | Opacity: 15% |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} | .jpg){height=\"\" width=\"300\"} |" }, { "slug": "document-properties-1", "title": "Document Properties", "summary": "The Document Properties dialog allows you to modify key parameters of your document including size, resolution, and units of measurement.", "chapterSlug": "properties-2", "chapterTitle": "Properties", "headings": [ "Accessing Document Properties", "Adjusting Document Size", "Changing Resolution" ], "contentSnippet": "The Document Properties dialog allows you to modify key parameters of your document including size, resolution, and units of measurement.\n\nAccessing Document Properties\n\nTo open the Document Properties dialog:\nClick on the View panel in the right sidebar\nLocate the Document Size section at the bottom\nClick the \"...\" button next to the dimensions\n\nAlternatively, you can access it from the File menu by selecting Document Properties.\n\n{width=\"600\"}\n\nAdjusting Document Size\n\nNote: Adjusting the" }, { "slug": "toolbar-5", "title": "Toolbar", "summary": "The Toolbar gives you quick access to essential tools and controls. Located at the top of the workspace, it's designed to streamline your workflow.", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Tool Buttons", "Refresh buttons", "Undo buttons", "Zoom buttons", "View mode buttons", "Activation button" ], "contentSnippet": "The Toolbar gives you quick access to essential tools and controls. Located at the top of the workspace, it's designed to streamline your workflow.\n\nTool Buttons\nThese tools help you create, select, and modify objects in your designs.\n\n{width=\"380\"}\n\n Editor tool {V} - Your primary selection and manipulation tool. Use it to select objects, move and transform elements, edit curve points, and modify nodes with precision.\n\n Meter tool {R} - Measure distances and angles in your chosen unit system." }, { "slug": "editor-tool", "title": "Editor", "summary": "The Editor tool is your primary selection and manipulation tool. Use it to select objects, move elements around, edit contours with precision, or clone...", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Edit Tool Activation", "Selecting Objects", "Highlighting", "Move", "Selecting contours", "Selecting nodes", "Clone Contours" ], "contentSnippet": "The Editor tool is your primary selection and manipulation tool. Use it to select objects, move elements around, edit contours with precision, or clone objects for repeated use. It's an essential tool that gives you full control over your vector artwork.\n\nEdit Tool Activation\n\nAccess the Editor tool by clicking its icon in the toolbar or navigating to Tools -> Edit in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"380\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {V}\n\nSelecting Objects\nTo select a fill, either click directly on it within your" }, { "slug": "meter-tool", "title": "Meter", "summary": "The Meter tool helps you measure distances and angles with precision. Whether you're planning stroke spacing, checking dimensions, or measuring angles...", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Meter Tool Activation", "Measuring" ], "contentSnippet": "The Meter tool helps you measure distances and angles with precision. Whether you're planning stroke spacing, checking dimensions, or measuring angles between elements, this tool gives you accurate measurements based on your chosen unit system.\n\nMeter Tool Activation\n\nAccess the Meter tool by clicking its icon in the toolbar or navigating to Tools -> Meter in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"380\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {G}\n\nMeasuring \n\nUsing the Meter tool is straightforward:\nPosition your cursor at the" }, { "slug": "pencil-2", "title": "Pencil", "summary": "The Pencil tool creates and edits Handmade fills by drawing vector lines. Use it to build custom fill patterns with direct control over each stroke. I", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Pencil Tool", "Drawing with the Pencil Tool", "Smooth drawing", "Selecting", "Editing" ], "contentSnippet": "The Pencil tool creates and edits Handmade fills by drawing vector lines. Use it to build custom fill patterns with direct control over each stroke. It supports both freehand curves and point-by-point polylines.\n\nActivating the Pencil Tool\n\nSelect the Pencil tool from the toolbar or navigate to Tools -> Pencil in the main menu.\n{width=\"480\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {P}\n\nDrawing with the Pencil Tool\nTo draw a freehand curve, press and hold the mouse button, then drag along your desired path. Release the" }, { "slug": "knife-2", "title": "Knife", "summary": "The Knife tool lets you insert new points into curves, split closed curves, and cut curves at specific points or along defined cutting lines.", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Knife Tool", "Curve Selection", "Add Point by Click", "Add Points by Line", "Splitting Curve at a Point", "Splitting Curves with Intersecting Line" ], "contentSnippet": "The Knife tool lets you insert new points into curves, split closed curves, and cut curves at specific points or along defined cutting lines. It works with both Handmade fills and mask contours.\n\nActivating the Knife Tool\n\nAccess the Knife tool by selecting its icon from the toolbar or via Tools -> Knife in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"380\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {K}\n\nCurve Selection\nThe Knife tool works on selected curves that are part of a Handmade fill or a mask. Select curves with the Editor tool or" }, { "slug": "transform-4", "title": "Transform", "summary": "The Transform tool provides operations for manipulating selected objects, including move, rotate, resize, and skew.", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Transform Tool", "Selection", "Moving", "Resizing", "Skewing", "Rotating", "Confirming or Reverting Changes" ], "contentSnippet": "The Transform tool provides operations for manipulating selected objects, including move, rotate, resize, and skew.\n\nActivating the Transform Tool\nClick the Transform tool icon in the toolbar or use Tools -> Transform in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"396\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {⌘T}/{⌃T}\n\nUpon activation, a bounding box appears around selected objects, indicating they're ready for transformation.\n| layer selected | curve selected |\n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|.png){width=\"300\"}|\n\nSelection\nUse the Editor" }, { "slug": "brush-1", "title": "Brush", "summary": "The Brush tool creates and edits masks in Vexy Lines. Use it to paint areas where fills should appear on layers.", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Transform Tool", "Selection", "Moving", "Resizing", "Skewing", "Rotating", "Confirming or Reverting Changes" ], "contentSnippet": "The Transform tool provides operations for manipulating selected objects, including move, rotate, resize, and skew.\n\nActivating the Transform Tool\nClick the Transform tool icon in the toolbar or use Tools -> Transform in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"396\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {B}\n\nUpon activation, a bounding box appears around selected objects, indicating they're ready for transformation.\n| layer selected | curve selected |\n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|.png){width=\"300\"}|\n\nSelection\nUse the Editor tool" }, { "slug": "rectangle-1", "title": "Rectangle", "summary": "The Rectangle tool lets you create rectangular masks to control where your fills will appear. Choose the Rectangle tool from the toolbar or navigate to T", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Rectangle Tool", "Using the Rectangle Tool", "Smart Shape Detection", "Erasing" ], "contentSnippet": "The Rectangle tool lets you create rectangular masks to control where your fills will appear.\n\nActivating the Rectangle Tool\nChoose the Rectangle tool from the toolbar or navigate to Tools -> Rectangle from the main menu.\n\n{width=\"380\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {I}\n\nUsing the Rectangle Tool\nBefore drawing, select a Layer or fill. Selecting a fill automatically activates its Layer. If nothing is selected, drawing will create a new Layer. Click and drag to create a rectangular mask, from your initial" }, { "slug": "ellipse-1", "title": "Ellipse", "summary": "The Ellipse tool creates oval or circular masks that define where fills appear in your artwork. Access the Ellipse tool via the toolbar or navigate to Tools", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Ellipse Tool", "Using the Ellipse Tool", "Smart Shape Detection", "Erasing" ], "contentSnippet": "The Ellipse tool creates oval or circular masks that define where fills appear in your artwork.\n\nActivating the Ellipse Tool\n\nAccess the Ellipse tool via the toolbar or navigate to Tools -> Ellipse in the main menu.\n\n{width=\"360\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {O}\n\nUsing the Ellipse Tool\n\nFirst, select a Layer or a fill. If you choose a fill, its Layer becomes active automatically. If nothing is selected, drawing will create a new Layer. Click and drag to create an elliptical mask, starting from your initial" }, { "slug": "freeform-1", "title": "Freeform", "summary": "The Freeform tool lets you create masks with custom shapes by drawing freehand outlines. Access the Freeform tool by clicking its icon in the toolbar or selecting", "chapterSlug": "tools-4", "chapterTitle": "Tools", "headings": [ "Activating the Freeform Tool", "Drawing with the Freeform Tool", "Smart Shape Detection", "Erasing" ], "contentSnippet": "The Freeform tool lets you create masks with custom shapes by drawing freehand outlines.\n\nActivating the Freeform Tool\n\nAccess the Freeform tool by clicking its icon in the toolbar or selecting Tools -> Freeform from the main menu.\n{width=\"360\"}\n\nTool shortcut: {S}\n\nDrawing with the Freeform Tool\n\nBefore using the Freeform tool, select a Layer or fill. Selecting a fill automatically activates its Layer. If nothing is selected, drawing will create a new Layer with your mask. To draw, press and" }, { "slug": "layers-panel", "title": "Layers Panel", "summary": "The Layers panel is an essential part of the Vexy Lines interface, designed to help you organize your document structure, quickly select objects, and access...", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "Objects", "Fills", "Layer", "Group", "Ordering" ], "contentSnippet": "The Layers panel is an essential part of the Vexy Lines interface, designed to help you organize your document structure, quickly select objects, and access their properties. Think of it as your document navigator and control center.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nThe main area of the panel displays the tree structure of your current document. Objects appear in the same order they're arranged in your artwork, with items at the top of the panel appearing on top in your design. The tree includes groups, layers," }, { "slug": "adding-a-layer-1", "title": "Adding a Layer", "summary": "You'll want to create a new layer when you need to: - Apply different fill styles to separate areas - Work on elements independently - Organize your artwork...", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "Creating Layers", "Layer Location" ], "contentSnippet": "You'll want to create a new layer when you need to:\nApply different fill styles to separate areas\nWork on elements independently\nOrganize your artwork more effectively\nKeep complex designs manageable\n\nFor example, when creating a portrait, you might use separate layers for hair, face, and clothing since each area might need different fill styles.\n\nCreating Layers\n\nYou can add new layers in several ways:\nChoose Layer > New > Layer from the menu\n{width=\"221\"}\nClick the \"Add Layer\" button in the" }, { "slug": "removing-the-layer", "title": "Removing the Layer", "summary": "There are several ways to remove a layer from your document when you no longer need it. The quickest way to remove a layer is through the Layers panel: 1.", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "Using the Layers Panel", "Using Keyboard Shortcuts", "Using the Menu", "What Happens When You Remove a Layer", "Tips for Managing Layers" ], "contentSnippet": "There are several ways to remove a layer from your document when you no longer need it.\n\nUsing the Layers Panel\n\nThe quickest way to remove a layer is through the Layers panel:\nSelect the layer you want to remove by clicking on it in the Layers panel\nClick the Delete button at the bottom of the Layers panel\n\n{width=\"225\"}\n\nUsing Keyboard Shortcuts\n\nYou can also remove a selected layer using keyboard shortcuts:\nPress {Del} or {Backspace} key after selecting the layer\n\nUsing the Menu\n\nAnother" }, { "slug": "mask-3", "title": "Mask", "summary": "A mask allows you to hide or reveal parts of an image on a layer. Layer: No Mask Layer: Masked --- --- {height=\"\" width=\"300\"} !", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "Creating Masks", "Mask Overlay", "Advanced Options" ], "contentSnippet": "A mask allows you to hide or reveal parts of an image on a layer. \n\n| Layer: No Mask | Layer: Masked |\n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|\n\nThink of a mask as a stencil - the fill is only visible in areas where the mask allows it to show through. Each layer can contain one mask that affects all fills within that layer.\n\nWhite areas of the mask show your fills, while black areas hide them. This gives you precise control over which parts of your artwork are visible.\n\nCreating Masks\n\nYou" }, { "slug": "groups-1", "title": "Groups", "summary": "Groups are organizational containers that help you structure complex documents. Think of groups as folders that can hold layers, other groups, and source images.", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "What Groups Do", "Source Images in Groups", "Group Overlay" ], "contentSnippet": "Groups are organizational containers that help you structure complex documents. Think of groups as folders that can hold layers, other groups, and source images.\n\n{width=\"285\"}\n\nWhat Groups Do\n\nA group can include:\nMultiple layers containing your artwork\nOther groups (sub-groups) for deeper organization\nA source image to guide your work\n\nGroups make it easier to:\nOrganize related elements together\nControl visibility of multiple layers at once\nApply source images to specific parts of your" }, { "slug": "mesh-6", "title": "Mesh", "summary": "The Mesh property of the layer provides an advanced level of flexibility by allowing you to manipulate fills using a grid-based system.", "chapterSlug": "layers-4", "chapterTitle": "Layers", "headings": [ "Activating Mesh Mode", "Front and Back Sides", "Removing a Mesh" ], "contentSnippet": "The Mesh property of the layer provides an advanced level of flexibility by allowing you to manipulate fills using a grid-based system. This feature helps you create unique transformations and effects.\n\nThe following predefined mesh shapes are available:\n\n  Rectangle\n  Donut\n  Rising wave\n  Falling wave\n  Rising ribbon\n  Falling ribbon\n\nNote: Meshes do not affect certain fill types such as trace, handmade, autowireframe, or scribble" }, { "slug": "adding-mask", "title": "Adding Mask", "summary": "A mask determines which parts of your fill are visible. Think of it as a stencil that controls where your artwork appears.", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [ "Adding a Mask", "Tips for Working with Masks" ], "contentSnippet": "A mask determines which parts of your fill are visible. Think of it as a stencil that controls where your artwork appears. You can add a mask to any layer, giving you precise control over your design.\n\nAdding a Mask\n\nTo create and edit masks in Vexy Lines, you can use specialized tools such as the Brush, Rectangle, Ellipse, and Freeform. These tools allow you to craft a mask outline around the desired area.\n\n{width=\"174\"}\n\nSelect a layer in the Layers panel and use any of these tools from the" }, { "slug": "importing-mask", "title": "Importing Mask", "summary": "Easily import a pre-designed mask using an SVG file. To do so, follow these steps: 1. Navigate to File - Import - Artwork from the menu. 2.", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "Easily import a pre-designed mask using an SVG file.\n\nTo do so, follow these steps:\nNavigate to File -> Import -> Artwork from the menu. \nIn the dialog box that appears, choose the SVG file you wish to import.\nThen, decide on the action you'd like to take:\n\nIf a specific Layer is selected:\n Replace Mask: This will substitute the mask in the currently selected Layer.\n Add Mask: This will append a new mask to the chosen Layer.\n\n{width=\"200\"}\n\nIf no Layer is selected, you'll be given the option to" }, { "slug": "mask-editing-1", "title": "Mask Editing", "summary": "You can easily modify the mask on your chosen Layer . Use tools like the Brush , Rectangle , Ellipse , and Freeform to draw new sections or erase unwanted areas.", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [ "Add and Remove Points", "Inverting Mask" ], "contentSnippet": "You can easily modify the mask on your chosen Layer. Use tools like the Brush, Rectangle, Ellipse, and Freeform to draw new sections or erase unwanted areas.\n{width=\"518\"}\n\nFor more precise edits, utilize the Editor tool. \n\nStart by selecting a curve on the mask. You can choose multiple curves by holding down the {⇧} key while clicking. Once selected, you can drag individual or multiple points to adjust their positions.\n\nDive deeper into the Editor tool's capabilities in the Editor" }, { "slug": "mask-overlay", "title": "Mask Overlay", "summary": "In Vexy Lines, each layer has an Overlay option. When turned on, the mask becomes solid, covering its selected area and hiding any masks below it.", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [ "Overlay" ], "contentSnippet": "Overlay\n\nIn Vexy Lines, each layer has an Overlay option. When turned on, the mask becomes solid, covering its selected area and hiding any masks below it. Essentially, a layer with the activated Overlay will be displayed on top of other underlying layers.\n\n| overlay: off | overlay: on|\n| --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|\n\nThe Overlay's behavior is also influenced by the group's Overlay setting:\n\n If the group's Overlay is on, its masks will cover any layers below the group.\n If it's" }, { "slug": "mask-properties-1", "title": "Mask Properties", "summary": "When activated, this mode enhances the mask with added transparency and softens the edges for a smoother appearance.", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [ "Smooth Mask", "Opacity", "Feather", "Modify", "Expand or Contract", "Edge to Stroke" ], "contentSnippet": "Smooth Mask\n\nWhen activated, this mode enhances the mask with added transparency and softens the edges for a smoother appearance.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nYou can find this property and its settings in the \"Smooth Mask\" properties panel. For a detailed guide on how to use this feature, refer to the Smooth Mask article.\n\nWhen this mode is activated, masking gains additional transparency and edge blurring properties.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\n>This masking mode is based on raster masks. By default, this mode is" }, { "slug": "mask-and-mesh", "title": "Mask and Mesh", "summary": "If layer has a mesh , the mask within this Layer gains an additional Pinned property. This feature is designed to \"pin\" the mask to the mesh .", "chapterSlug": "mask-category", "chapterTitle": "Mask", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "If layer has a mesh, the mask within this Layer gains an additional Pinned property. \n\nThis feature is designed to \"pin\" the mask to the mesh. When in the Pinned state, all standard transformation operations (move, rotate, resize) applied to the mesh will also be applied to the mask.\n\n| pinned mask | rotate | shear |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|\n\n$~$\n\n| unpinned mask | rotate | shear |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|{width=\"300\"}|\n\nYou can" }, { "slug": "adding-mesh", "title": "Adding Mesh", "summary": "Adding a mesh to your layer is the first step toward creating advanced transformations and effects in Vexy Lines.", "chapterSlug": "mesh-5", "chapterTitle": "Mesh", "headings": [ "Adding Mesh", "Mesh Templates", "Tips for Choosing the Right Mesh" ], "contentSnippet": "Adding a mesh to your layer is the first step toward creating advanced transformations and effects in Vexy Lines. A mesh allows you to manipulate your artwork in ways that would be difficult or impossible with standard vector editing tools.\n\nBefore adding a mesh, make sure you have:\nCreated at least one layer with fills\nSelected the layer you want to apply the mesh to\nConsidered which mesh shape will best suit your design goals\n\nAdding Mesh\nEnsure a Layer is selected. \nIn the Toolbar of the" }, { "slug": "mesh-editing", "title": "Mesh Editing", "summary": "After adding a mesh to your layer, you can customize it to achieve your desired effect. Use the Editor tool to begin editing your mesh.", "chapterSlug": "mesh-5", "chapterTitle": "Mesh", "headings": [ "Basic Editing", "Adding Points", "Using {*⌥*} Key", "Using Quick Add Buttons", "Using the Knife Tool", "Deleting Points", "Deleting Edges", "Helpful Tips" ], "contentSnippet": "After adding a mesh to your layer, you can customize it to achieve your desired effect. \n\nBasic Editing\n\nUse the Editor tool to begin editing your mesh. Click on any edge to make it active. Active edges show points available for editing.\n\nHold the {⇧} key to select multiple edges at once.\n\nYou can move individual points, select groups of points, move groups, and delete points as needed.\n\n{width=\"440\"}\n\nUse the transformation tool (⌘T) to transform selected edges by scaling, rotating, or" }, { "slug": "mesh-properties", "title": "Mesh Properties", "summary": "The MESH section of the Properties panel lets you adjust the mesh grid structure of your design in Strokes Maker, making it easier to fine-tune your artwork.", "chapterSlug": "mesh-5", "chapterTitle": "Mesh", "headings": [ "Adding Edges", "When to Add Edges", "Hidden Strokes Removal", "Removal Direction", "Direction Options", "Precision Settings", "Common Use Cases", "Adding Detail to Specific Areas", "Creating Realistic Folded Effects", "Creating Depth and Perspective", "Troubleshooting Common Issues" ], "contentSnippet": "The MESH section of the Properties panel lets you adjust the mesh grid structure of your design in Strokes Maker, making it easier to fine-tune your artwork.\n\n{width=\"300\"}\n\nThink of a mesh as a flexible grid that you can reshape to transform your artwork. The Mesh Properties panel gives you control over this grid's structure and behavior. Here you can:\nAdd more grid lines (edges) to increase control over specific areas\nMake your mesh behave like a real 3D object with the Hidden Strokes Removal" }, { "slug": "mesh-and-mask", "title": "Pinning Mask to Mesh", "summary": "When a layer has a Mesh , its mask comes with a Pinned option. This feature allows the mask to move in sync with the Mesh.", "chapterSlug": "mesh-5", "chapterTitle": "Mesh", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "When a layer has a Mesh, its mask comes with a Pinned option. This feature allows the mask to move in sync with the Mesh. When you adjust the Mesh by moving, rotating, or resizing it, the mask follows along accordingly.\n\nIn Mesh mode, the mask within this Layer gains an additional Pinned property. This feature is designed to \"pin\" the mask to the Mesh object. When in the Pinned state, all standard transformation operations (move, rotate, resize) applied to the Mesh will also be applied to the" }, { "slug": "create-group", "title": "Creating Groups", "summary": "Groups are essential for organizing your artwork in Vexy Lines. Just like folders on your computer, groups let you bundle related layers together, making...", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [ "Creating an Empty Group" ], "contentSnippet": "Groups are essential for organizing your artwork in Vexy Lines. Just like folders on your computer, groups let you bundle related layers together, making complex documents much easier to manage.\n\nTo group multiple objects together:\nIn the Layers panel select the desired layers and groups you want to combine to the new group.\nNavigate to the menu Layer -> Group. Alternatively, you can quickly group them by pressing the {⌘G}/{⌃G} shortcut.\n\nCreating an Empty Group\n\nYou can create an empty group" }, { "slug": "ungrouping-objects", "title": "Ungrouping Objects", "summary": "Sometimes you'll need to break a group apart to work with its individual components.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [ "Ungrouping Objects" ], "contentSnippet": "Sometimes you'll need to break a group apart to work with its individual components. \n\nYou might want to ungroup when:\nYou need to edit specific layers independently\nYou're reorganizing your artwork structure \nYou want to move certain layers to different groups\nYou need to apply different effects to individual layers\nYou want to delete specific components without affecting others\n\nUngrouping doesn't delete anything—it simply releases the layers from their container so you can work with them" }, { "slug": "moving-objects-between-groups", "title": "Moving Objects Between Groups", "summary": "As your artwork evolves, you'll often need to reorganize your layers and groups.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "As your artwork evolves, you'll often need to reorganize your layers and groups. \n\nMoving objects between groups helps you:\nKeep your artwork organized as your design develops\nGroup related elements together for easier editing\nExperiment with different layouts by rearranging components\nApply different source images to specific elements\nCreate logical hierarchies for complex illustrations\nMake your document more manageable and easier to navigate\n\nYou can move both Layers and Groups between" }, { "slug": "importing-the-document-as-group", "title": "Importing the Document as Group", "summary": "You can import .lines files directly as groups, keeping all their structure intact.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "You can import .lines files directly as groups, keeping all their structure intact.\n\nWhen you import an .lines file, Vexy Lines creates a new group containing all the objects from that file. This makes it easy to reuse elements across documents or combine multiple designs.\n\nHere's how to import an .lines file:\nGo to the File menu and select Import -> Strokes\nBrowse to find the file you want to import, select it, and confirm your choice\nA new group will appear in your Layers panel with the same" }, { "slug": "group-overlay", "title": "Group Overlay", "summary": "Groups in Vexy Lines can use an Overlay feature that gives you more control over how masks affect your artwork.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [ "How Group Overlay Works", "When to Use Group Overlay" ], "contentSnippet": "Groups in Vexy Lines can use an Overlay feature that gives you more control over how masks affect your artwork.\n\nHow Group Overlay Works\n\nThink of Group Overlay as an extension of how masks typically work. Here's what it does:\nWhen Group Overlay is turned on, any Overlay masks in the group will affect not just the layers within that group, but also any layers beneath the group in your document hierarchy.\nWhen Group Overlay is turned off, Overlay masks only affect the layers within their own" }, { "slug": "adding-source-image", "title": "Adding Source Image", "summary": "The first source image is added when you create a new project. It's automatically linked to your document's root group. To add source image using menu: 1.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "The first source image is added when you create a new document. It's automatically linked to your document's root group. \n\nTo add source image using menu:\nSelect your group\nGo to Layer > Add Source\nChoose your image file\nPosition it in your document\nPress {⏎} to confirm\n\nTo add source image by drag and drop:\nSimply drag and drop an image file into your workspace\nA dialog will appear with options:\n\n{width=\"200\"}\n\nYou can choose to:\nCreate a new document based on this image\nAdd a new group with" }, { "slug": "source-image-overview", "title": "Source Image Overview", "summary": "A Source Image is an imported raster image that serves as the foundation for your creations in Vexy Lines.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "A Source Image is an imported raster image that serves as the foundation for your creations in Vexy Lines. Vexy Lines uses this image to determine stroke thickness, dashes, embossing, and other fill properties.\n\n{ width=\"800\"}\n\nA Vexy Lines document can contain multiple source images. Each image can be linked to a specific group. All fills within the layers of that group and its subgroups will use the image of the nearest group in the hierarchy for calculations.\n\nWhen an object is selected, the" }, { "slug": "update-the-source-image", "title": "Editing the Source Image", "summary": "After adding a source image to a group, you'll notice a small image icon appears next to the group in the Layers panel.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [ "Show and Hide Source Images", "Replacing the Source Image", "Removing the Source Image" ], "contentSnippet": "After adding a source image to a group, you'll notice a small image icon appears next to the group in the Layers panel. \n\n{width=\"236\"}\n\nThis icon tells you that all fills in this group will use this image as their reference.\n\nWant to adjust your source image? Just click on its icon in the Layers panel to select it. Once selected, you can reposition, resize, or make other changes to it.\n\nShow and Hide Source Images\n\nAs you work, you'll likely want to adjust how visible your source image is." }, { "slug": "creating-a-group-with-an-image", "title": "Creating a Group with an Image", "summary": "To create a new group that includes an image, follow these steps: 1. Go to the menu and select Layer - Add Source . 2.", "chapterSlug": "groups", "chapterTitle": "Groups and Sources", "headings": [ "Adding a Group via Drag-and-Drop" ], "contentSnippet": "To create a new group that includes an image, follow these steps:\nGo to the menu and select Layer -> Add Source.\nIn the dialog box that appears, choose the file with the desired image.\nConfirm your selection and position the image within the document.\n\n{width=\"1050\"}\nPress {⏎} to confirm the image placement or press {Esc} to cancel the operation.\nA new group will be created with the selected image.\n\n{width=\"1050\"}\n\nAdding a Group via Drag-and-Drop\n\nAnother way to create a group in Vexy Lines is" }, { "slug": "export-4", "title": "Export", "summary": "The \"Export Strokes as\" option determines how strokes are exported to vector format: Normal : Strokes are displayed as closed shapes with fill.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "The \"Export Strokes as\" option determines how strokes are exported to vector format:\n Normal: Strokes are displayed as closed shapes with fill.\n{width=\"314\"}\n Scribble: Strokes are displayed as a simple zigzag line, evenly filling the fill line at a specified interval. The interval is determined by the number of vertical zigzag segments per 1mm of the fill line.\n{width=\"484\"}\n\nThe SCRIBBLE mode can be useful if you intend to use the exported file for CNC machine output and similar purposes." }, { "slug": "source-opacity", "title": "Source Opacity", "summary": "This setting controls the default transparency of the source image displayed in the background. {height=\"\" width=\"273\"} You can also find this option in the View panel.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "This setting controls the default transparency of the source image displayed in the background.\n\n{width=\"273\"}\n\nYou can also find this option in the View panel." }, { "slug": "colors", "title": "Colors", "summary": "{height=\"\" width=\"450\"} Fill: Adjust the highlight color for selected fills. This allows you to highlight the selected fills along their contour with the chosen color.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "{width=\"450\"}\n\n Fill: Adjust the highlight color for selected fills. This allows you to highlight the selected fills along their contour with the chosen color.\n Mask: Set the highlight color for masks and the mesh grid.\n Background:** Set the color for the workspace background.\n\nThese options can also be found in the View panel.\n\n Use the Reset button to restore values to their default settings." }, { "slug": "rendering", "title": "Rendering", "summary": "{height=\"\" width=\"180\"} Choose the optimization mode for previewing the outcomes of specific stroke types: Fast: Provides a quicker preview with a slight...", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "{width=\"180\"}\n\nChoose the optimization mode for previewing the outcomes of specific stroke types:\n\n Fast: Provides a quicker preview with a slight compromise on quality. Ideal for documents with numerous dense strokes.\n Normal: Standard rendering mode.\n Best:** Delivers the highest quality rendering.\n\nNote that this setting won't impact the quality of the final exported result." }, { "slug": "preview-shortcut", "title": "Preview Shortcut", "summary": "{height=\"\" width=\"380\"} The Preview Shortcut is a keyboard combination that activates a clean preview mode.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "{width=\"380\"}\n\nThe Preview Shortcut is a keyboard combination that activates a clean preview mode. In this mode, all control elements, source images, and highlights are hidden, displaying only the rendered result.\n\nUsing {⌘ Space}/{⌃Space}, you can choose between two zoom actions:\n\n Dynamic Zoom: Activated by pressing the key combination and dragging the mouse. Dragging to the right zooms in relative to the drag's starting point, while dragging to the left zooms out.\n Frame Zoom: Zooms into a" }, { "slug": "backup", "title": "Backup", "summary": "Auto Save : Automatically saves the current document to prevent loss of work in case of unexpected interruptions or similar incidents.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "Auto Save: Automatically saves the current document to prevent loss of work in case of unexpected interruptions or similar incidents. The document will be saved in a temporary file, which will be offered for recovery upon restarting the program.\n\n Save Backup: This feature ensures that when you save a document, the previous version of that document is also saved. The backup file will have the same name as the original but will have an *.~lines extension. This provides an added layer of safety," }, { "slug": "save-2", "title": "Save", "summary": "Save View Parameters : This option allows you to save the settings of the current viewing area directly into the file.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "Save View Parameters**: This option allows you to save the settings of the current viewing area directly into the file. By doing so, you can retain and quickly access your preferred view settings the next time you open the document." }, { "slug": "update", "title": "Update", "summary": "Check for Updates on Startup : This option ensures that the program automatically checks for any available updates every time it is launched.", "chapterSlug": "preferences-8", "chapterTitle": "Preferences", "headings": [], "contentSnippet": "Check for Updates on Startup**: This option ensures that the program automatically checks for any available updates every time it is launched. Keeping your software updated ensures you have access to the latest features and improvements." } ], "generatedAt": "2026-05-10T19:26:24.377Z" }