Tracing Layers

Importing a Reference

To add a reference image as a layer:

1. Pick File > Import Tracing Layer. (File > Import Reference opens the image in the floating Reference Viewer panel instead, unless you hold Shift while clicking it.)
2. Select an image file (PNG, JPG, etc.)
3. The reference appears as a new layer

Moving Between the Viewer Panel and the Canvas

A reference can live in two places: the Reference Viewer panel (a dockable panel with its own zoom, pan, and eyedropper) or on the canvas as a tracing layer. You can move it between the two at any time:

• Panel to canvas: click the Move to canvas as reference layer button in the viewer panel's header (also available by right-clicking the image). The panel closes and the image appears as a tracing layer, scaled to fit the canvas.
• Canvas to panel: right-click the tracing layer in the Layers panel and choose Move to Reference Viewer panel. The layer is removed and the image opens in a viewer panel. Any scale, rotation, or skew applied to the layer is discarded.

Both actions move the image rather than copying it, so you always have a single source of truth for each reference.

What the Viewer Panel Gives You

The panel header carries the reference's name, then its controls: the move-to-canvas button above, an Eyedropper that stays armed until you click a pixel (the color it picks becomes your primary color), zoom out and zoom in, the zoom percentage, which fits the image to the panel when clicked, and a close button. Drag inside the image with the left or middle button to pan, and use the wheel to zoom toward the pointer.

Right-clicking the image opens the rest:

• Move to canvas as reference layer — Same as the header button
• Fit to panel — Scale the image to the panel, the same as clicking the percentage
• Reset zoom (100%) — Back to 1:1, centered
• Rename — Edit the name in the header
• Remove reference — Drop the image from the file

How Tracing Layers Work

Transforming References

Reference layers support smooth transformations:

• Scale — Independent X and Y scale factors to match proportions
• Rotate — Adjust angle without quality loss
• Skew — Apply horizontal or vertical shear without pixelation
• Position — Move freely across the canvas

On import, the reference is scaled down to fit within canvas bounds if larger — Novaboard never upscales a reference past its original size.

Unlike regular layers, reference transformations don't snap to pixels, giving you precise control over placement.

Adjusting Opacity

Lower the opacity of a tracing layer to see your pixel art beneath it while tracing. Common opacity levels:

• 100% — Full visibility for detailed study
• 50-70% — Good for tracing while seeing your work
• 20-30% — Subtle guide that doesn't distract

Adjust opacity using the layer opacity slider in the Layers panel.

Common Uses

• Tracing photos — Convert photographs to pixel art
• Style reference — Keep inspiration visible while working
• Proportion guides — Ensure accurate anatomy or perspective
• Color sampling — Reference for color palette selection
• Client mockups — Show how pixel art fits in context

Reference vs Regular Layers

Tips

• Place tracing layers at the bottom of your layer stack for easy tracing.
• Use multiple tracing layers for different aspects (colors, proportions, details).
• Combine with draft layers for a complete sketching workflow.
• Reference layers are saved with your project file.