Contour Tool
No default shortcut
The Contour tool draws freeform polygon shapes by capturing points as you drag. The shape automatically closes when you release, making it easy to draw irregular filled areas.
Basic Usage
Select the Contour tool from the toolbar, where it shares a button with the Polygon tool. It has no default shortcut, but you can assign one in the keymap editor. Click and drag to draw your shape, points are captured continuously along your path.
Contour is hidden in Simple mode. Switch to Window → Layouts → Advanced Mode to use it.
- Click to start the contour
- Drag to define the shape outline
- Release to close and fill the shape
Fill Modes
Like other shape tools, the Contour tool supports two fill modes:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Outline | Draws only the border of the shape |
| Filled | Fills the shape with the current color |
Toggle the fill mode from the tool options row. In outline mode the shared shape-size control sets the stroke width.
Ink Modes
The Contour tool supports two ink modes, set in the tool options row:
- Simple — Standard color application. The contour replaces the pixels beneath it.
- Lock Alpha — Only applies color where paint already exists. Useful for coloring or shading inside an existing outline.
How It Differs from Polygon
The Contour tool captures points continuously as you drag, while the Polygon tool requires clicking to place each vertex.
- Contour — Freeform drawing, organic shapes, quick sketching
- Polygon — Precise vertex placement, geometric shapes
Common Uses
- Organic shapes — Draw natural, irregular forms
- Quick fills — Rapidly fill areas with a single gesture
- Terrain features — Create lakes, hills, or landmasses
- Selection-like fills — Fill complex areas without using selection tools
Tips
- Move slowly for more detail, quickly for smoother curves.
- The shape auto-closes from your release point to your start point.
- Use with symmetry for mirrored organic shapes.
- Full undo/redo support for each contour shape.