Pen tools
Draw freeform shapes with the Freehand, Polygon, and Brush tools in CADit.
Pen tools
Pen tools let you draw freeform shapes on the canvas. Unlike shape tools that create geometric primitives, pen tools give you control over every line and curve.
Freehand tool
Draw smooth, continuous curves by dragging across the canvas. The path is automatically smoothed as you draw.
How to use:
- Select the Freehand tool from the toolbar
- Click and hold to begin drawing
- Drag to draw your shape
- Release to complete the path
The Freehand tool creates filled shapes by default. Your strokes are converted into smooth bezier curves, so even quick drawings appear clean.
Connecting shapes
When you release near an existing line's endpoint, the shapes snap together and merge into one. This works with other Freehand or Line shapes. To close a shape, release near your starting point.
Line tool
Create shapes by clicking to place connected line segments. Use this when you need precise straight edges.
How to use:
- Select the Line tool from the toolbar
- Click to place the first point
- Click to add additional points
- Release near the starting point to close the shape, or near an existing shape's endpoint to connect
As you draw, a measurement guide shows the distance between your last two points.
Connecting shapes
Like the Freehand tool, the Line tool supports snapping. Release near an existing endpoint to connect shapes, or near your starting point to close the Line.
Brush tool
Paint thick strokes with adjustable width. The Brush tool creates filled paths rather than thin lines.
How to use:
- Select the Brush tool from the toolbar
- Click and drag to paint
- Release to complete the stroke
A circular cursor preview shows your brush size as you move over the canvas.
Brush sizes
Adjust the brush size from the context menu when the Brush tool is active:
| Size | Description |
|---|---|
| Small | Thin strokes for detail work |
| Medium | Default size for general use |
| Large | Wide strokes for filling areas |
Unlike the Freehand and Line tools, the Brush tool does not snap to other shapes.
Mirror mode
All pen tools support Mirror mode. When Mirror is enabled, your strokes are mirrored across a center line, creating symmetrical designs automatically.
To enable Mirror mode, use the Mirror toggle in the toolbar.
Tips
- Zoom in for detail: Freehand and Brush strokes become more precise at higher zoom levels
- Use Line for angles: When you need sharp corners or straight edges, the Line tool gives cleaner results than Freehand
- Close shapes for 3D: Only closed shapes become solid 3D objects. Open paths appear as thin raised lines
- Undo strokes: Press Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo your last stroke