Photo guide

The Photo Guide tool lets you import a reference image to trace over while drawing. Use it to recreate logos, convert photos to 3D objects, or follow a template. The reference image appears on the canvas as a visual guide but does not become part of your final 3D model.

Importing an image

1. Select the Photo Guide tool from the toolbar
2. A file browser opens automatically
3. Select an image file (PNG, JPG, or other common formats)
4. The image appears on the canvas, scaled to fit the workspace

If you already have an image loaded, selecting the Photo Guide tool activates it without opening the file browser.

Adjusting the image

After importing, the image is positioned at the center of the canvas. The image appears semi-transparent so you can see your traced shapes on top of it.

To reposition or resize the image:

1. Switch to the Transform tool
2. Click the image to select it
3. Drag to move the image
4. Use corner handles to resize

The image maintains its aspect ratio when resized.

Tracing workflow

The Photo Guide tool includes a trace feature that converts image regions to shapes:

1. With the Photo Guide tool selected, click and hold on a colored region of the image
2. Drag outward to adjust the tolerance (how much color variation to include)
3. A preview highlights the detected region in red
4. Release to create a shape from the traced region

The tolerance increases as you drag further from the starting point. Smaller tolerance captures only pixels very similar to where you clicked. Larger tolerance includes a wider range of colors.

If you drag too far (exceeding the maximum tolerance), the entire image highlights in red to indicate the selection is too broad. Move the cursor closer to reduce the tolerance.

Drawing over the image

Use any drawing tool to trace over the reference image:

1. Select a drawing tool (Freehand, Polygon, shapes, etc.)
2. Draw on the canvas, using the image as a guide
3. Your shapes appear over the reference image
4. The shapes become part of your 3D model; the image does not

Switch between drawing tools and the Photo Guide tool as needed. The reference image remains visible while you use other tools.

Removing the image

To remove the reference image from your design:

1. Switch to the Transform tool
2. Click the image to select it
3. Press Delete or click the delete button in the context menu

Removing the image does not affect any shapes you traced or drew.

Tips

• Import high-contrast images for easier tracing
• Use the trace feature for solid-colored regions; use drawing tools for complex areas
• Position the image first, then trace or draw over it
• The image automatically scales to fit the canvas; resize it if you need more detail
• Shapes you create are independent of the image and can be moved, edited, or deleted separately