
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight raster graphics editor and digital painting program for Microsoft Windows. It is very popular among artists due to its simplicity and vast range of tools. Paint Tool SAI has a full set of transformation tools that can work on selections, including a free (perspective) transform tool. Paint Tool SAI 2 has perspective rulers and perspective grids, and users can use the perspective ruler to manipulate vanishing points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight, Japanese digital painting program that is very popular among artists due to its simplicity and vast range of tools. |
| Versions | Paint Tool SAI has had several versions since its development began in 2004. The alpha version was released in 2006, the beta version in 2007, and the commercial version (1.0.0) in 2008. A second version is currently in development with updates continuing as of 2024. |
| Platforms | It is available on Microsoft Windows from XP to 11. |
| Features | SAI offers a full set of transformation tools, including move, resize, rotate, and a free (perspective) transform. It also has raster drawing tools like Airbrush, Watercolor, Pen, and Marker, as well as vector drawing tools for inking. |
| User Interface | The user interface allows multiple documents to be opened simultaneously. The drawing canvas can be zoomed and rotated using sliders or hotkeys. |
| Layers | Work can be done on separate layers, which can be grouped and masked. Layers with pins can be moved or filtered as a group. |
| Perspective Tools | Paint Tool SAI 2 has perspective rulers and perspective grids. The 3-point perspective ruler allows artists to manipulate vanishing points and create scenes with varying depths and viewpoints (e.g., worm's eye view or overhead shot). |
| Community | There is an active community of Paint Tool SAI users who share tutorials, art, and discussions on platforms like Reddit, DeviantArt, and Tapas Forum. |
| Popularity | According to polls and rankings, Paint Tool SAI is one of the most used painting software, often ranking alongside Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint. |
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What You'll Learn

Paint Tool SAI has perspective rulers and grids
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight raster graphics editor and digital painting software for Microsoft Windows. It is very popular among artists due to its simplicity and vast range of tools. The software was developed by Koji Komatsu and published by Systemax.
The perspective grids work in tandem with the rulers to help users create accurate drawings with the correct perspective. The grids can be manipulated by moving the black crosshairs on the horizon line using the CTRL + Left Click function. The light blue dot can be moved above or below the horizon, depending on the desired perspective.
Additionally, Paint Tool SAI offers a full set of transformation tools, including move, resize, rotate, and a free (perspective) transform. These tools can be used to further adjust and manipulate the perspective of drawings.
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The 3-point perspective ruler is confusing for some users
The 3-point perspective ruler is a tool that can be intimidating for beginners to get to grips with. It is a drawing method that uses two vanishing points on a horizon line and a third vanishing point either above or below it. The straight lines converge on their respective vanishing points. This can be used to draw tall buildings as seen from below, or when looking at something from far above or below.
To use the 3-point perspective ruler, you must first load a 3D material onto the canvas and adjust it to the desired camera angle. Then, tap the ruler icon on the 3D layer to display the perspective ruler. To use the perspective ruler on other layers, adjust the ruler's range in the Layer palette. You can also create a curved fisheye perspective ruler with the Create perspective ruler dialog or the Perspective ruler sub-tool. This creates a dynamic composition with a fisheye lens effect.
The 3-point perspective ruler can be challenging to understand, especially when compared to the more common two-point perspective. It may help to practice drawing box-shaped objects from different angles to get a feel for how the different types of perspective work. You can also try choosing a perspective type before drawing and then drawing freehand to see how close you can get to the accurate perspective.
Additionally, some users have found that the way the perspective ruler is set up in Paint Tool SAI 2 makes it difficult to figure out how to manipulate vanishing points. This can lead to frustration and the need to start over when the desired effect is not achieved. Familiarising oneself with the different types of rulers and their respective functions can help users get the most out of this tool.
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The black crosshairs can be moved with the mouse button and ctrl key
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight digital painting program that is popular among artists due to its simplicity and range of tools. It offers a variety of transformation tools that allow users to modify their artwork, including the ability to move, resize, rotate, and transform selections.
One of the features available in Paint Tool SAI is the perspective ruler, which aids in creating accurate perspective drawings. This tool includes black crosshairs that can be positioned on the horizon line using the mouse button and the Ctrl key (Ctrl + Left Mouse Button). The vertical position of the crosshairs is crucial, as moving them later will shift the entire ruler rather than adjusting the horizon within it.
By manipulating the crosshairs, artists can control the vanishing points in their drawings. The position of the light blue dot, which represents the first vanishing point, can be adjusted in relation to the horizon line. This determines the distance and angle of the vanishing point, affecting the perspective of the scene.
Additionally, Paint Tool SAI allows for the creation of multiple vanishing points. By introducing a dark blue dot to the third corner of the imagined box or room, artists can establish a second vanishing point. This enables them to construct three-dimensional shapes and spaces in their artwork. The red dots, representing the vertical vanishing point, can be positioned above or below the box to achieve a worm's eye view or an overhead shot, respectively.
Overall, the ability to move the black crosshairs with the mouse button and Ctrl key is a fundamental aspect of Paint Tool SAI's perspective ruler. It empowers artists to create accurate and dynamic perspective drawings by providing control over vanishing points and horizon lines.
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The light blue dot can be moved above or below the horizon
Paint Tool Sai 2 has perspective rulers and perspective grids, and the 3-point perspective ruler can be a little confusing to use. First, you need to move the black crosshairs on your horizon line using the mouse button and the 'ctrl' key. The vertical position is more important than the horizontal one, as the latter doesn't seem to matter much. Moving the black crosshairs later will move the entire ruler, rather than repositioning the horizon within it.
Now, you can move the light blue dot either above or below the horizon at the front or back corner of an imagined box or room. This is where your first vanishing point will be. The closer the green line crossing the horizon line is to the blue dot horizontally, the closer the vanishing point will be, and the further away your scene will look.
Next, you can move the dark blue dot to the third corner of the box, which will create the second (light blue) vanishing point. The red dots indicate the vertical vanishing point. If you put them above the box, it will be a worm's eye view, and if you put them below, it will be an overhead shot. The closer the red dots are to the middle, the more extreme the perspective will be.
Once you've got everything set up, you can draw straight lines following the ruler on a normal layer.
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The red dots indicate the vertical vanishing point
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight Japanese digital painting program that is popular among artists due to its simplicity and vast range of tools. The program offers two main panels: the Color and Tool Panel on the right and the Layer Panel on the left. The Quick Bar at the top provides further controls, allowing users to undo mistakes, clear selections, adjust the stability of the cursor, and more.
While I cannot find specific information about "red dots" in Paint Tool SAI, there are references to “weird dots" appearing at the beginning of lines. These dots may be related to the TabletMouseSimulation setting, as adjusting this setting has been reported to reduce the frequency of the issue.
Paint Tool SAI does offer features for working with perspective, such as the Perspective Ruler in Sai 2, which allows users to manipulate vanishing points. Additionally, the Free Distort tool enables users to make perspective adjustments and change the proportions of the selected area.
Assuming the "red dots" mentioned in your question are related to perspective, they may indicate the vertical vanishing point in a perspective drawing. Vanishing points are used to create the illusion of depth and perspective in a two-dimensional image. By positioning objects and lines in a scene so that they appear to converge at a specific point, artists can create a sense of three-dimensional space.
The vertical vanishing point, represented by red dots in this case, is typically located on the horizon line and indicates the direction in which vertical lines recede into the distance. It helps artists ensure that vertical lines or edges of objects are drawn with the correct perspective convergence. By aligning these lines towards the vertical vanishing point, artists can create the illusion of depth and make their artwork appear more realistic.
Artists can utilize the tools in Paint Tool SAI, such as the Perspective Ruler and Free Distort tool, to identify and manipulate the vertical vanishing point in their compositions. These tools enable adjustments to the perspective and proportions, aiding in the creation of accurate and visually appealing artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Paint Tool SAI 2 has perspective rulers and perspective grids.
First, move the black crosshairs on your horizon line using the mouse and keyboard. Then, move the light blue dot either above or below the horizon at the front or back corner of an imagined box/room.
The vanishing point is determined by where the green line crosses the horizon line. The closer the horizon line is to the blue dot horizontally, the closer the vanishing point will be.
Paint Tool SAI comes with a full set of transformation tools, including move, resize, rotate, and a free (perspective) transform.






































