
Creating an outline in Paint Tool SAI is a simple process that can enhance your artwork. By using the selection tool, you can easily create a defined outline for your drawings. This involves selecting everything on the layer, creating a new layer underneath, expanding the selection, and filling it with your chosen outline colour. You can also use the Bucket Tool to fill in the selected area and create a bright, bold outline. With these simple steps, you can add a professional and polished look to your digital creations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Select everything in the layer (drawn in white) |
| Step 2 | Make a layer under it |
| Step 3 | Expand the selection by a few pixels and fill it with your outline color |
| Step 4 | Deselect and merge both layers |
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What You'll Learn

Create a new layer
Creating a new layer is a crucial step in achieving an outline effect in Paint Tool SAI. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this process:
To create an outline effect, you'll need to work with layers. Start by selecting everything on the layer that you want to outline. This could be any shape, text, or drawing that you've created in white or any other colour. Make sure to include a few extra pixels around the edges to ensure a snug fit for your outline.
Once you've made your selection, go ahead and create a new layer underneath the existing one. You can do this by using the "New Layer" option in the layers panel or by using the appropriate keyboard shortcut. This new layer will serve as the foundation for your outline.
Adjust the Colour Difference
Before moving forward, take a moment to adjust the colour difference if needed. If you're working with a complex image or want to ensure a seamless outline, adjusting the colour difference can help create a more polished result. Play around with the colour settings to find the perfect match for your outline.
Fill the Selected Area
Now, it's time to fill in the selected area on your new layer. You can use a giant brush to carefully fill in the area, ensuring that you stay within the boundaries of your selection. Alternatively, you can use the Bucket Tool for a quicker fill. A bright colour is recommended to make sure it stands out and catches your eye.
Finalize the Outline
After filling in the selected area, simply deselect it and merge the two layers together. This will give you a similar effect to a layer effect, creating a clean and professional outline. Remember that you can always experiment with different colours and layer positions to achieve the exact look you're going for.
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Select everything on the layer
To select everything on a layer in Paint Tool SAI, you must first locate the layer. By default, you can find the layers on the left side of the screen, right beside the tools panel. However, the position of the Layer Panels can be changed by clicking on Window > Show Navigator and Layer Panels on Right Side. Once you have located the layer, there are several ways to select everything on it.
One method is to Ctrl+Shift+Left-click on the layer. This is the default setting, and it will allow you to select the top-level layer at the clicked position. Alternatively, if the checkbox is turned on, you can simply Ctrl+Left-click to make your selection.
Another way to select everything on a layer is to use the Selection Source tool. First, set the layer with the [Selection Source] option (in the layer list) as the detection target. Then, use the Bucket or Magic Wand tools to select everything on the layer.
If you wish to select everything on multiple layers, you can do so by merging the layers. To merge layers, select the desired layers and press Ctrl, then click on the + icon in the Layer Panel. You can also merge layers by going to Layers > Merge Layers.
Finally, if you want to select everything on a layer to perform a specific action, such as erasing, you can do so through the Layer Panel. Simply select the desired layer and choose the action you wish to perform from the panel. For example, to erase everything on a layer, click on Erase Selected Layers in the Layer Panel.
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Expand the selection by a few pixels
When creating an outline in Paint Tool SAI, you can manipulate selections to achieve the desired effect. First, select everything on the layer that you've drawn in white. Then, create a new layer underneath and expand the selection by a few pixels. This step is crucial to creating a distinct outline. By expanding the selection, you're essentially adding a buffer zone around your original selection. This buffer zone will be filled with your chosen outline colour, creating a clear separation between your artwork and the background.
The number of pixels you choose to expand the selection by will determine the thickness of your outline. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired outline width. A subtle expansion of just a few pixels will create a thin outline, while expanding by a larger number of pixels will result in a bolder, more prominent border. The flexibility of this technique allows you to customize the outline to suit your artistic vision.
Once you've expanded the selection, it's time to fill it with your chosen outline colour. Select a colour that complements your artwork and helps it stand out. You can use the Bucket Tool or a giant brush to fill the selected area with colour. This step will give you a bright, vibrant outline that frames your artwork attractively. After filling the selected area, make sure to deselect it before proceeding to the next step.
Finally, merge the layers to complete the outline effect. By merging the layers, you're combining the original artwork layer and the outline layer into a single layer. This process simplifies your layer structure and ensures that the outline remains locked in place relative to the artwork. The end result is a clean, professional-looking outline that enhances the overall appearance of your creation.
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Fill with outline colour
To create an outline in Paint Tool SAI, you can use the Fill Bucket tool. First, create a base layer for your colour and work on that for the next few steps. Next, go to your line art layer and select Opacity Lock. Here, you will find a feature called Selection Source. Click the bubble next to it, which will turn the layer box an aqua colour, indicating that this layer is the Selection Source.
Now, go to the Fill Bucket tool and click the bubble next to the Selection Source line in the tool's options. This means that the Fill Bucket will only fill in areas based on the Selection Source. You can now use the Fill Bucket tool on your base colour layer, and it will only fill that section.
To fill with outline colour, you can follow a similar process. First, select everything in the layer that you've drawn in white. Then, make a new layer underneath, expand the selection by a few pixels, and fill it with your outline colour. Finally, deselect and merge both layers. This will give you an outline effect.
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Merge layers
To merge layers in Paint Tool Sai, select the folder you want to turn into one layer and click on the "Layer" menu, then select "Convert layer". A dialog box will appear, allowing you to decide on the layer name, composition mode, expression colour, and whether to keep the original folder. You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + E to merge layers. A layer will always merge with the layer underneath it.
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Frequently asked questions
Select everything in the layer, create a new layer underneath, expand the selection by a few pixels, fill it with your outline colour, deselect, and merge the layers.
Yes, you can use the Bucket Tool to fill in the selected area with your chosen outline colour.
Select everything in the layer (whatever you've drawn in white) and adjust the colour difference as needed.
Yes, after filling in the selected area with your outline colour, deselect and merge both layers for a result similar to a layer effect.
Yes, this method of creating an outline works for text as well as drawings.





































