
PaintTool SAI is a digital painting software that offers a range of tools for artists to create their artwork. It provides various features such as the ability to view different colours' brightness ranges on one platform, smooth curves and diagonal lines without jagged edges, and modify line colours and types. This software also supports layering, transformation, and linework layers, allowing artists to work with multiple layers and edit each stroke. PaintTool SAI is lightweight, enabling artists to work on large canvases with minimal impact on CPU performance. Artists can also customise their experience by assigning keystrokes or actions to express keys on their pen or drawing tablet, enhancing their workflow and creativity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Software | Paint Tool SAI |
| Type of Software | Digital painting software |
| Features | Linework tools, layering tools, transformation tools, brushes, erasers, zoom and rotate functions |
| Linework Tools | Drawing curves/lines, editing and modifying stroke shapes, controlling pressure strength, modifying line colour |
| Other Tools | Raster drawing tools (marker, airbrush, watercolour, pen), selection-based tools (magic wand, lasso), brushes, erasers |
| Other Features | Ability to view entire brightness range of colours, combine portions of different drawings/images, transfer/erase content |
| Hardware Compatibility | Drawing tablets |
| Customisation | Custom keystrokes/actions can be assigned to express keys on pen/drawing tablet |
| Brush Engine | Supports large canvases and multiple layers with minimal impact on CPU |
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What You'll Learn

Using the vector tool to create straight lines
Paint Tool SAI offers a range of features to create digital drawings and paintings with clean and smooth contours. One of its key features is the ability to draw straight lines using vector tools. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use the vector tool to create straight lines in Paint Tool SAI:
Step 1: Create a New Canvas
Start by creating a new canvas with the desired dimensions. A larger canvas size will allow for more detailed artwork. For example, you can set the width to 2400 px and the height to 3200 px. This will provide ample space to work on intricate details.
Step 2: Make a Rough Sketch
Begin by making a quick, rough sketch of your idea on the canvas. Focus on placing the basic shapes in their correct positions. You can use the Pen Tool or any other tool you prefer for this initial sketch. Keep in mind the proportions and perspective of the subject you are drawing.
Step 3: Create a Clean Sketch
Once you have the basic sketch, create a new layer on top and start refining your sketch. Reduce the opacity of the base sketch layer to around 20-30% and draw on top of it to create a clean outline. This refined sketch will serve as your guide for the rest of the drawing.
Step 4: Understand Vector Tools
Paint Tool SAI offers various vector tools, including the Line tool, Curve tool, and Pen tool. These tools allow you to create straight lines, curves, and contours with precision. The Line tool is particularly useful for drawing straight lines, while the Curve tool adds flexibility for curves and perspective.
Step 5: Draw Straight Lines
Select the Line tool from the vector tools available. You can then start drawing straight lines along the contours of your sketch. Remember that you can switch between the Line tool and the Curve tool without breaking the line, allowing for a seamless combination of straight lines and curves.
Step 6: Adjust Line Smoothness
The smoothness of your lines depends on the number of dots or control points you use. By adding more dots along the line, you can make the line smoother. However, be careful not to overuse this technique, as too many dots can create chaos in vectors, making it harder to orient and edit your lines.
Step 7: Modify Line Properties
Paint Tool SAI allows you to modify various properties of your lines. You can change the line colour by using the Linework tool and clicking on the strokes. Additionally, you can adjust the pressure strength of lines by using the Control Point tool in combination with Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys to drag control points on the strokes.
Step 8: Add Details and Colour
Continue refining your drawing by adding details and colour. Create additional layers for each area and use Clipping Groups to stay within the desired colour areas. Experiment with different colours and textures to bring your drawing to life. Remember to work on separate layers for each element to maintain flexibility and ease of editing.
By following these steps and utilizing the vector tools in Paint Tool SAI, you can create precise and clean straight lines in your digital drawings and paintings.
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Modifying line colour
Paint Tool SAI is a graphics editor made in Japan that is often used for digital painting and drawing. It has a range of tools that enable users to modify line colour in their drawings.
Firstly, it is important to understand the role of layers in Paint Tool SAI. Layers allow users to work on different parts of an image separately, saving time and confusion. For instance, when colouring a drawing, it is recommended to put the line work layer on top of the colour layers to ensure that no white spots appear on the drawing.
To modify the colour of lines in Paint Tool SAI, users can utilise the Linework Tools. This tool allows users to modify the line colour to the currently selected colour by clicking on strokes. This functionality is only supported by the linework layer. Additionally, the Linework Tools support the use of the Control Point Tool in combination with the Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys. This enables users to edit and modify each stroke shape, as well as control the pressure strength by dragging the control point on strokes.
Another way to modify line colour in Paint Tool SAI is by using the various brushes and erasers available. Paint Tool SAI brushes respond to stylus pressure, allowing users to vary the width of their strokes and control the darkness of their lines. By adjusting the pressure, users can increase the width of a brush stroke or the degree of colour penetration. Additionally, the program offers a range of brush types, including markers, airbrushes, watercolours, and pens, enabling users to achieve their desired line colours and effects.
It is worth noting that Paint Tool SAI does not offer pro-level colour management, and the recolouring methods described above may not work on all colours, especially darker shades.
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Editing and modifying stroke shape
Paint Tool SAI is a lightweight Japanese digital painting program that is popular among artists due to its simplicity and vast range of tools. It offers a wide variety of tools, including raster drawing tools like a marker, airbrush, watercolour and pen, and selection-based tools like a magic wand and lasso. It also provides layering tools, lineart tools, transformation tools, linework layers, brushes and erasers for removing hard edges.
To edit and modify stroke shapes in Paint Tool SAI, you can utilise the following methods:
- Control Pressure Strength: By using a drawing tablet, you can control the pressure strength of your strokes. This allows you to vary the width and darkness of your lines.
- Customise Tools: Paint Tool SAI allows you to customise your tools according to your needs. For instance, you can use the Pen tool for smoother lines or the Sketch tool for quick, rough line art.
- Modify Line Type and Colour: With the Linework Tools, you can modify the line type and colour of your strokes by clicking on them. This is supported by the linework layer.
- Use Layers: Layers enable you to modify specific parts of your artwork without affecting the rest. You can create a new layer, set the line art layer mode to Multiply, and place it on top of the colour layers to ensure no white spots appear while colouring.
- Adjust Brush Settings: Experiment with the brush settings, such as the Min Size and Density, to control the size and opacity of your strokes. You can also choose different brush shapes and overlays to achieve the desired effect.
- Create Smooth Curves and Lines: Paint Tool SAI helps you draw smooth curves and diagonal lines without jagged distortions, ensuring your artwork looks clean and polished.
- Utilise the Scratchpad: The Scratchpad feature allows you to test your colours and brush settings before applying them to your artwork, ensuring you achieve the desired effect without modifying your original work.
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Using the linework layer to draw curves and lines
Paint Tool SAI is a digital painting software that allows users to create and edit digital art. It offers various tools for specific tasks, including layering tools, line art tools, transformation tools, linework layers, brushes, and erasers.
The Linework Layer in Paint Tool SAI is a useful feature for creating smooth curves and straight lines. It provides greater control over the placement, thickness, and opacity of lines. This layer also supports the Curve and Line tools, which are essential for drawing precise curves and straight lines.
To use the Linework Layer effectively for drawing curves and lines, follow these steps:
- Create a New Canvas: Start by creating a new canvas by pressing Control-N and choosing your desired size. It is recommended to start with a larger canvas size to allow for more detailed artwork and maintain quality when scaling.
- Utilize Layers: Always work with different layers to save time and easily identify the part of the image you are working on. Create a new layer from the Layer Panel and select the Pen Tool or any other tool you prefer for drawing.
- Draw Curves and Lines: Use the Curve and Line tools on the Linework Layer to draw smooth curves and straight lines. Adjust the thickness of the lines by selecting the brush size and clicking on the line.
- Modify Line Color: With the Linework Layer, you can modify the line color by clicking on strokes to change them to your selected color.
- Control Pressure Strength: The Linework Layer allows you to control the pressure strength of your lines by dragging the control point on strokes. This feature is especially useful for creating dynamic digital art, as you can vary the width and darkness of your strokes.
- Edit and Modify Stroke Shapes: The Linework Layer supports the editing and modification of each stroke shape. You can use the Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys in combination with the Control Point Tool to achieve this.
- Use Additional Functions: The Linework Layer also offers extended functions with the Ctrl/Shift/Alt keys. These functions include the ability to move, duplicate, or delete entire paths, connect control points, and convert curves into points using the Pointed/Rounded tool.
- Add Filters: You can enhance the appearance of your lines by adding filters to the Linework Layer. For example, a noise filter can give your lines a pen-on-paper effect similar to traditional 2D animation.
By following these steps and utilizing the features of the Linework Layer in Paint Tool SAI, you can effectively draw curves and lines with precision and control.
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Using the control point tool
Paint Tool SAI is a graphics editor made in Japan that is commonly used for digital painting. It offers a range of tools for drawing and editing, including the Control Point Tool.
The Control Point Tool in Paint Tool SAI allows users to modify the shape of individual strokes in a linework layer. By using a combination of the Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys along with the Control Point Tool, users can adjust the pressure strength of the strokes by dragging the control points. This allows for precise control over the thickness and appearance of the lines.
To use the Control Point Tool effectively, follow these steps:
- Select the Control Point Tool: Choose the Control Point Tool from the tools panel in Paint Tool SAI.
- Work on a Linework Layer: Ensure that you are working on a linework layer as the Control Point Tool is specifically designed for editing strokes within this layer type.
- Modify Stroke Shape: Click on a stroke that you want to modify. You can then drag the control points along the stroke to adjust the thickness and shape.
- Control Pressure Strength: By dragging the control points, you can increase or decrease the pressure strength, which affects the thickness and darkness of the line.
- Edit Line Type: In addition to modifying stroke shapes, the Control Point Tool also allows you to change the line type of the clicked strokes, such as converting a straight line to a curved line or vice versa.
- Combine with Other Keys: Experiment with using the Ctrl, Shift, and Alt keys in combination with the Control Point Tool to access additional functions and modifications.
The Control Point Tool in Paint Tool SAI provides users with the ability to make precise adjustments to their linework, allowing for greater control over the appearance and thickness of strokes. By manipulating the control points, artists can create a variety of line shapes and pressures, adding depth and detail to their digital artwork.
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Frequently asked questions
Paint Tool SAI has a Linework Tool that allows you to draw lines and curves. You can also modify the line type and colour using the Linework Tool.
To create a new layer, go to the Layer Panel and select "New Layer". You can also use the shortcut Control-N.
Put your line work layer on top of the colour layers and set its mode to Multiply. This will ensure that no white spots appear on your drawing.
Use the vector tool to make straight lines in Paint Tool SAI.
You can control the thickness of your lines by adjusting the pressure strength. This can be done by dragging the control point on strokes.











































