# PATH TOOL

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FlnPQnVWdZR96xCXV84fh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=777e358a-d08b-4745-bc55-e2fd0efe2190" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The path tool is one of the most powerful features in Dungeondraft. It allows you to directly draw seamless textures on your map, offering an extreme flexibility.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FdTjyEPSYJ8xjasQ3uTwb%2Fezgif-637871ae1c62b5.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=de632fba-a090-4783-8d8b-46d72ba8c442" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FFNitSnPegtycnDMA1nFA%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8879c4bb-1079-4beb-a36f-3452872bd545" alt=""><figcaption><p>Left panel</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F4E4RjujvmQeUOp6Ti1KS%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=232d3c56-b6e1-4626-9b02-003da42057df" alt=""><figcaption><p>Right panel</p></figcaption></figure>

## BASIC CONTROLS

There are **two tabs** in this tool:&#x20;

* The **Settings** on the **left**
* The **Asset Library** on the **right**

### Quickstart

* Choose a Path type on the right and click on the map to draw. Click again to add another point.&#x20;
* Right click, double click or press <kbd>ENTER</kbd> to finish the path (if you end on your starting point, your path will be automatically closed without doing that).
* While drawing, press <kbd>DELETE</kbd> or <kbd>BACKSPACE</kbd> to **erase** your last point.

### Edit Points

You can edit points of your path by clicking on the <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Edit Points**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> button.&#x20;

* To **move** a **point**, click on any point of the path and drag it where you want.
* To **add** a point, click anywhere on the path.
* To **remove** a point, hover over it and hit <kbd>DELETE</kbd> or <kbd>BACKSPACE</kbd>.&#x20;
* To **exit** that mode, click on the <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Edit Points**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> button once again.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F8q5LXBne4Sudtno8aVHq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=9ea8e337-dfdb-44fb-b335-fc2fc9325cc9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## FINDING YOUR PATH

In the right panel (Library), you can use the **search bar** to look for keywords (names of the paths). The slider under it goes from **Fuzzy** (inexact spelling) to **Exact** (specific spelling).&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FxV9krBIEHH2cnMYckabO%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2cdd3948-2a55-48a4-98cb-77e5095431fa" alt=""><figcaption><p>In Fuzzy mode, "blood" will also show similar words, like "wood"</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FVP3Svl9Z9ZMaJkuX4cu1%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=90ba31fd-effa-4544-9168-64e2628e47b9" alt=""><figcaption><p>In Exact mode, "blood" will only show the paths containing "blood" in their names</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}

* To start or refresh the search, press **Enter**
* To reset the search, click on the bin on the right, or hit **Enter** with an empty box
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Since Dungeondraft 1.1.1.1, all the default [walls](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/wall-tool) are available as paths too.
{% endhint %}

## PATH SETTINGS

### Layers

Choose the **layer** of the **Path** before drawing it. Click on the **dropdown** menu to change it.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Check out the* [*Layers page*](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/general-info/layers-and-sorting) *for more info*
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F3C4HgscvRBd9G86Eo7gL%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=92f24052-a70a-4a64-981b-bceb002a6bfa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Size

Choose the size of the path with the **Width** slider.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FJeV43zynF2L4Xa4FSEih%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d6e384ac-b346-42de-b88f-b603ee485ae5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
**Pro Tip:** *In the* [***Selection Tool***](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/select-tool/interactive-areas#move-rotate-resize)*, you can manually **rotate** and **resize** a **Path.***
{% endhint %}

### Smoothness

You can also set the Smoothness of the path. Smoother means the paths will have more curves between its different points and will look more natural.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FCC90xv1ZFIpRb2gvXPEX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a91a040e-9f22-4c30-bdf4-0788b0fe05b7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FR8jQhdVAJcahLIPtdeZg%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0b78f517-68b5-4b9f-a712-3610f3602614" alt=""><figcaption><p>Maximum smoothness</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FS86ST75V6IETw98kLWCk%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4df8807d-b419-4ef7-9ce2-afc0e45d4287" alt=""><figcaption><p>You can see here how the path is doing curves instead of following precisely the points</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FwTv5ZEysxZ4z1ST4U6wX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e62fb002-5807-4e1b-8451-313c5659ea15" alt=""><figcaption><p>The same path, but with minimum smoothness</p></figcaption></figure>

### Sorting

If you have several paths on the same [layer](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/general-info/layers-and-sorting), you can choose if you're drawing <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Over**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> or <kbd><mark style="color:blue;">**Under**<mark style="color:blue;"></kbd> the existing ones.\\

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FzUbHTc2HL9EvHnj472hE%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=36d5159b-b24f-4feb-add5-b4776bf70e04" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
If a Path and an [Object](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/objects-tab/objects-tool) are on the same [layer](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/general-info/layers-and-sorting), the Path will always be underneath the Object.
{% endhint %}

### Block Light

You can block the lights placed with the [**Light Tool**](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/effects-tab/light-tool) if you enable the **Block Light** option.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FoFf4ivp6aBNNSYDnB9nN%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6dfcac58-e056-4b6a-beb9-d6fd9cb31f2c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F9yGk02iW7s4VNtylQ9Di%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7407ca34-e140-4c5c-8d64-19ca02ee8913" alt=""><figcaption><p>Everything here is a path, even the wall looking one.</p></figcaption></figure>

### Transitions

Then you have two interesting options: **Transition In** and **Transition Out**. This will allow you to choose between a **hard** end, a **faded** end and a **growing**/**shrinking** end for your Path.&#x20;

* **Transition In**: this is where you place your first point
* **Transition Out**: this is where you place your last point

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FJmR19QTJbxb9X0xsbUDV%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=52fbabcd-c63f-4d0c-8d54-90efcb9451f6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FahS9RPeen8RpUoAJa6Zz%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6e3e3dba-e2d3-4260-900a-0ba557f1cfdd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F3jU33M9Ol4dhb8fbJq49%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0c9eb31a-8f48-43b3-a3af-81cab6c1d925" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2Fe20jbXKWfzfojTwDmdXh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5666dbf0-9f7e-4390-9fd6-2ad4829727a3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## 6 PRO TIPS

### ✅ **Pro Tip 1**: **Flip the path**

You can invert the top and the bottom of a path by drawing it in the opposite direction.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FJ1wT5sCjX1p9CtKmzUr6%2Fezgif-6db31148a06ac1.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=85b2b0d8-2b63-4b2f-bc73-f7799f7c2562" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ✅ **Pro Tip 2**: **Pointier ends**

On a Grow/Shrink transition, adding points to your path in Edit Points mode will change the transition's look. The further from the transition you place your points, the pointier it will be.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FEqIm7B8isgse3YrNqpta%2Fezgif-31f247f1913462.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=06621196-4d5e-480e-a1c5-646d1aa6f78e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ✅ **Pro Tip 3**: **Sharp Corners**

Sometimes, you need to make a sharp corner but even with the smoothess to 0, the angle won't be sharp. The solution is to add a point somewhere next to the corner, and drag it on the corner. That way, there will be two points at the same place and the path will take the sharpest route.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F7ZfYq9Hci08KeNoXZ4iR%2Fezgif-6822bd37c85fd8.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=26559a92-0cdc-46e5-8097-f5851fe14f63" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ✅ **Pro Tip 4**: **Moving a room**

The [Wall Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/wall-tool) and the [Building Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/building-tool) won't allow you to move a room, but if you use the Path Tool instead, it will now become a reality! You can even use the sharp corners tip above for better looking rooms. Use a combination of the Path tool, the [Pattern Shape Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/pattern-shape-tool) and the [Portal Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/portal-tool) (Freestanding mode) to achieve the result from the video below. Select everything by dragging a box around the room in the [Selection Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/select-tool/interactive-areas#selecting-multiple-assets).

{% hint style="warning" %}
Note you will need either custom packs or Dungeondraft 1.1.1.1 and above to have walls as paths.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FTUhHr6d8dMyFQj3jvd9L%2Fezgif-6915048c44befe.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=7eb6be81-052b-4c5e-8ca9-0f8ecede30e2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ✅ **Pro Tip 5: More natural looking cliffs**

You can use the **Grow/Shrink** transitions to make better looking cliffs.

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FPr7WnrsJqSmJpjsRmZf5%2Fezgif-67b7b6031875b8.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=4617ba3c-a844-4dce-98b3-b507f4fe8ce2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2Fm17gGKQellRpwOMfQ3vQ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3fb3e250-f1e6-4790-a99f-e6b507ff6157" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### ✅ **Pro Tip 6: Shadow Paths**

**Lights** and **shadows** can make an incredible difference on your map. It will help making less flat and will make the different elements pop. **Shadow paths** are a good method to add shadows to your map. In the default assets, there's one shadow Path called "**Shadow (flat)**" but there's also a lot of free custom asset packs that will offer these kinds of paths with various looks. Here's two of them: [Krager's Shadows & Lights ](https://cartographyassets.com/assets/kragers-shadow-light-pack/)and [Moulk's Simple Shadow Shapes](https://cartographyassets.com/assets/26937/moulk-simple-shadow-shapes/) (made by yours truly).

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F2aedg8habCSMSS5XVH5r%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=565acab3-f29b-4ab9-8e1e-47e6d8c702b6" alt=""><figcaption><p>The default shadow path</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2Fsw0gycF4BZ1gkuSC3eZi%2Fezgif-695d4d673927c2.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=d8c01019-5d97-441d-91df-42a7e2e6113d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FfOFVVdBf8QJAGKAyzxJY%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1120f280-f309-4670-a62d-a734a3d62bfd" alt=""><figcaption><p>Our cliff but with the default shadow Path</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2FZwW29ar0QYqIirbMmtpX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b7eb3749-78df-4e0e-a633-c98ca088dec1" alt=""><figcaption><p>The same cliff but with a shadow Path from my pack linked above</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://717747526-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FonbNaZHYfX7cze8ubfnQ%2Fuploads%2F0P0o2DwheONGUthRIA7U%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=612ecf9c-b79e-458f-8f78-c3ff294d9758" alt=""><figcaption><p>You can even add it on top of the cliff asset so the cliff is casting a shadow over itself</p></figcaption></figure>

## USEFUL INFO

{% hint style="warning" %}

### Good to know

* You can switch a path's look to another in the [Selection Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/select-tool).\\

* You can't change the width, smoothness and transitions of a placed Path.\\

* A path with "Block Light" enabled will act like a [wall](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/design-tab/wall-tool) if you export the map as [UVTT](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/final-steps/exporting-your-map/universal-vtt).\\

* Paths are not colorable.
  {% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="info" %}

## Related Mods

* [Additionnal Search Options](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/custom-assets-and-mods/some-useful-mods/additional-search-options) adds search options for paths
* [Color and Modify Things](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/custom-assets-and-mods/some-useful-mods/colour-and-modify-things-beta) adds more options to recolor paths, offset options and more controls in the [Selection Tool](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/all-the-tools/select-tool)
* [Split Path](https://unofficial-dd-manual.gitbook.io/dungeondraft/custom-assets-and-mods/some-useful-mods/split-path) offers the ability to cut a path in two parts
  {% endhint %}
