Tutorials Open the Studio

Lesson 5 of 23

Draw lead lines

Straight leads with the Line tool, curves with the Pen and Curve tools, and freehand strokes that come out clean.

5 steps2 minChecked against the Studio on 17 October 2026
Drawing with the Line tool on a blank panel: two leads already cross it, and a third runs from the top edge with its length and angle shown beside it.
1 of 5 Straight leads with Line Press L for the Line tool.

In the Studio every line you draw is a lead. Draw it across a piece and the piece is cut in two, and the pieces either side share that one line, so they can never drift apart.

  1. 1

    Straight leads with Line

    Press L for the Line tool. Click where the lead starts, then where it ends. End it on another lead or on the panel's edge, and it cuts cleanly.

    While you draw, the lead's length and angle are shown beside it.

    Tip Click the start point twice to type an exact length and angle. Hold Shift to lock the angle.

  2. 2

    Bow a line

    For a gentle curve, press at the second click and drag sideways: the lead bows towards the pointer.

  3. 3

    Curves with the Pen

    Press P for the Pen. Click for a corner; press and drag for a smooth curve. Press Enter, double-click or right-click to finish the path.

  4. 4

    Curves through points

    Curve (ShiftP) is the easier tool for flowing lines: click points along the way, and the lead curves through every one of them. Alt-click for a sharp corner.

  5. 5

    Freehand and arcs

    Freehand (Y) draws like a pencil and smooths your stroke into clean leads when you let go. Hold Shift for one straight lead.

    Three-point arc (Q) takes both ends with two clicks, then bends through the pointer: click to set it.

    Tip Smooth (ShiftY) evens out a lead already drawn: drag along it, and each pass smooths it a little more.

Try it

Now do it, with the Studio's own engine

The Line tool drawing leads across a blank panel in VETRATA Studio.

  1. Draw a lead from edge to edge
  2. Cut the field into six pieces or more
Next · Lesson 6Shapes, grids and radial designsRectangles, circles, stars, rosettes and quarry grids in a few drags, each one cut into the leadwork.Mark done and continue Find any command, and make the keys yours