How-to

Master Stroke Properties in Vector Ink: Outlines, Widths & End Caps Explained

Introduction

Take complete control of your outlines with the Stroke Properties Panel in Vector Ink. This tutorial walks you through every setting that defines how your lines behave — from width and pressure to end caps, joins, and dashed patterns — giving your artwork precision and style.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to adjust stroke width and create varied line weights.
  • Customize end caps and corner joins for a clean, professional look.
  • Create dashed and dotted lines with stroke dash and gap settings.
  • Use pressure profiles to simulate brush strokes.
  • Convert any stroke into a path for advanced editing.

Step-by-Step: Exploring the Stroke Panel

  1. Open the Stroke Panel: Find it beneath the Boolean panel (or at the bottom on mobile). Select any path to begin.
  2. Adjust Width: Modify Stroke Width to make your outline thicker or thinner. Try setting it to 20 for a bold stroke.
  3. Experiment with Dash and Gap: Set Dash to 4 and Gap to 20 to create a dashed outline. Reset both to zero for a solid line.
  4. Change Cap Styles: Choose between Round, Square, or Butt ends for how strokes terminate.
  5. Try Different Joins: Use Miter for sharp corners, Round for soft joins, or Bevel for clipped edges.
  6. Convert Stroke to Path: Tap Stroke to Path to turn the outline into a filled shape — great for custom brush effects or layered design.

Dynamic Strokes with Pressure

Vector Ink’s Stroke Pressure lets you fine-tune how width changes along a path. Activate it to display a curve editor where you can shape pressure points:

  • Raise the middle node for thicker midpoints, lower ends for tapered tips.
  • Add nodes by tapping along the curve; double-tap a node to delete it.
  • Combine with Stroke to Path for stylized brush shapes and organic line art.

Pro Tips for Cleaner Outlines

  • Uniform look? Keep round caps and joins for logo outlines — they smooth edges automatically.
  • Technical art? Use square caps and bevel joins for crisp architectural or schematic styles.
  • Organic feel? Activate pressure, play with uneven curves, and then convert to path for a “brush-pen” look.
  • Want dotted lines? Set Dash small (like 2) and Gap slightly larger (like 6–8).

Troubleshooting

Stroke width not visible?
Ensure the path has a stroke color applied and fill set to none if needed.

Uneven joins?
Switch to round joins or adjust miter limit for long corners.

Pressure not affecting stroke?
Make sure pressure is toggled on and adjust the curve nodes for visible variation.

Refine Every Line You Draw

Give your vector art the polish it deserves — from dashed technical lines to expressive brush strokes. Try these features today inside Vector Ink and watch your outlines transform into works of precision and style.

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