Lesson 6 of 23

Shapes, grids and radial designs

Rectangles, circles, stars, rosettes and quarry grids in a few drags, each one cut into the leadwork.

5 steps2 minChecked against the Studio on 17 October 2026

1 of 5 Rectangles and ellipses Rectangle (R) and Ellipse (E) draw from a drag, or from a click when you want to type the size.

Shapes are leads too. Draw a circle across a grid of quarries and it cuts every quarry it crosses.

1
Rectangles and ellipses

Rectangle (R) and Ellipse (E) draw from a drag, or from a click when you want to type the size. Hold Shift for a square or a circle, and Alt to draw from the centre out.
2
A grid of quarries

Rectangular grid (ShiftG) fills a box with dividers. While you drag, ↑ and ↓ add or take away horizontal dividers, and ← and → vertical ones.
3
Polygons, stars and rosettes

The Radial shape tool has three forms, each with its own key: Polygon (6), Star (K) and Rosette (M). Drag out from the centre; ↑ and ↓ change the count as you go.
4
Rings inside a piece

Offset rings (ShiftO) strikes rings inside a piece at the widths you give: a border that follows a curved edge, in one click.
5
Weld it in, or keep it apart

With a shape tool in hand, Weld in in the bar under the drawing decides whether the shape joins the leads it crosses or stays a separate island. Leave it on to cut the shape into the pattern.

Tip Shaper (ShiftN) turns a rough sketch into a clean line, circle, rectangle or polygon when you let go.

Try it

Now do it, with the Studio's own engine