Hi,

I'm wondering what is the most convenient way to draw on 2D surface? I want to use efficiently a Wacom Cintiq tablet to draw maps directly in Houdini, so rather complex shapes in 2D that I then polywire.

How can I use the “Curve” node on a 2D surface, and lock the Y parameter without having to remap the points afterwards.
Alternatively, I use also in a simpler way Add and I lock the y parameter.

Any convenient tips is welcome. Thank you!

On the lefthad side of the viewport there are snap to option icons. You can use “Grid Snapping” for the viewport grid or construction plane. Or you could create a SOP grid and orient it with a transform node to position in your scene to your liking and then use “Point Snapping”.

The Draw Curve tool uses a selectable projection plane, allowing free-hand drawing in a 2D cardinal plane or on arbitrary 3D geometry.

Thank you guys. That's very helpful. the simple tip that I was missing and could not see… Cheers.

My question is actually a bit more complex. I would like to be able to draw on the surface when I see it with an angle, not necessarily with the top view. Any tip?

If your drawing curves more for the overall shape and don't have too many points to define that shape as a Bezier or Nurbs….

you can drop down a transform node and switch that node to use points and just enter the point number of the curve you want associated.

When you then select the transform node for that specific point controlling the curve change the orientation of the handle to that of the 2D surface and only move the point via the axis handles that are planar.

That way you keep a procedural set up for that curve and can change it viewing from any angle you wish.