The Path Painting tool allows you to create paths based on control points and smooth curves. Once generated, the path is applied directly to the terrain using a mask.
A path can either dig into the ground or be raised above it, depending on the chosen parameters. Everything intersecting the path—such as trees, rocks, and grasses—is automatically removed.
Paths can be edited at any time to redefine their trajectory. When updated, all previously removed elements (trees, grasses, rocks) are restored and recalculated according to the new path.
You can also switch back to manual terrain painting at any moment, without affecting existing paths.
Let’s take a closer look at how to create and edit paths. 👇
Below is a detailed explanation of each element in the Path Properties Panel:
Current Path: Displays the list of all created paths. You can switch between paths to edit or delete them.
Add New Path: Creates a new path. When clicked, the Edit Path mode is automatically enabled.
Click on the terrain to define the starting point, then hold and drag the mouse to draw the path.
Edit Path: Allows you to modify an existing path by selecting and moving its control nodes
(blue spheres along the spline).
Draw Continue Path: Enables continuation of an existing path from its last point.
Lock Y: When enabled, the entire path keeps the same height as the first point.
If the terrain rises, the ground will be carved to maintain this height.
Node Distance: Defines the spacing between control nodes.
Larger values produce straighter paths, while smaller values allow smoother curves.
Path Width: Sets the width of the path in meters.
A value between 2 and 3 meters is usually sufficient.
Higher values can be used to create rivers when combined with a negative Y offset.
Path Y Offset: Controls whether the path digs into the terrain or rises above it.
A value of 0 means no vertical modification.
Trees Remove Width: Defines the width within which trees are removed.
This value can be larger than the path width.
Grasses Remove Width: Defines the width within which grasses are removed.
This value is usually equal to or slightly smaller than the path width.
Rocks Remove Width: Defines the width within which rocks are removed.
This value can be equal to or larger than the path width.
Select Swatch Texture: Chooses the texture applied to the path.
The list comes from the Terrain Painting panel.
Show Nodes: Toggles the visibility of the control spheres.
Show Spline: Toggles the visibility of the spline representing the path trajectory.
Show Path: Toggles the visibility of the 3D ribbon used to generate the path.
Show Debug: Displays the X and Y normals of the 3D path mesh for debugging purposes.
Create Path: Generates or updates the path after defining or editing its shape.
Flatten Path: Flattens the selected path so all points share the same height.
Smooth Only: Smooths the path curve without performing any other operation.
Trees Remove: Removes trees only, based on the Trees Remove Width value.
Rocks Remove: Removes rocks only, based on the Rocks Remove Width value.
Grasses Remove: Removes grasses only, based on the Grasses Remove Width value.
Delete Path: Completely removes the selected path.
This restores the original terrain texture, trees, grasses, rocks, and terrain mesh.
Restore Terrain: Removes all created paths.
This fully restores the terrain texture, vegetation, rocks, and all terrain mesh modifications.
