---
title: 2D polygon
slug: task-view-guide/2d-polygon
docTags: 
createdAt: 2023-08-09T08:34:29.643Z
---

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/wLEz_RbWP6nIMpY-prjlm/xp9R-2YjYn3kFmlsEgF97_skarmavbild-2023-09-20-kl-152905.png "Polygon shape")

## Drawing tool

This geometry shape is drawn using **the** **pen tool**. It allows you to place nodes or points in the image while being connected by a line. 

A task will include **polygons** (instance segmentation) or **multi-polygons** (semantic segmentation). The drawing process is the same, but multi-polygons allow you to draw separate polygons while sharing object ID. 

### Drawing process

::::WorkflowBlock
:::WorkflowBlockItem
Select a class
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Place a point at the edge of the object,
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Continue placing points along the object.
:::

:::WorkflowBlockItem
Close the shape by connecting the first and last point.

If you are working with **multi-polygons** you will be able to continue drawing polygons. If the drawing tool is still active after closing a polygon, the selected class has the shape type "multi-polygon". 
:::
::::

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/wLEz_RbWP6nIMpY-prjlm/OCGhJtvR41IQbWUwt-oDR_polygon.gif" size="50" width="792" height="406" position="center" caption="Placing points with the pen tool" darkWidth="792" darkHeight="406" showCaption="true"}

:::hint{type="info"}
As you move the cursor over the image, a small tooltip follows, showing the classification name under the cursor and a border in that class's color.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
## Lock/ unlock polygon

- **Lock:** Use to avoid edits to existing objects or classifications (classified points).
- **Unlock: **Use when you want to draw freely in the task. 

You can lock/ unlock individual objects and classes or all simultaneously. 
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
## Hide/ show polygon

- **Show:** Use when you want to see the object or classification. 
- **Hide**: Use when you want to hide the object or classification (classified points).

You can hide/ show individual objects and classes or all simultaneously. 
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
## Snap to point

Draw polygons very close to already existing polygons. When the drawing tool is activated hold `alt` and clicking where you want to draw. The next placed point will then be snapped to the nearest point on another polygon.
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
## Move polygon

Move entire polygon pressing `shift`

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/wLEz_RbWP6nIMpY-prjlm/n0wD10h6zE-diQR8N89uW_polygondrag.gif" size="50" width="635" height="381" position="center" caption="Hold down shift to drag the polygon" darkWidth="635" darkHeight="381" showCaption="true"}
:::

:::ExpandableHeading
## Layering in exported data

When layering is activated in a task, each polygon is assigned an order from 0 and up. The order is exported with the `order` key, which can be used to determine which polygon is closest to the front: the lower the value, the closer it is.
:::