1. Loading an Image

• Fetch Normie: Enter a Token ID (0–9999) and click Fetch. The app reads the on-chain SVG data directly from the Ethereum blockchain — no API keys or external services needed.
• Custom Image Upload: Click Select Image to load any pixel art image. The image is downscaled to a 40×40 grid. Use the Image Threshold Sensitivity slider to fine-tune the black/white cutoff. Dark backgrounds are automatically inverted.

2. What is the Bridging Algorithm?

When cutting a stencil from paper or plastic, white areas completely surrounded by black (e.g., inside eyes or mouth) will fall out because they have no physical connection to the rest of the sheet.

The app uses the Dijkstra Shortest Path algorithm to connect each isolated white island to the outer boundary. The black pixels that are "cut" to form these bridges are shown in Grey.

3. Algorithm Controls

• Structural Bridging Balance (Off → Strong): Splits large black areas into layers to prevent tearing. Higher values add more structural support cuts.
• Min Bridges Per Island (1–5): How many connection paths each isolated region gets. More bridges = stronger stencil, but more grey pixels.
• Thick Bridges (2×2): When enabled, bridge paths are 2 pixels wide for extra strength. Disable for thinner, less visible bridges.
• Bridge Thin Connections (1×1): Automatically reinforces single-pixel-wide black connections that are fragile and prone to tearing.
• Layer Distribution Balance: Controls how evenly the cut-out area is distributed between Layer 1 and Layer 2. Drag toward 50/50 for balanced layers.

4. How Does a 2-Layer Stencil Work?

1. Cut L 1 (Black / Boundary): Cut out all black pixels from a sheet. Lay it on the surface and spray your first color (e.g., black). Remove the stencil.
2. Cut L 2 (Grey / Bridges): Cut out all grey pixels (bridges) from a second sheet. Align it over the first layer using the corner crosshair marks, then spray the same color to fill in the bridge gaps.
3. Result: A clean, complete stencil painting with no missing areas!

5. Editor Tools & Keyboard Shortcuts

• Pencil (B): Draw pixels in the selected color.
• Eraser (E): Remove pixels (set to white).
• Color Picker (I): Click any pixel to pick its color.
• Colors: Press 1 = Black, 2 = Grey, 3 = White.
• Grid (G): Toggle the grid overlay on/off.
• Undo / Redo: Ctrl+Z / Ctrl+Y (up to 40 steps).
• Run Algorithm: Manually re-run the bridging algorithm after hand-edits.
• Clear Bridges: Remove all auto-generated bridges to start fresh.

6. Preview Panels

• Risky Regions: Shows the original design without bridges. Isolated floating islands are highlighted in red — these would fall out if cut.
• All Layers: The combined view with black (cut areas) and grey (bridges).
• L 1 / L 2: Individual layer previews showing exactly what to cut on each sheet.

Click any preview panel to switch the main editor canvas to that view mode.

7. Exporting Your Stencil

• Download All Layers PDF: A 3-page A4 PDF containing the combined guide, Layer 1, and Layer 2.
• L 1 PDF / L 2 PDF: Download individual layers as single-page PDFs.
• PNG / JPEG: Export the combined view as a raster image.

8. Physical Alignment (Crosshairs)

PDF pages include + shaped alignment marks at all four corners. Cut these crosshairs into both stencil sheets. When painting Layer 2, align the crosshairs over the Layer 1 marks for a perfect match.

9. Calibration Ruler

A 5 cm calibration ruler is printed at the bottom of each PDF page. After printing, measure it with a physical ruler to verify your printer printed at 100% scale (no auto-fit or shrink-to-page).

💡 Tips

• If "Printable in Single Layer" appears, your design has no floating islands. You only need to cut and paint L 1!
• Use heavier card stock or acetate sheets for more durable stencils.
• When printing the PDF, make sure "Actual Size" or "100%" is selected in your printer settings — do not use "Fit to Page".
• You can scale and print the PDF to any size you want for larger or smaller artwork.