# VectorPaint three-step diagram: explain a process through continuous action Language: en Canonical: [VectorPaint three-step diagram: explain a process through continuous action]() 中文：[中文 HTML]() English: [English HTML]() Published: 2026-10-23T00:00:00+08:00 Modified: 2026-10-23T10:34:08+08:00 Author: Bison Illustrate watering in three panels, keeping object positions and proportions consistent while using numbers, changed actions and short text to explain the process. English translation of the [Chinese original](), translated on 2026-10-23. The article body uses automated translation; app descriptions, historical reading notes and video subtitles receive separate editorial checks. Original publication dates, attribution, code and version notes are retained. Instruction panels should explain what changed between stages. Draw three plant-watering panels in VectorPaint: inspect the soil, water lightly, and return it to place. This is a visual-storytelling exercise; actual care still depends on the plant species. The focus is organizing a sequence. ## Write the single action each panel must communicate Write three sentences on paper with one action each: inspection, operation, and completed state. If a sentence contains several sequential actions, split it before deciding panel count rather than forcing a complex process into three small drawings. Create a landscape 1200×600 px canvas with three panels, a shared title above, and room for captions below. Leave gutters before drawing heavy borders. Reading order should naturally run left to right, reinforced by numbers. ## Draw a reusable potted plant first Draw the pot as a simple trapezoid or closed path, the rim as an ellipse, and the plant as a few leaves. Limit colors and details so pot, soil, and leaves remain visible when reduced. Complete the base subject in panel one, then copy it to the others. After copying, keep pot size, plant proportions, and baseline consistent, changing only action-related content. Readers then see one object in different states rather than three plants. If panel two needs room for a can, move the whole group first rather than shrinking the plant arbitrarily. ## Use a few marks to indicate inspection in panel one In panel one, add a simplified hand or pointer near the soil to indicate inspection. A short note such as “Check the potting soil first” avoids spending time on intricate hands. Point to the actual observation area, not near leaves where the meaning could change. Keep this panel quiet: show the complete subject before adding one or two useful symbols. Do not pile together magnifiers, arrows, and exclamation marks. One clear action cue and a short caption usually explain the first step sufficiently. ## Make the action change central in panel two Build a simplified watering can with rectangles, rounded shapes, or Pen paths and tilt it toward the pot. Add a few water lines or drops clearly landing on soil. Keep its silhouette separate from the plant instead of merging the contours. Panel two can be more dynamic than the others while keeping subject proportions consistent. Use directional arrows only where needed. Real watering quantities and schedules do not follow automatically from the image. A caption such as “Water lightly according to the plant's needs” prevents a practice drawing from becoming a universal care rule. ## Show completion through the changed state in panel three Remove the can and motion lines, keeping the plant and pot, and add a simple completion mark or position reference. Do not suddenly make the plant much taller to signify completion, implying one watering causes immediate growth. The final state should connect to the first: the same pot and similar leaves, with the action finished. Place a completion mark outside the panel to avoid confusing it with real objects. Captions should supplement unclear information rather than repeat every visible detail. ## Fix the reading order with numbers and short captions Place one, two, and three at matching upper-left positions and sizes. Keep each caption within one or two lines with consistent font and spacing. Break sentences naturally before adjusting text areas; do not align captions with strings of spaces. Temporarily remove captions and see whether the sequence reads visually, then hide the drawings and check whether the text contains complete actions. The two should complement each other. If it is incomprehensible without text, strengthen visual action differences. If a symbol needs lengthy explanation, replace it with something more direct. ## Check continuity and prepare alternative layouts Compare pot size, subject position, colors, and stroke widths from first to third panel. When only action-related parts change, the sequence is easier to follow. Accidentally scaling only part of a copied group can thicken leaves or enlarge a rim in one panel; inspect the group contents if this happens. A horizontal strip suits wide displays; rearrange into three vertical panels for phones if needed. Preserve number order and caption associations instead of squeezing the entire horizontal image narrower. Export PNG and inspect numbers, droplets, and small text at target size, then save the editable original. ## Frequently asked questions **Must I redraw every panel from scratch?** No. Complete the base subject, duplicate it, and change only action-related parts to maintain continuity. Not everything should rotate together after copying: can motion and plant position need separate treatment. **Do more arrows always improve understanding?** Too many arrows create competing reading directions. Use position, action changes, and numbering first, adding an arrow only for real directional ambiguity. Explain each arrow's purpose during the final check and remove those without one. ## Maintain continuity with one fixed reference Keep the same pale tabletop edge at the bottom of each panel so the pot sits at one height. It need not be a prominent border; it stabilizes spatial relationships. When the watering can tilts in panel two, keep table and pot fixed so the change clearly comes from the can. Tilting the table too adds unnecessary motion information. A fixed reference often explains sequence better than more motion lines. ## Related tutorials and sources [Organizing repeated objects](), [Describe the subject with a few shapes](). Based on [VectorPaint App Store description]() and the available feature entry points; [Apple release information]()Checked on October 23, 2026: public version 1.0.7, requiring iOS / iPadOS 17 or later. The dimensions, wording and shapes in this guide are suggested exercises.