Tracing trees (2D)
Tracing neurons (2D), Editing trees (2D)
Before your start tracing, you might find it useful to consult our article Preparing to trace. Then, select Trace>Mode>Neuron and click a tree type (to learn how to change the tree type, see Editing trees (2D)). 
Tracing processes (axons and dendrites)
- Focus.
- Record the diameter of the process: Use the mouse wheel or the + and – keys on the numeric keypad to set the circular cursor to match the diameter of the process.
- Click to place the first point.
- Continue to place points along the process, adjusting the focus and cursor diameter before placing each point. If the process branches, place nodes and trace the branches (see Tracing branches below).
- When you reach the end of the process, right-click and select Ending to mark the end of the tree (see Ending Types to learn about ending options).
- To display endings, go to the File>Preferences>Display Preferences>Neurons panel and check Show ending labels.
- To display line thickness, click Trace>View>Thickness (also see Line thickness).
Tracing branches
To mark where the process branches, place a node:
- Right-click and select Bifurcating Node or Trifurcating Node.
- To add or modify nodes later, see Nodes and Branches in Editing Trees.
- To display the nodes, use the File>Preferences>Display Preferences>Neurons panel and check Show nodes.
- Trace the branch, adjusting the focus and cursor diameter before placing each point.
- When you reach the end of the branch, right-click and select Ending to mark the end of the branch. The program automatically takes you back to the node (indicated by a flashing circle).
- Trace the other branch originating from the node: Click to place the next point after the node and continue placing points.
- When you reach the end of the branch, right-click and select Ending.
Placing spines or varicosities
- As you reach a spine or a varicosity, right-click and select Place spine or Varicosity (see Placing spines (2D) for details on spines).
- Resume tree tracing.