# Shape Layers ## **Overview** Shape layers are World Creators' way of creating the general outline of your terrain. They provide a variety of options for creating the basic shape of the terrain, which is then enhanced by the World Creators [filters](/reference/terrain/biome/filters.md) and [simulation layers](/reference/terrain/simulation-layers.md). Shape layers usually work on the lower levels of the [level step system](/walkthrough/terrain-setup/level-step-system.md), so that the filters and simulations have enough layers to enhance the final result, although you can always manually override the layer to create exactly the terrain you want. *** ## Shared Parameters ### Layer Settings The Layer Settings control how the Shape Layer is combined with the rest of your terrain as well as how strong its effect is. |

Operation
How the shape layer will be combined with the terrain.
Interpolation Mode
Different interpolation modes for texture sampling. Only available for texture based shape layers.
Height Offset
Offsets the shape layer vertically.
Height Scale
Scales the shape layer vertically.
Height Blending
Controls the strength of the shape layer.
Level Step
The level step in which the shape layer will be applied. Can be switched to be inserted in multiple level steps.

| | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | #### **Operations** World Creator offers the following operations:

#### **Interpolation Modes** World Creator offers the following interpolation modes:

### Area Settings The Area Settings allow you to freely position Shape Layers on your terrain and offer simple controls to blend them into your terrain. | ![](/files/Fi7Qpj3knuEvClInyNY9) |

X/Y
The position of the area on the terrain.
Area Scale
The size of the area.
Rotation
The rotation of the area
Fit to Terrain
Matches the area to the terrains full size.
Blending
Controls the opacity of the whole shape layer.
Blend Size
Adds a fade in to the area.
Blend Roundness
Rounds the corners of the face.

| | -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | *** ## **Available Shape Layers** World Creator offers a range of different Shape Layer types to help you create the terrain you want, with more Shape Layers coming in the future. The following Shape Layers are currently available in World Creator: ### [**Sculpt Layers**](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/sculpt.md) Sculpt Layers allow you to create a base shape for your terrain using brush and deformation tools. You can either use it in the classical way with sculpting brushes like ZBrush or with grid based deformation tools.

### [2D Stamp Layers ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/2d-stamp.md) If you already have a height map that you want to use in your terrain, 2D Stamp Layers are the way to go. They provide an easy and intuitive way to position and blend your existing data into your terrain, while integrating nicely into World Creators' otherwise procedural workflows.

### [Landscape layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/landscape.md) This Shape Layer type currently offers procedural patterns such as mountains, craters, volcanoes or islands, each with its own set of parameters to customise the geological feature to your liking.

### [MapTiler Layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/maptiler.md) MapTiler Layers provide direct integration of high quality real world elevation data into World Creator. Simply add the layer, follow the login steps described in the MapTiler article (only needs to be done once), find a real world location to add to your terrain and let World Creators filters enhance your result.

### [Path Layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/path.md) Path Layers allow you to modify your terrain at a lower level to create mountains and valleys, or use its features to create smaller details such as roads.

### [Polygon Layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/polygon.md) Polygon Layers allow you to create a custom shape by placing individual vertices. You can then control the height and slope of the inside and outside of the shape to create larger features in your terrain.

### [Primitive Layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/primitive.md) Primitive Layer are similar to Landscape Layers in that they add procedural shapes to your terrain though they only offer basic geometric shapes like circles, gradients or polygons.

### [Rivers Layer ](/reference/terrain/shape-layers/rivers.md) River Layers allow you to add rivers and valleys to your terrain. They offer many different river types with full customisation to create your ideal river network.

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