How to Use Contour

Optimizing Pictures for Contour

Contour can import both PNG or JPG files up to 8K* (more details on image resolution below). However, I recommend using PNG images, which use a lossless, non destructive compression and as a result have better visual quality than JPG.

The other benefit of PNG is that you can use alpha channel based transparency, and can therefore only export white outlines of your artwork while the rest of the image remains fully transparent (as demonstrated by the stock images in the app).

This the best way to achieve high contrast, allowing you to freely tint your sketch lines. This shouldn’t be confused with the overall image opacity, which can be changed in Contour at any time for both JPG and PNG files.

Picture resolution requirements can vary depending on the size of the surface you’re drawing onto, but as a rule of thumb we recommend a minimum of 1 pixel per millimeter. Below are some examples of recommended minimum resolution per physical artwork size:

• 1x1 meter = 1024 x 1024 pixels

• 2x2 meters = 2048 x 2048 pixels

• 4x4 meters = 4096 x 4096 pixels

• 8x8 meters = 8192 x 8192 pixels

Contour does not prevent users from importing images with resolutions higher than 8k, but this is not officially supported at this time as larger files can cause a massive hit on performance, and in some cases even crash the app altogether. In other words, you may try importing larger files at your own risk, but I can’t guarantee it will work.

Importing Pictures To Contour

For Contour to import pictures, your image files should first be transferred to your Quest headset. Contour's Artwork menu features a file explorer to import the pictures. Due to limitations of the Quest's Horizon OS, additional profiles are not supported : only your headset main profile / main Meta account (the one used during the initial set up of the headset) will be able to browse and import the files using the built-in file browser. For additional profiles, please refer to the “auto import” section.

Web upload / Browser download

This is the easiest import method and is recommended for new users as it does not require plugin the headset to a computer.

First, email yourself the pictures or upload them to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, One Drive, iCloud, Dropbox (…) so that the pictures can be accessed through the web.

Second, using your Quest’s web browser, simply navigate to the corresponding website (e.g. Gmail) and download picture files with a long press on the picture. The file will then be downloaded into your Quest "Download" folder, which applications like Contour can access. To validate that the pictures have correctly been downloaded, use can use the Quest “File” app.

You obviously need an internet connection for the Quest browser to, but once your images are downloaded to your headset, Contour can work fully offline.

Below is an example using gmail:

USB-C transfer via Desktop Computer

If you plug-in your headset to a computer using USB-C cable, you can access your Quest drive as if it was any external drive, and transfer your pictures from there. Once plugged-in, you simply need to authorize "USB debugging" from your headset.

Auto-import

When transfering files via USB-C, you can choose to store images directly into the application folder on the Quest drive, located at :

Android/data/com.DDXR.Contour/files

As a result, when launching Contour, pictures will import automatically when the application launches, without having to use the in-app file explorer. This technique also works for Quest additional profiles, and is the best workaround to the limitation explained above.

Troubleshooting Image Import

Having trouble getting your pictures ? Don’t panic. Here’s a quick checklist of what you need to do depending on the use case.

First, connect your headset to your WiFi and make sure you have the latest version of the Quest OS and Contour.

Second, double check that you have transferred your pictures to your Quest. To validate this, simply go to your Quest Library and use the Files app (not the Gallery). From there you’ll be able to see choose “Media”, “Download” and “This headset”. If you can find your picture somewhere here, Contour should be able to import it. If you can’t see the picture, this means something wrong happened independently from Contour. Please refer to the corresponding section above and refer to Meta’s official documentation on Meta Quest and file transfer.

Finally, check Contours persmissions

If you are stuck on the Home screen and nothing happens when clicking on the “Artwork” menu or “Select your Image” button, you may have a permission issue. Simply go to your Library, hover Contour and click the three dots (…) to select and enable all its permissions, then re-launch the app

Blank Pop-up and Additional Quest Profiles

If, when clicking on “Select your Image”, a pop up window opens but remains completely blank and you can’t click on any of the menu buttons at the top, you’re likely using Contour with a Quest “additional profile” (i.e. user profiles different from the main account with which the headset was set up). Contour’s file browser only works with the Quest main profile, as additional profiles cannot access files from the main account (this is an Horizon OS limitation).

If you really need to use it with additional profiles, please use the “auto import” technique described above.

Support Request and Bug Reporting

In the unlikely scenario where none of the above worked for you, please do the following:

1. After launching the app, head directly to the Options menu and open the debug window.

2. Go back to the Artwork section and try to import your picture

3. Take a screenshot (holding the Meta button + controller trigger), a video recording, or simply take note of the potential error message, and email it to dehats+Contour@gmail.com

Saving Position for later (aka multi-session workflow)

Contour allows you to save the position of your artwork in space, so can re-use it later, which is especially useful for long working sessions where the headset battery might go low.

You can also choose to use the saved position with a different image than the original, letting you update your digital artwork without losing your precious positioning data.

Once you have positioned your image and entered Draw mode, simply click the corresponding button. You should immediately get

Once you see the confirmation message, you can safely quit Contour, and even turn off your headset.

In your next session, you’ll first need to choose your artwork as you usually do. Then, back in the position menu, you can load the previously saved position and apply it to your currently selected artwork.

Image Drifting / Tracking Stability

The tracking process of digital images virtually placed in the real world functions through a very complex set of technologies, mostly based on the video feed coming from the headset embedded cameras. Unfortunately, this technology isn't flawless and will induce image "drifting" over time resulting in the image slowly moving away from its original anchor point. This can be influenced by certain conditions, starting with lighting.

For the best results :

- Work in brightly lit room. This is the number 1 factor influencing the quality of tracking.

- Update your headset regularly. Meta keeps on improving its software on a regular basis, and Contour can benefit from these updates even without updating the app itself.

- Prefer drawing on an opaque surface featuring visible details (the more matte and grainy the better). If this isn't an option, using tape or other removable material can also help inform the cameras of their position and improve the overall tracking quality.

- Save the artwork position just before drawing. When the shift becomes too noticeable, quit and reload the artwork position

- To avoid wobbles, distortions and similar artifacts, try to keep your headset at a minimum distance of 1 foot / 30 centimeters

Feedback and beta tester group

For any additional question or feedback, or if you’d like to become a beta tester, feel free to reach out :

dehats+Contour@gmail.com