đź“ť Note: This article reflects the classic BioRender canvas. For guidance on the updated experience, check out our article on the new canvas to explore key features and updates in the latest version.
Brushes in BioRender help you quickly create complex structures like membranes or nucleic acids by repeating icons in a line or shape, saving time and improving consistency.
Learn what brushes are, how to use them, where to find them, and what happens when your plan changes.
What are brushes?
Brushes allow you to quickly create lines, circles, arcs, or other shapes made up of repeating icons. This eliminates the need to place icons one by one.
You can use brushes to:
- Create a lipid bilayer without placing individual phospholipids
- Draw customizable membrane shapes in a circle, arc, or straight line
Currently, brushes are available for:
- Membranes
- Nucleic acids
- Vessels
- Certain cell types
We are continually adding more brushes based on community feedback, so check back regularly for updates.
Note: Only membrane brushes are available on the free plan. To use other types, consider upgrading upgrading your account or starting a free trial.
What happens to my brushes if I downgrade my plan?
If you downgrade to the free plan:
- Any premium brushes you’ve already created will become "locked."
- You will be able to resize and move locked brushes.
- You won’t be able to edit them (e.g., change the brush type or adjust nodes).
- You will still have access to membrane brushes.
How to find and use brushes
- Go to the icon library in the BioRender app.
- Click on "Brushes" from the left-hand menu.
- Use the search bar or browse the menu to find the brush you want.
- Drag the brush onto your canvas to use it.
Note: Brushes with a crown icon are premium and require a paid plan.
Related articles
- How to create custom brush colors
- How to edit your brushes
- Comparing BioRender Basic and Premium subscriptions: Features and benefits
What’s next?
Explore how to customize your brushes using color, stroke, and transparency settings. Try combining brushes with layering and grouping tools for more advanced designs.
Need help?
- Email: support@biorender.com
- Live Chat: Available by clicking on the "Help" bubble in the app on the bottom right-hand corner.