1. Draw Scanner: A Detailed Guide to Capturing Subnautica's Underwater Mysteries

Embark on an artistic underwater expedition and unleash your creativity by learning how to draw the Scanner, an indispensable tool in the vast expanse of Subnautica. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of this underwater survival game and capture the essence of this handheld device that empowers you to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the waves.

The Scanner is not just a mere electronic gadget; it’s an extension of your curiosity and a gateway to deeper knowledge. Drawing it requires meticulous attention to its distinct shape and intricate details. Start by sketching the elongated rectangular body, ensuring its proportions are accurate. Then, focus on the circular screen, capturing its glow and the intricate circuitry etched on its surface. Remember to add the signature antenna that protrudes from the top, guiding you towards hidden resources and unraveling the mysteries of the underwater realm.

As you progress, don’t forget to consider the Scanner’s unique texture and materiality. Its sleek metallic body reflects the ambient light, while its rubberized grips provide a secure hold. Experiment with different shading techniques to convey these subtle nuances, adding depth and realism to your drawing. Finally, consider adding a marine backdrop, with gently swaying seaweed or a coral reef, to enhance the immersive experience and create a sense of scale. Embrace the beauty of Subnautica’s underwater world and let your creativity flow as you capture the essence of the Scanner, a vital tool that unlocks the secrets hidden beneath the waves.

Preparing Your Canvas and Materials

Creating a captivating drawing of Scanner Subnautica requires meticulous preparation to establish a solid foundation for your artwork. Here are the essential steps to ensure a seamless start:

Choosing the Right Canvas

Size and Shape: Consider the desired scale and composition of your drawing. A rectangular canvas provides more space for intricate details, while a square one can create a focal point.
Canvas Material: Opt for a high-quality stretched canvas made from cotton or linen. These materials offer durability, texture, and excellent absorption capacity.
Priming the Canvas: Apply a thin layer of gesso or gesso primer to seal the canvas and create a receptive surface for your drawing materials. Allow it to dry completely.

Selecting Quality Drawing Materials

Pencils: A range of pencils with varying hardness (e.g., HB, 2B, 6B) is crucial for creating different tones and textures.
Charcoal: Charcoal provides a rich, expressive medium. Choose soft charcoal for smooth shading and harder charcoal for precise lines.
Eraser: A soft, kneadable eraser allows for gentle removal of mistakes and blending.
Sharpening Tools: A pencil sharpener and sandpaper block are essential for maintaining sharp pencil tips for detailed work.
Blending Tools: Tortillons and blending stumps help create smooth transitions and soften edges.

Setting up a Comfortable Workspace

Lighting: Position your canvas under adequate lighting to ensure you can clearly see your drawing. Natural light is ideal, but artificial lighting can also suffice.
Ergonomics: Set up your workspace in a way that promotes good posture and minimizes strain on your hand and arm.
Reference Material: Gather reference images of Scanner Subnautica to ensure accuracy and capture the unique details of the subject.

Creating a Basic Shape for the Scanner

Step 1: Define the Scanner’s Outline

Begin by sketching a large, irregular oval shape. This will form the main body of the scanner. Ensure that the shape is slightly elongated and rounded at the ends.

Step 2: Add Basic Features

Draw a small, rectangular notch on the left side of the oval, representing the scanner’s activation button. To the right of the notch, sketch a thin, curved line that extends upward, forming the handle of the scanner.

Step 3: Refine the Shape

Use smooth, curved lines to connect the edges of the oval and the notch. Gently taper the upper end of the handle, giving it a slightly angled shape. Additionally, add a small, circular indentation at the bottom of the scanner to represent the charging port.

Step 4: Define the Lens

In the center of the oval, draw a large, circular shape that represents the scanner’s lens. Within the lens, sketch a smaller, concentric circle with a crosshair pattern in the middle. This will create the appearance of the scanner’s focusing mechanism.

Refining the Outline and Adding Shading

Once you have the basic outline of the Scanner sketched, it’s time to refine it and add shading to give it depth.

Step 1: Refining the Outline

Start by cleaning up the lines of your sketch, making sure they are smooth and consistent. Use a sharp pencil or pen to trace over the original lines, adding light strokes to adjust the curves and angles as needed. Pay attention to the proportions of the Scanner and ensure that all the cylinders align correctly.

Step 2: Adding Base Shading

Create a light base shade around the Scanner using a soft pencil or charcoal. This will help establish the volume of the object. Use circular motions to apply the shading, following the contours of the Scanner’s cylindrical shape. Gradually darken the shading as you approach the edges and corners.

Step 3: Building up the Shadows

Next, identify the areas where shadows would naturally fall on the Scanner. Use a darker pencil or charcoal to create these shadows, using short, hatching strokes. Focus on the indentations between cylinders and the underside of the extended arm. Blend the shadows smoothly, using a blending stump or tortillon, to create a gradual transition from light to dark.

Step 4: Adding Highlights and Reflections

To complete the shading, add highlights to areas where light would hit the Scanner’s surface. Use a very light pencil or white charcoal to create these highlights. Pay attention to the direction of the light source and how it affects the position of the highlights. Additionally, consider adding subtle reflections on the Scanner’s surface to enhance its realism, taking into account the environment and lighting conditions.

Shading Technique	Description
Base Shading	Creates a light shadow around the object to establish volume.
Shadow Building	Darkens the appropriate areas to create depth and dimension.
Highlighting	Adds light areas to reflect light and add contrast.
Reflections	Enhances realism by depicting reflections from the environment.

Finishing Touches and Details

1. Adding Shadows and Highlights

Use a darker shade of grey or black to add shadows to the edges and indentations of the scanner. In contrast, use a lighter shade for highlights on raised surfaces, such as the buttons and protruding parts.

2. Defining Buttons and Controls

Draw circles or squares for buttons and label them with symbols or text. Add small lines or ridges to represent dials or sliders, providing a realistic and functional touch.

3. Depicting the Lens

Sketch a curved shape for the lens and shade it slightly to create a sense of depth. Draw a black circle in the center to represent the aperture.

4. Adding Cables and Wires

Draw thin lines from the base of the scanner to indicate cables or wires. These can be curled or straightened depending on the desired pose of the scanner.

5. Enhancing Color and Texture

Use complementary colors to highlight different sections or details of the scanner. Add a subtle texture to the surface using cross-hatching or stippling techniques to simulate a metallic or plastic finish.

6. Drawing Background Environment

If desired, include a simple background to provide context to the scanner. Sketch a hazy glow or lines to suggest a futuristic underwater environment or a laboratory setting.

7. Enhancing Details for Realism

To achieve a high level of realism, consider the following additional details:

Detail	Description
Panel Lines	Draw thin lines or indentations to indicate separate panels or compartments on the scanner’s surface.
Screws and Bolts	Sketch small circles or cross-shapes to represent screws or bolts that secure the scanner’s components.
Distress Markings	Add scuff marks, scratches, or wear and tear to give the scanner a used or rugged appearance.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)	Draw small dots to represent LEDs or indicator lights that emit a faint glow.
Holographic Display	If the scanner has a holographic display, sketch a faint, ethereal shape or lines to suggest the projected data.

Shading the Scanner for Depth

To create a sense of depth and dimension, you’ll need to shade the scanner according to its shape. Start by identifying the darkest and lightest areas of the object. The darkest areas will typically be in the crevices and recesses, while the lightest areas will be on the exposed surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Block in the Shadows:** Begin by filling in the darkest areas of the scanner with a dark gray or black. Use smooth, sweeping strokes to define the shape of the shadows.

2. **Add Midtones:** Transition from the shadows to the midtones using a slightly lighter gray. Blend the two shades together to create a gradual transition.

3. **Highlight the Light Areas:** Apply a light gray or white to the exposed surfaces of the scanner. Use light, quick strokes to suggest the direction of the light source.

4. **Soften the Edges:** Use a blending tool or eraser to soften the edges between the different shades. This will help create a more realistic and harmonious look.

5. **Add Details:** Once the basic shading is complete, you can add details such as rivets, wires, and other small features. Use darker shades to create depth and lighter shades to highlight.

6. **Define the Shape:** Use a dark pencil or charcoal to outline the main contours of the scanner. This will help define its shape and give it a more three-dimensional appearance.

7. **Create Highlights:** Add small highlights to the edges of the scanner where the light would naturally catch. Use a white or very light gray pencil for this.

8. **Refine the Shading:** Use multiple layers of shading to refine the depth and dimension of the scanner. Build up the shadows gradually, starting with dark gray and transitioning to lighter shades. Pay attention to the direction of the light source and the subtle changes in form to create a realistic effect.

Adding Water Texture and Color Corrections

To add realistic water texture to your scanner, follow these steps:

1. Create a new layer and fill it with a light blue color.

2. Add some noise to the layer using the “Filters > Noise > Add Noise” filter.

3. Set the layer’s blending mode to “Overlay”.

4. Adjust the layer’s opacity to taste.

Now, let’s correct the colors to enhance the scanner’s underwater appearance:

1. Create a new adjustment layer and choose “Curves”.

2. Adjust the curve to darken the shadows and brighten the highlights.

3. Add another adjustment layer and choose “Color Balance”.

4. Adjust the sliders to shift the colors towards a cooler, underwater tone.

5. Finally, merge all the layers to flatten the image.

Here’s a detailed table summarizing the color correction steps:

Adjustment Layer	Settings
Curves	Darken shadows, brighten highlights
Color Balance	Shift colors towards cooler, underwater tone

Stylizing the Scanner for Personalization

The Scanner in Subnautica provides valuable information and utility. However, it can also be customized to reflect your personal style and preferences. Here are some tips for personalizing your Scanner:

1. Change the Color

You can customize the color of the Scanner to match your submersible or suit. To do this:

Open the PDA.
Navigate to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Scanner.”
Choose the desired color from the palette.

2. Add a Skin

Skins can further enhance the visual appeal of your Scanner. To install a skin:

Download a custom skin file from an online repository.
Move the file to the “SubnauticaBelowZero_Data\Managed\Assets\Prefabs\PDA” folder.
Restart the game.

3. Use Multiple Scanners

Deploying multiple Scanners can increase your scanning range and efficiency. To deploy a Scanner:

Equip the Scanner tool.
Press the “Deploy” key (default: E).
Place the Scanner in the desired location.

4. Use Range Upgrades

Range Upgrades extend the scanning radius of your Scanner. To install a Range Upgrade:

Fabricate a Range Upgrade module.
Equip the upgrade to the Scanner.

5. Use Depth Modules

Depth Modules allow you to use the Scanner at greater depths. To install a Depth Module:

Fabricate a Depth Module.
Equip the module to the Scanner.

6. Combine Multiple Modules

You can equip multiple modules to enhance the functionality of your Scanner. For example, combining a Range Upgrade and a Depth Module increases both the scanning range and depth limit.

7. Adjust the Field of View

The field of view (FOV) of the Scanner can be adjusted to suit your preferences. To change the FOV:

Open the PDA.
Navigate to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Scanner.”
Use the slider to adjust the FOV.

8. Control the Duration

The duration of each scan can be customized. To adjust the scan duration:

Open the PDA.
Navigate to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Scanner.”
Use the slider to set the desired scan duration.

9. Bind to a Hotkey

For faster access, you can bind the Scanner to a hotkey. To do this:

Open the PDA.
Navigate to the “Controls” tab.
Select “Scanner.”
Click the “Input” field.
Press the desired hotkey.

10. Use Custom Sounds

You can personalize the Scanner by replacing the default scanning sound effects with custom ones. To do this:

a. Create a custom sound file in a compatible format (e.g., WAV, OGG).

b. Place the file in the “SubnauticaBelowZero_Data\Sounds” folder.

c. In the PDA’s “Settings” > “Audio” menu, select the custom sound file under “Scanner Ping Sound.”

How To Draw Scanner Subnautica

Materials:

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Ruler (optional)

1. Draw the Outline

Begin by drawing a large oval for the body of the scanner. Add a smaller oval at the top for the sensor head.

2. Add Details

Draw two lines from the sensor head to the body to form the arms. Add a small circle on the sensor head for the lens. Draw a curved line along the bottom of the body for the base.

3. Refine the Shape

Use the ruler (optional) to create straight lines and smooth out the curves. Define the edges of the arms and base.

4. Add Fins

Draw two small triangles on the back of the body for the fins. Add some lines to the fins to give them texture.

5. Color

Use black or dark gray for the scanner’s body and base. Color the sensor head yellow or green. Add blue highlights to the lens and fins.