JavaScript Canvas closePath Tutorial
last modified April 3, 2025
In this article, we explore the Canvas closePath method in JavaScript. This method is essential for completing paths and creating closed shapes on HTML canvas. Understanding closePath is crucial for drawing polygons and complex shapes.
Basic Definition
The closePath method connects the last point in a path to the
first point with a straight line, creating a closed shape. It's different
from manually drawing a line to the starting point as it handles subpaths.
When used with beginPath and path-drawing methods like
lineTo, closePath completes the current subpath.
This is particularly useful for filling or stroking closed shapes.
Basic closePath Usage
This example demonstrates how to draw a simple triangle using closePath.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Basic closePath</title>
</head>
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="300" height="200"></canvas>
<script>
const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(50, 50);
ctx.lineTo(150, 150);
ctx.lineTo(250, 50);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.stroke();
</script>
</body>
</html>
In this basic example, we create a canvas element and get its 2D context.
We start a path with beginPath and move to the starting point.
Two lines are drawn to create two sides of a triangle. The closePath
completes the shape by drawing the third side automatically. Finally, we
stroke the path to make it visible.
Filled Shape with closePath
This example shows how closePath creates a closed shape that can be filled.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Filled Shape with closePath</title>
</head>
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="300" height="200"></canvas>
<script>
const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(50, 50);
ctx.lineTo(150, 150);
ctx.lineTo(250, 50);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.fillStyle = 'lightblue';
ctx.fill();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'blue';
ctx.stroke();
</script>
</body>
</html>
Here we create the same triangle as before but now we fill it with color.
The closePath ensures the shape is properly closed for filling.
We set a light blue fill color and call fill, then add a blue
stroke outline. This demonstrates how closePath enables both filling and
stroking of shapes.
Multiple Subpaths with closePath
This example demonstrates using closePath with multiple subpaths in one shape.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Multiple Subpaths</title>
</head>
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="300" height="200"></canvas>
<script>
const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.beginPath();
// First triangle
ctx.moveTo(50, 50);
ctx.lineTo(100, 150);
ctx.lineTo(150, 50);
ctx.closePath();
// Second triangle
ctx.moveTo(200, 50);
ctx.lineTo(250, 150);
ctx.lineTo(300, 50);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.fillStyle = 'pink';
ctx.fill();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'red';
ctx.stroke();
</script>
</body>
</html>
This example creates two separate triangles within one path using multiple
moveTo and closePath calls. Each triangle is
a separate subpath.
Both subpaths are filled and stroked together. The closePath
ensures each triangle is properly closed before moving to the next shape.
Complex Shape with closePath
This example shows how to create a more complex shape using closePath.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>Complex Shape</title>
</head>
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="400" height="300"></canvas>
<script>
const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.beginPath();
// Main rectangle
ctx.moveTo(100, 50);
ctx.lineTo(300, 50);
ctx.lineTo(300, 200);
ctx.lineTo(100, 200);
ctx.closePath();
// Cutout triangle
ctx.moveTo(150, 100);
ctx.lineTo(250, 100);
ctx.lineTo(200, 175);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.fillStyle = 'lightgreen';
ctx.fill();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'darkgreen';
ctx.lineWidth = 3;
ctx.stroke();
</script>
</body>
</html>
Here we create a rectangle with a triangular cutout using two subpaths.
The main rectangle is drawn first and closed with closePath.
Then we add a triangular subpath that will act as a cutout when filled. The even-odd fill rule (default) makes the triangle appear as a hole in the rectangle.
closePath with Arcs
This example demonstrates using closePath with arc segments to create shapes.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<title>closePath with Arcs</title>
</head>
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="400" height="300"></canvas>
<script>
const canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.beginPath();
// Start at top center
ctx.moveTo(200, 50);
// Draw right semicircle
ctx.arc(200, 150, 100, -Math.PI/2, Math.PI/2);
// Draw left semicircle
ctx.arc(200, 150, 50, Math.PI/2, -Math.PI/2, true);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.fillStyle = 'rgba(200, 200, 0, 0.5)';
ctx.fill();
ctx.strokeStyle = 'orange';
ctx.lineWidth = 4;
ctx.stroke();
</script>
</body>
</html>
This example creates a donut shape with a flat top using arcs and closePath. We start at the top center and draw two semicircles in opposite directions.
The closePath connects the end of the last arc back to the
starting point, creating a complete shape. The result is filled with a
semi-transparent yellow and stroked with orange.
Source
MDN Canvas closePath Documentation
In this article, we have explored various techniques for using closePath to create closed shapes on HTML canvas. Mastering this method is essential for drawing polygons and complex shapes in web applications.
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