Drypoint is an intaglio printmaking process similar to etching but the image is scratched directly onto the metal plate by hand using a variety of sharp tools. The resulting line is softer than an etched line and has a slight fuzziness; tone can also be achieved by crosshatching and using specialist tools. Experimentation with this versatile technique can result in soft subtle lines, deep dark velvety lines (burrs) or energetic lines, making drypoint a highly expressive medium.