Insert Background Image

Insert Background Image lets you place a photo or plan behind your sketch. This is useful for tracing over exterior outlines, checking proportions, or using photometric images as a visual reference while you draw.

Opening Sketch Options

Background images are controlled from the Sketch Options sidebar on the right.

  1. 1. Open your sketch.
    Start from any sketch where you want to place or change a background image.
  2. 2. Open the background image tools.
    Use the top toolbar Insert Background Image button (image icon). This opens the Sketch Options sidebar on the right.
  3. 3. Review the available actions.
    The sidebar shows:
    • Open Image
    • Take Photo
    • Remove Background
    • Cancel

Open Image From File

Use Open Image to select an image file from your device and set it as the sketch background.

  1. 1. Click “Open Image”.
    In the Sketch Options sidebar, click the Open Image button (folder icon).
  2. 2. Choose an image file.
    Your browser’s file picker will open. Select a supported image (for example: JPG, PNG).
  3. 3. Apply as background.
    After you confirm the file, the image is loaded and placed as the background behind your sketch canvas.

The background image is for visual reference only. Your sketch (lines, shapes, symbols) remains fully editable on top of it.

Take Photo

Use Take Photo to capture a live image from your device’s camera and use it immediately as a background.

  1. 1. Click “Take Photo”.
    In the Sketch Options sidebar, click the Take Photo button (camera icon).
  2. 2. Allow camera access.
    Your browser may ask for permission to use the camera. Approve this so a live preview can appear.
  3. 3. Capture the image.
    Use the on-screen controls to capture the photo (for example: a floor plan, MLS photo, or site picture).
  4. 4. Use as background.
    Once captured, the photo is applied as the background image for the current sketch.

For best results, use a mobile device or a laptop with a camera and ensure the subject is well lit and centered before taking the photo.

Remove or Cancel Background Changes

You can clear the existing background image or close the Sketch Options sidebar without making any changes.

Remove Background

  1. In the Sketch Options sidebar, click Remove Background (trash icon).
  2. The current background image is cleared from the sketch.
  3. Your lines, shapes, and symbols remain unchanged on the canvas.

Use this if you no longer want a photo or plan behind the sketch, or if you plan to load a different image.

Cancel / Close Sidebar

  • Click Cancel in the Sketch Options sidebar to close it without applying a new background.
  • You can also click the × close icon at the top of the sidebar to hide it.
  • Existing backgrounds stay in place unless you explicitly remove them using Remove Background.