Sketch Features

Sketch Features covers the core tools used while drawing and editing: cut, copy, paste, delete, undo/redo, selection (pointer), zoom, navigation, and the utility controls in the bottom-right footer.

All actionable buttons are located at the top toolbar or in the bottom-right footer of the sketch screen.

Top Toolbar Overview

The top toolbar contains file actions, editing tools, zoom controls, navigation tools, and drawing-related tools. Each icon is a button that performs an action on the current sketch or the shapes you have selected.

Save & Editing Tools

  • Save – saves the current sketch and shows the save options (export, print/preview, image, PDF).
  • Cut – removes the selected shape(s) from the sketch and places them on the clipboard.
  • Copy – copies the selected shape(s) to the clipboard without removing them.
  • Paste – pastes the last cut or copied shape(s) into the sketch.
  • Delete – deletes the selected shape(s) from the sketch.

Undo / Redo & Zoom

  • Undo – reverts the last action you performed.
  • Redo – reapplies an action that was just undone.
  • Zoom Out – zooms the canvas out so more of the sketch is visible.
  • Zoom In – zooms the canvas in for more detailed work.

Pointer & Navigation Tools

Use the pointer to work with shapes and the pan tool to move around the canvas without changing the zoom level.

Pointer

  • Use the Pointer tool to:
    • Select shapes, lines, labels, and symbols.
    • Move selected objects around the canvas.
    • Resize or adjust shapes where handles are available.
    • Trigger actions like cut, copy, delete, or open properties for the selected items.

Pan

  • Use the Pan tool to drag the canvas in any direction.
  • Pan is useful for navigating large sketches while keeping the same zoom level.
  • Switch back to the Pointer tool when you need to select or edit shapes again.

Drawing, Labels, Symbols & Other Tools

The remaining buttons in the top toolbar are grouped for drawing, labels, symbols, images, and measurement tools. Each group has its own dedicated documentation page; this section explains what they are for and where to find them.

Drawing Tools

  • The Draw Mode button opens a dropdown with:
    • Exterior – draw exterior walls and outlines.
    • Interior – draw interior walls and room separations.
    • Free Form – draw freehand lines for more flexible shapes.
    • Color row – choose the active drawing color for new lines/shapes.

See the Draw Exterior, Draw Interior, and Free Form Draw pages for detailed instructions on each drawing mode.

Labels, Symbols, Images & Disto

  • Labels – opens the labels panel to add or manage labels in the sketch.
  • Symbols – opens the symbols panel (doors, windows, and other configurable symbols).
  • Insert Background Image – insert a background image (such as photometric images).
  • Insert Sketch – insert an existing sketch into the current sketch.
  • Disto (Laser) – opens tools for working with laser-measured distances.

Each of these tool groups has its own documentation page (Insert Notes, Insert Premade Shapes, Insert Background Image, Insert Existing Sketch, Disto, Labels, Symbols) that explains usage in detail.

Close Sketch

  • Close Sketch (red X at the far right of the top toolbar) – closes the sketch window.
    • If there are unsaved changes, you’ll be prompted to continue without saving or cancel.
    • Choose Cancel to return to the sketch and save first if needed.

Bottom-Right Footer Controls

The bottom-right footer contains properties, ruler, units, and grid controls that affect how the sketch is viewed and how measurements are displayed.

Properties

  • The Properties button opens the Properties panel.
  • This panel shows editable options for the currently selected shape, line, label, or symbol.
  • Typical adjustments include dimensions, label text, line style, fill settings, and other object-specific options.

Rulers, Units & Grid

  • Rulers – toggle the on-screen X/Y rulers on or off.
  • Units – change the measurement units used for lengths and shape sizes:
    • Feet
    • Inches
    • Meters
  • Grid – choose whether the background grid is shown:
    • Show Grid – display the grid for easier alignment and snapping.
    • Hide Grid – remove the grid for a cleaner appearance.

Mouse Coordinates & General Behavior

The sketch canvas constantly reports the mouse position and uses prompts to protect your work when closing.

  • Mouse Coordinates – wherever the mouse moves over the canvas, the current coordinates are always displayed in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  • Closing the Sketch – clicking the red X (Close Sketch) prompts you to:
    • Continue without saving, or
    • Cancel and return to the sketch so you can save first.

For detailed instructions on drawing tools, labels, symbols, background images, inserting existing sketches, or using the Disto tools, refer to their specific documentation pages.