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SKETCH (Command)

The SKETCH command creates freehand curves by continuously sampling cursor positions as you move across the drawing canvas. Ideal for quick annotations, rough outlines, and artistic strokes.

Prompts

Prompt Description
Specify start point Click to begin a freehand stroke
Specify next point Move the cursor — points are added automatically as you move

How to Use

  1. Type sketch and press Enter
  2. Click to set the start point of a stroke
  3. Move the cursor — the sketch line follows your movement in real time
  4. Press Enter to finish the current stroke and start a new one
  5. Press Enter again (on the start point prompt) to end the command
  6. Press Esc to cancel

Multiple Strokes

The SKETCH command supports multiple strokes in one session:

  1. Draw the first stroke (click start → move → Enter)
  2. Click a new start point for the next stroke
  3. Repeat as needed
  4. Press Enter at the "Specify start point" prompt to finalize all strokes into a single sketch entity

Notes

  • Automatic sampling: Points are added only when the cursor moves beyond a minimum threshold distance (5 units), avoiding excessive point density
  • Single entity: All strokes drawn in one SKETCH session are combined into a single VcDbSketch entity
  • No undo within stroke: Unlike PLINE, individual points cannot be undone during drawing — cancel and restart if needed
  • Layer and properties: The sketch entity inherits the current layer, color, and thickness settings

Best Practices

Tip Reason
Draw slowly for smooth curves Faster movement creates coarser curves
Use a stylus on touch devices Gives more natural freehand control
Set appropriate thickness before starting Sketch entities respect the current line thickness
Use for annotations and markups Sketches are great for review comments and redlines

Quick Reference

Item Value
Command sketch
Start Click to begin stroke
Draw Move cursor (auto-samples)
End stroke Press Enter
End command Press Enter at start prompt
Cancel Press Esc