Symmetry

Do you want to draw one side of something and have Sketchbook mirror it and draw the other or create flowers, mandalas, or other symmetrical circular objects? Use the Symmetry tools to do just that!

With these tools, you can draw part of something and have Sketchbook either mirror it or rotate it, as you draw. Symmetry is especially helpful when drawing something head on, like a portrait.

Once you’ve chosen a type of symmetry, use the other tools to set whether strokes can cross over lines of symmetry and to lock the manipulators in place. Also, before you start drawing, since the line of symmetry appears at the center of the canvas, it might need to be moved to a different location. However, let’s start with selecting the type of symmetry you need. The version of Sketchbook you are using determines the available toolset.


The types of symmetry

 

horizontal symmetry Horizontal

Use Sketchbook's Horizontal Symmetry icon to draw one side of an object or scene and have it mirrored to the other side of the line of symmetry (Y-axis). Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it.

Example of Horizontal symmetry in the mobile version of Sketchbook



vertical symmetryVertical

Use Sketchbook's Vertical Symmetry icon Vertical Symmetry to draw part of an image and have it reflected either above or below the line of symmetry (X-axis). Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it.

Example of Vertical symmetry in the mobile version of Sketchbook



Vertical symmetry icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook horizontal symmetryVertical and Horizontal

Did you know you could combine the Vertical and Horizontal tools? Use this to create something that is symmetrical not only horizontally, but vertically. This means you can create something symmetrical and have it reflected. Think of the Taj Mahal reflected in the pool in front of it. Tap Vertical symmetry icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook Vertical Symmetry and horizontal symmetry Horizontal Symmetry. They will both be blue, indicating they are both active.

Vertical and Horizontal Symmetry



Radial symmetryRadial

Use Radial symmetry with up to 16 sectors, to create things like mandalas, complex patterns, wheels, and whatever else you can dream up.

To set the number of radial segments, either tap-drag the slider or enter a numeric value in the option box in the symmetry toolbar. Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it and/or rotate the axis. Check out the next section for more information.


How to move the line of symmetry

In many cases, when creating something symmetrical, you will not want that thing to be in the center of your canvas. This is where repositioning the line of symmetry comes in handy.

Tap-drag the Move line of symmetry icon in the Win 10 version of Sketchbook manipulator in the center to drag and reposition the center point and line of symmetry. double-tap it to reset it to the center of the canvas.


How to rotate the axis of symmetry (Radial only)

Are you planning to draw something, but the symmetrical sections aren’t oriented as you’d like? Use the Rotate axis icon in the Win 10 version of Sketchbook manipulator to rotate the axis to your liking.

Tap-drag the Rotate axis icon in the Win 10 version of Sketchbook manipulator and drag it to rotate the axis.



Accessing symmetry in Sketchbook Pro for desktop

There are four types in this version: horizontal, vertical, horizontal/vertical, and radial.

In the toolbar, tap Horizontal symmetry icon (one of the Symmetry tools) in the mobile version of Sketchbook to access the Symmetry toolbar.

Symmetry tools

  1. Horizontal symmetry
  2. Vertical symmetry
  3. Radial symmetry
  4. Number or radial symmetry sectors
  5. Extend/stop strokes at center line
  6. Lock/unlock symmetry lines
  7. Show/hide symmetry lines


Accessing symmetry in Sketchbook for mobile devices

The version of Sketchbook you’re running determines the the available toolset.

On a tablet:


On a handheld: