Hiding the UI while you draw

If you prefer to have no UI around while you draw, there are a few different ways you can hide the UI in Sketchbook, depending on which platform you are on.

You can also customize your UI settings to suit your own preferences.


Auto Hide UI

Auto Hide UI  temporarily turns off visibility of the interface during drawing or interaction with UI handles. This feature is available in both Sketchbook Pro on macOS and Windows, and Sketchbook on iOS and Android.


The amount of time it takes to restore the UI is adjustable, so you can set the amount of delay that best suits your natural drawing style. The delay range goes from 0.5 seconds to 2 seconds (shown as 0.4 to 2 on mobile, and 1 to 16 on desktop)


To enable Auto Hide UI, tap the  icon in the toolbar. When active, the icon will have a blue highlight. The icon toggles the feature on and off, so tap it a second time to disable it.



Rapid UI mode

Rapid UI mode is only available in Sketchbook on mobile devices

For mobile users, Rapid UI mode provides a full-screen working environment. You can work with the full screen real estate, yet still have quick access to tools when you need them

In the toolbar, tap  to enter this mode.

Here is an overview of the UI that will be visible when working in this mode:


Along the side are the Palette Sliders and the Trigger.

Using Palette Sliders

These change basic brush settings. A readout appears on-screen, indicating the numeric changes. A brush stamp appears showing the new brush stamp.


  • To change brush size, or hardness and size (depending on the brush), tap-drag the top slider.
  • To change brush opacity or flow, tap-drag the bottom slider.

Using the Trigger

This feature has two functions:

  • To quickly access the Brush, Color, and Layer Editors and their settings, with your non-dominant hand, tap the Trigger , then drag-hold up or down to select an editor.
  • To switch the UI from right-handed to left-handed, drag it to the other edge of the screen.

Then with your other hand, tap whatever you want to select it in the editor or tap-drag values to change settings.

Flipping the UI

If you’re left-handed, here’s another reason you’ll love this. You can flip the UI to the other side of the screen – where it’s not obscured by your hand.

To flip the position to optimize left-handed usage, drag the 'Trigger' UI handle to the other side.

No matter which hand you draw with, your non-dominant hand can now help. Use it to access the UI, as you continue drawing. Change brushes, brush settings, colors, color settings, even layers and layer properties, as you draw with your other hand. Use the radial menu to access other tools.