Sketch Picture

Sketch Picture includes the following capabilities:
  • Insert pictures (.bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .tif, .tiff, .wmf, .png, .psd) on a sketch plane.
  • Use pictures as an underlay for creating 2D sketches.
  • Convert raster data to vector data using Autotrace.
A sketch picture is inserted with its (0, 0) coordinate at the sketch origin:
sketch_picture_ex.gif

If you insert a sketch picture of a .tiff file, the resolution is limited to 4096 x 4096. Files that exceed this limit are cut in half until both dimensions meet the limit. For example, if you insert a .tiff file that is 5000 x 3000, the file is reduced to 2500 x 1500.

Recommendations for Autotrace

Autotrace is an add-in that allows you to trace and convert images such as .jpegs and .bitmaps into sketch geometry. This add-in works best with high-contrast images.
  • Source image should be hi-resolution, with a minimum of 300dpi.
  • Line art should be pen on paper, with precise contours and high contrast.

    hand_drawn_line_art_auto_trace.gif

  • Colors should be as uniform as possible within the area you select.
    DRYER002_final.gif
The second page of the Sketch Picture PropertyManager is only available if Autotrace is enabled as an add-in. Click Tools > Add-Ins and select Autotrace in the dialog box.

Compatibility with Autotrace

  • You can use still image formats such as .bmp, .gif, or .jpg, but not animated formats such as animated .gif or .avi files.
  • You can apply Autotrace to part or assembly files (*.sldprt and *.sldasm), but not to drawing files (*.slddrw).