Getting started with SketchXpress
Getting started with SketchXpress is easy. In fact within minutes you could be adding style and flair to CAD drawings and elevations.
This clever tool allows you achieve a traditional hand-drawn look using existing CAD drawings – so a big difference with not too much extra work! You can then show off your designs on client visits and in brochures, websites, business cards and much more.
SketchXpress supports three different types of file formats for input: DWG drawings (AutoCAD's native file format), DXF drawings (AutoCAD's data exchange format) and HPGL or HPGL/2 plot files (created by any program using an HPGL print driver).
Fast Track tips
To 'sketch' your first drawing, you'll need to access the control panel. By default, you should see this panel attached to the right side of your main window. If not, you might need to hit the control panel toggle button to display it.
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From the File menu, select Open. When the File Open dialog box appears select the drawing you wish to use and click Open. You should now see the drawing displayed in the main window.
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Choose a Squiggle method- we suggest ‘All’ at first. If the All tab isn't active, left-click it.
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Choose the style you would like to apply by selecting one of the predefined styles listed in the squiggle style control.
Workspace Guide
Understanding the SketchXpress workspace will mean you can make the most of this tool. The following are useful brief descriptions of the windows and other elements available to you.
Standard toolbar
Contains buttons that perform some of the most common program functions (Open, Plot, Export, etc...).
Drawing window
Displays the current drawing and allows you to view your squiggled rendering. Each drawing you open will have its own window.
Squiggle control panel toggle
Shows and hides the Squiggle control panel.
Squiggle control panel
Allows you to manage how the squiggle process affects the current drawing.
Status bar
Displays useful information related to the current status of the application (i.e. menu descriptions, load status, and drawing coordinates).
Layout tabs
Gives you access to the layout views of your drawing. Just left-click on the tab of the layout you wish to view and the new layout will be displayed in the current window.
More resources
Our dedicated Knowledge Base along with the community Forum are active areas that you can find ideas, advice and help if you need it.