Tracing an image in Autodesk SketchBook involves importing the image and then drawing over it on a separate layer with reduced opacity.
Here's a breakdown of the typical steps:
Preparing Your Canvas
- Open SketchBook: Launch the Autodesk SketchBook application.
- Create a New Sketch: Start a new canvas or open an existing one.
Importing the Image for Tracing
- Import Your Photo: Go to the File menu (or the relevant import option depending on your version and device) and choose to import an image or add a photo. Select the image you want to trace from your computer or device.
- Image Layer: The imported image will typically appear on its own layer.
Setting Up for Tracing
- Add a New Layer: Create a new layer above the layer containing your imported image. This is where you will draw your trace.
- Select the Image Layer: Make sure the layer containing the imported image is currently selected in the Layer Editor.
Adjusting Image Opacity (Key Step)
Based on the provided reference:
- Access Layer Functions: To make the photo easier to trace over, you need to lower its visibility. You can do this by adjusting the layer's opacity.
- Lower Opacity: Double-click on the photo layer to open up the layer functions. Adjust the opacity slider. You can generally lower it down to around 15 percent to make it transparent enough to draw over but still visible as a guide.
Tracing the Image
- Select Your Tracing Layer: Switch back to the empty layer you created above the image layer.
- Choose Your Tools: Select your desired brush (e.g., pen, pencil, marker) and color from the brush palette.
- Start Tracing: Begin drawing on the new layer, using the faded image on the layer below as your guide. Trace the outlines and details of the image.
- Add Details: You can add more layers for different elements (like colors, shading) if needed, keeping them above the tracing layer.
Finishing Your Trace
- Hide or Delete Image Layer: Once you have finished tracing, you can hide the original image layer by clicking the eye icon next to it in the Layer Editor, or delete it entirely.
- Refine Your Drawing: Your traced lines are now visible on their own layer, ready for further refinement or coloring.
Summary Table
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Canvas | Open SketchBook, New Sketch | |
| 2. Import Image | Import photo to canvas | Creates a new layer |
| 3. Add Trace Layer | Create new layer above image layer | This is where you will draw |
| 4. Select Image Layer | Click on the image layer | Needed to adjust its properties |
| 5. Adjust Opacity | Double-click layer, lower opacity | Generally around 15% (per reference) |
| 6. Select Trace Layer | Click on the layer you created for tracing | |
| 7. Choose Tools | Select brush and color | |
| 8. Trace | Draw on the trace layer using image as guide | |
| 9. Finish | Hide/Delete image layer, refine drawing | Final result is your trace on its own layer(s) |
By following these steps, particularly adjusting the opacity of the reference image as described, you can effectively trace images in Autodesk SketchBook.
