Image Plane

Create an image plane that you can use as a background reference image, so you can trace lines and curves to start your design.

Add an Image Plane

Select a sketch plane and import an image.

  1. On the Sketch ribbon, select the Image Plane tool.
    The Open dialog is displayed.
  2. Select the file you want to add as an image plane and then click Open.
  3. The image is imported to the selected plane with its bottom-left corner anchored to the origin.
  4. Use the guide bar to adjust the image as needed.
  5. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Edit an Image Plane

Reposition, resize, change, or adjust the image.

  1. On the Sketch ribbon, select the Image Plane tool.
    The guide bar and drag handles are displayed.

    Tip: You can also click the edges of the image plane to enter edit mode.
  2. Use the guide bar to adjust the image as needed.
    Option Description
    Select Image File Click to choose a different image file.
    Transparency Drag the slider to adjust image transparency.
    Aspect Ratio Select to lock the image aspect ratio so dragging the side arrows or corners preserves the image's proportions.
    Mirror Horizontal Click to flip the image along its horizontal centerline.
    Mirror Vertical Click the flip the image along its vertical centerline.
    Note: When you select both mirror options, the image is mirrored in sequence.
    OK Create the image plane and exit the tool.
    Reset Reset the image plane to its last-saved state.
    Cancel Exit the tool without saving changes.
  3. Use the drag handles to position and scale the image.
    Option Description
    Reposition the image Drag the image from the center point or hold Shift while dragging a side arrow or corner:

    Tip: You can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard to reposition the image.
    Scale the image Drag the side arrows or corners to scale the image.
    Tip:
    • Select Aspect Ratio to preserve the proportions of the image when scaling.
    • You can also click the side arrows and type values in the Height or Width boxes.
    • Hold Alt while pressing the arrow keys on your keyboard to scale the image.
    Rotate the image Hover over a side arrow or corner until a rotation arrow is displayed, and then drag the arrow to rotate the image around that point.

    Tip: Hold Ctrl while pressing the arrow keys on your keyboard to rotate the image around the cursor position.
  4. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Delete an Image Plane

Delete an image plane from a model.

  1. Click the outer border of the image.
  2. Press Delete.
    Tip: If you prefer to cut the image to the clipboard, right-click the border of the image plane and choose Cut.