Do you want to draw one side of something and have Sketchbook mirror it and draw the other or create flowers, mandalas, or other symmetrical circular objects? Use the Symmetry tools to do just that!

Once you’ve chosen a type of symmetry, you can use the sub-toolbar options to set whether strokes can cross over lines of symmetry and to lock the manipulators in place. Also, before you start drawing, since the line of symmetry appears at the center of the canvas, it might need to be moved to a different location. 

The types of symmetry

Horizontal

Use  to draw one side of an object or scene and have it mirrored to the other side of the line of symmetry (Y-axis). Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it.

Vertical

Use Vertical Symmetry to draw part of an image and have it reflected either above or below the line of symmetry (X-axis). Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it.

 Vertical and Horizontal

Did you know you could combine the Vertical and Horizontal tools? Use this to create something that is symmetrical not only horizontally, but vertically. This means you can create something symmetrical and have it reflected. Tap Vertical Symmetry and Horizontal Symmetry. They will both be blue, indicating they are both active.

Free Symmetry

Use  when you want to create mirrored symmetry on an axis that is not X or Y. The free symmetry tool can be freely rotated to the angle you need.

Radial

Use  with up to 16 sectors, to create things like mandalas, complex patterns, wheels, and whatever else you can dream up.

To set the number of radial segments, either tap-drag the slider or enter a numeric value in the option box in the symmetry toolbar. Remember, since the axis always appears at the center of the canvas, you may need to move it and/or rotate the axis. Check out the next section for more information.

How to move the line of symmetry

In many cases, when creating something symmetrical, you will not want that thing to be in the center of your canvas. This is where repositioning the line of symmetry comes in handy.

Tap-drag the  manipulator in the center to drag and reposition the center point and line of symmetry. double-tap it to reset it to the center of the canvas.

How to rotate the axis of symmetry (Radial and Free Symmetry)

Are you planning to draw something, but the symmetrical sections aren’t oriented as you’d like? Use the  manipulator to rotate the axis to your liking.

Tap-drag the  manipulator and drag it to rotate the axis.

Accessing symmetry in Sketchbook Pro for desktop

There are four types in this version: horizontal, vertical, free, and radial.

In the toolbar, tap to access the Symmetry toolbar.

1. Horizontal symmetry
2. Vertical symmetry
3. Free symmetry
4. Radial symmetry
5. Number or radial symmetry sectors
6. Extend/stop strokes at center line
7. Lock/unlock symmetry lines
8. Show/hide symmetry lines

Accessing symmetry in Sketchbook for mobile devices

On a tablet:

On a handheld: