Input modes

FH Sketch permits different input modes to accommodate different types of measurements.

Input type Description

Input type	Description
Engineering	The most commonly-used method, which uses a decimal unit of measure (i.e., 25.5). When entering a length or distance, type the decimal measurement and then press one of the direction keys on the keyboard. Example: When you need to draw a line 25.5. feet to the right, you would enter 25.5 and press the right arrow key on the keyboard. Note: Although you can draw with your mouse, numerical entry is much more efficient and precise than using your mouse.
Architectural	This input type lets you enter your measurements in units of feet-and-inches, rather than in decimal format. Once you enter the distance, FH Sketch converts the input into its decimal equivalent. This lets you focus on drawing, and lets FH Sketch do the math, reducing the potential for error. Note: The input method requires that you use the `Tab` key on the keyboard to denote feet-and-inches. Example: When you draw a line that needs to be measured 25 feet and 6 inches to the right, you would enter 25, press the `Tab` key, enter 6, and then press the right arrow direction key. You can also enter fractions of inches in a similar fashion. Example: When you need to draw a line 25 feet and 6 1/2 inches to the right, you would enter is 25, press the `Tab` key, enter 6, press the `Tab` key, enter 1/2, and then press the right arrow direction key.
Surveying	This type of input lets you draw site plan sketches using the metes-and-bounds description normally seen in legal descriptions. Example: `S 61° 18’ 30” E 114.85`’ You can also use metes-and-bounds descriptions to describe curves. Example: A non-tangent curve to the right with a radius of 50 feet, a chord bearing N 45° 12’ 23” E 123.71’.

Engineering

The most commonly-used method, which uses a decimal unit of measure (i.e., 25.5). When entering a length or distance, type the decimal measurement and then press one of the direction keys on the keyboard.

Example: When you need to draw a line 25.5. feet to the right, you would enter 25.5 and press the right arrow key on the keyboard.

Note: Although you can draw with your mouse, numerical entry is much more efficient and precise than using your mouse.

Architectural

This input type lets you enter your measurements in units of feet-and-inches, rather than in decimal format. Once you enter the distance, FH Sketch converts the input into its decimal equivalent. This lets you focus on drawing, and lets FH Sketch do the math, reducing the potential for error.

Note: The input method requires that you use the Tab key on the keyboard to denote feet-and-inches.

Example: When you draw a line that needs to be measured 25 feet and 6 inches to the right, you would enter 25, press the Tab key, enter 6, and then press the right arrow direction key.

You can also enter fractions of inches in a similar fashion.

Example: When you need to draw a line 25 feet and 6 1/2 inches to the right, you would enter is 25, press the Tab key, enter 6, press the Tab key, enter 1/2, and then press the right arrow direction key.

Surveying

This type of input lets you draw site plan sketches using the metes-and-bounds description normally seen in legal descriptions.

Example: S 61° 18’ 30” E 114.85’

You can also use metes-and-bounds descriptions to describe curves.

Example: A non-tangent curve to the right with a radius of 50 feet, a chord bearing N 45° 12’ 23” E 123.71’.