Mobile Sketch: Expand a Shape and Use the Cut Tool

Add an offshoot room to existing geometry, then split it into a separately defined area with the Cut tool.

This workflow first expands a closed area and then separates part of it into a new shape. It is useful when connected geometry needs distinct area definitions, such as a garage and porch.

Watch the tutorial

Watch this Mobile Sketch tutorial on YouTube

Before you begin

• Identify the wall and vertex where the extension begins.
• Clear any curve setting that should not carry into the new straight walls.
• Confirm which two boundary points will define the cut.

Workflow

1. Reopen and extend the shape

Delete the required wall, start drawing from the existing vertex, and enter 10 feet right. Confirm, then draw 10 feet up.

2. Create the offshoot

Draw 10 feet back to form the offshoot room, continue upward, and use Auto-close to finish the expanded boundary.

3. Define the expanded area

Assign the appropriate definition, such as Garage, after the shape closes.

4. Split the geometry

Select the Cut tool, then choose the two boundary points that should be connected by the cut. Mobile Sketch creates a separate closed shape.

5. Define the new shape

Select the separated area and assign its own definition, such as Porch. Review both shapes to confirm the cut produced the intended boundaries and totals.

Field notes

• The two cut points determine the new dividing wall; select them carefully.
• After cutting, confirm that each resulting shape is closed and independently defined.
• Review calculations because separating one shape into two can change how area totals are categorized.

Final review

Before leaving the assignment, confirm that the geometry matches the field measurements, every closed area has the correct definition, labels and features are readable, and the calculations reflect the intended report treatment. Use manual sync and verify the updated sketch in the web application.