Interface Overview

Main Interface Layout

Garden Sketchbook uses a flexible split-pane layout that maximizes your workspace while keeping essential tools easily accessible. The interface adapts to your screen size and can be customized to fit your workflow.

Layout Structure

• Left Panel: Plant Library and Search (resizable)
• Top Right Panel: 2D Plan View with plan editing toolbar
• Bottom Right Panel: 3D Scene with scene navigation toolbar
• Bottom Bar: Seasonal Navigation Bar

Plant Library Panel

The left panel contains your complete plant library with powerful search and filtering capabilities. This panel can be resized by dragging the separator between panels.

Search and Filtering

• Search Box: Enter text to find plants by name. Common name, scientific name, and specific cultivars all work.
• Filter Button: Advanced filtering by plant type, bloom time, sun requirements, and more
• Clear Filters: Quick reset of all active filters

Plant Cards

Each plant in the library displays:

• Thumbnail: Visual representation of the plant
• Common Name: Easy-to-understand plant name
• Scientific Name: Genus and species for accuracy
• Quick Info: Size, bloom time, and sun requirements
• Info Button: Access detailed plant information

Plant Selection

Click any plant card to select it for placement. Selected plants are highlighted and remain selected until you choose a different plant (or change your search criteria).

2D Plan View

The top-right panel shows your garden design in a bird's-eye 2D view. This is where you'll do most of your design work, placing and arranging plants with precision.

2D Canvas Tools

The 2D canvas toolbar provides essential tools for garden design. It has controls divided into three sections: mode select, plant editing, and export & settings.

Mode Select

These three different modes change what your mouse will do when you click the canvas, depending on which one is selected.

• Select Mode S: Select and move existing plants. Click and drag to select multiple plants at once.
• Add Mode A: Place new plants. First select a plant from the library, then click this button to enable add mode. Click on the canvas to place the plant; a preview circle shows where the plant will go. Click multiple times to place many plants.
• Pan Mode Space: Navigate the canvas without accidentally selecting plants. Click and drag to pan the canvas view.

Plant Editing

• Copy Ctrl/Cmd + C: Copy selected plant
• Paste Ctrl/Cmd + V: Paste selected plant
• Group Ctrl/Cmd + G: Group selected plants
• Ungroup Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G: Ungroup selected plants

Navigation & View Controls

• Zoom In
• Zoom Out
• Reset Zoom

Export & Settings

• Export: Generate PDF plans of your garden
• Settings: Access garden-specific settings

3D Visualization

The bottom-right panel provides an immersive 3D view of your garden, with seasonal bloom preview.

3D Navigation

• Orbit: Click and drag to rotate around your garden
• Zoom: Mouse wheel to zoom in and out
• Pan Space: With pan mode active, click and drag to pan the view
• Reset View: Button to return to default viewing angle

Plant ID Tooltips

Click any plant in the 2D or 3D view to see a tooltip with the plant name.

Seasonal Navigation Bar

The bottom navigation bar allows you to explore your garden through different seasons, providing a realistic preview of how your garden will change throughout the year.

Season Controls

• Previous/Next Arrows: Navigate sequentially through seasons
• Direct Selection: Click any season to jump directly to it
• Current Season Indicator: Visual highlight of the currently selected season

Keyboard Shortcuts

Garden Sketchbook supports keyboard shortcuts for efficient workflow:

Customization Options

Personalize your Garden Sketchbook experience with various customization options:

Display Settings

• Dark/Light Theme: Choose the theme that works best for you
• Measurement Units: Imperial (feet) or Metric (meters)

Panel Layout

• Resizable Panels: Drag separators to adjust panel sizes
• Collapsible Sections: Minimize panels when not needed

Tips for Efficient Use

• Use keyboard shortcuts for quick mode switching and common operations
• Resize panels to give more space to the view you're currently using
• Filter plants early to narrow down choices before browsing
• Use both views - 2D for precise placement, 3D for visual confirmation
• Check multiple seasons to ensure year-round garden interest
• Group related plants for easier management and copying

Explore More

Ready to dive deeper? Return to the main documentation page to explore other topics, or jump directly to:

• Quick Start Guide - Get up and running quickly
• Plant Library - Learn search and filtering
• Creating Your First Garden - Complete tutorial