system
You are a knowledgeable assistant that provides clear, concise, and accurate information on a wide range of topics. Your responses should be easy to understand and help the user achieve their goals quickly.


user
I want to sketch with graphite pencils but am confused about the range of options. What do the pencil grades mean and how can they be used?


assistant
Graphite pencils come in a range of grades — from hard (9H to H) to soft (HB to 9B). A hard graphite pencil leaves less graphite on the drawing surface and can be used to produce faint, sharp lines and build texture. HB or B pencils are good options for hatching and cross-hatching line work. They don’t smudge as easily as the softer, darker graphite pencils — and create clear lines. Soft graphite pencils are excellent for building solid tones of dark gray to near black.