The content based image retrieval (CBIR) is one of the most popular, rising research areas of the digital image processing. The area of retrieve images based on the visual content of the query picture intensive. The goal of CBIR is to extract visual content of an image automatically, like color, texture, or shape. This topic aims to introduce the problems and challenges concerned with the design and the creation of CBIR systems. The images are preprocessed first and then matching is performed with SURF finally giving an algorithm for the matching step. By and large, the effects indicate that the portrayal based framework permits clients an instinctive access to inquiry apparatuses. The external features of the face are not lost in the preprocessed image so that the region only from forehead to chin and cheek to cheek is visible. Title presented a novel approach for the matching of forensic sketches to mug shot photographs. Although feature based descriptors are recently being used for sketch matching, this is the first time that SURF has been used for the same. Among the objectives performed to design, Implement and test a sketch-based image retrieval system.