Sketchbook (software)

Sketchbook (formerly StudioPaint, Autodesk SketchBook) is a raster graphics software app intended for expressive drawing and concept sketching also for making animations (Jelly Boo, Teatralka). The software was first developed by Alias Systems Corporation as StudioPaint, before being acquired by Autodesk and then being spun out into an independent company, Sketchbook, Inc. Originally developed as commercial software, it evolved into a subscription model before eventually being made freeware for personal use. In 2021, Sketchbook Pro, the desktop version of the app available on Microsoft Windows and macOS, became a paid software available through the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store.[1][2][3]

Sketchbook
Stable release
9.0.26 (Windows), 9.0.25 (Mac), 6.0.4 (Android), 6.0.5 (iOS) / July 27, 2023 (2023-07-27)
Operating systemmacOS, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS
TypeRaster graphics editor
LicenseProprietary
Websitesketchbook.com

Features

Sketchbook features a radial/pie-menu user interface and has painting and drawing tools such as pencils, markers, and brushes. It uses pressure-sensitive features of digital drawing pads, tablet computers, and smartphones to create effects similar to traditional materials. A screenshot tool is also included for annotations, allowing one to show content during meetings, and to add notes for review. The program can also create flipbooks or animations, and it supports layers with the ability to import from and export to Adobe Photoshop (.psd) format. Among other features are rulers, brush customization, and canvas rotation.

Versions

When Autodesk acquired Alias in October 2005, they slowed down Sketchbook Pro development for a time. Version 2.0 was released in July 2005, under Alias Systems Corporation.

A beta version of version 3.0 was shown at MacWorld 2008 on display with the Axiotron Modbook. In April 2008, Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2009 was released to the public, followed by SketchBook Pro 2010, a year later. Autodesk continued to have a beta program for testing new versions of SketchBook Pro.[4]

There was a limited consumer version of Sketchbook Pro - SketchBook Express, which provides much of the same functionality as Pro, but does not include brush customization, layer controls, symmetric brushes, or guide lines. Earlier versions of Express could not save layers. Versions 5.5 and later, however, do allow the preservation of layers.

On September 17, 2009, SketchBook Mobile was released, initially for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch.[5] Built with the same paint engine as Pro, Mobile (and its free version, Mobile Express) offers many of the same design features seen in the desktop application. Android versions of both SketchBook Mobile and Express were to be later released on November 30, 2010.[6]

In August 2012, SketchBook Pro 6 was released, marking a return to conventional version numbering. Throughout May 2014, another new version of Sketchbook Pro was shown on the software application's website, referred to as SketchBook Pro 2015.

In August 2014, SketchBook 7 was released, and with it, it introduced the current subscription model.[7]

In May 2017, the iOS 4.0 version of SketchBook was released. This update introduces new features; two-hand workflow, an improved quick-access toolbar, and an improved rendering engine.[8]

In April 2018, the full-featured version of Sketchbook was made completely free to all users; the subscription model has been phased out, and all premium features (including perspective guides, flood fill, layer effects, and brush customization) are unlocked. Sketchbook will continue to be offered as a commercial subscription product, under its current incarnation: Sketchbook for Enterprise (this version of Sketchbook includes paid technical support as well as cross-functionality with other Autodesk software).[9][10]

In June 2021, Autodesk announced SketchBook would spin into an independent company, Sketchbook Inc. led by two former Autodesk SketchBook employees.[11][12] On the 30th of that month, Sketchbook released an update which made the app unusable for any device using Android 11, causing all saved work to appear deleted and crashes upon opening. This was rectified two days later with an expedited update.[13] It was later announced that Sketchbook Inc. would start charging users of Sketchbook Pro in order to fund the development of the application, however, they would not be using the previous subscription model and instead, charge a one-time payment for the software.[14]

See also

References
  1. "Whats Next for Sketchbook".
  2. "Microsoft Store Page". Microsoft.
  3. "Mac App Store Page". 13 June 2023.
  4. "Architosh: News > Mac 3D: Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2009 Now Available". www.architosh.com. Retrieved 2018-10-17.
  5. Autodesk Releases SketchBook Mobile on the App Store, PR Newswire, 2009-09-17
  6. McGlaun, Shane (1 December 2010). "Autodesk launches SketchBook Mobile for Android users". Android Community. R3 Media LLC.
  7. Dove, Jackie (2014-08-06). "Autodesk releases SketchBook Pro 7 and inaugurates a new subscription model". The Next Web. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  8. "Autodesk SketchBook 4.0 is now available to download". Digital Arts. Retrieved 2017-08-07.
  9. Thorp-Lancaster, Dan (3 May 2018). "Autodesk SketchBook makes premium features free for everyone". Windows Central. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  10. "SketchBook free for Everybody! - Autodesk SketchBook". Archived from the original on 2018-05-02.
  11. "Welcome home, Sketchbook".
  12. "The Future of SketchBook".
  13. "June 30 Android release issues — Sketchbook".
  14. "Whats Next for Sketchbook".
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