Autodesk SketchBook for Mac

SketchBook for Mac is a versatile sketching, painting, and illustration software that caters to artists, illustrators, and designers.

Note: Autodesk SketchBook is now Sketchbook Pro for Mac.

Originally developed by Autodesk and distributed under the name Adobe Sketchbook, this popular app left the Adobe CC platform in the summer of 2021, becoming a standalone application maintained by a new team of developers.

This evolution in its development enabled it to become even more feature-rich, providing both novices and seasoned designers new tools for effortless painting at home, school, work, and on the go.

The UWP version of Sketchbook previously distributed by Autodesk through the Microsoft Store could not be transferred due to technical dependencies on the store backend.

Today, this app offers everyone a professional-grade feature set and highly customizable tools that are available not only on Mac, but also on Windows, iOS, and Android. This makes it one of the most natural drawing tools on the market with a wide offering of both natural drawing and cloud-powered features.

Owners of the app who purchased it during the time it was offered by Adobe can find official support at its new official website, with regular downloads for Business and Education users still being offered by Adobe.

Main Features

• Professional drawing tools for novices and seasoned designers.
• Large offering of customizable digital pencils, markers, brushes, and color palettes.
• Pressure-sensitive input, mimicking natural drawing.
• Versatile radial/pie-menu user interface for easy access to advanced tools.
• Full support for layers and advanced drawing projects.
• Compatible with all modern image file formats, including Adobe Photoshop’s PSD.
• Advanced Flipbook feature for automated creating traditional-style hand-drawn 2D animations.
• Stylish UI with ease-to-reach guides, rulers, and other precision tools.

Installation and Setup

This app can be downloaded on any modern Mac computer by simply visiting its official App Store web page and purchasing it.

After an automated installation is finished, users are not required to set up the app since it will automatically detect all connected hardware (such as drawing pads).

How to Use

Once inside the app, users can start exploring its stylish interface and create new sketches. Projects can be started from scratch, or they can be imported from outer sources.

The main canvas for painting allows users full freedom to express their creativity, with the use of either official drawing tools or fully customized brushes or color palettes.

Overall, the app provides a natural environment for painting with smart tools that are always just a click away.

User Interface

SketchBook features a clean and unobtrusive interface, with a large canvas, extensive toolbars, smart radial menus, and customizable elements that can enable users to dramatically boost their drawing workflows.

The app's design is intended to minimize distractions, allowing users to focus on their creative work.

In addition to the full optimization of modern Mac hardware, the official version of this app for touch-friendly mobile platforms (iOS and Android) enables talented designers to bring all their projects on the go and take advantage of instant inspiration for drawing no matter where they are.

FAQ

What is SketchBook?
SketchBook is an advanced digital drawing and painting application designed for artists, illustrators, and designers, with an extensive offering of professional-grade tools.

Is it safe?
Yes. This is a reliable app supported by a reputable software team.

Alternatives

Corel Painter – A versatile raster-based digital art editor with a large catalog of tools for novices and professionals.

Krita for Mac – A free and open-source digital painting software designed for illustrators and concept artists, offering advanced brushes, an intuitive user interface, and robust layer management.

Adobe Fresco – A feature-rich drawing tool for Macs and iPads with a large offering of brushes and pens.

Procreate – A popular digital illustration app available only for modern iPad devices.

Pricing

This premium app can be purchased on the Mac App Store for $24.99. It comes with a Family Sharing plan that allows up to six family members to use this app simultaneously.

System Requirements

This app is compatible with macOS 11.0 or later.

PROS

• Professional-grade drawing tools and features.
• Customizable brushes and color palettes.
• Advanced pressure-sensitive features that provide a natural drawing feel.
• Optimized for touch-friendly accessories and tablet platforms.

CONS

• No free tier of use.

Conclusion

SketchBook for Mac is a popular digital drawing and painting application that offers all users a chance to experience a natural drawing feel on their home, school, or work Mac computers.

Featuring a wide variety of modern digital painting tools, this app is today regarded as one of the best choices for artists, illustrators, and designers of all skill levels.

Note: 7-day trial version. Works on all devices. Autodesk ID required after the trial.

Also Available: Download Autodesk SketchBook for Windows