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SketchBook Pro for Mac

By Autodesk Free to try Editors' Rating

Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Sep 8, 2014

Sketchbook Pro 7 for Mac is a powerful tool that allows you to create all kinds of digital art through an intuitive and attractive interface. Depending on what you want to use it for, you can select the program level that's right for you, and many features are available for free.

Pros

Three levels: This program is accessible to users of all experience levels thanks to the different membership levels available. For basic tools, all you need to do is download and install the app to get to work. Creating a free account, either through Facebook or with your email address, unlocks the Essentials package of tools, which includes Layer Editing options, a Blemish Brush, Rulers, and several Copic Markers. And for top-level users, the Pro version of the app comes with Perspective Guides, Symmetry Tools, a Full Copic Color Library, Unlimited Layers, Steady Stroke feature, and much more for a cost of $2.99/month or $24.99/year.

Full user manual: Because there are so many options and tools available in this program, it's helpful to have some guidance as you begin to work with it. The complete User Manual the app provides gives a thorough overview of the package options as well as how to use all tools and features, and it's all presented in clear language and an organized format.

Nice interface: This program is organized in such a way that you have all of the tools you need readily available without taking away from the main workspace. Tools are arrayed around the outside of the working window in different configurations depending on the level of membership you've chosen.

Cons

Time to learn: Even experienced digital artists may need some time to get used to the setup and options available in this program, and beginners will definitely need to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the tool options and layout before jumping in to start creating. But the User Manual makes that a relatively straightforward -- if not speedy -- process, and the program's many excellent features make it well worth the time investment.

Bottom Line

Sketchbook Pro 7 for Mac is a versatile and convenient program for creating digital art and graphic designs. Its package levels make it a good fit for users of all experience levels, and the clear interface gives easy access to all available tools. While it does take some time to learn all the ins and outs, the payoff is worth it in the end.

Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of SketchBook Pro 7 for Mac 7.0.1.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 8.2.3

General

Release December 16, 2016
Date Added December 16, 2016
Version 8.2.3

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Mac OS X 10.11, Mac OS X 10.9, Mac OS X 10.10, Mac OS X 10.8, Macintosh, macOSX (deprecated)
Additional Requirements None

Popularity

Total Downloads 19,235
Downloads Last Week 14
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User Reviews

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Developer's Description

Autodesk SketchBook Pro for Mac is a professional-grade paint and drawing application. Using the same paint engine as its mobile counterpart, SketchBook Pro delivers a complete set of sketching & painting tools through a streamlined and intuitive user interface.Features: Streamlined UI Gesture-based marking menus for ultra-fast access to tools and commands with a flick of the wrist Optimized for pen and tablet-based interaction for a natural drawing experience Space Bar invokes a 'Puck' to quickly navigate the canvas High Quality Preset Brushes Familiar preset tools, including pencils markers, airbrushes, erasers, flood fill tools, blur, and sharpen brushes Draw modes to quickly create circles, lines, rectangles Custom Brush Creation Capture your own brush stamp from your canvas or imported images Adjust brush characteristics, including size, opacity, pressure sensitivity, rotation, and a variety of random jitters Export and share brush sets or individual brushesEditable Text Layers Insert in type and annotations Adjust system fonts and basic settingsGuides Snap brush strokes to Straight Line and Ellipse guidesSymmetry Dynamic horizontal and vertical mirroring Full layer controls Adjust visibility and transparency Preserve transparency Layer Blend Modes: Multiply, Add, Screen Import Your Own Images Drag and drop or import images into a layer Image Editing Adjust brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, color balance, grayscale, invert Quick cropping tool PSD Support Import and Export standard image formats, including layered PSD files For inquiries.
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