SketchBook for Windows

Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 delivers one of the most natural and intuitive drawing experiences. Its Steady Stroke technology gives control and precision, even when drawing with a mouse. Flipboard animation, Perspective Guides, many layer enhancements, and the support, resources, and experience of one of the best-known names in professional CAD and graphics software make SketchBook Pro an attractive alternative to Photoshop clones.

Pros

Attainable pro quality: SketchBook Pro 7's perpetual license is just $65, putting it squarely in reach. You can also try it free without providing credit card data. Monthly and annual licenses are available, too.

Unique layout: SketchBook Pro 7's unique and innovative user layout makes better use of space than just about any graphics tool we've used, thanks partly to the unusual Lagoon palette. We especially like inkwell-like Brush Puck and Color Puck.

Pocket sketchbook: Tablet versions of SketchBook Pro 7 deliver a seamless user experience on your Android or iOS tablet.

Cons

Wacom drivers: Upgrading to Windows 8X might require reinstalling Wacom drivers. Our well-worn Wacom pen and tablet worked fine with SketchBook Pro 7 running in 64-bit Windows 7.

Pen Flicks: Windows users may need to disable Pen Flicks to enable smooth, flicker-free scrolling with pen devices.

Bottom Line

Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 is one of the very few drawing tools that really stands out. Some programs offer more features (and much higher prices), yet none is as intuitive as SketchBook Pro 7 at drawing.

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

• Perspective Guides
• Flipbook Animation
• Gradient Flood Fills
• Layer Workflow Enhancements: Layer Grouping; Extended Blending Modes; Background Color; Multi-Layer Select
• Distort Transform
• Move Symmetric Axis
• Increased Canvas Sizes
• Selection Enhancements
• Improved Color Wheel
• Improved Crop tool
• Brush Enhancements
• Performance Enhancements