TwistedBrush Pro Studio for Windows

By Pixarra
Trial version
User Rating

Used TwistedBrush Pro Studio for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffAugust 16, 2018

The program formerly known as Pixarra Sketchbook is a painter's playground, offering a full collection of realistic and natural brushes, as well as media such as watercolors, oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, pens, pencils, and markers.

The installation is fast and painless. After launching TwistedBrush, you can choose from various brushes and brush effects before you start drawing. Stroke samples make the process of selecting much easier. The program borrows features and functionality from many image-editing packages, which makes it seem like familiar territory. Not only does it include traditional effects, such as rotation and flipping, it also provides filters similar to those found in Adobe software. Just be aware it consumes plenty of system resources and requires a powerful system to run smoothly.

For the serious painter, TwistedBrush has one of the best brush engines around. For the home user and enthusiast, it's a creative tool that allows you to paint and play.

What’s new in version 24.03

Version 24.03 adds hundreds of new brushes from the Studio products, color trace functional and numerous usability improvements.

TwistedBrush Pro Studio for Windows

By Pixarra
Trial version
User Rating

Used TwistedBrush Pro Studio for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: August 16, 2018

Latest update: August 16, 2018

Version: 24.03

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 8
Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows XP
Windows NT

Additional Requirements: None

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 321,871

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.3/5

57 User Votes

Twisted Brush -- Great Software BUT TERRIBLE SUPPORT
prstonJanuary 11, 2018
Pros
1. BEST 'Painting' software to create original artwork from scratch or embellish an existing image. 2. Largest collection of brushes in comparison to any other software. 3. Stable mature software.
Cons
1. Not intuitive software...hence a steep learning curve. 2. Customer service & support has become horrible over past two years. Customers are treated worse than dirt. 3. New licensing scheme is a nightmarish rip-off. 4. Developer does not honor free upgrade to major versions even if previous version was purchased very soon before the new release. 5. Developer is rude in response to customer complaints.
Summary
Since 2012, I bought every Twisted Brush Studio version since version 17 to current version 23. It is great software. But in recent years, the developer Ken Carlino has become callous and indifferent to his customers. When I first met Carlino in 2012 while he was building a market for his software on BitsDuJour, he was extremely polite to his customers. But success breeds arrogance and contempt. Since 2017, Carlino has shown a terrible attitude towards his customers. Like almost software developers, Carlino used to provide a major upgrade for free if the previous version was bought within a few months of the new version's release. HOWEVER, IN MARCH 2017, CARLINO HEAVILY PROMOTED HIS SOFTWARE, which persuaded me to upgrade. THEN TWO MONTHS LATER, he released new versions of his software....and NO FREE UPGRADE. Carlino's response was essentially 'tough luck, buy the new version at the upgrade price'. Carlino's new & unimproved attitude toward his customers has cost him my loyalty. I found another Painting software equally as good as Twisted Brush (just less brushes). It is called "Project Dogwaffle Howler 11". And the Developer treats his customers like gold.
repeat, same, duplicate...
RodFiveOctober 14, 2013
Pros
Not too complicated
Cons
3 options of the same choice over and over.
Summary
Why bother? There are so many good programs available, why make another that does the same thing?
Does the job.
w.showsApril 23, 2013
Pros
Effects not available with other programs.
Cons
Learning curve.
Summary
It's free. Why not try it.
For creative types
w.showsOctober 10, 2012
Pros
Trial version works ok.
Cons
None that I've found
Summary
Try it. You might find a use for it.
OpenCanvas and Paint Tool Sai are Better.
StephieArtOctober 4, 2012
Pros
It's better than nothing at all. Better than MS Paint.
Cons
The interface is ugly. The 'brushes' while there are a lot of them, do not replicate real media well. I don't know how this program got such good ratings other than perhaps the programer's friends crowdsourced it.
Summary
I am a full time artist who uses digital and traditional media as my job. I cannot recommend this program at all. It's clunky and the brushes frankly were very disapointing. Don't bother downloading it. If you want a great digital low cost painting program, use Paint Tool Sai. If you need something more like Photoshop try Gimp.
The BEST software purchase I have ever made
Angelheart1239February 15, 2011
Pros
Can make an artist out of someone who couldn't draw a stick.
Cons
None that I have ever encountered
Summary
I was a photographer and didn't even know what digital art was.With the help of Ken Carlino's Twisted Brush,I learned to do digital art and since am the proud owner of 4 trophies,2nd and 3rd place for Digital Artist of the Year.
GOOD PRODUCT FOR REAL
jacksonfelisita1March 22, 2010
Pros
IT REALY HAD WHAT I WAS LOKING FOR NOT LIKE OTHER FAKE SOFTWARE
Cons
ITZ NOT FREE
Summary
THE TEXTURE HOT LOVE IT
Usable right 'out of the box', by expert or newbie!
AnysiaMarch 18, 2010
Pros
Tools galore, for the expert and novice alike! Easy to use, fine controls. Links to tutorial videos in the menu bar. Amazingly low price for such a power packed program.
Cons
No printed manual, but plenty of help in the "Quick Start", and links to tutorial videos in the menu bar.
Summary
Great for graphics table users. Slick and easy to use customizable interface, with a myriad of tools that will keep an expert graphic artist busy and happy, but with tools that the new to graphics tablets or programs will find easy to use. And with the Adobe/Paint Shop Pro plugin compatibility, it's even more versatile. From photo editing/manipulation to fine art creation, to cartoons, blob modeling, all is possible with this feature loaded program. The price of this program made me wonder why I spent so much getting Photoshop! There are hundreds of brushes to suit every need, sorted for easy locating, and with the brush modifying tools, if you can't find one you want, you can make one of them the way you want and save it by creating your own brush set. The Palettes are amazing collections of shades and colors. This software also comes with something most don't anymore. Almost instant response to tech problem, and help to solve hardware/software conflicts. Anyone who has ever had a program not work and has been ignored will appreciate this. There is also a good long trial period so you have ample opportunity to put the program through its paces. I could go on and on, but the best thing is to download it, and try it. You won't be disappointed.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Mar 20, 2010<p/>Update: I have to disagree with CNET saying you have to have a powerful machine to run this software. I use it on my Acer Aspire One netbook to edit photographs, and create artwork. I might have to make them 2000X1500 max, but at 200 dpi, it can be easily 'embiggened' to a printable size.
Easy to learn and use ... even for an amateur artist!
Saidhbhin_AislingMarch 18, 2010
Pros
TB Pro Studio offers not just a fabulous selection of artist tools, but also the way these tools can be used (for digital dummies like me) Tutorials, FORUMS, brush discussions, advice from fellow members (if asked for) and answers to questions!
Cons
The only thing I don't like about TB Pro Studio is that there simply aren't enough hours in the day to experiment with the vast array of brushes, filters, solutions, etc. that TB Pro offers.
Summary
I am an disabled and homebound. TB Pro Studio is my lifeline! It allows me to be creative and share my art, and my thoughts with others in the community. It is a very therapeutic tool for anyone seeking a means to express themselves through a positive outlet. It has been relatively easy to get a grasp on the basics, thanks to the great tutorials offered as well as FORUM discussions of brushes, methods, problems, etc. This is my second year with TB Pro and I can't begin to tell you the difference it has personally made in my life. I am not a professional artist and am not looking to sell my art, however, I am looking for a means to keep my mind stimulated and continue to be productive and creative within my own limitations. TB Pro is the best product I have come across. There are always ongoing competitions and challenges designed to encourage members to learn new brushes, artsets, skillsets, etc. offered by TB Pro. It is constantly being upgraded and it's great to have exciting and fun tools created specifically for TB Pro. It is also wonderful to be part of a community ... a "family" of creative artists who contribute on a regular basis. It allows for a sense of sharing ... both of knowledge, skills, and life experiences that influence our art and creativity. TB Pro is the best thing that's happened in my life in a very long time. As I said, it's become my lifeline and I treasure every minute I can spend creating my own art or enjoying the works of others. It's wonderful to watch someones' skills grow and evolve over time ... again, the familiarity of regular contributors allows for this growth and communion.
This program covers all aspects of digital art.
indigoveniceMarch 18, 2010
Pros
It is an easy program to use that runs well. It has good support via a Forum, and the program itself is neatly packed with every single tool you will need for Fine Art, Design and Photo editing.
Cons
It is an easy program to use that runs well. It has good support via a Forum, and the program itself is neatly packed with every single tool you will need for Fine Art, Design and Photo editing.
Summary
The brushes are fantastic and well organized in categories for easy location . And even if none of the brushes are quite what you are looking for - then each brush is easily modified via a brush modifying panel. Also - the brush adjustments, tool shortcuts and color adjustments can be dragged around the canvas to be positioned anywhere on your canvas and this makes the workspace very convenient. The filters are really exceptional and I do most of my photo editing in this program. There are many more great features besides this, and all in all having purchased a licence several years ago - I am one very happy customer!

Developer’s Description

Create and edit pictures on your computer.