Autodesk Sketchbook on an iPad. This full featured app is free
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I was realized surprised to learn how many tools the free Autodesk Sketchbook app had when I tried it yesterday on a Windows 10 laptop (with touchscreen). I was really surprised the layers were available and worked as expected. After a bit of searching today I learned that Autodesk made the full featured app available for ree two years ago (April 30, 2018).
It is available for free for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. I installed it on my old iPad (since my new one is getting replaced) to test it with an first generation Apple Pencil. A couple of things are different from the Windows version.
- The app provides a quick overview tutorial after you start it up on an iPad. The Windows version just plops you into the app itself.
- The Apple Pencil, unlike the HP active stylus, can simulate shading using the “edge of the pencil tip.
- Initially, there was a floating menu with a loupe. However, while doodling, it disappeared. I don’t know why and don’t see a preference selection to make it reappear
Overall, Autodesk Sketchbook is an interesting tool option for my doodle-a-day project. Like any tool, it probably takes a few days or weeks of using it to get really comfortable using it.
