But even that couldn’t find the two missing features: a ‘move’ tool for easy repositioning and a speed adjuster in the Flipboard animator. You’re forced to create an account to use SketchBook (you can opt out for the first seven days) and the setup process sucks you into Autodesk’s confusing online ecosystem – we found its YouTube channel ( bit.ly/sketchtube462) much more helpful. But unlike our Silver and Bronze choices, SketchBook also has a mobile app ( /mobile), so you can draw and paint on your iPad or Android tablet (and phone, presumably using a toothpick), then sync your work between your devices. Thank you!ĭrawing with your mouse is never fun, so all our featured programs let you connect a graphics tablet (such as a Wacom device) to “draw” with a stylus or finger. You can support the site directly via Paypal donations ☕.

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For maximum space, you can switch the colour and brush toolbars for two clickable ‘pucks’, or ditch those too and access all the tools from a ‘lagoon’ wheel in the Multiple image formats are supported, including layered Photoshop PSP, but SketchBook is much faster and less cluttered than Photoshop. Unobtrusive toolbars contain all the essentials: customisable preset brushes (and pens, erasers and spray cans, plus custom sets such as oil painting and Manga), a colour-picker with dropper, layers with blending modes, transform tools, gradients, text, textures and more.īut not too much more.

The program launches fast on a clean, inviting drawing space that hasn’t fallen victim to the current dark-theme trend. And it includes creative extras (GIF animation image adjustment) without cramming in so many that everything slows down. SketchBook perfectly balances ease-of-use with sophistication: the newly free program is welcoming for beginners (launch it, click it, doodle) while offering enough tools, power and precision to satisfy professionals.

Krita review