SketchBook Mobile – Review

Our rating:

By: SketchBook Mobile

Version #: 1.0

Date Released: 2009-08-29

Developer: Autodesk

Price: 2.99

User Rating:

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The problem with creating a professional sketching app for the iPhone or iPod Touch is that it’s difficult to take such an app seriously.  The touchscreen is so small compared to using a decent pen tablet that only simplified drawing apps like Doodle Buddy would really be appropriate.  It seems that this is an app better suited for that upcoming Apple tablet device that is rumored.

Autodesk Sketchbook Mobiile is extremely sophisticated.  It allows for layers and the merging of layers, different brush strokes and line widths, different colors and many other features.  It’s essentially a lite version of Adobe Illustrator.

When the app is started, there is a tutorial to help learn it.  Once completed, the only way to access the menu is from a small circle that appears near the bottom of your screen.  Tap that to make the all the drawing palettes appear or to access the help or menu system.  Double tapping on certain corners of the screen perform certain functions.

The problem with doing something so sophisticated is that it’s difficult for a novice to use.  This app is meant for the experienced graphic designer who understands and is used to the rules of drawing on a computer.  Despite the tutorial, it takes some getting used to, particularly on such a small screen (one improvement on the app could be the ability to zoom in on certain regions of a drawing).

On the plus side, the app responds quickly and accurately to any finger strokes on the surface.  Also, any image can be saved to the local gallery which can either be sent externally via e-mail or exported to the Photo Library.

Despite its complexity, this is a excellent tool to have if you enjoy drawing.  Recommended.

Pros: Sophisticated drawing capabilitiy.  Can use layers, brushes and colors.

Cons: Tough to draw on such a small screen.  Too complex for novices.  Can’t zoom on section of screen to draw at a smaller level.