Autodesk SketchBook Pro

Infobox Software
name = Autodesk Sketchbook Pro


caption = Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 2009 running on Windows XP SP2
developer = Autodesk Inc.
latest_release_version = 2009 (3.0)
latest_release_date = April 2008
operating_system = Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows
genre = Raster graphics editor
license = Proprietary

Sketchbook Pro is a natural media drawing program originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation, but now owned by Autodesk as part of the Media and Entertainment division. It was created specifically for use with touch sensitive pen and tablet interfaces, such as Wacom graphics tablets or Tablet PCs. Sketchbook Pro features an uncluttered interface, and realistic painting and drawing tools such as pencils, markers and brushes. Because it makes use of the pressure-sensitivity features of Wacom Tablets and Tablet PCs, it allows artists to sketch naturally and create effects similar to traditional materials.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro software also features a screenshot tool for annotation and previous/next buttons for creating filpbooks or animations. The program supports layers and exports images to Photoshop (.psd) format, while the latest version allows the user to import Photoshop PSD files into Sketchbook Pro. Another feature is the ability to customize brushes.

When Autodesk acquired Alias in October 2005, they discontinued Sketchbook Pro development for a while. Version 2.0 was released in July 2005 (under Alias Systems Corporation).

A beta version of version 3.0 was shown at MacWorld 2008 on display with the Axiotron Modbook. On April 2008, the latest version was released to the public as Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 2009.

References

* [http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?id=6848332&siteID=123112 Autodesk official product page]
* [http://aliasdesign.autodesk.com/discussions/ AliasDesign Discussions]
* [http://features.cgsociety.org/story_custom.php?story_id=1980 CG Society - Alias Sketchbook Pro Review]