Apr 30, 2018 I just renewed my pro subscription on April 18th which honestly shouldn't have even been an option. Autodesk knew they were making sketchbook free for a long time and to continue prompting renewal purchases and then accepting payments is, for all intents and purposes, stealing.
When editing text in SketchBook, you start with entering the text editing mode. This will enable making edits to the actual text, such as adding a word or fixing the spelling of something. You can also change the font and color.
Each version of SketchBook has slightly different tools for editing text. Some are more robust than others. Don't forget, if you are using a version that lacks some of the text functionality, you can always export your work and import it into a version with the functionality you need.
How to change the transparency of text
The opacity of a text layer can be changed using the layer’s Opacity slider. Click-drag the opacity slider to change the transparency of a text layer. Since how to do this differs depending on the version you're using, see the sections below.
How to transform text
Once you've created text with the Text tool, you are in Transform mode. Depending on the version of SketchBook you're using, text can be moved, scaled, rotated, flipped, even distorted. Since the tools available differ depending on the version you're using, see the sections below.
Font size determines how much you can scale a font. A font size of 12 cannot be scaled up as much as one set to 24. A font of 12 cannot be scaled down as much as one set to 5. To scale a font any further, return to the Text window and increase/decrease the font size.
Editing text in SketchBook for Desktop
Once you've created your text, use the various text editing tools to make it just right.
For Mac users
In the toolbar, tap . The Edit Text Layer window appears.
Use the Font button in the Edit Text Layer window to access the following text editing tools:
- Collections – Manage the list of fonts that appear in Family. See only the fonts you want. Create custom font collections. Use default sets to load only fun fonts or ones with fixed width. Load only your favorite fonts or those recently used.
- Family – Select a font from the list. If a font family is not listed, change the Collections option to All Fonts.
- Typeface – Choose from Condensed, CondensedItalic, BoldCondensed, BoldCondensedItalic typefaces.
- Size – Set the size of the text.
To set text color, click .
Changing the transparency of text
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In the Layer Editor, tap-drag the slider (seen below) to increase or decrease layer opacity.
- Drag up to decrease opacity, making the layer content solid.
Drag down to increase opacity, making the layer content more transparent.
Transforming text
- Tap the OK button in the Edit Text Layer dialog. Your text is centered in the canvas and you're in Transform mode.
Move is set as the default transform. Use the puck to select a different mode.
- When rotating or scaling the text, SketchBook uses the center of the text as the pivot point.
- When scaling text, font size is changed, resulting in no visual quality change.
Rasterizing a text layer
If you are using the free version, once you’ve exited the Edit Text Layer window, your text is automatically rasterized. You cannot return to the Edit Text Layer window to change the text, its color, or size. To change its size or orientation, use the Transform tools.
KEEP IN MIND: Changes to the size will affect the quality of the image, since you are scaling a rasterized image. This is why we recommend you do it once and do it right, if working in the free version.
Exclusive to the subscription version
Since your text it pixels and not rasterized, you can make changes to it without affecting the quality of the image. However, you can change text into paint, using , so you can manipulate it like a paint layer. Try using Distort.
- In the Layer Editor, tap-hold to access the menu’s tools.
- Select (Rasterize Text Layer).
When text is rasterized, Edit Text can no longer be applied.
Editing an existing text layer
If you want to change the text, be it a spelling mistake, to change the font, font size, make something bold, italicized, or underlined, or to change the color, use the Edit Text Layer window.
In the Layer Editor, in the text layer you want to change, click .
Flick Edit Text. This opens the Edit Text Layer window for further editing.
Editing text in SketchBook for Mobile
ALERT: Though the design of your interface may differ depending on the version of SketchBook for Mobile you're using, the functionality is the same.
Do all your text edits while in the tool. The text created is a paint layer (like what happens to text in the desktop version, once you apply Rasterize Text Layer.
For SketchBook 4.0 or above
Do one of the following:
- For tablet users, in the toolbar, tap .
- For hand-held device users, in the toolbar, tap , then .
Do any of the following:
Tap then type the text you need.
Tap to set the color and tap-drag the sliders to change size and opacity.
Tap to select the font.
Tap to nudge the content one pixel at a time, by tapping an arrow or tap-drag from the middle to move in any direction or on an arrow to move in that direction.
Tap to flip the text vertically.
Tap to flip the text horizontally.
Tap to rotate the text counter-clockwise or to rotate the text clockwise.
When finished, tap to accept the changes or x to decline.
For SketchBook 3.7.4 or below
- In the toolbar, tap , then .
Do any of the following:
- Tap to set the color and tap-drag the sliders to change size and opacity.
- Tap to set the font and enter your text in the text field.
Choose any of the following tools to position your text:
Due to the size of some devices, swiping left or right in these toolbars to access more options.
Tap to nudge the content one pixel at a time, by tapping an arrow or tap-drag from the middle to move in any direction or on an arrow to move in that direction.
- Tap to flip the text vertically.
- Tap to flip the text horizontally.
- Tap to rotate the text counter-clockwise.
- Tap to rotate the text clockwise.
Tap to accept the changes or x to decline.
Changing the transparency of text on SketchBook 3.7.4 or below
The version you're running will determine the design of the editor you will see.
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- Tap to access the Layer Editor if not already displayed.
Tap the text layer to access the Opacity slider.
- Tap-drag it to the left to make the text transparent.
- Tap-drag it to the right to make the text solid.
Editing text in SketchBook for Windows 10
ALERT: SketchBook for Windows 10 doesn't currently have a Text tool
Autodesk Sketchbook Download
Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 delivers one of the most natural and intuitive drawing experiences. Its Steady Stroke technology gives control and precision, even when drawing with a mouse. Flipboard animation, Perspective Guides, many layer enhancements, and the support, resources, and experience of one of the best-known names in professional CAD and graphics software make SketchBook Pro an attractive alternative to Photoshop clones.
Pros
Attainable pro quality: SketchBook Pro 7's perpetual license is just $65, putting it squarely in reach. You can also try it free without providing credit card data. Monthly and annual licenses are available, too.
Unique layout: SketchBook Pro 7's unique and innovative user layout makes better use of space than just about any graphics tool we've used, thanks partly to the unusual Lagoon palette. We especially like inkwell-like Brush Puck and Color Puck.
Pocket sketchbook: Tablet versions of SketchBook Pro 7 deliver a seamless user experience on your Android or iOS tablet.
Cons
Wacom drivers: Upgrading to Windows 8X might require reinstalling Wacom drivers. Our well-worn Wacom pen and tablet worked fine with SketchBook Pro 7 running in 64-bit Windows 7.
Pen Flicks: Windows users may need to disable Pen Flicks to enable smooth, flicker-free scrolling with pen devices.
Bottom Line
Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 is one of the very few drawing tools that really stands out. Some programs offer more features (and much higher prices), yet none is as intuitive as SketchBook Pro 7 at drawing.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of SketchBook Pro 7.
What do you need to know about free software?
Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 delivers one of the most natural and intuitive drawing experiences. Its Steady Stroke technology gives control and precision, even when drawing with a mouse. Flipboard animation, Perspective Guides, many layer enhancements, and the support, resources, and experience of one of the best-known names in professional CAD and graphics software make SketchBook Pro an attractive alternative to Photoshop clones.
Pros
Attainable pro quality: SketchBook Pro 7's perpetual license is just $65, putting it squarely in reach. You can also try it free without providing credit card data. Monthly and annual licenses are available, too.
Unique layout: SketchBook Pro 7's unique and innovative user layout makes better use of space than just about any graphics tool we've used, thanks partly to the unusual Lagoon palette. We especially like inkwell-like Brush Puck and Color Puck.
Pocket sketchbook: Tablet versions of SketchBook Pro 7 deliver a seamless user experience on your Android or iOS tablet.
Cons
Wacom drivers: Upgrading to Windows 8X might require reinstalling Wacom drivers. Our well-worn Wacom pen and tablet worked fine with SketchBook Pro 7 running in 64-bit Windows 7.
Pen Flicks: Windows users may need to disable Pen Flicks to enable smooth, flicker-free scrolling with pen devices.
Bottom Line
Autodesk's SketchBook Pro 7 is one of the very few drawing tools that really stands out. Some programs offer more features (and much higher prices), yet none is as intuitive as SketchBook Pro 7 at drawing.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of SketchBook Pro 7.