SketchBook Pro 6 FAQ

We wanted to thank everyone for all the reviews, feedback and questions that we've received since the launch of SketchBook Pro 6 for Windows & Mac.

This post provides answers to some of the common questions that we've been getting.

To start it off, here is a YouTube video (created by Kyle Runciman, our resident artist) that gives a quick tour of some of  the new features in SketchBook Pro 6.

Frequenty Asked Questions

General Usage

• I just purchased 6 and want to get the manual, where can I find documentation?

You can find PDF documentation for SketchBook Pro 6 and other versions of SketchBook at www.sketchbook.com/documentation. 

• Can I use SketchBook Pro with a mouse or trackpad?

SketchBook Pro is designed for pen-interaction, so even though you can use a mouse or trackpad, you can only get that natural drawing experience when using a pen-tablet (like the ones offered by Wacom) with your computer.

• Can I move the custom brushes I created in version 5 to SketchBook Pro 6?

Yes, custom brushes and brush sets can be imported into SketchBook Pro 6 from the Brush Library.  Then, in turn, you can customize the Brush Palette with your top 36 tools from the Brush Library.

• Will the files that I started in version 5 come into 6?

SketchBook Pro 6 will open the layered TIFF and/or PSD files that you've saved from SketchBook Pro 5.

Purchase & Version-related Questions

•What is the difference between the Mac App Store version and the Retail version?

The Mac App Store version is a slightly different configuration of SketchBook Pro that adheres to the guidelines of that store.  This version does not include the following:

• No Snapshot utility (captures desktop & auto-launches in SketchBook)
• No direct 'E-mail Image' feature in Menu
• Does not support 'Next/Previous image' feature (including mapping to page-up & page-down keys)
• No entitlement to Windows version

The Mac App Store version purchase is tied to a users' Apple ID, which is required to purchase and install.  This version provides:

• iCloud

With the Retail version (purchased either as a physical box or as a download version), you get an Activation Code that can be used to activate on either Windows or Mac hardware.  This is ideal for users that have both platforms and have need to use one or the other at different times.

• Is there special upgrade pricing for existing customers?

On the Mac App Store, there currently is no upgrade mechanism in place, so there is no upgrade offer for customers of SketchBook Pro (version 5). 

An upgrade offer is available for the Retail version. Existing customers can purchase the Upgrade product hrough the Autodesk eStore.

• Can I transfer my purchase from Retail to the Mac App Store or vice versa?

It is very important to decide what your requirements are before you purchase as it is NOT possible to transfer purchases at a later date.  For example, if you have the Retail version and later decide you wish to have the Mac App Store version, you will need to purchase it.

• I notice different pricing between the Retail version and the Mac App Store, why is that?

Pricing on the Mac App Store will differ from the Retail version's suggested retail price.  These price differences are a result of multiple factors, including differing price templates, regional market conditions, and so forth.  Also, each store can offer limited-time promotional discounts.

• Where can I buy the Retail version?

The Retail version is currently available in a select number of regions via the Autodesk eStore with the option of download or shipment of physical boxed product.  More regions will be available soon.

SketchBook Pro 6 is available at Amazon in the U.S. and  should also be available at other participating e-retail stores soon.

• I purchased a download copy from the eStore and didn't get my Activation Code, what do I do?

After purchasing from the eStore you should receive 2 emails.  A Confirmation email and a Fulfillment email.  The later should contain the Serial Number & Product Key required to activate SketchBook Pro.  If you do not receive this information, please contact the store directly at this link: Click HERE.

• I own SketchBook Pro 5 on the Mac App Store, but where is it?

Even though the SketchBook Pro 5 page is no longer accessbile on the Mac App Store, your purchase is tied to you Apple ID.  You can get to it from your 'Purchases' in the Mac App Store.

Tips

• Take the time to customize your SketchBook

As all creative people have different styles, techniques and preferences with tools, SketchBook Pro 6 provides several levels by which you can optimize your experience.  One of the first places that you may want to invest some time, is customizing the Brush Palette.  Here, you can store up to 36 of your preferred brushes.  Use the Brush Library to maintain a larger variety of brushes and simply drag & drop the ones that you need into the stop you want it in the Palette.

• Get used to the flick... gesture-based Marking Menus

The Lagoon at the bottom corner of the canvas, the Layer Editor and the Brush Library use Marking Menus to activate commands.  To view the options, simply click and hold to reveal a radial menu of icons.  By sliding over these icons, you will get a tool-tip for each item.  Once you are familiar with the location of these commands, you do not need to click and hold... you can just click and flick in the direction of the command to activate it.

• Customize you Wacom pen-tablet express keys

SketchBook Pro is designed around pen-based interaction, but if you take the time to map a few hot-keys to your Wacom tablet, you can reduce the need for accessing the keyboard.  This can really speed things up and keep your focus on drawing.

• How to go completely full screen

The Lagoon contains controls that let you control how interface elements appear, including variations of full-screen.  The TAB button is also a fast way to toggle visibility of UI elements.

[Advanced Tip] You can also customize the specific tools that appear in each of the Lagoon hotspots from the Preferences located in the Menu.  Even if the Lagoon has been toggled off, there is a way to call up each of the corresponding 6 marking menus from the Lagoon.  Each one is mapped to the number keys 1 through 6.  When you hold down the hot key and click on the tablet, the marking menu appears right under your pen.