Quite an interesting piece of software this is. Alias have produced a small application based on the idea of a sketchbook.

But what’s it all about?

Well Sketchbook is just as the name suggests, a Sketchbook. The application itself is geared towards tablet users and the new tablet PC market. However if your mouse skills are up to it, by all means this should still be usable.

Upon starting the application we’re greeted with a blank canvas and a selection of tools. If you’re a regular user of other Alias products or any of the Adobe and Macromedia lines then the interface will seem a little foreign. However, this is where the application shows its first sign of greatness.

The interface works by hiding tools via on click style functions. Where by the user holds the mouse (or pen) in while dragging off to another option. It’s worth mentioning that the interfaces default options are more than adequate, and extra selection is only needed to edit brush sizes and opacities etc.

The feel of “Sketch Book” is instantly noticeable with what seems like a small set of tools, but each is widely diverse and captures the feel of its own individual medium. The way in which the sketching qualities of a pencil, brush, etc. is captured is truly amazing and using the UI it’s quickly noticeable that the limited palette you seem to have is in itself almost limitless.

The software also uses a layer style system similar to Photoshop’s. So there’s no love lost there.

There’s not much else I can say about the application. It’s something that you really do have to try to appreciate. Needless to say that what seems like a very basic and arguably pointless concept has been developed to become an almost vital and enjoyable piece of software. It’s basic but it does it extremely well.

Thanks to Alias, no one now has the excuse of not being able to create fantastic art on the go.

If interested in trying Sketchbook, or even taking the leap and purchasing a full copy straight away then visit Alais Sketchbook.