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Software Review: Alias
SketchBook Pro |
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Supported file formats include: JPEG,
PNG, GIF, BMP and TIFF, however, the TIFF format is the only one you
can use to preserve layers. The software offers up to 50 Undos, but
for maximum performance, a setting of 30 is recommended. Canvas sizes
of up to 8192x8192 pixels are available. To create a customized canvas
size, click on Edit: Preferences and set the file size there.
Note: If you’re using the limited feature trial
application, you’re limited to a size of 1024x1024 pixels.
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Sample Backgrounds. Over 300 are available with full
version of the software.
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Backgrounds
An important set of tools are the Backgrounds, images that assist the
design aspects of drawing. The full set includes hundreds of backgrounds
made up of: Grid Lines and Dots, Lined Pages, Page Layouts, Charts and
Graphs, Calendars and Timelines, Video Screens, Games, and Graphic Elements,
all in a TIFF format.
Once loaded, a background image is displayed in a locked background
annotation layer and the active sketching layer is set to Layer 1. This
allows you to sketch freely without damaging the background layer. Backgrounds
are created in a read-only format, so you have to save the file to a
new name.
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The Send Mail dialog offers several options when sending
out your image files. |
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Observations
While the software lets you create nearly unlimited layers, you can
only open one image layer at a time from image files and there is no
import capability. A workaround to this problem is to open layers in
Photoshop or another image editing application, which you can then copy
and paste into layers. Another issue is that you can only copy one layer
at a time from SketchBook into an image editing application. Trying
to use the entire file won't work.
One of the useful tools is the Snapshot utility, located on the taskbar
as an icon.. It allows you to capture a shot of the screen, which can
then be imported into the application as a locked layer, with a layer
above that you can draw on.
Another useful feature is the Send Mail command, located under the
file menu, which allows you to send JPEG, PNG or TIFF files. There is
even a handy calculation tool that will give you a rough idea of how
large the file size will be and which format might be the best option
for sending your file.
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Parting Comments
Overall, SketchBook Pro provides a simplified approach to drawing that
is flexible and functional. For traditional artists looking to learn
about drawing on the computer, SketchBook Pro is an excellent choice.
System Requirements
Minimum: A 266 MHz Intel Pentium II or greater processor, Windows XP/2000
only, 128 MB of RAM, 16-bit color display (thousands of colors) and
a pressure sensitive Wacom tablet and pen, strongly recommended for
basic features. Recommended system requirements are: An 800MHz Intel
Pentium III processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a 24-bit color display (millions
of colors).
Pricing and Availability
Alias
Sketchbook Pro can be purchased by downloading the software (an
8.3 MB file) for a fee of $129.00 or it’s available as a boxed
version for $149.00. Additional costs of shipping handling and taxes
will apply (where applicable). The Alias|Wavefront global headquarters
is located at 210 King Street East, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, M5A 1J7.
Toll Free: (800) 447-2542 Telephone: (416) 362-9181 Fax: (416) 369-6140.
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