Autodesk is expanding its growing portfolio of iPad apps today with SketchBook Ink. The pen-and-ink app is built on a new graphical engine that’s independent of resolution, allowing the created artwork to be exported in resolutions exceeding 100 megapixels.
This, Autodesk hopes, will reinvigorate graphic artists and even doodlers about iPad content creation since the vector-based artwork can scale to massive print sizes.
SketchBook Ink joins Autodesk’s relatively large assortment of iPad drawing apps. Although powered by a new engine, the app feels very similar to the other titles including SketchBook Pro. The interface is a bit scaled, almost reorganized to make for a more intuitive user experience. SketchBook Ink launches with seven preset ink styles and two types of erasers.
“I am a frequent doodler. I mostly like to draw pictures of my dog and stuffed animals, but today, during a riveting Disrupt Battlefield session, my mind wandered to a sunny, lightly wooded retreat miles away from the nearest Internet-connected computer. So I drew this using the new SketchBook Ink app.” Said Elin Blesener, TechCrunch Community Manager yesterday after being caught messing around on an iPad instead of working.
Autodesk built the app for sharing. Artwork can be exported to the iPad’s photo library, iTunes, Dropbox, and can be shared quickly via email. The slick interface makes scaling upon exporting rather easy with options to keep it small for web use or export for print with a resolution over 100 megapixels.
“With more than 10 million downloads to date, we’re proud that the SketchBook family is changing how, where, and with what tools people unlock their creativity. People who never considered using a digital app for their artwork before, are now turning to SketchBook to produce incredible illustrations,” said Samir Hanna, vice president, Consumer Products, Autodesk in a statement released to TechCrunch.
Starting today, the Autodesk SketchBook Ink App is available for $4.99 from the App Store. But if you act fast, you can nab it for $1.99 during a special introductory promotion.