Versions 5.5 and later, however, do allow the preservation of layers. Earlier versions of Express could not save layers. There was a limited consumer version of Sketchbook Pro - SketchBook Express, which provides much of the same functionality as Pro, but does not include brush customization, layer controls, symmetric brushes, or guide lines. Autodesk continued to have a beta program for testing new versions of SketchBook Pro. In April 2008, Autodesk SketchBook Pro 2009 was released to the public, followed by SketchBook Pro 2010, a year later. Version 2.0 was released in July 2005, under Alias Systems Corporation.Ī beta version of version 3.0 was shown at MacWorld 2008 on display with the Axiotron Modbook. When Autodesk acquired Alias in October 2005, they slowed down Sketchbook Pro development for a time. Other features include rulers, brush customization, and canvas rotation. The program can also create flipbooks or animations, and it supports layers with the ability to import from and export to Adobe Photoshop (.psd) format.

A screenshot tool is also included for annotations, allowing one to show content during meetings, and to add notes for review. It uses pressure-sensitive features of digital drawing pads, tablet computers, and smartphones to create effects similar to traditional materials. Sketchbook features a radial/pie-menu user interface and has painting and drawing tools such as pencils, markers, and brushes.

Autodesk sketchbook pro software