Thanks for your interest in trying out new features of Sketchbook before they are released to the public!
Beta testing is a very important part of our app release process. Not only can there be a huge variation in device types and operating systems (we're talking about you, Android), but everyone has a unique drawing style and how you use the app is probably *slightly* different from how other people use it.
Having you take an early look helps us make sure new features and functions work for millions of artists around the world.
How to access a beta release
On Android:
Beta updates come through the Google Play Store, and will be delivered like any other update to the app (it will update your current version of the app to the beta release).
- You must opt-in to beta testing by going to this link and clicking the button to join Sketchbook's beta: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.adsk.sketchbook
This step is only required if you've never tested before, or if you previously tested and left a beta. It does not need to be done every time there's a new beta test. - If there's an active test available to you, you'll see the name on Sketchbook's Play Store page change to "Sketchbook (beta)". and the button to update the app will appear.
- if you've joined an active beta test and aren't seeing the update available, you may need to give the Play Store a gentle push. Open the Settings app and go to Apps > Play Store > Data and tap "clear cache". Then check again.
We run both closed and open testing on the Play Store. Closed testing means you're part of an invite-only group that we've reached out to (such as if we've given you direct access using your email, or you've joined our Google Group). Open testing is available to everyone who has ever opted-in to beta testing Sketchbook on Google Play.
On iOS:
Beta updates come through TestFlight, which is Apple's app for developer beta testing. You will need to download the TestFlight app in order to access the beta. Even though the beta installs through TestFlight, it will update your current version of Sketchbook just like any other update.
- If you're interested in testing, email us at beta@sketchbook.com so we can put you on the notification list.
- When a test is available, you'll get a notification from TestFlight to go update the app
- A note about the Premium Bundle and TestFlight:
Apple’s TestFlight app is on a separate system than the main App Store, so it is not connected to any purchases you have made through the App Store. Because of this, your Premium Bundle purchase won’t automatically appear/unlock. Never fear! TestFlight has no payment capabilities so purchases are functionally impossible. That means you can tap the purchase button in Sketchbook and the Premium Bundle will automatically unlock with no payment. You only have to do this the first time you install a TestFlight beta, after that your "purchase" in TestFlight will be remembered on subsequent beta updates.
On macOS
As with iOS, beta updates come through TestFlight, Apple's app for developer beta testing. You will need to download the TestFlight app on your Mac in order to access the beta. Even though the beta installs through TestFlight, it will update your current version of Sketchbook Pro just like any other update.
If you're interested in testing, email us at beta@sketchbook.com so we can put you on the notification list!
On Windows
Beta updates come through the Microsoft Store and will be delivered like any other update to the app (it will update your current version of the app to the beta release).
If you're interested in testing, email us at beta@sketchbook.com so we can put you on the notification list!
What to do if you find an issue
Any release we make available for public beta testing has been thoroughly tested in our QA lab. That said, you may still find glitches, or you may have feedback on how a new feature works.
If you find a problem, or even if something just seems "off":
- please report it immediately to beta@sketchbook.com
- include your device specifications (make/model and version of the operating system)
- include any steps that can be taken to reproduce the problem, or a screen recording of it
