Adding an image

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Wondering how to add an image into Sketchbook? What about what types of files are supported? Well, how to do it and the file types that are supported depend on the version of Sketchbook you're running.

What kind of files you can open

In Sketchbook, you can open TIFF, JPEG, png, PSD, BMP, and GIF files.

  • When your sketch dimensions are bigger than those of your screen, the canvas zooms out to fit to the screen.
  • When your sketch dimensions are smaller than those of your screen, the canvas created is actual size (100%).


Adding an image in Sketchbook Pro for desktop

An image, such as a JPEG, can be inserted onto the current layer or imported onto a new layer. Once an image is added, the Transform puck‍ appears to reposition, rotate, and or scale the image.

  • Select File > Add Image, then select a file.
  • In the Layer Editor‍, click Add Image, then select a file.


Keep the following in mind:

  • To add an image to a new layer, ensure that the preference Add Image: import into a new layer is checked.
  • To add an image to the current layer, ensure that the preference Add Image: import into a new layer is not checked.
  • Once an image added to a layer, it’s “baked” into the current layer. You can no longer rotate, scale, or move it on its own. If you do not like its placement, choose Undo to undo it and try again.


Adding an image in Sketchbook for mobile devices

Follow the instructions for the version of Sketchbook, and in some cases you’re device, you’re using:

  1. In the toolbar, tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook Import Image.
  2. Select an image from your your device and tap an image to import it.
  3. Use the Transform tools to stretch, move, scale, rotate, and/or flip the image. If the image isn't what you wanted, use the Import from Photos or** Import from Camera** tool in the Transform tools.

    Add Image's Transform toolbar in Sketchbook for mobile

  4. When finished, tap Done.


Importing an image

From the Gallery, to import an image, tap New Sketch and select either:

  • For 64-bit iOS users, Import to Gallery, New from Image, New from iTunes, or Scan sketches.
  • For Android users, New from Image, New from Camera, or Scan Sketches.


Placing your imported file

Use the Import tools to rotate, position, flip, and scale your imported image.

  1. Tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook, then Repositioning tools to help reposition the image.
  2. Use any of the following tools to get the perfect imported image:
    • Tap-drag the canvas to freely move in any direction.
    • Tap Nudge icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook to nudge the content one pixel at a time, by tapping an arrow or tap-drag from the middle to move in any direction or on an arrow to move in that direction.
    • Tap Flip icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook to flip the image vertically.
    • Tap Flip icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook to flip the image horizontally.
    • Tap Rotate CCW icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook to rotate the image counter-clockwise.
    • Tap Rotate CW icon in the mobile version of Sketchbook to rotate the image clockwise.
  3. Tap OK to accept the changes or x to decline.