Connecting styluses for mobile users

Supported pen devices


Android

Sketchbook on Android supports the Samsung S Pen. There is no special set up required and the S Pen will give you true pressure-sensitivity. S Pen settings can be customized in your Android Settings.

Pen Mode options are available from the main Sketchbook menu.



  • When on, Pen Mode will only recognize the S Pen for drawing on the canvas. Touch inputs will be ignored for drawing.
  • Enable Multi-touch Gestures enables touch on the canvas for gestures only. Disabling this will prevent multi-touch input, including 2- and 3-finger interactions.
  • Tap-hold to activate color picker



iOS

  • Sketchbook only supports Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro on enabled iPad and iPad Pro models. 
  • Barrel roll and squeeze are supported with Apple Pencil Pro
  • Hover is supported with Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro
  • Double-tap options for Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro are supported and can be enabled from iOS Settings
  • Scribble for input of text is supported and can be enabled from iOS Settings.


How to connect Apple Pencil to your iPad

Sketchbook will automatically work with Apple Pencil without needing to be paired. You can enable additional stylus settings for Apple Pencil from Preferences‍. 

In the Pen Connection section of Preferences‍  you will see additional options after you select Apple Pencil.

  • Tap-hold to activate color picker
  • When toggled on, Pen Mode will only recognize Apple Pencil for drawing on the canvas. Touch inputs will be ignored for drawing.
  • Enable Multi-touch Gestures enables touch on the canvas for gestures only. Disabling this will prevent multi-touch input, including 2- and 3-finger interactions.
  • Brush Stamp - will show the current brush stamp preview hover on Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro hardware. The stamp preview will be at the minimum pressure size on hover.


Squeeze Tool Palette with Apple Pencil Pro

Sketchbook supports the squeeze Tool Palette with Apple Pencil Pro. To enable, open the Settings app and in the Apple Pencil Settings set the squeeze action to "Show Tool Palette".

The Tool Palette in Sketchbook provides quick access to your color history and brush history. Your last six brushes and colors will appear in the palette. Tap the blue center clutch to switch between brushes and colors.



Legacy Stylus Devices

Sketchbook no longer actively supports 3rd party styluses. The interface to pair these older input devices is still available in the Pen Connection options, however, we are no longer able to verify their operation.