Importing images

Jump to Android or iOS

Do you have a grid, templates, reference image, want to trace something, or something else you'd like to add to Sketchbook? If so, import the image. Once imported, lock the layer, add layers, and build up your sketch. You can import as many images as you have available layers and your device will support.

If you would like to drag and drop images into Sketchbook, see How to drag and drop files into Sketchbook.

Importing in Sketchbook Pro for desktop

You can import layered TIFF and PSD, or flat PNG, BMP or JPEG files.

To import an image:

Select and flick toward .
Press Cmd+O for Mac or Ctrl+O for Windows.
Select File > Open.

Importing an image using Import Image

In the Layer Editor, tap to browse for an image.
Select an image and tap Open.

By default, when you add an image a layer is automatically created and the image is added to it. This keeps you from inadvertently writing over your artwork when you import an image. However, if you prefer for a layer not be be created, say because you have a limited number of layers available, then you can disable this option in Preferences.

Importing in Sketchbook for Android

Importing on Android for handheld device users

Import Image takes an image from your camera or device and adds it to a new layer, above the last.

In the toolbar, tap , then Import Image.

Import Image in Sketchbook on a handheld device

Select an image for import from either somewhere on your device or using your camera.
Use the Import tools to position, scale, rotate, mirror, and/or flip the image.
When satisfied with the placement and size, tap the arrow.

Importing on Android for tablet users

In the toolbar, tap . If you don't see Import Image in the toolbar, tap-drag to the left to expose more tools.

Dragging to reveal more tools in the Sketchbook tablet toolbar

Tap , then to help reposition the image.
Use the Import tools to position, scale, rotate, mirror, and/or flip the image:

Tap-drag the canvas to freely move in any direction.
Tap 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 to flip the image vertically.
Tap to flip the image horizontally.
Tap to rotate the image counter-clockwise.
Tap to rotate the image clockwise.

Tap to accept the changes or x to decline.

Importing on Android from the Gallery

Tap , then select .
Tap the Untitled Folder bar along the top of the Gallery.
Tap , then New from Image.
Select either the Files or Documents folder, then .
Scroll down, tap Dropbox or another source, and tap an image to import it.

Importing in Sketchbook for iOS

Import an image as a new canvas

Import from the Gallery

Tap , then select Gallery .
Tap , then select from one of the following:
New from Image - Select either Import from camera, Import photo, or Browse and load an image into the canvas from somewhere on your device.
Scan sketch - Scan your real-world image, bring it into Sketchbook, and continue working on it wherever you are.

Import from Files (Sketchbook version 5.2.0)

Tap , then select Files
This will launch the iOS Files App, where you can browse files on your device or on any cloud storage you have enabled on your device.
Tap the file to import

Import an image into an existing canvas

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

To help reposition the image:

For iPhone users, tap , then Import Image.
For iPad users, tap .

Use the Import tools to position, scale, rotate, mirror, and/or flip the image:

Tap-drag the canvas to freely move in any direction.
Tap to distort the content by tap-dragging the handles and moving the bias in the center.
Tap 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 to flip the image vertically.
Tap to flip the image horizontally.
Tap to rotate the image counter-clockwise.
Tap to rotate the image clockwise.