Importing images

Jump to Mobile or Windows 10


This articles deals with the importing of image and files.

Do you have a grid, templates, reference image, want to trace something, or something else you'd like to add to SketchBook Pro? 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.

Importing in SketchBook Pro Desktop

To import sketches of various formats:

Importing an image using Import Image

In your SketchBook Pro preferences, the is an Import Image option. By default, when you add an image, a layer is automatically created and the image is added to it. This is super handy. But, what if you’ve been drawing on a layer and you import an image? Well, without Add Image: Import into a new layer enabled, the image could cover what you drew. This is why we created this option and it is enabled by default. However, if you prefer for a layer not be be created, say because you have a limited number of layers available, then disable this option.

  1. In the Layer Editor, tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook to browse for an image.
  2. Select an image and tap Open.

Open a sketch stored on iCloud

For Mac App Store users, access a project stored on iCloud from anywhere and with any machine.

  1. If you aren’t logged into iCloud or can't access iCloud, in your device's Settings, select General > Storage & iCloud Usage > Manage Storage > SketchBook > Documents & Data.
  2. Select File > Open.

For Mac App Store users, select a file and tap [X] Delete.

Importing in SketchBook Pro Mobile

For additional information on importing, see Importing to the Gallery.

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

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.

  1. In the toolbar, tap Tools icon in the mobile version of SketchBook, then Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook Import Image.

    Import Image on a handheld device in SketchBook Pro Mobile

  2. Select an image for import from either somewhere on your device or using your camera.

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

    Import tools

  4. When satisfied with the placement and size, tap the arrow.

Importing on Android for tablet users

  1. In the toolbar, tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook. If you don't see Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook Import Image in the toolbar, tap-drag to the left to expose more tools.

    Dragging to reveal more tools in the SketchBook Pro Mobile tablet toolbar

  2. Tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook, then Repositioning tools to help reposition the image.

  3. 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 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.
  4. Tap OK to accept the changes or x to decline.

  1. Tap File icon, then select Gallery.
  2. Tap the Untitled Folder bar along the top of the Gallery.
  3. Tap New Image, then New from Image New from Image.
  4. Select either the Files or Documents folder, then Import options.
  5. Scroll down, tap Dropbox or another source, and tap an image to import it.

Importing on iOS

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

  1. To help reposition the image:

    • For iPhone users, tap Tools icon in the mobile version of SketchBook, then Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook Import Image.
    • For iPad users, tap Import Image icon in the mobile version of Autodesk SketchBook.
  2. 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 Distort icon to distort the content by tap-dragging the handles and moving the bias in the center.
    • 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 the checkmark to accept the changes or x to decline.

Is there an image in another app you’d like to bring into SketchBook Pro? Use Import to Gallery to do it.

  1. Open Photos.
  2. Select the image you want to bring into SketchBook Pro.
  3. Tap Export from Photos Export.
  4. In the top row, scroll to find SketchBook Pro.
  5. Tap the SketchBook Pro icon, then Import to Gallery. The image or images are imported to your Gallery.
  1. Tap File icon, then select Gallery.

  2. Tap the Untitled bar along the top of the Gallery.

  3. Tap New Image, then select from one of the following:

    • New from Image New from Image - Select either Import from camera, Import photo, or Browse and load an image into the canvas from somewhere on your device.
    • New from iTunes New from iTunes - Select an image to load into the canvas from your iTunes folder.
    • Scan Sketches Scan Sketch - Scan your real-world image, bring it into SketchBook, and continue working on it wherever you are.
  4. Tap Done.

Importing in SketchBook Pro Windows 10

Wondering how to add an image into SketchBook Pro? What about what types of files are supported? Well, there are two ways. You can use Open or Add Image.

How to open a sketch

What kind of files can you open? TIFF, JPEG, png, PSD, BMP, and GIF.

Select Menu icon > Open icon Open.

How to use Add Image

You can import JPEG and png files into this version of SketchBook Pro.

  1. In the toolbar, select Add Image icon in SketchBook Pro for Windows 10 version Add Image.
  2. Find the image you want (ensure the file format is supported).
  3. Select Open.

INFORMATION: Use Transform to help with placing and resizing your image.