Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Autodesk SketchBook VS GIMP

Compare Autodesk SketchBook VS GIMP and see what are their differences

Autodesk SketchBook logo Autodesk SketchBook

SketchBook drawing and painting software provides designers, architects, and concept artists the tools to sketch ideas quickly and create beautiful illustrations.

GIMP logo GIMP

GIMP is a multiplatform photo manipulation tool.
  • Autodesk SketchBook Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-17
  • GIMP Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30

Autodesk SketchBook features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Autodesk SketchBook has a highly intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that makes it accessible for beginners and professionals alike.
  • Professional-Grade Tools
    The software comes equipped with a wide range of professional-grade tools, including brushes, layers, and blending modes, making it suitable for detailed and complex artwork.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    SketchBook is available on multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, allowing users to work on their projects across different devices seamlessly.
  • Free Version Available
    A free version of SketchBook is available that offers a substantial set of features, providing a cost-effective solution for individuals who don't require the full suite of tools.
  • Highly Responsive and Smooth Performance
    The application is well-optimized for performance, offering a smooth drawing experience with minimal lag even for large projects.

Possible disadvantages of Autodesk SketchBook

  • Limited Vector Support
    SketchBook primarily focuses on raster graphics and offers limited support for vector tools, which might be restrictive for users who require extensive vector functionalities.
  • Features Locked Behind Paywall
    While the free version offers a lot, some of the more advanced features and tools are locked behind a subscription paywall, limiting access for users who are not willing to pay.
  • Steady Internet Connection Required
    The software may require a stable internet connection for certain functionalities, such as syncing across devices and accessing online tutorials, which can be inconvenient in areas with poor internet connectivity.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Despite its user-friendly interface, some of the more advanced features have a steep learning curve, which may require additional time and effort to master.
  • Limited Customization Options
    Customization options for the user interface and workspace are somewhat limited compared to some other professional digital art applications, which may affect workflow efficiency for some users.

GIMP features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    GIMP is completely free to use and open source, allowing users to download, modify, and distribute the software without any cost.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    GIMP is compatible with multiple operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for users on different platforms.
  • Extensive Plugin Support
    GIMP supports a wide range of plugins, which can be used to enhance functionality and customize the software to suit specific needs.
  • Powerful Editing Tools
    GIMP offers a comprehensive set of image editing tools for tasks such as photo retouching, image composition, and image authoring, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of GIMP

  • Complex Interface
    The user interface can be overwhelming and not as intuitive as other commercial software, which can pose a steep learning curve for new users.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users experience performance issues, such as slow rendering times, especially when working with large files or applying multiple layers and effects.
  • Limited Professional Features
    Compared to industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP lacks some advanced features and tools that professionals might need for high-end work.
  • Inconsistent Updates
    Updates and new features can be inconsistent, as the development relies on a community of volunteers rather than a dedicated team.

Autodesk SketchBook videos

The BEST FREE Drawing Software - Autodesk Sketchbook Pro (Ft. Alita Battle Angel and Venom)

More videos:

  • Review - Autodesk Sketchbook Review and Thoughts
  • Review - Autodesk Sketchbook Now FREE!

GIMP videos

Gimp vs Photoshop - Photo Editing Software - COMPARISON 2018

More videos:

  • Review - GIMP 2020 Preview and GIMP 2019 Recap
  • Review - 10 Reasons to Use GIMP in 2020 Over Photoshop

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Autodesk SketchBook and GIMP)
Digital Drawing And Painting
Graphic Design Software
11 11%
89% 89
Image Editing
9 9%
91% 91
Art Tools
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Autodesk SketchBook and GIMP

Autodesk SketchBook Reviews

7 BEST Procreate Alternatives for Android (2023)
Autodesk Sketchbook is a full-featured design and creativity software that allows you to create digital graphics on an iPad or tablet. You can use its various features to pick brushes, choose colors, move, rotate, and arrange things to work with layers.
Source: www.guru99.com
10 Best Procreate Alternatives For Windows & Mac [Top Picks]
Looking for the best Procreate alternatives for Windows? Try Autodesk Sketchbook. Trust us when we say this, it is a pretty good match in all terms. This tool has been existing for quite a long time now and is very compatible because of its smooth flowing user interface and variety of tools. This AutoCAD includes a platform which supports pens.
Source: fixingport.com
68 Best Painting Apps and Softwares
Why Autodesk Sketchbook? – Autodesk Sketchbook comes with a beautiful minimal UI, including 140 pre-designed paintbrushes, which you can tweak as well! Another unique feature of this app is its ability to add infinite amount of layers, allowing you to get as creative as you can.

GIMP Reviews

  1. Clipping Path universe
    · Working at Clipping Path ·
    A great site

    This is a great site for photo editing and the software is supper.

    👍 Pros:    Trusted

12 Best Free PosterMyWall Alternatives and Competitors
You can use GIMP as a basic paint tool, a high-quality photo editor, a tool to process many images at once online, a way to make lots of images, or even to change the format of an image. GIMP can do even more because you can add extra features to it using plugins and extensions. You can make it do just about anything you like.
Source: mockey.ai
10 Best Photopea Software Alternatives in 2024 (Free & Paid)
There are 1,439 votes for GIMP and 14 votes for Photopea. GIMP gets 4.3/5, and Photopea gets 4.8/5. These rankings come from real user reviews and can help you choose between the two based on your industry’s needs.
Best Adobe Photoshop alternatives of 2024
In our experience, GIMP was slightly less responsive and used a few more resources than its proprietary counterpart, but this can be easily forgiven on the basis that GIMP always has been and always will be free and open source.
10 Best Adobe Illustrator Alternatives
Check out GIMP, one of the best free Illustrator alternatives which is ideal for any creative.
16+ Best Web Design Software in 2022 (Ranked by a Trusted Expert)
GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program. It’s a free and open-source software for editing images and a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, GIMP seems to be a lot more popular than Autodesk SketchBook. While we know about 59 links to GIMP, we've tracked only 1 mention of Autodesk SketchBook. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Autodesk SketchBook mentions (1)

  • Is Microsoft store app different than the free version?
    Try sketchbook.com, the official site. I don't know if it's different from the Microsoft store version, but it might be. There should be a free trial. Source: over 3 years ago

GIMP mentions (59)

  • Yurt Calculator
    Image Creative Commons (CC) BY-SA-NC 2005-2017, developed, designed and written by René K. Müller Graphics & illustrations made with Inkscape, Tgif, Gimp, PovRay, GD.pm Web-Site powered by FreeBSD & Debian/Linux - 100% Open Source. Source: about 2 years ago
  • I just cannot understand why they did Paint so bad
    Paint.NET for a familiar paradigm with nicer features. Pinta for an old school, simple Paint experience. Krita for more advanced drawing. Gimp for editing/manipulating photos. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Had to make This after seeing all the post over and over again
    If you don't want to pay for photoshop, check out the Gnu Image Manipulation Program at http://gimp.org which is free. It has most of what you'd want photoshop for. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Super, just Super.
    As good as this suggestion is, without proper links and explanation it means nothing. GEGL is a type of plugins for GIMP, which can adjust the settings of already present effects and create new ones. The most notable ones are made by LinuxBeaver. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Useful apps for Ux designers
    GIMP: FOSS alternative to Photoshop. Like Inkscape, it’s not directly related to UI, but might be handy. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Autodesk SketchBook and GIMP, you can also consider the following products

Krita - Krita is a professional FREE and open source painting program. It is made by artists that want to seaffordable art tools for everyone. Concept art. texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.

Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Photoshop is a webtop application for editing images and photos online.

Procreate - Procreate is the most powerful and intuitive digital illustration App available for iPad®.

ibis Paint X - Drawn with + ibisPaint

Affinity Photo - Affinity is the imaging and design suite for creative professionals exclusively for Mac.

MediBang Paint - The official site for MediBang Paint, the free digital painting and manga creation software. You can download the latest version of MediBang Paint here, and get news and tutorials.