Apple iOS
A universal drawing app for iOS.
iOS devices are excellent tools for creating graphics when paired with the best apps for the job. Linea Sketch is a vector drawing app with comprehensive support for the Apple Pencil, including its unique double-tap function, but of course it also works well if you use a finger to draw.
Version 3 makes the app universal across all supported iOS devices, although Apple Pencil support is only on the iPad version. iCloud sync means that you can easily pick up a project in progress from any device at any time.
Tools and time-lapse
It’s a beautifully simple app with a range of custom canvas sizes. And now it also has custom background colours, including paper textures, which look great on the screen. The app itself can also now be themed, changing its interface colours and even home screen icon. The toolbar appears along the right-hand edge in whatever orientation you’re using, and there are five layers available. Some people might prefer more, but that should be enough for most. Below this is a selector for your pen or brush style. Tapping and holding on any tool for a second calls up its contextual menu where you can choose hardness, size, and other parameters. It’s possible to import any image into a layer using the same technique, which is very useful for drawing over an existing image.
The colour palette on the left is extensive, with sets as well as variations on individual colours. A nifty feature helps you to draw shapes – simply draw the best version of, say, a triangle that you can, then keep holding your finger down. The app will automatically turn it into a perfect triangle, with handles so you can easily move or resize it.
Similarly, with the Cut tool you can draw freehand around any content and it gets selected to be moved or resized. A new feature, QuickToggle, gives further help with making regular shapes. Start drawing a line and rest a second finger on the screen. The app snaps the line perfectly straight, and you can rotate it around an anchor point.
Another major new feature is time-lapse recording. Artists and designers often want to show how they create a project, but the process is far too long for a regular video. When activated it snapshots the stages of your project – this can be paused – and the results are exported as a 30-second or full-length video. You can even crop the canvas before you export. Other recording options are available too, like the option to broadcast live to YouTube directly from the app. Even if you make time-lapses of your creations purely for your own records or amusement, it’s a great new feature and very well integrated. HOLLIN JONES
A gorgeous drawing app for users of all skill levels, with great new features.