Layers released for iPad
When I was at the Apple Store on Tuesday test driving an iPad, the girl next to me with her parents was asking about drawing programs she could use. I immediately suggested Layers to them, which we initially reviewed last summer. There are several excellent drawing programs for the iPhone, but Layers was always my favorite and I'm glad to see that it's now on the iPad.Layers for iPad was released on April 5, and is currently on sale for $2.99USD. The normal price will be $6.99USD. Even if you don't have an iPad, this is a fantastic deal and if you plan on getting one, I'd snag the program now and keep it updated for when you do take the plunge. For an initial look at the app, check out the review over at MacStories.
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When I was at the Apple Store on Tuesday test driving an iPad, the girl next to me with her parents was asking about drawing programs she...
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IMO, the iPad is the perfect platform for technical drawing, a'la 2D CAD.
Constraining to straight lines, lengths and angles, whilst drawing freehand shouldn't be that difficult to program.
Even a basic app which only does Horizontal, Vertical, 30, 45 and 60 degrees would be adequate for most concept sketches.
A professional App which gives more precise control over dimensions, angles and colours would be a great revenue spinner too.
I wonder why no-one had developed a decent, easy to use CAD App yet.
Are there any drawing apps that have a variable brush size / line strength based on pressure? I know the touchscreen isn't pressure sensitive, but didn't know if anyone figured out a way to do this..
April 09 2010 at 10:09 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySketchbook Pro on the iPad is actually quite amazing. You can change the minimum diameter so that when you stroke, it starts out thin and max's out during the stroke. Looks very natural. Most brush strokes on pressure sensitive tablets work this way- starting thin and getting thicker. Even on a Cintiq or Modbook (I use both) it's not so easy to start thick and go thin. Being able to just use light pressure for thin lines or light opacity isn't going to happen on the iPad unless someone creates a great stylus which would probably need its own power source- just guessing.
But yeah, Sketchbook Pro is great. By far the best in the App Store to date. The UI is amazingly natural and smooth to use. They came up with some very clever solutions to menus and actions like undoing. It supports 5 (I think) layers as well. Your non-drawing hand can work the settings like it would a keyboard for shortcuts. Brush controls include, hard or soft, opacity, spacing, min and max diameter... these apps are only going to get better too. Well worth the $7.
Jonathan
http://doodl.es
http://doodl.es/blog
This brings the price down to match "Brushes" - is the PSD export the only advantage ? Brushes has a neat sharing facility and a free desktop view/export app.
April 09 2010 at 7:58 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt looks to me, that Brushes and Sketchpad pro offer more complete apps.
April 09 2010 at 2:54 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyJust went to the app store to check it out. Looks nice, however the app is the 'standard' version which appears fairly limited and there is an in app purchase of another 2.99 to completely unlock it ('pro' version). Still not that much but it lessened my interest enough (not really an artist but might have tried it out of curiosity) that I didn't pull the tigger.
April 09 2010 at 1:06 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe Pogo stylus that I saw was way too thin for me. I like a thicker grip pen like the Wacom intuos pens. I expect someone to come out with that style pen for the iPad.
April 09 2010 at 12:56 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyAnyone seen a good "pen" for the ipad? Before I get the smart aces I know you can use your finger but when drawing I like to hold a "pen".
April 08 2010 at 8:27 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyPogo stylus - you can find it on Amazon or ebay. Check out some of the iPad drawing videos on YouTube, LatinaVixen uses the pogo.
April 08 2010 at 8:37 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHopefully Autodesk updates their SketchBook Mobile app for the iPad!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sketchbook-mobile/id327375467?mt=8
They have, SketchBook for iPad is pretty cool.
April 08 2010 at 8:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDarn't Megan!
Quit telling me about iPad apps! ;-)
I've spent over $60 on iPad apps and I have no idea when I'll be getting my iPad.
Sucker for a launch sale I guess. I have iPhone Layers but it was too small for my taste. Hopefully I'll use it more on iPad.
Plus now that I can have 2160 apps I gotta git busy!
In my opinion, you're a little crazy. Who's to say that Layers (or any of the other apps you pre-purchased) will still be the best option when you get around to buying an iPad.
Development for the iPad is skyrocketing and prices are generally a bit high because of the launch excitement, so my recommendation would be to not buy any apps unless your iPad purchase is right around the corner.
Was always my favorite too! Glad to see this. :)
April 08 2010 at 8:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDeals of the Day
more deals- Rocketfish Keyboard Capsule for Apple iPad for $15 + $5 s&h
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