Image courtesy of Luis Peso
Digital drawing is when a drawing is created using graphics software. Instead of using a pencil and paper, digital artists draw with a tablet or a computer, along with a device such as a mouse or a stylus. Digital drawing programs offer features such as layers, brush sets, color palettes, rulers and guides, and pressure-sensitive strokes.
Image courtesy of Monika Zagrobelna
Traditional artworks have two elements in common: it can be touched (made of physical materials) and it is “one of a kind" (can’t be copied without recreating it). Traditional artworks can be created with a variety of mediums and tools, including drawing, painting, and sculpting.
Unlike traditional art, digital art is not bound by the limitations of the material world. You can get all the colors the human eye can see, change the vividness and brightness, and erase without a trace, all via a graphics tablet and stylus.
Artists set their stylus to a shape similar to a pencil or a marker. The artist uses the same techniques from traditional illustration but can sketch with layers and tools to assist with perspective, resizing, and reshaping.
Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create 2D drawings more quickly and with greater precision, without using stencils and technical drawing instruments.
Concept drawing is used by industrial designers, architects, engineers, and artists to create a quick sketch in order to visualize an initial design.
Primarily used by architects and engineers, technical drawing refers to the the use of drawings or schematics to visually communicate how something is constructed.
Automate complex geometry to enhance the performance and aesthetics of your products.
Industrial design software to sketch, concept model, surface, and visualize. Available as Alias Concept, Surface, and AutoStudio.
2D and 3D CAD tools, with enhanced insights, AI-automations, and collaboration features. Subscription includes AutoCAD on desktop, web, mobile, and seven specialized toolsets.
Best-in-class tool for 2D CAD drafting, drawing, and documentation. Subscription includes AutoCAD LT on desktop, web, and mobile.
Draft, annotate, and add field data to your drawings online via your web browser or mobile device. Access and edit DWG files, and quickly collaborate with AutoCAD users on designs.
Use SketchBook to sketch ideas and iterate quickly. Easily import your sketches into AutoCAD and turn them into engineering drawings.
Explore the strength of sketching and CAD working together and learn about the symbiotic relationship between SketchBook and Fusion 360.
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Pixar Production Designer Jay Shuster uncovers pieces of industrial design inspiration in an airplane graveyard and captures them with SketchBook.
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ESG Architecture and Design accelerates projects by sketching concepts in SketchBook.
TESLA MOTORS
Electric car maker Tesla streamlined design and engineering processes by using Alias Surface for visualization, rendering, surfacing, and drawing.
Get started with Autodesk drawing and sketching software with these tutorials and lessons.
Take a tour of the interface and learn the basic commands that you need to create 2D drawings.
Learn how to use SketchBook and Alias to facilitate fast creative techniques, create concept sketches, and develop impactful 3D visuals.
View these FormIt tutorials to learn how to sketch, collaborate, analyze, and iterate early-stage design concepts.
Improve your drawing and sketching skills with these tutorials, tips, and guides.
Uncover Autodesk SketchBook video tutorials for beginners and advanced users.
Uncover the basics of the SketchBook Pro painting and drawing software for desktop computers.
Turn simple drawings into effective tools of communication with SketchBook.
Learn the tips and tricks to speed up the render process without sacrificing quality.
Learn more about free Autodesk software access for students, educators, and administrators from qualifying educational institutions.
Full-featured software like SketchBook from Autodesk makes it easy for illustrators and digital artists to sketch ideas quickly and create stunning illustrations. Learn how to use the Shape and Draw Style tools in SketchBook.
Autodesk offers digital artists like illustrators, designers, architects, painters, and concept artists a wide variety of fast and powerful digital creative sketching tools. The SketchBook drawing and painting app features both stylus and touch input to sketch ideas quickly. Alias delivers sketching utility for product design, concept modeling, surfacing, and visualization. Formit supports BIM-based 3D sketching. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT both allow for freehand sketching.
Digital drawing uses contour, edges, and lines to depict an object. Digital painting uses shape and color volume. Both are done using specialized graphics software. When you use Sketchbook from Autodesk, you can do sketching and painting all in one.
Autodesk provides a full-featured SketchBook software download for free, for both PC and Mac.
