The controls are exhaustive and intuitive, and maneuvering with both fingers and a stylus offers some ease in creation. Teens familiar with the desktop version of Sketchbook Pro will pick up the tablet version with no problems, but others will require some instruction and exploration to get comfortable.

The app offers tools available in the desktop version with the ease of a sketchbook on the tablet. It is an excellent, professional-caliber tool designed by Autodesk, developers with a history of well-regarded apps for designers, engineers, and architects. Sketchbook Pro is a serious digital art tool not to be mistaken for the many simple drawing apps available. For kids using phones instead of tablets, there's a version of the app called Sketchbook Mobile. Teens can share their creations over email or social media.

It's possible that some younger kids will enjoy the app, but there are many choices that are more targeted at their age and skill level.

Tweens will need instruction to fully utilize the app. The free version will suffice for many, but for teens who are serious about art, it's worth the upgrade. Parents may want to start tweens and teens with Sketchbook Express, the free version of the app, to get a feel for some of the features, then upgrade to the pro version for more layers, brushes, and canvas sizes. Parents need to know that Sketchbook Pro is a professional-level digital sketching tool for serious digital artists. Others will need direct instruction or careful review of the tutorial instructions to fully utilize all of the tools Sketchbook Pro offers. Kids familiar with the desktop version of Sketchbook Pro will pick up the tablet version with no problems.

How to use autodesk sketchbook on phone