When editing text in SketchBook, you start with entering the text editing mode. This will enable making edits to the actual text, such as adding a word or fixing the spelling of something. You can also change the font and color.

Each version of SketchBook has slightly different tools for editing text. Some are more robust than others. Don’t forget, if you are using a version that lacks some of the text functionality, you can always export your work and import it into a version with the functionality you need.

How to change the transparency of text

The opacity of a text layer can be changed using the layer’s Opacity slider. Click-drag the opacity slider to change the transparency of a text layer. Since how to do this differs depending on the version you’re using, see the sections below.

How to transform text

Once you’ve created text with the Text tool, you are in Transform mode. Depending on the version of SketchBook you’re using, text can be moved, scaled, rotated, flipped, even distorted. Since the tools available differ depending on the version you’re using, see the sections below.

Editing text in SketchBook for Desktop

Once you’ve created your text, use the various text editing tools to make it just right.

For Mac users

In the toolbar, tap  . The Edit Text Layer window appears.

Use the Font button in the Edit Text Layer window to access the following text editing tools:

• Collections – Manage the list of fonts that appear in Family. See only the fonts you want. Create custom font collections. Use default sets to load only fun fonts or ones with fixed width. Load only your favorite fonts or those recently used.
• Family – Select a font from the list. If a font family is not listed, change the Collections option to All Fonts.
• Typeface – Choose from Condensed, Condensed Italic, Bold Condensed, Bold Condensed Italictypefaces.
• Size – Set the size of the text.

To set text color, click .

Changing the transparency of text

In the Layer Editor, tap-drag the slider (seen below) to increase or decrease layer opacity.

• Drag up to decrease opacity, making the layer content solid.
• Drag down to increase opacity, making the layer content more transparent.

Transforming text

1. Tap the OK button in the Edit Text Layer dialog. Your text is centered in the canvas and you’re in Transform mode.
2. Move is set as the default transform. Use the puck to select a different mode.

• When rotating or scaling the text, SketchBook uses the center of the text as the pivot point.
• When scaling text, font size is changed, resulting in no visual quality change.

Rasterizing a text layer

If you are using the free version, once you’ve exited the Edit Text Layer window, your text is automatically rasterized. You cannot return to the Edit Text Layer window to change the text, its color, or size. To change its size or orientation, use the Transform tools.

Keep in mind, changes to the size will affect the quality of the image, since you are scaling a rasterized image. This is why we recommend you do it once and do it right, if working in the free version.

Exclusive to the subscription version
Since your text it pixels and not rasterized, you can make changes to it without affecting the quality of the image. However, you can change text into paint, using , so you can manipulate it like a paint layer. Try using Distort.

1. In the Layer Editor, tap-hold  to access the menu’s tools.
2. Select  (Rasterize Text Layer).

Editing an existing text layer

If you want to change the text, be it a spelling mistake, to change the font, font size, make something bold, italicized, or underlined, or to change the color, use the Edit Text Layer window.

1. In the Layer Editor, in the text layer you want to change, click .

2. Flick  Edit Text. This opens the Edit Text Layer window for further editing.

Editing text in SketchBook for Mobile

Do all your text edits while in the tool. The text created is a paint layer (like what happens to text in the desktop version, once you apply Rasterize Text Layer).

For SketchBook 4.0 or above

1. Do one of the following:
   • For tablet users, in the toolbar, tap .
   • For handheld device users, in the toolbar, tap , then .
2. Do any of the following:
   • Tap  then type the text you need.
     
     
   • Tap  to set the color and tap-drag the sliders to change size and opacity.
     
     
   • Tap  to select the font.
     
     
   • Tap  to nudge the content one pixel at a time, by tapping an arrow or tap-drag from the middle to move in any direction or on an arrow to move in that direction.
     
     
   • Tap  to flip the text vertically.
     
     
   • Tap  to flip the text horizontally.
     
     
   • Tap  to rotate the text counter-clockwise or  to rotate the text clockwise.
     
     
3. When finished, tap  to accept the changes or x to decline.

For SketchBook 3.7.4 or below

1. In the toolbar, tap , then .
2. Do any of the following:
   • Tap  to set the color and tap-drag the sliders to change size and opacity.
   • Tap  to set the font and enter your text in the text field.
   • Choose any of the following tools to position your text:
     
     

     Due to the size of some devices, swiping left or right in these toolbars to access more options.

     • Tap  to nudge the content one pixel at a time, by tapping an arrow or tap-drag from the middle to move in any direction or on an arrow to move in that direction.
     • Tap  to flip the text vertically.
     • Tap  to flip the text horizontally.
     • Tap  to rotate the text counter-clockwise.
     • Tap  to rotate the text clockwise.
3. Tap  to accept the changes or x to decline.

Changing the transparency of text

The version you’re running will determine the design of the editor you will see.

1. Tap  to access the Layer Editor if not already displayed.
2. Tap the text layer to access the Opacity slider.

• Tap-drag it to the left to make the text transparent.
• Tap-drag it to the right to make the text solid.

Editing text in SketchBook for Windows 10