Linea Sketch

I initially downloaded the app when it was released as it had been reviewed so well for notes and sketch noting. I’m not much of an artist, just a napkin sketcher and this app makes it fun to just sit and sketch for a while. I primarily use it for notes and brainstorming as I don’t retain much when I try to type notes. This app has always been great for that, and the 2.0 update was a surprise to me and added so many great updates such as the select tool, split screen (great for notes) and the portrait orientation. If I could request one addition it would be the ability to export to .pdf. I have to figure out a workaround currently to get my notes to PDFs and it would be great to have that feature inbuilt. All in all, this is an enjoyable app to use, simple yet functional. I have recommended to many others and would purchase again in a heartbeat.

While I enjoyed using this app for its straightforward user interface and tools, I’ve decided to jump ship after the recent announcement that the app is changing to a subscription model. To add insult to injury, customers who bought the app in 2018 (I got it in late 2018) or earlier will lose access to the app they paid for without either a refund, grandfathering or a free year. I started using Linea as a replacement for 53 Paper, though at least Paper’s developers had the decency to allow previous customers to reclaim their purchase without adding yet another sub. Why these people feel it’s acceptable to rent art tools, I don’t know. I deleted the app, since I won’t qualify for any discounts and refuse to support this business model. If it were part of Apple Arcade, something required for work, or a continually developing service, I’d do it, but it isn’t. The sub price is low, but it’s the principle that counts. I feel like a victim of a bait and switch. At least let us use what we’ve paid for!

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After spending two days FALLING IN LOVE with this beautiful, easy to use program, I’m sadly continuing my search for the perfect, SIMPLE drawing app. I’ve been a Paper by 53 user for years, due to its basic, realistic features...but their refusal to add layers and a better zoom feature has me searching for something better. I was SURE I’d found it in Linea Sketch, but the lack of a blend/smudge tool and a BASIC watercolor brush has ended my time with your app. I should’ve done a bit more research before spending money on this - but I (quite literally) got GOOSEBUMPS when this app came to my attention. I was sure that my search had ended. Alas! It wasn’t to be, and I’m back to wasting precious sketch time trying to find a drawing app that doesn’t take a Photoshop genius to use. PLEASE consider adding a blending tool (and a real watercolor “brush”, not just pencils and markers)! I now know I’m not the only one that has been disappointed. Thanks! UPDATE: While I appreciate your response (and your continuing desire to change this program to meet the needs of its users), I won’t be using Linea Sketch at this time. The smudge tool and watercolor brush are essential for the projects I work on (not just a hobby). If you will, PLEASE send me a response when these tools are added. I will try Linea Sketch again!

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The switch to subscription model is a slap in the face for people who previously bought the app (and especially for those who even contributed voluntary tips!). Please, do NOT respond to this review saying that we get a year worth of your subscription because that does not solve the problem: You tricked us into giving you money in exchange for a promise that you broke later on. This should not be legal! You have definitely lost my trust and probably many customers with this unethical move, especially when there are *far superior* one-time-purchase apps like ArtStudio Pro on the market. Thank you for nothing. Keep in mind that there are other ways of generating a steady flow of income such as: Locking new features behind individual in-app purchases or requiring users to buy a new full version with a new one time purchase on major releases. This way users who want the new features can decide to pay for them and those who just want to stick to the features they previously BOUGHT will not lose access to them. Everyone hates subscriptions and I think most users are so sick of it that they’d be more than happy to pay *significantly higher* prices up front or for one time in app purchases to support an app they love. At the very least you should have offered lifetime access to all current features for people who previously bought the full version of the app instead of just one year.

I have 2 young sons ages 6 and 8 that constantly like to draw. They fill up all drawing tablets and notebooks that we get them and turn to raiding our printer for more paper. I introduced this app to them and it’s been great for the environment and for the mess of half used sketch and doodle papers spread throughout our house. I also use it to easily help show them math concepts and other things. The app layout is well thought out, enough so that my boys have no problem navigating and using even the otherwise more advanced features. I have a slough of other well known art apps and they have their place, but this one is my most often used one if anything for how my boys and I can enjoy drawing together easily.