What is Sketchpad?

Sketchpad allows you to draw freehand on a canvas on your devices. Numerous tools are available such as a Ballpoint Pen, Pencil, Highlighter, Eraser, and Ruler. The idea here is to give you quick access to be creative through these markup tools in Windows 10. You can create on a blank canvas through a sketch or do something as simple as taking quick notes to capture your thoughts digitally.

Samples of  Sketchpad being used

Below are some great samples from @EdTechAmber an educator who sketches on her Surface Pro and is an expert at visualizing her thinking.

Where does Sketchpad shine?

Sketchpad was released as part of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. Where this feature comes to life is when you are using a device from the Microsoft Surface family. You can definitely use this with other OEM devices but you might be limited by the responsiveness of the pen. The Surface Pen offers over 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support making this the best inking experience for Windows 10.

Where is Sketchpad?

On your Windows 10 desktop in the bottom right corner, you will see a pen icon next to the time and date. Click on that Pen Icon and you will find Sketchpad and other great tools that bring ink to life on Windows 10.

Here is a great article by Windows Central that breaks down each feature inside of Sketchpad and how to access it.