Xournal++ vs Autodesk SketchBook: is it a good Linux alternative?

Xournal++ as a Linux alternative to Autodesk SketchBook

Updated October 30, 2026

Our verdict

Xournal++ is not a direct replacement for Autodesk SketchBook if you need professional concept art or raster painting. It is a vector-based note-taking tool, not a raster editor. However, for quick sketching, annotating PDFs, or whiteboarding with a stylus, it is an excellent, lightweight alternative. It lacks layers for compositing and animation features. Choose Xournal++ if your workflow is primarily handwriting, diagramming, or light sketching on paper-like backgrounds. Avoid it if you rely on brush dynamics, color mixing, or frame-by-frame animation.

Feature parity35%

License: GPL-2.0
Price: Free
Latest version: 1.3.8 (September 25, 2026)
Rating: —

Install Xournal++ Website ↗

Note taking

What works the same

Pressure-sensitive stylus support for Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen tablets
Lightweight interface suitable for quick idea capture
Export capabilities to PNG and PDF
Customizable toolbar and tool mapping

What is different

Xournal++ is vector-based for strokes, whereas SketchBook is raster-based
No dedicated animation or timeline features in Xournal++
Lacks advanced raster brush engines and color mixing tools
Layer support in Xournal++ is for note organization, not complex compositing

Opening your Autodesk SketchBook files

Xournal++ does not natively open Autodesk SketchBook (.skb) files. You must export your SketchBook work as PNG, JPG, or PDF from Windows. You can then insert these images into Xournal++ as background layers or annotations. Direct conversion of sketch layers or vector paths from SketchBook to Xournal++ is not supported.

Switching from Autodesk SketchBook to Xournal++, step by step

Export your SketchBook projects as high-resolution PNG or PDF files
Install Xournal++ via your package manager or Flathub
Configure your tablet drivers to ensure pressure sensitivity works
Import exported images as backgrounds in Xournal++
Set up custom tool mappings for your stylus buttons
Test vector drawing tools to adjust to the different stroke behavior

Key features of Xournal++

Pressure-sensitive stylus support for Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen tablets
Annotate, highlight, and strike through text on top of PDF files
Export notes to PDF, PNG, and SVG via GUI or command line
Drawing tools including pen, highlighter, shapes, and LaTeX support
Input stabilization for smoother handwriting
Customizable toolbar and tool mapping to stylus buttons
Sidebar with page previews, PDF bookmarks, and layer management

How to install Xournal++ on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.github.xournalpp.xournalpp

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install xournalpp

Debiansudo apt install xournalpp

Fedorasudo dnf install xournalpp

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S xournalpp

openSUSEsudo zypper install xournalpp

Frequently asked questions

Can I do animation in Xournal++?

No, Xournal++ does not have a timeline or frame-by-frame animation editor. It is designed for static notes and sketches.

Does it support layers like SketchBook?

It has a layer system, but it is designed for organizing notes and annotations, not for complex raster compositing or blending modes found in art software.

Is it free?

Yes, Xournal++ is open-source under the GPL-2.0 license and completely free to use, unlike the paid desktop version of SketchBook.