Metaspace – 3D Sketchbook is an innovative application designed for the Apple Vision Pro, bringing a revolutionary approach to digital sketching and creative exploration. Developed by Rafal Kopiec and available for free on the Apple Store, Metaspace aims to unleash the full potential of your artistic skills by allowing you to draw in a three-dimensional space on an infinitely expandable canvas. This app is more than just a sketchpad; it transforms the concept of digital drawing with its 21st-century technology and offers complete support for the Apple Pencil.
One of the standout features of Metaspace is the versatility it offers in terms of tools. Artists can use photorealistic pressure and tilt-sensitive pencils, pens, and markers, which mimic the feel and response of their real-life counterparts. For those who prefer the tactile feel of their fingers over a stylus, the app accommodates drawing with fingers just as effectively. This multi-input support ensures everyone can harness their creativity in the manner that suits them best.
The app is ideal for a variety of uses. Whether you want to quickly sketch out ideas for a 3D concept, take intricate mind-mapping notes, or delve into your creative side to develop your 3D drawing abilities, Metaspace is tailored for these tasks. It even allows drawing on top of 3D scans and other imported 3D files in the .usdz format, making it an excellent tool for professionals who need to visualize their designs in three dimensions.
One feature that sets Metaspace apart is its animated walkthrough capability. You can create animated journeys through your drawings and models, adding a dynamic element to your work that can be particularly useful for presentations and in-depth explorations of your designs.
Navigating within Metaspace is intuitive, thanks to its touch camera controls. Users can employ familiar multi-touch gestures to move around within the 3D space, minimizing battery consumption in the process. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the AR mode detects the world around you through the back camera, letting you walk inside your sketches. This augmented reality feature seamlessly blends your digital drawings with the physical environment, enhancing the overall creative experience.
Metaspace is not restricted to the Apple Vision Pro. It offers full Apple Pencil support on the iPad and is available on Apple Silicon Mac, ensuring that users across different Apple devices can enjoy its robust features. The app supports both landscape and horizontal orientations, including split-screen functionality on iPad and Mac, providing flexibility in how you work on your projects.
Despite its many strengths, Metaspace is not without its challenges, as highlighted by various user reviews. Some customers have praised the app for its capabilities and enjoyed creating elaborate 3D doodle art, noting that once accustomed to the interface, the possibilities seem boundless. However, several users have pointed out areas for improvement. For instance, one user expressed frustration about not being able to share or save their work after paying for the app’s additional features. Another user encountered difficulties with changing colors and sizes, even after reinstalling the app.
The lack of a tutorial has been a common complaint, as new users have to figure out how to use the application independently. While the recent updates have brought about an improved user interface, questions remain about earlier features such as image import capabilities. Users have also expressed a desire for features like grouping functions and the ability to lock and move grouped items, indicating a demand for more advanced editing tools.
Metaspace – 3D Sketchbook is a powerful tool that brings a new dimension to digital art and creative expression. It presents a unique blend of features that cater to artists, designers, and hobbyists alike. While it is still evolving and has areas that need refinement, its potential for transforming how we conceive and create art is undeniable. With continued updates and enhancements, Metaspace has the prospect of becoming a staple in the toolkit of digital artists everywhere.
