We've recently been treated to a fresh batch of new OS X-based drawing and image editing applications, a category that for a long time seemed moribund. Scribbles was first released in December of 2007, with a focus on providing a simple drawing environment that would be both easy to use, yet responsive enough for pros to turn to when they simply wanted to quickly get ideas down visually. All, of course, with modest system requirements and a price tag to match. So think beyond just the use of the OS X Core Image architecture for creating special image effects, as employed by applications such as Image Tricks or iMaginator. Scribbles is really for those with a need to draw.

The program brings some fresh thinking to what a simple drawing app should be, via the provision of an infinite canvas, context-based user interfaces, 3D layers and high resolution output. Also of note is its stroke rendering, which pays particular attention to smoothly replicating the gestures of the artist, often a snafu with low-end drawing applications. New in version 1.2 is an eyedropper tool; the ability to move, rotate and scale layers independently; and an optional grid overlay.

Scribbles 1.2 for OS X can be purchased for $19.95 on the atebits.com site. A trial version is also available for download.