Bleank has released Black Ink 2023, a significant update to its innovative GPU-accelerated digital painting software, bringing a refreshed user interface, revamped rendering engine, and improved brush management.
The update also introduces Photoshop-style Magic Wand and Paint Bucket tools, offers initial support for PSD files, and enhances user control over pressure sensitivity when drawing.
A Digital Painting Tool with Innovative Features
First launched in alpha a decade ago, Black Ink stands out as a GPU-accelerated digital painting application.
It is capable of creating professional-quality illustrations and concept art, supporting 64-bit linear rendering and a maximum layer resolution of 64,000px.
The software also boasts unique features, including a brush shader language for custom brush creation and a node-based system to control layer compositing.
Black Ink 2023: Performance and Workflow Overhaul
As the first major update to the software in four years, Black Ink 2023 marks a significant release, overhauling both the rendering engine and the user interface.
The UI now features a more familiar Photoshop-style configuration, placing vital tools in a vertical toolbar positioned to the side of the image canvas.
New Image-Editing Tools and Feature Updates
Black Ink 2023 also refines brush-management workflow with a redesigned Brush Manager and the ability to preview brushes directly in Windows File Explorer.
Color selection has also been enhanced, with a Global Colors panel separating foreground and background colors and the option to establish presets for frequently used colors.
The update further expands Black Ink’s selection and image-editing capabilities, integrating standard Magic Wand and Paint Bucket tools, alongside a Tiling operator designed for creating repeating patterns.
Initial PSD File Support and Expanded Device Compatibility
Furthermore, this release introduces initial support for the PSD file format, streamlining file exchange with Photoshop and other digital painting applications.
Though import procedures maintain layers and masks, layer effects and groups are not yet supported.
Drawing performance on non-Wacom devices is expected to improve with the integration of Windows Ink alongside Wacom’s WinTab API; the software now also provides an editable pressure curve, empowering users to personalize their stylus stroke responsiveness.
Price and System Requirements
Black Ink 2023 is compatible with Windows 7 and later. New Personal licenses are now priced with a MSRP of €59 (approximately $65), while Enterprise licenses cost €99 ($110).
For existing users, Black Ink 2023 represents the first paid upgrade since its initial launch.
Check out the online changelog for a complete listing of new features in Black Ink 2023.
