Ultimate Guide to Best Drawing Apps in October 2023: Features, Comparisons, and Tips

I spent 3 weeks diving in and got the information about 55 drawing apps. After this creasy research, I understood the most helpful drawing apps: I checked the best free drawing apps and tried paid apps for drawing. I did additional research to get the info about the most compatible with Android tablets and the best for iPads. I learned which drawing apps are suitable for beginners and, at the same time, allow them to grow their drawing skills. In this guide, I’ve evaluated and ranked the top 50+ drawing apps, highlighting my top 5 picks to help you choose the ideal one for your needs.

Why did I spend time on this research?

Because I have two daughters:

• 13-year-old interested in Japanese anime and manga, has a Samsung tablet, and loves creating her own manga characters.
• 8-year-old who loves drawing and, by the way, took 2nd place in the state drawing competition. And she loves her iPad.

So I had the difficult task of finding the best drawing apps for kids, but now I know a lot about drawing apps and the features they give to make my kids happy and busy with creating beautiful digital paintings. (I also have the son, who is absolutely cold to all of this drawing staff, but it is the topic for a different post.)

So, what you will get from this blog post:

First of all, for the most impatient…

Best Drawing Apps Categorized by Use

Top 7 Drawing Apps and Art Apps in 2023

1. ProCreate

#1 Best Drawing App Overall – My Take

Powerful drawing and painting app designed exclusively for iOS. It’s known for its intuitive interface, extensive brush library, and advanced layer system.

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Best for Overall:

While Procreate is versatile enough for artists of all skill levels, it's particularly favored by professional illustrators, digital painters, and graphic designers for its depth of features and smooth performance.

Pricing:

$5.99 - $12.99 | one-time purchase | no subscription fees or hidden costs

Compatible OS:

requires iPad OS 15.4.1 or newer

Features: offers a range of features and tools suitable for different skill levels and artistic goals.

Try Procreate

Description:

Procreate is a renowned digital painting app designed exclusively for the Apple iPad. It's known for its intuitive interface, high-resolution canvases, and extensive brush library. Procreate provides artists with a powerful and flexible platform to bring their visions to life.

Devices:

• Procreate is supported on the following iPad models:
  • iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generation)
  • All iPads released after 2015
• Procreate requires iPad OS 15.4.1 or newer.
• Procreate is not compatible with Windows operating systems, desktops, or laptops.
• Procreate only works with Apple iPads and does not support Android devices.
• Works perfectly with Apple Pencil.

When choosing an iPad for Procreate, consider the device's compatibility with the app, its processing power, and additional features such as support for the Apple Pencil. The 12.9-inch M2 iPad Pro is recommended for its performance and large screen, but it only supports the first generation of Apple Pencil.

Features:

• Brush Library: Procreate boasts over 200 default brushes, from inking to painting, sketching, and special effects. Artists can also create or import their own brushes.
• High-Resolution Canvases: Supports canvases up to 16k by 4k on the latest iPad models. In simple language, it means that on the newest iPads, you can create really big and detailed pictures using this feature, as big as 16,000 pixels wide and 4,000 pixels tall.
• Time-lapse Recording: Every stroke is recorded, allowing you to replay their entire creation process as a time-lapse video. Amazing function; very exciting to see how the picture was created! 🙂
• Advanced Layering System: Offers multiple layers with options to lock, merge, adjust opacity, and apply blending modes.
• QuickShape: This feature allows you to create perfect shapes easily.
• Color Dynamics: A full-color wheel, harmony rules, and customizable palettes are provided.
• Typography Tools: You can add text to your artwork with adjustable fonts, sizes, and styles.
• Animation Assist: You can bring your drawings to life.
• Streamlined Interface: A minimalistic, customizable interface that maximizes canvas space and reduces distractions.
• Advanced Selection Tools: Includes automatic shape recognition and various selection modification options.
• Customizable Shortcuts: Offers a QuickMenu that you can customize for faster access to your favorite tools.
• Import and Export: Supports multiple file formats, including PSD, allowing for easy integration with other software.

The Procreate suite consists of three main apps tailored to specific needs and devices: Procreate for iPad, Procreate Dreams, and Procreate Pocket apps. In essence, the Procreate suite offers a range of solutions for different artistic needs and platforms, ensuring that artists always have the right tools at their fingertips.

Procreate for iPad

It is the flagship app, turning the iPad into a full-fledged art studio. It offers artists a vast canvas, an extensive collection of customizable brushes, advanced color management tools, and even 3D painting capabilities. It's best suited for professionals and hobbyists seeking a powerful drawing tool on their iPads.

• Designed for use on Apple iPad
• Full-fledged digital art studio with a wide range of features and tools
• Offers a larger canvas size
• Suitable for professional artists and aspiring artists

Pricing:

• $12.99 USD exclusively from the App Store
• No subscriptions

Procreate Dreams

Procreate Dreams is an all-new animation app designed to create rich 2D animations, expressive videos, and breathtaking stories. It's set to revolutionize animation with its comprehensive toolset. But it's set to be available from November 22, 2023.

• Designed for creating 2D animation
• Allows drawing directly on the timeline using an Apple Pencil to select artwork and assets
• Offers advanced keyframing and touch-based performing
• Creation of motion graphics, hand-drawn animations, and adding titles.

Pricing:

• Not yet available as it is set to launch on November 22, 2023
• No information is available on subscriptions or pricing yet

Procreate Pocket

This app is a pocket-sized version of the Procreate for iPad. A mobile adaptation of Procreate, this app is optimized for iPhones. It brings the core features of Procreate to a pocket-sized format, allowing you to sketch, paint, and create wherever they are.

• Designed for use on Apple iPhones
• Offers a range of features and tools in a smaller package compared to Procreate for iPad
• Provides a sketch pad-like experience, always by your side
• Offers a smaller canvas size
• Suitable for quick sketches and on-the-go artwork creation

Pricing:

• $5.99 USD exclusively from the App Store
• No subscriptions

• Intuitive user interface that's easy for beginners while being deep enough for professionals.
• Extensive customization options, from brushes to the interface.
• Seamless integration with Apple Pencil, offering tilt and pressure sensitivity.
• Regular updates with new features and tools.
• Procreate School

• Exclusive to the iPad, limiting its accessibility to users of other platforms.
• Some users might find the gesture controls to have a learning curve initially.
• Lacks certain vector capabilities found in some other design software.

Feedback Summary

Procreate is widely regarded as one of the best digital art apps available for the iPad. Users often praise its intuitive interface, the depth of its tools, and its performance. Some users wish for more advanced vector tools or a version for other platforms, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive overall.

Procreate is widely regarded as one of the best digital art apps available for the iPad. Users often praise its intuitive interface, the depth of its tools, and its performance. Some users wish for more advanced vector tools or a version for other platforms, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive overall.
Users love the flexibility and power of Procreate for iPad. The vast array of brushes and tools makes it a favorite among professional artists. Some beginners mention a learning curve, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive overall.

Users appreciate the convenience of Procreate Pocket, allowing them to draw wherever they are. The interface is user-friendly, and the tools are powerful, but some users mention the limitations due to the smaller screen size.
With its intuitive interface and the vast array of creative tools, Procreate is suitable not only for professionals. I would rank it among the best drawing apps for kids because its user-friendly design encourages my 8-year-old daughter to explore her drawing skills in a digital environment. Besides, there are many kid-friendly tutorials available online.

Try Procreate

2. Adobe Photoshop

#2 Best for Professional photographers and digital artists

Photoshop is for photographers and those who work with illustration, 3D objects, and heavy photo manipulation. Its capabilities extend beyond basic photo editing, making it a suitable choice for digital artists and designers.

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Best for Professional photographers and digital artists:

Industry-standard graphic design software for photo editing and digital art.

Pricing:

7-day free trial, then
US$ 20.99/mo

Compatible OS:

requires Windows, macOS, iPad OS

Features: a comprehensive suite of image editing tools, making it the industry standard for digital art and photo manipulation.

Try Adobe Photoshop

Description:

Photoshop is a go-to software for anyone wanting to jazz up a photo, design a poster, or even try their hand at digital painting. From fixing those pesky red eyes in family photos to crafting mind-blowing visual effects, Photoshop's got the tools. It's a favorite among professionals, but even hobbyists love playing around with it. It's part of the big Adobe family; it's the gold standard in image editing for many.

Devices:

• Desktop Computers: A high-performance desktop computer with a modern processor (Intel Core i5, i7), ample RAM (min 8 Gb), and a dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950/1070) is ideal for running Adobe Photoshop smoothly. Both Windows and macOS systems are suitable for running Photoshop.
• Laptops: For users who need a portable solution, laptops with powerful processors, at least 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card are recommended for a smooth Photoshop experience. Both Windows and macOS laptops can run Adobe Photoshop effectively.
• Tablets: Adobe Photoshop is also available for tablets like the Microsoft Surface Pro and iPad Pro. These devices offer a touch-based interface and support for the Apple Pencil or Surface Pen, making them suitable for on-the-go photo editing and digital art creation.
• Pen Displays: For professional digital artists and designers, pen displays like the Wacom Cintiq or Huion Kamvas Pro provide a more precise and natural drawing experience when used in conjunction with a laptop or desktop computer

Features:

• Layers and Layer Styles: Photoshop's comprehensive layer system allows for intricate compositions. Layer styles, like drop shadows and bevels, can be applied non-destructively.
• Advanced Selection Tools: Tools like the Pen Tool, Quick Selection, and Magic Wand provide precision in selecting complex areas of an image.
• Content-Aware Technology: This feature intelligently fills in areas of an image based on its surrounding content, making tasks like object removal seamless.
• Camera RAW Integration: Photoshop offers robust RAW image processing, allowing photographers to fine-tune their shots without degrading quality.
• Smart Objects: These allow users to resize and transform images without losing original image data or quality.
• Extensive Brush System: Artists can achieve a wide range of effects, from basic brushes to advanced dynamics and custom brushes.
• 3D Editing Capabilities: Photoshop provides tools for creating, editing, and rendering 3D content, a feature not commonly found in standard image editors.
• Customizable Workspace: Users can tailor the interface to their workflow, optimizing productivity.
• Integration with Adobe Suite: Being part of the Adobe ecosystem, Photoshop integrates seamlessly with other Adobe software like Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects.
• Extensibility: Photoshop supports third-party plugins and actions, allowing users to expand its capabilities according to their needs.
• High Resolution and Large File Support: Photoshop can handle very high-resolution images and large file sizes, making it suitable for professional print work.

• Offers a vast array of tools and features, allowing users to create and edit images with precision and creativity.
• Provides advanced editing capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from simple touch-ups to complex image manipulations.
• Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Suite applications, making it easy to work with various file formats and collaborate with other designers.
• Users have full control over their projects, allowing them to experiment, explore, and create unique visuals.
• Supports a wide range of file formats, making it suitable for various industries and applications.

• Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer to run smoothly.
• Is available only through a subscription, which may not be ideal for users who prefer one-time purchases.
• Due to its extensive features and tools, Photoshop can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners.
• Due to its extensive features and tools, Photoshop can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners.
• The 3D design feature in Photoshop has been discontinued, which may be a drawback for users who require 3D capabilities.
• Some users find the Photoshop interface overwhelming, with a steep learning curve and a cluttered toolbar.

Feedback Summary

Many users rave about Photoshop's unmatched layering system, emphasizing the flexibility of its layer styles. The advanced selection tools, especially the Pen Tool and Quick Selection, are often highlighted for their precision. A standout feature frequently mentioned is the Content-Aware technology, which seems to work like magic for many when removing objects.
Photographers particularly appreciate the Camera RAW integration, noting the ease of refining shots without quality loss. The Smart Objects feature gets a nod for preserving image quality during transformations. Digital artists often mention the extensive brush system as a game-changer. Some users who dabble in 3D are pleasantly surprised by Photoshop's 3D capabilities. The customizable workspace is a hit among professionals who like to tailor their interface. Many appreciate the seamless integration with other Adobe products, making their workflow smoother.
The ability to add third-party plugins and handle large files also garners positive feedback. Overall, while there are other editing tools out there, the depth and integration of Photoshop's features make it a top pick for many.

Try Adobe Photoshop

3. Clip Studio Paint

#3 Best for manga and comic book artists - My take

Clip Studio Paint, previously known as Manga Studio, is a family of software applications developed by the Japanese graphics software company Celsys. It is primarily used for digital comic creation, general illustration, and 2D animation.

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Best for manga, comic artists, and illustrators:

Digital art software and one of the best drawing apps for Android, favored by illustrators and comic artists, offers a range of drawing and painting tools, vector capabilities, and features tailored for creating manga and comics.

Pricing:

from $4.49/mo (one device)

one-time purchase license:

US$49.99 (Pro) - US$219.00 (EX), 3 month free trial

Compatible OS:

Windows / macOS / iPad / iPhone
Galaxy / Android / Chromebook

Features: offers specialized comic creation tools, a dynamic brush engine with extensive customization, and intuitive 2D animation tools

Try Clip Studio Paint

Description:

Catering to digital comic artists, illustrators, and 2D animators, this software is compatible across macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and ChromeOS. It's globally recognized for its specialized comic features, robust brush engine, and support for up to 8192 pen pressure levels, ensuring a lifelike drawing experience. Available in three editions - Debut, Pro, and EX - it offers everything from basic to advanced tools for professionals. Users benefit from its vast brush library, realistic color mixing, a plethora of assets, including 3D figures, and an intuitive animation interface.

Whether you're a professional in the comic world, an artist seeking a dynamic digital tool, or an institution aiming for volume licenses, Clip Studio Paint promises versatility and a seamless creative experience across devices.

Devices:

• Windows PC: Clip Studio Paint is compatible with Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) and Windows 10 (32/64-bit).
• Mac: Clip Studio Paint is fully compatible with macOS.
• iPad: Clip Studio Paint for iPad can be used on various iPad models, including iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (6th generation).
• iPhone: Clip Studio Paint is also available for iPhone, allowing you to sketch on the go.
• Android: Clip Studio Paint for Galaxy can be used on compatible Android devices.
• Chromebook: Clip Studio Paint is compatible with ChromeOS, specifically Android 9 or later (ARM32 / x86 / x86_64).
• Pressure-Sensitive Pens: For a better drawing experience, consider using devices that support pressure-sensitive pens, such as Samsung Galaxy S Pen or Surface Pro with a compatible pen.
• Storage Space: Make sure your device has at least 6GB of free storage space to accommodate Clip Studio Paint.

Features:

• Custom Brushes: A vast collection of brushes for every taste, with the option to customize and create your own tools.
• Customizable 3D References: Import 3D data as a reference when drawing or placing objects.
• Gradient Maps: Apply gradient effects to your artwork for added depth and dimension.
• Character Art: Use the built-in 3D drawing figures and AI posing to create dynamic and realistic characters.
• Sophisticated Fill Tools: Easily fill areas with color, patterns, or gradients, with options to enclose and fill or paint unfilled areas.
• Decoration Brushes: Draw detailed and repetitive patterns, such as flowers, plants, frills, chains, and dotted lines, with the help of decoration brushes.
• Vector Line with a Hand-drawn Feel: Create smooth and precise vector lines that retain the organic look of hand-drawn artwork.
• Special Rulers: Access a variety of specialized rulers, such as perspective rulers and symmetry rulers, to assist with your drawing and design work.
• Realistic Pens and Brushes: Choose from a wide selection of pens and brushes that mimic traditional media, allowing for a more natural drawing and painting experience.
• Balloons with Personality: Add speech balloons and sound effects to your comics and manga, with options to customize their shape, size, and style.
• Effect and Saturated Lines in an Instant: Easily apply various effects and line styles to your artwork, enhancing its visual impact.
• Animation: Create 2D animations with features like onion skinning, customizable camerawork, and the ability to export image sequences, animated GIFs, animated stickers (APNG), and movies.
• Vector Editing: Edit lines after you've drawn them using vector layers, allowing for more flexibility and precision in your line work.
• Integration with Clip Studio ASSETS: Access a vast library of official and user-generated brushes, materials, and other resources to enhance your artwork.

• Specialized Comic Features: Tailored tools for comic, manga, and webtoon creation make it a favorite among professionals.
• Powerful Brush Engine: Allows for detailed customization and replicates real-life brush strokes.
• High Pen Pressure Sensitivity: Supports up to 8192 levels of pen pressure, ideal for Wacom tablet users and ensuring a natural drawing experience.
• Edition Variety: Offers Debut, Pro, and EX editions catering to basic and advanced user needs.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: Works seamlessly across various platforms, including tablets, computers, and smartphones.
• Realistic Color Mixing: Enhances the drawing and painting experience.
• Extensive Asset Collection: Includes 3D drawing figures and more for enriched artwork.
• Animation Tools: Features an easy-to-use animation timeline, rulers, and selection tools for 2D animators.

• Learning Curve: Some features might be overwhelming for beginners.
• Price: While it offers a one-time purchase, the cost might be high for some, especially the EX edition.
• Not Fully Integrated: While it has a range of features, it doesn't fully replace all functionalities of a complete digital art suite.
• Tutorials: Compared to some competitors, fewer online tutorials might be available.

Feedback Summary

Many users laud Clip Studio Paint for its unmatched versatility, catering to a range of art forms from concept art to webtoons. Its powerful brush engine, recognizing an impressive 8192 levels of pen pressure, is frequently highlighted for allowing precise strokes.
The software's customizability, from shortcuts to brushes, is a big hit among artists who love tailoring their workspace. The 3D reference import feature and realistic color mixing capabilities have been game-changers for many. Users are spoilt for choice with a vast brush library exceeding 40,000 options. The inking brushes, in particular, receive praise for their natural feel. The cross-device support is another plus, enabling artists to work on their platform of choice.
However, it's not all praise. Some users find the keybindings complex, and beginners occasionally feel overwhelmed by the interface. The lack of audio support in animation and missing filter tools, like liquify, have also been points of contention, especially given the software's price point.

Try Clip Studio Paint

4. Affinity

#4 Best for graphic designers, illustrators, and UX professionals

Versatile and cost-effective design tool suitable for graphic designers, illustrators, UX professionals, and individuals, offering intuitive features across multiple devices.

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Best for graphic designers, illustrators, UX professionals

Stands out as a go-to for graphic designers due to its unique blend of vector and pixel tools, is cherished by illustrators for its user-friendly interface, and is a top pick for UX designers focusing on UI.

Pricing:

All apps. All platforms.No subscription.€179.99, 30-day free trial

ONE-OFF PAYMENT | incl. VAT

Compatible OS:

Windows, macOS, iPad

Features: offers a range of features and tools suitable for different skill levels and artistic goals.

Try AFFINITY

Description:

The Affinity suite of apps, including Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher, is a professional creative software developed by Serif. These apps are available for macOS, Windows, and iPad, offering a seamless workflow and a range of features for various design needs. Some key points about the Affinity apps:

• They use the same file format, allowing for easy collaboration and compatibility across different platforms.
• Affinity Designer is an award-winning vector graphics software, while Affinity Photo is a powerful image editing tool, and Affinity Publisher is a desktop publishing application2.
• The apps offer sophisticated typography options, custom brushes, and a range of vector and raster editing tools.
• Affinity's one-time payment model and affordable pricing make it a cost-effective alternative to subscription-based software, suitable for professionals, students, and hobbyists.
• The software has gained the trust of professionals worldwide and has been recognized with prestigious awards.

Affinity apps are well-regarded for their performance, functionality, and value, with a growing user base and positive feedback from designers and artists. The availability of a mobile app for iOS and Android allows users to access their projects on the go.

AFFINITY Designer 2

• Document presets or save your own custom document setups.
• Create new documents from delivery-ready presets.
• Create custom document setups and templates.
• Task-focused design spaces for a clean, efficient environment.
• Switch between vector, pixel, and export modes.
• Over 1,000,000% zoom for precise editing.
• Rock Solid Pen Tool for quick and instinctive vector creation.
• Efficient Affinity File Format for compact and fast native files.
• Highly customizable UI, including light or dark interface options

Pricing:

• one-off payment of €74.99 or get the entire suite on all platforms for only €179.99 with the Universal License. You can also buy the iPad version on its own for €19.99.
• No monthly costs, whatever you decide.
• No subscriptions, 30-day free trial

AFFINITY Photo 2

• GPU-accelerated RAW development and processing.
• Save History to revisit steps from previous sessions.
• Seamless AutoSave to protect against unexpected shutdowns.
• Transform Panel for accurate move and scale operations.
• Dedicated RAW Editor with Split View for efficient editing.
• One Affinity file format compatible with all Affinity suite apps.
• Zoom way beyond 1,000,000% for precise editing.
• Rock Solid Pen Tool for quick and instinctive vector creation

Pricing:

• one-off payment of €74.99 or get the entire suite on all platforms for only €179.99 with the Universal License. You can also buy the iPad version on its own for €19.99.
• No monthly costs, whatever you decide.
• No subscriptions, 30-day free trial

AFFINITY Publisher 2

• Identify layer types by icon, including curves, shapes, text, pixel, mask, and adjustment layers.
• Copy layer effects (FX) from one layer to another.
• Content link between Affinity apps for easy sharing of brushes, styles, assets, and more.
• Efficient Affinity File Format for compact and fast native files.
• Highly customizable UI, including light or dark interface options.
• Create and save your own custom keyboard shortcuts.
• Create your own toolbars and toolbar layouts.
• Reorganize on-screen panels, float or dock as preferred

Pricing:

• one-off payment of €74.99 or get the entire suite on all platforms for only €179.99 with the Universal License. You can also buy the iPad version on its own for €19.99.
• No monthly costs, whatever you decide.
• No subscriptions, 30-day free trial

Devices:

• Laptops:
  • MacBook Pro: A powerful and portable option for macOS users.
  • Dell XPS 15: A high-performance Windows laptop with a stunning display.
  • Microsoft Surface Book 3: A versatile 2-in-1 device that can be used as a laptop or a tablet.
• Tablets:
  • iPad Pro: A powerful tablet with Apple Pencil support, ideal for working with Affinity apps on the go.
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 7: A Windows tablet that offers a balance between portability and productivity.
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+: An Android tablet with a large, high-resolution display, suitable for running Affinity apps.
• Stylus Pens:
  • Apple Pencil (2nd generation): Designed specifically for the iPad Pro, this stylus offers precise and responsive input for drawing and editing in Affinity apps.
  • Microsoft Surface Pen: A versatile stylus that works with various Surface devices, providing a natural writing and drawing experience.
  • Wacom Intuos Pro: A professional-grade stylus that can be used with both Mac and Windows devices, offering customizable controls and pressure sensitivity.

Affinity apps offer a cost-effective and feature-rich alternative to Adobe's graphic design software, with some minor drawbacks in terms of integration and available learning resources.

• Light and fast performance, with updates that are not a headache.
• More features than free graphic design programs.
• Competitive pricing, offering a complete and professional toolset for photo editing.
• Great value for money, with major functionality and features comparable to Photoshop.
• Easy-to-use interface, making it suitable for social media managers, content creators, and designers.
• Wide assortment of export options for different file formats.
• High-quality photo editor with a ton of features.
• Suitable for small companies looking for budget alternatives to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Affinity apps are not a single integrated program but three separate applications, which can be confusing for some users.
• Some complex items and tools may require additional research to understand and utilize fully.
• The brush engine is not as developed as in some other graphic design software.
• The brush engine is not as developed as in some other graphic design software.
• Fewer tutorials are available online compared to Adobe products.

Feedback Summary

For several reasons, affinity's suite of tools stands out in the design landscape. Firstly, its performance is both lightweight and efficient, ensuring quick operations without bogging down systems and updates that are hassle-free. In terms of features, it surpasses many free graphic design tools and offers functionalities that can be compared favorably with industry giants like Photoshop.
Its competitive pricing strategy makes it an attractive option for those seeking a robust photo editing toolset without breaking the bank. Integration is another strong point; while each application (Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher) is distinct, they work together seamlessly, enhancing workflow. The user interface is designed with clarity in mind, making it a go-to for a range of professionals, from social media managers to seasoned designers. A wide array of export options ensures flexibility in final outputs, catering to various file format needs.
However, it's not without its challenges. The fact that Affinity's offerings are split into three separate applications can be a point of confusion for some users, especially those accustomed to more integrated platforms. While the suite is packed with tools, some of them have a steeper learning curve, and users might find themselves seeking tutorials – which are, unfortunately, less abundant than those available for Adobe products. Additionally, while Affinity Designer is powerful, certain professional workflows might find it lacking in some niche, industry-standard features.

Try AFFINITY

5. Painter

#5 Best for digital artists seeking a traditional painting feel

Painter is a digital art software known for its realistic brushes and traditional media emulation. It is suitable for various applications, including illustration, painting, photo art, and fine art. The software provides a comfortable blend of analog and digital art, allowing users to unleash their creativity and bring their ideas to life

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Best for Digital artists seeking a traditional painting feel:

Digital art software favored by illustrators and comic artists offers a range of drawing and painting tools, vector capabilities, and features tailored for creating manga and comics.

Pricing:

from €18.75/mo (billed annually, €225.00 /year)

one-time purchase license:

€424.95, upgrade eligibility

Compatible OS:

Windows / macOS

Features: Digital art software known for its realistic brushes and traditional media emulation.

Try Painter

Description:

Corel Painter is one of the industry's most advanced digital art software solutions, meticulously designed to emulate traditional media's authentic feel and appearance. Rooted in a deep understanding of artistic techniques, it offers an expansive collection of brushes, each replicating real-world materials from oils to watercolors, pastels to charcoals. Beyond brushes, its rich texture library and advanced layering system allow artists to achieve intricate effects and compositions. Corel Painter's intuitive interface is complemented by customizable palettes and advanced color management tools, ensuring that artists have both the flexibility and precision they need. Its compatibility with various hardware, including graphic tablets and styluses, ensures a tactile and responsive drawing experience. Whether you're a professional illustrator, concept artist, or just a hobbyist, Corel Painter offers a digital canvas that feels as familiar as the real thing but with the advantages of a digital workspace.

Devices:

• Intel, or AMD 64-bit multicore processor with SSSE3 (or higher), or Apple M1 processor (or higher)
  • 4 physical cores/8 logical cores or higher (recommended)
  • AVX2 instruction set support (recommended)
• Modern GPU with OpenCL (1.2 or higher) compatibility (recommended)
• min 8 GB RAM (16 GB RAM or higher recommended)
• 3.6 GB hard disk space for application files
• Mouse or Wintab-compatible tablet (Corel Painter supports pen and display tablets from Wacom, Xencelabs, Huion, and other Wintab-compatible tablets).

Features:

• Color Selection Brushes: Corel Painter 2023 introduces new Color Selection brushes, allowing users to select different areas of their painting based on color, providing a new way of working with selections.
• Paint Opacity Controls: The software offers new Paint Opacity controls in the property bar, giving users more flexibility and control over the opacity of their brush strokes.
• Native Support for M1 Mac: Painter 2023 is natively supported on M1 Macs with NEON acceleration for brushes that support it, ensuring optimal performance for users with M1 chips.
• Fluid Paint: The Fluid Paint feature, although not the only update, is a significant enhancement that allows users to upgrade their brushes and develop new painting techniques, providing a more realistic and fluid painting experience.
• Excellent Layout and Navigation: Corel Painter 2023 provides an excellent layout that users can easily navigate, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
• Multi-Touch and Drawing Tablet Support: The software offers multi-touch and drawing tablet support, allowing users to work with a variety of input devices for a more intuitive and natural drawing experience.
• Brush Accelerator™: The Brush Accelerator feature scores your system and applies optimal performance settings to ensure that Painter runs smoothly and efficiently on your machine.
• Enhanced Impasto Brushes: The Impasto brushes in Corel Painter 2023 have been enhanced, providing a more realistic and textured painting experience.
• Faster Performance: The software offers improved responsiveness, allowing users to work more efficiently, especially when using square bracket keys to resize brushes, Magic Wand, and Paint Bucket tools4.
• Compatibility and Integration: Corel Painter 2023 is compatible with popular applications like Photoshop and drawing tablets, ensuring a seamless workflow for artists.
• Customization Options: The software allows users to enjoy custom brushes and palettes, as well as the ability to import content from others or create their own, providing a personalized and efficient workflow

• Unique Finishing and Final Product: Corel Painter is praised for its uniqueness in the finishing and final product or design, providing artists with a distinct and high-quality output.
• New Fluid Paint Properties: The Fluid Paint properties offer a substantial upgrade to brushes and the painting experience, allowing for smoother brush strokes, unmatched opacity control, and the ability to add depth, texture, or movement to your art.
• Color Selection Brushes: The Color Selection brushes can intuitively detect differences in color while making selections, providing a new and innovative way of working with selections in your artwork.
• Enhanced Impasto Brushes: The Impasto brushes have been enhanced, providing a more realistic and textured painting experience.
• Faster Performance: The software offers improved responsiveness, allowing users to work more efficiently, especially when using square bracket keys to resize brushes, Magic Wand, and Paint Bucket tools.

• Interface Inconsistency: Some users have noted that the interface of Corel Painter can be inconsistent, which may affect the overall user experience
• Steep Learning Curve: Due to its extensive features and capabilities, Corel Painter may have a steep learning curve for new users, requiring time and effort to master its tools and functions fully.

Feedback Summary

Corel Painter 2023, the latest iteration of the renowned digital art software, has garnered a mix of reviews from its user base. On the positive side, many users have been quick to commend the introduction of innovative features. The Fluid Paint properties, for instance, have been spotlighted for their ability to elevate digital artistry. Similarly, the Color Selection brushes and the enhanced Impasto brushes have been praised for their contribution to achieving a more textured and realistic painting experience, drawing artists closer to the tactile feel of traditional mediums.
However, the software has not been without its criticisms. A notable concern among users is the steep learning curve associated with Corel Painter 2023. Newcomers and even some returning users have mentioned the need to invest significant time and effort to master the software's myriad features and functions. The interface, too, has come under scrutiny. Some users have pointed out inconsistencies in its design and layout, which they feel can disrupt the overall user experience and workflow.
Technical support from Corel has also been a point of contention. Reports of unhelpful responses and requests for extensive PC information have left some users feeling unsatisfied and unsupported.
Lastly, the software's availability and compatibility have been sources of frustration for a segment of its user base. Notably, the lack of a version for macOS has been a significant drawback for Apple users. Additionally, there have been mentions of issues arising from Windows updates, which seem to adversely affect the software's performance, causing disruptions for those on the Windows platform.

Try Painter

6. Adobe Illustrator

#6 Best for graphic designers, illustrators, and branding professionals

Adobe Illustrator is a leading vector graphics software by Adobe, designed for creating and editing logos, illustrations, and complex design layouts. Its precision tools and scalable artwork capabilities make it a preferred choice for graphic designers and illustrators, ensuring high-quality visuals that remain sharp, regardless of size adjustments.

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Best for graphic designers, illustrators, and branding professionals:

Vector-based design capabilities make it ideal for creating logos, icons, typography, and complex illustrations that can be scaled without losing quality.

Pricing:

7-day free trial, then
US$20.99/mo

Compatible OS:

Windows, masOS, iPadOS 14 or later

Features: Vector-based design software is ideal for creating scalable graphics, logos, and detailed illustrations.

Try Adobe Illustrator

Description:

Adobe Illustrator, as one of the industry's leading drawing apps, offers a robust vector-based design platform. It's tailored for professionals and hobbyists alike, enabling the creation of sharp, scalable graphics, intricate logos, and detailed illustrations. With a comprehensive toolset, including advanced pen tools, gradient meshes, and a vast color library, Illustrator stands out as an essential tool for graphic designers, artists, and anyone looking to bring precision to their digital artwork.

Devices:

• Multicore Intel processor (with 64-bit support) with SSE 4.2 or later or AMD Athlon 64 processor with SSE 4.2 or later.
• 8 GB of RAM (16 GB recommended) 
• 2 GB of available hard disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation; SSD recommended
• iPad Pro 12.9 inch (1^st generation and newer)
• iPad Pro 11 inch (1st generation and newer)
• iPad Pro 10.5 inch
• iPad Air (5^th generation)
• iPad Air (4^th generation)
• iPad Mini (6^th generation)
• Apple Pencil (1st generation), Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

Features:

• Vector-Based Design: At its core, Illustrator is a vector graphics editor, which means it allows users to create designs that can be scaled to any size without losing clarity or resolution.
• Artboards: Users can design multiple layouts within a single document, making creating variations or related graphics easier.
• Advanced Drawing Tools: Illustrator boasts a range of tools like the Pen, Pencil, and Curvature tools, enabling precise drawing and the creation of complex shapes and paths.
• Type Tools: Illustrator offers advanced typography features, allowing users to create beautiful text layouts, convert text to paths, and manipulate individual letters as distinct objects.
• Brushes: From calligraphic brushes to scatter brushes, Illustrator provides a variety of options to apply strokes that can mimic different artistic styles.
• Gradient and Transparency: Users can apply gradients to strokes and fills, and control the opacity of objects, providing depth and creating intricate effects.
• Mesh Tool: This tool allows for the creation of complex color gradients that can mimic realistic light and shadow effects.
• Image Trace: Convert raster images to editable vectors with a powerful tracing engine that provides clean, sharp lines.
• Symbols: These are reusable design elements that users can drag and drop onto their canvas, ensuring consistency and saving time.
• 3D Effects: Illustrator offers tools to revolve, extrude, and twist your graphics, giving them a three-dimensional appearance.
• Pattern Creation: Users can design complex, seamless patterns easily.
• Clipping Masks: This feature allows users to hide portions of an object or group of objects for non-destructive editing.
• Integration with Adobe Suite: Illustrator integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products like Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects, streamlining the creative workflow.
• Wide File Format Support: Illustrator supports a multitude of file formats, ensuring compatibility and ease of export/import.
• Plug-ins and Extensions: The software can be further enhanced with a variety of third-party plug-ins, expanding its capabilities.

• Vector-Based: Allows for scalable designs without losing quality, making it ideal for logos, icons, and other graphics that might be used at various sizes.
• Advanced Drawing Tools: Provides a comprehensive set of tools for precise drawing and creation of complex shapes.
• Customizable Workspace: Users can tailor the interface to their needs, optimizing productivity.
• Wide File Format Support: Supports a multitude of file formats, ensuring ease of export/import and compatibility with other software.
• Regular Updates: Being part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator receives regular feature updates and improvements.
• Extensive Typography Tools: Offers a rich set of type tools for creating intricate text layouts.
• Cloud Features: Allows for easy file sharing, collaboration, and access from anywhere through Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Plug-ins and Extensions: Can be enhanced with third-party tools, expanding its capabilities.

• Steep Learning Curve: New users might find Illustrator's vast array of tools and features overwhelming.
• Subscription Model: Unlike some competitors offering a one-time purchase, Illustrator requires a recurring subscription, which can be costly.
• Performance Issues: Illustrator can sometimes be sluggish on older hardware or less powerful systems.
• Complexity: Some tasks, especially for beginners, can be more complicated than in other, more straightforward design software.
• Mobile App Limitations: While Illustrator has a mobile app version, it doesn't carry all the features of the desktop version.
• File Sizes: Vector files, especially those with many layers or embedded images, can become large and cumbersome.

Feedback Summary

Among the myriad of drawing apps available, Adobe Illustrator stands out and is consistently highlighted by its users for its intuitive design. Many emphasize that while there's an initial learning phase, the software becomes exceptionally user-friendly once they acquaint themselves with its diverse controls and functions. This ease of use doesn't compromise its depth, as Illustrator is frequently lauded for its expansive capabilities. From crafting simple icons to designing intricate illustrations, users feel empowered by the range of creative possibilities at their fingertips.
A standout feature for many is Illustrator's comprehensive nature. Beyond being one of the premier drawing apps, it's an all-encompassing design suite. Users appreciate the convenience of having access to a myriad of resources within the software itself. This includes a vast array of fonts, stock photos, and ready-to-use templates, streamlining the design process and reducing the need for external resources.
Recognizing the challenges some users face, especially newcomers, Adobe's proactive approach to providing educational resources has been well-received. The company's growing collection of tutorials, guides, and "show-me" videos has been instrumental in helping users navigate the software's extensive capabilities, making the learning curve less daunting.
Another point of praise is Adobe's commitment to the continuous improvement of Illustrator. Users feel heard, noting that the company frequently rolls out updates that introduce new features and address feedback and concerns from the user community.
Lastly, in today's diverse tech landscape, compatibility is key. Users express satisfaction with Illustrator's cross-platform design, which supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. This ensures that designers and artists can access and benefit from all Adobe Illustrator offers regardless of their preferred platform.

Try Adobe Illustrator

7. Adobe Fresco

#7 Best for digital painters and illustrators seeking a natural media feel

Adobe's dedicated drawing and painting app, especially after migrating Adobe Photoshop Sketch and Adobe Illustrator Draw, contains the features of Sketch and Draw and allows users to continue working on their artwork.

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Best for digital painters and illustrators seeking a natural media feel:

Digital art software focused on natural media and painting.

Pricing:

from $9.99 per year after a 30-day free trial

Compatible OS:

Windows, masOS, iPadOS 14 or later

Features: Live Brushes, Vector brushes, Layering, Time-lapse export, Touch shortcuts

Try Adobe Fresco

Description:

Adobe Fresco is a cutting-edge digital drawing and painting app designed to bring out the artist in everyone. Developed with touch devices in mind, Fresco offers a natural and intuitive experience, closely mimicking the feel of traditional drawing and painting. It boasts a rich set of dynamic brushes, from oil paints that blend in real-time to watercolors that bleed and bloom. Integrated with Adobe Creative Cloud, Fresco allows seamless workflow across devices and compatibility with other Adobe software, making it a go-to tool for illustrators, graphic designers, and hobbyists seeking a digital canvas that feels as authentic as paper or canvas.

Devices and System Requirements:

• iPhone devices (from iPhone SE, iPhone 6 and newer).
• iPad Pro (all models)
• iPad Air (3rd and 4th generation)
• iPad (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th generation)
• iPad mini (5th and 6th generation)
• Apple Pencil (1st generation), Apple Pencil (2nd generation)
• 5 GB is required to install and run Fresco. 16 GB of available storage is recommended for best performance.
• Graphics processor: Intel, Nvidia, or AMD* GPU with Direct X Feature Level 12.1
• Fresco works best with a stylus such as Surface pen and Wacom's pressure-sensitive pen. Experience Fresco’s full drawing and painting capabilities with Wacom’s pressure-sensitive pen displays and tablets, such as Wacom MobileStudio Pro and Wacom Intuos, for the most realistic drawing.
• Microsoft Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 devices with ARM processors

Features:

• Drawing and Painting Tools: Adobe Fresco offers a wide range of drawing and painting tools, including a collection of built-in brushes and live brushes that mimic real-life reactions to pressure, color exchange, and medium.
• Vector and Raster Technology: Adobe Fresco uses both vector and raster technology, allowing users to create and edit graphics with precision and flexibility.
• Motion and Export Options: Users can create tailored MP4 motion videos for social media platforms using the improved export options, a new iPad feature.
• Compatibility with Stylus and Touch Devices: Adobe Fresco is built for the latest stylus and touch devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Windows devices.
• Integration with Creative Cloud: Users can access Creative Cloud libraries in Fresco, allowing for seamless integration with other Adobe apps and services.
• Layering and Basic Photo Editing: Adobe Fresco offers layering capabilities and basic photo editing tools, allowing users to create complex compositions and make adjustments to their artwork.
• Learning Resources: Adobe Fresco provides a variety of learning resources, including tutorials and how-to videos, to help users get started and make the most of the app's features.

• Natural Drawing Experience: Adobe Fresco provides a natural drawing and painting experience, making it feel like working with traditional art tools.
• Wide Range of Brushes: The program offers a large selection of brushes, including pixel, vector, and live brushes, allowing artists to achieve realistic textures and brush strokes.
• Versatility and User-Friendliness: Adobe Fresco is praised for its versatility and user-friendly interface, making it a perfect mobile drawing app for both beginners and professionals.
• Compatibility with Adobe Software: Adobe Fresco integrates well with other Adobe software, making it a valuable tool for those already using the Creative Cloud suite.

• High Price for Non-Adobe Users: The pricing of Adobe Fresco is considered high, especially for hobby artists and non-Adobe users, in a market where one-time app payments are more common.
• Lack of Depth for Professional Illustrators: Some professional illustrators feel that Adobe Fresco lacks the depth and options needed to fully satisfy their needs, although it works well for many hobbyists.
• Competition from Desktop Applications: While Adobe Fresco offers unique features, there are already desktop applications that excel in certain areas, such as watercolor effects, leading to questions about its target audience and purpose.

Feedback Summary

Adobe Fresco is widely recognized for its versatility and user-friendly interface, making it a favored mobile drawing app for a broad spectrum of users, from novices to seasoned professionals. Many users laud the program for its extensive toolkit, diverse brush selection, and its ability to emulate a genuine drawing and painting experience. The seamless integration with other Adobe software, especially for those already invested in the Creative Cloud suite, is another point of praise. However, there are concerns regarding its pricing model; many feel that the cost is steep, particularly for non-Adobe users and hobbyists, in a market where one-time app purchases are more common. While the app caters well to casual artists and hobbyists, some professional illustrators believe that Adobe Fresco could benefit from more depth and advanced features to meet their needs fully.

Try Adobe Fresco

Top 5 FREE Drawing Apps

1. Krita

Best for Digital artists and illustrators, especially open-source

Pricing: Free, with optional donations

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Features:

• Powerful Brush Engine: Krita provides over 100 professionally made brushes that come preloaded, offering a good range of effects for various artistic styles. It also includes three different ways to smooth and stabilize brush strokes, making it ideal for artists with shaky hands
• Customization: Users can create their own shortcuts for commonly used tools, and Krita offers a powerful API for creating custom widgets and extending its functionality. Additionally, a number of plugins come pre-installed for reference
• Layer Management: Krita supports advanced layer management, including layer masks, layer styles, and blending modes, allowing for flexible and non-destructive editing
• HDR and Scene-Referred Images: Krita is the only dedicated painting application that lets you open, save, edit, and author HDR and scene-referred images, making it a powerful tool for professional artists
• Animation and Transitions: Krita offers features for creating animations and transitions, allowing artists to bring their artwork to life
• Support for Multiple File Formats: Krita supports a variety of file formats, including kra, ora, tiff, jpeg, and png, with support for gif, psd (up to Photoshop 7), and eps in preparation
• Free and Open-Source: Krita is and will always be free software developed by artists who want to see affordable art tools for everyone

Try Krita

2. Blender

Best for 3D artists, animators, and game developers.

Pricing: Free, with optional donations

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Features:

• Modeling: Blender's modeling toolset is extensive, supporting various geometric primitives, polygon meshes, Bézier curves, NURBS surfaces, metaballs, icospheres, text, and an n-gon modeling system called B-mesh
• Sculpting: The software provides powerful digital sculpting tools that are essential in several stages of the digital production pipeline
• Animation & Rigging: Blender allows artists to create impressive animations, from simple keyframing to complex walk-cycles, and offers a comprehensive array of rigging tools
• Grease Pencil: This unique Blender object allows users to draw in a 3D space, making it ideal for creating storyboards, 2D animations, and more
• Simulation: Blender features a range of simulation tools, including fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, soft body simulation, and more
• Rendering: The software offers high-quality rendering capabilities, with options for path tracing, real-time rendering with the Eevee engine, and headless rendering on Linux
• Video Editing & Compositing: Blender includes a video editor with basic yet efficient tools, as well as a compositing system for combining and manipulating visual elements
• Customization: Blender's UI, window layout, and shortcuts can be fully customized, and it features an extensive Python API, making it highly adaptable to individual workflows and needs

Try Blender

3.  GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Programm)

Best for Graphic designers and photo editors looking for a free tool

Pricing: Free and open sources

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, Linux

Features:

• Painting Tools: GIMP offers a full suite of painting tools, including brushes, a pencil, an airbrush, and cloning tools. It also supports sub-pixel sampling for high-quality anti-aliasing.
• Customization: Users can customize the view and behavior of GIMP, including the widget theme, colors, widget spacings, and icon sizes. The modular interface allows users to stack docks into tabs or keep them open in their own window.
• Input Device Support: GIMP includes unique support for various input devices, such as pressure and tilt-sensitive tablets, USB controllers, and MIDI controllers. Users can bind frequently used actions to device events, enhancing their productivity while working
• Image Manipulation: GIMP can be used for a variety of tasks, including photo retouching, image composition, image authoring, batch processing, and image format conversion. Its advanced scripting interface allows for easy automation of complex image manipulation procedures.
• Expandability and Extensibility: GIMP is designed to be augmented with plugins and extensions, allowing users to extend its functionality and perform a wide range of tasks. It also supports multiple programming languages for scripted image manipulation, such as C, C++, Perl, Python, Scheme, and more.
• Color Management: GIMP provides top-notch color management features to ensure high-fidelity color reproduction across digital and printed media. It is best used in workflows involving other color-managed applications and devices.

Try GIMP

4.  MediBang Paint

Best for Graphic designers and photo editors looking for the best free drawing apps for iPad

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases

Compatible OS: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Features:

• 50+ Brushes: MediBang Paint provides over 50 brushes, including the GPen, Mapping Pen for inking, and the Watercolor brush for coloring. Each brush has various settings that can be customized to your liking, and you can even create your own brushes.
• Layer Function: Like most art software, MediBang Paint has a layer function that allows you to draw lines and curves perfectly. Layers can be used for drawing in perspective, creating speed lines for action scenes, and more.
• Cloud Features: MediBang Paint offers cloud features that allow you to save and access your work from different devices. This is especially useful for team production projects, as it enables easy collaboration and sharing of files.
• Easy Comic Panel Creation: MediBang Paint allows you to easily create comic panels by slicing across page borders. This feature is helpful for comic creators who want to organize their artwork in a panel format.
• Customizable Shortcuts: Users can customize shortcuts for frequently used tools, enhancing their workflow and productivity
• Maximum Drawing Space: MediBang Paint for Android offers a maximum drawing space, allowing artists to work on larger canvases and create detailed artwork
• Selection Tools: MediBang Paint provides various selection tools that allow you to select a part of your drawing and apply transformations or edits only to the selected area
• Unlimited Use of Exclusive Brushes and Materials: MediBang Paint offers a new service that provides unlimited access to exclusive brushes and materials, allowing for more creative possibilities

Try MediBang Paint

5.  ibis Paint X

Mobile artists, especially those into manga and comics.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases

Compatible OS: iOS, Android

Features:

• Highly Functional and Professional Features: Ibis Paint X provides a smooth and comfortable drawing experience with features that surpass those of desktop drawing apps. It offers over 15,000 brushes, over 15,000 materials, over 1,300 fonts, 80 filters, 46 screen tones, 27 blending modes, and various ruler features such as radial line rulers or symmetry rulers.
• Layer Function: Ibis Paint X offers various layer commands, such as layer duplication, import from the photo library, horizontal inversion, vertical inversion, layer rotation, layer moving, and zooming in/out. It also has a feature for setting layer names to distinguish different layers.
• Manga Features: Ibis Paint X includes advanced text tool functions featuring vertical, horizontal, stroke, font, and more. These features make it suitable for creating manga and other types of digital artwork.
• Recording Drawing Processes: One unique and defining feature of Ibis Paint X is its ability to create a video of the whole drawing process. The video can be posted to ibispaint.com or conveniently shared through LINE, Twitter, and Facebook.
• PSD File Support: Ibis Paint X allows you to import and edit PSD files, making it compatible with applications that support Photoshop or PSD files. You can also export your works as PSD files for editing in other applications or for submission as a manuscript to a printer
• Large Canvas Support: Ibis Paint X can handle large canvases, supporting sizes up to 10,000 by 10,000 pixels. This feature is useful for artists who want to work on detailed and high-resolution artwork.

Try Ibis Paint

Blender

Krita

Ibis Paint X

MediBand Paint

Ibis Paint X

GIMP

Blender

Blender

Ibis Paint X

Krita

Krita

MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint

Tips for Choosing the Right Drawing App for You

When choosing a drawing app, a few important factors must be considered. Here are some tips to help you find the best drawing app for your needs:

Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking for a drawing app, it's important to determine your budget. Some drawing apps are free, while others require a one-time or subscription purchase. If you're just starting or don't want to spend a lot of money, plenty of free drawing apps are available. However, if you're a professional artist or need advanced features, you may want to invest in a paid app.

Consider Your Device

Not all drawing apps are available on all devices. If you have an iPad, you'll want to look for drawing apps optimized for the iPad and take advantage of the Apple Pencil. If you have an Android device, you'll want to look for drawing apps that work well with a stylus or finger input. If you're using a PC or Mac, you'll want to look for drawing apps compatible with your operating system.

Look for Support and Updates

When choosing a drawing app, it's important to consider the support level and available updates. Look for apps with a dedicated support team and a community of users who can help answer your questions. You'll also want to choose an app regularly updated with new features and bug fixes.

Check the Privacy Policy

When using a drawing app, you may share personal information such as your name, email address, and location. It's important to check the app's privacy policy to see how your information is used and protected. Look for apps that have a clear privacy policy and take steps to protect your data.

Consider Free Options

Plenty of free drawing apps are available if you're on a tight budget or just starting. Some popular free drawing apps include Autodesk Sketchbook, MediBang Paint, and Krita. While these apps may not have all the features of paid apps, they can still be great options for beginners or hobbyists.

Considering these factors, you can find the best drawing app for your needs. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting, there's a drawing app out there that's perfect for you.

Additional Great Free and Paid Drawing Apps for Artists and Beginners

Pixel Art Apps

Painting And Illustration Apps

Drawing apps for Sketching

Drawing apps for Manga and Comics

Vector Drawing apps

2D animation apps

Doodling

3D Design and Modelling apps

The Future of Drawing Apps

Drawing apps are set to evolve with technological innovations like AI, 3D, and holography. What to expect?

The digital art app industry is on an upward trajectory, predicted to grow at a steady rate of 10.2% until 2033. This surge is attributed to the rising allure of digital artistry and its widespread embrace by creators.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing drawing apps. With generative AI, artists can churn out endless visual designs and venture into fresh creative territories. Yet, this fusion of AI and artistry has stirred discussions about maintaining artistic authenticity and concerns over potential art misappropriation.

The horizons of artistic expression are expanding with the advent of 3D and holographic mediums. These cutting-edge platforms promise artists novel ways to convey their visions and captivate their viewers.

Moreover, drawing apps are becoming increasingly approachable and intuitive, inviting artists of all backgrounds to dive into the digital realm. This inclusivity, coupled with the apps' escalating prowess, forecasts a bright future for the world of digital art.

But. People still like to draw, and our children also like to draw. It is a big fun, a way to relax, and a way to earn money for professional artists.

In conclusion, drawing apps have revolutionized the world of creativity and art. They offer a convenient and efficient way to express your ideas and bring them to life. Whether you are a professional artist or just starting, there is a drawing app for you.

#1 Best Drawing App Overall - My Take

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Best for Overall:

While Procreate is versatile enough for artists of all skill levels, it's particularly favored by professional illustrators, digital painters, and graphic designers for its depth of features and smooth performance.

Pricing:

$5.99 - $12.99 | one-time purchase | no subscription fees or hidden costs

Compatible OS:

requires iPad OS 15.4.1 or newer

Features: offers a range of features and tools suitable for different skill levels and artistic goals.

Try Procreate