11 / 11
Dec 2023

I got a new drawing tablet for Christmas. I have never had a proper drawing tablet before. What are your favorite free drawing apps out there to use? I've mostly drawn on my phone or tablet screen with my finger or a basic stylus so the new drawing pad is a game changer.

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    Dec '23
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    Dec '23
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I use Krita on my laptop (it's a 2-in-1 so it functions as a tablet). I used to use it on my Surface Pro 8 tablet as well. It gets the job done for me, but I am no professional

Not that well versed in free software myself (I mainly use Photoshop and Clipstudio on the side) but I've heard good things about Kritia and Gimp.

Medibang is good for starting out. It has the basics and a very easy to use interface. GIMP is very good but is also more complicated to use. Krita has a lot more features more suited for drawing. I'd say it's better for drawing than GIMP, just because it has more variety when it comes to brushes and is easier to use.

Being an ipad kid, I have procreate. Unfortunately, you can’t get it on other devices, so I don’t have much for ya. I hear CSP is good though.

Seconding suggestions for Medibang Paint and FireAlpaca :thumbsup: both have simple and intuitive user interfaces but can do quite a lot for free programs. I've been making use of Medibang for several years and whatever i couldn't put together using preexisting brushes or materials I've been able to download or make my own. Plus since updates sometimes include new features (like recent ones that added gradient maps and more filter/effect options) it's got good mileage for long term use

Autodesk Sketchbook.

It used to be an app you had to pay monthly, but it´s free now.

Sketchbook has some advantages compared to other programs.
I love the clear and easy to modify interface, everything about the app is fast and simple.
Then it has the perfect tool which is a zoom, rotate, move tool in one. You hit
the space bar and can do those 3 functions with one single tool. It makes it super convenient
when you zoom and rotate a lot. I cut out and move things around a lot and I can´t live without
this tool.

I still use photoshop, clip and other apps for other things but all the sketching happens in
autodesk sketchbook

Well, it'll mostly be a matter of trial and error until you find the most comfortable software for you.

These are some that I know

  • Krita
  • Gimp
  • Medibang Paint Pro
  • Jump Paint
  • Ibis Paint
  • FireAlpaca
  • Tayasui Sketches
  • Sketchbook

I've seen some suggested Medibang, and I do too! :smile:

But if you're willing to pay for an app, CSP (Clip Studio Paint) is the best drawing app, in my opinion!