What program do you recommend for drawing comics?

[EpicMario99]

Alright, so I've been reading comics on this website for a while now, and I think it's time I had a go at it... But I have no idea how! I want it to be kind of pixelated, so if you know a program that lets me do that, it would be swell if you let me know!

I have some basic outlines for what I want, too!

1. A free program,
2. A program that allows for perfect 8-bit drawing (Kind of on a grid, but not on a grid, you know?),
3. A program that does not require downloading,
4. A program that is simple to use.

If you know any programs that fit those criteria, I would LOVE for you to tell me! Thanks in advance!!

BAI-BAI!!!

EDIT: Alright, everyone's raging that I included that I don't want to download it, so I'm gonna let you guys know that when I say "program," I don't mean "software" or "download." I'll also use any programs that are used in a web browser, like Deviantart's drawing thingy.

[UzukiCheverie]

A program that does not require downloading,

No. You're going to have to download a program. If you want a program that works, and you can save decent JPG's from, and format accordingly to Tapastic's requirements, you're going to need to download something. I'm not saying that because there aren't browser-based programs for it - I'm sure there are - but because it'll help you better in the long run to just download a program, so that you can at least archive your files, keep track of them, and not have to worry about lack of internet access, among other things.

It doesn't have to be a paid program. You can get a program called Fire Alpaca, which I've heard is like a less complicated version of Photoshop, and free. There's also GIMP, which is pretty simple to use. And you can change the resolution and canvas size to get the 8-bit look.

Paint Tool SAI is about $70, if you ever run into any money. There are other ways to getting it of course without shelling out the money, but I'm not going to disclose said methods :B It even has a binary tool which is used for pixel-looking art, including 8-bit and 16-bit.

So yeah, my recommendations would be to try out Fire Alpaca or GIMP, and if you ever get the money/figure out how to download it, get SAI. SAI is my personal favorite, but I've heard good things about Fire Alpaca.

[AnnaLandin]

For your precise requirements? Nothing.

You HAVE TO download a program, unless you intend to draw with MS Paint - which is possible, but not really ideal, even if you're going for a pixel-art style.

If you want something free and reasonably easy to use, you could try GIMP. If you're willing to spend a bit of money, you could try Paint Tool SAI - and if you want to try it out, I believe they have trial versions as well.

.... Just to be curious, why are you looking for a program that doesn't require downloading?

[crabman21]

I use Manga Studio EX 5, but it's quite expensive. You could try Manga Studio 5 which is only $47.99.

http://my.smithmicro.com/manga-studio-5.html

[SpavVy]

You WILL need to download a program! GIMP is a free program that's safe to download and it works pretty well, I have Manga studio 5 which works great but I did need to fork over 47 bucks to get it, I also have GIMP as well because it allows you to download Photoshop brushes and I use it for my pixel work.

[Freith]

Adding onto the ones mentioned, GraphicsGale is a simple, free-to-use program specifically for pixel art. Of course, you will need to download it.

[allenthomas]

I currently use photoshop for my comic, but it is pretty expensive. I have heard VERY positive things from friends about Manga Studio but I haven't had a chance to mess around with it yet. I've heard from some that the line quality is amazing. However, something like photoshop or GIMP might be where you want to go if you want a pixelated look.

[sarahrebecca58]

You might have to spend some money, though I don't see any reason to get regular photoshop when for me photoshop elements really works just fine. You might need the full version for later texture patterns, but for general use it works fine.

There was also some free paint program I knew of, where it's like MS Paint but had a layering function. This was ideal for like making sprites.

[allenthomas]

That actually is a great idea and many people (including myself) overlook Photoshop Elements. It is WAY cheaper to use and will work fine for comic art.

[EpicMario99]

.... Just to be curious, why are you looking for a program that doesn't require downloading?

Because my PC is broken, so I've been using my friend's computer and he doesn't want me to download big things. Tried it once, and I think he almost smacked me.

There was also some free paint program I knew of, where it's like MS Paint but had a layering function. This was ideal for like making sprites.

Any idea what it was called?

Thanks for... Erm... At least trying to help, guys; Really appreciate it!(NO OFFENSE PLEASE DON'T YELL AT ME. T_T)

[Wolven_Sister]

This is a pretty good article, it's several years old so there may be more art programs out there, but they have them sectioned in to art, comic-making, and photomanipulation. Some are browser based, but if you want to make good comics, you're gonna have to download.
Free (and cheap) Art Programs

Or there's this article, that talks about web-based painting/sketching tools. This may help with comics? XD But I don't know, I've never used any of these, but they may help! :') Some charge monthly fees, some are compatible with the iPad, or some are free.
17 Web-Based Painting and Sketching Tools

[Spinester]

Manga Studio 5 (or 5 EX). There are always sales if you're patient. You can get 5 for under 50 bucks.

[UzukiCheverie]

Because my PC is broken, so I've been using my friend's computer and he doesn't want me to download big things. Tried it once, and I think he almost smacked me.

TBH if that's the case, you should probably respect your friend's wishes and just wait until you get a new computer or something else you can draw on. Even do it traditionally. Besides, you can't be on your friend's computer 24/7, so getting time to draw and update would probably just be a pain.

[Jelw]

Was it Paint.net by chance? Their names are similar and it's the program I started with way back in my day

[Amirai]

I used to think photoshop elements was fine until I tried clip studio paint (aka manga studio). There's just no comparison, clip studio paint is far better. I recommend anyone who's using ps elements give it a try, I'm glad I did!

[masterstylezero]

When i used to work on "Mugen" (2D fighting game engine) i did my sprite edition on "paint" simple and very efficient.

[UzukiCheverie]

oh god i remember the days of photoshop elements lol that was like, my first drawing program when i got my first tablet (cause it came bundled with it). then i got paint tool sai and i never looked back xD

Even Photoshop CS6 kinda pisses me off lol I mean it's clear that Photoshop is meant for photography and editing, and just so happens to have tools that can replicate painting :U It's just not as natural as using something like Manga Studio or Paint Tool SAI though u o u

[Jelw]

For online programs there is also Tegaki E. I haven't had much interaction with it so I can't say if it would work for pixel art. I do remember there being a set canvas size.

[Quinn_Li]

I'm really curious, do you guys use another program to make panels? because I use paintool sai and its really hard for me to make straight lines for panels What would be your recommendations?

[Wolven_Sister]

I use Photoshop to make panels, using the "paths" and "stroke" tools. I could find you a tutorial on it if you'd like, if you're looking into getting PS. Before I had Photoshop, I used Manga Studio to make panels. MS is very easy when it comes to paneling and word bubbles, and it's considerably cheaper than PS :')