We have considered the most common applications that act as full-fledged complexes for drawing, as well as processing various images.
Which drawing program on a graphics tablet or editor on a PC you choose depends on your specific goals.
Corel Painter will be highly appreciated by digital graphics professionals. This is the best choice when you want to download the drawing tool to your computer to work with your tablet. The eminent developer offers a developed, but rather complex product. To learn how to use all the benefits of the package, you will have to spend a lot of time. And if you also want to learn how to work in vector, you will have to switch to a more functional tool from the same developer - CorelDRAW.
Autodesk SketchBook Pro is a quality drawing program for all categories of users. It allows you to both process graphics and create cool art, comics, sketches from scratch. An accessible interface in Russian will be a nice bonus, but in order to work with the utility at the highest level, it is advisable to think about purchasing a professional monitor with good color reproduction.
Krita is no less functional. Artists draw in it both posters and entire comics. The application is free, open source and suitable for all modern operating systems. However, it will be a little difficult for beginners to master it. If you are not afraid of difficulties and are ready to spend time - try it and you will get a really functional tool.
Adobe Photoshop allows you to apply a wide variety of effects and filters. Creating images will seem very comfortable and quite simple. You can enjoy an accessible Russian-language interface and a large number of training video tutorials and materials on the Internet.
Working with Tux Paint is aimed at high-quality training for inexperienced users. The interface of the utility will be convenient for any user, and the presence of sound and animation effects will attract the attention of a children's audience whose parents want to teach their child the art of drawing on a computer.
Paint.NET will bring a lot of positive impressions, the program engine is able to remember all user activity and return more than a dozen completed actions, excluding the errors present in the editing process and applying all kinds of effects. With the help of Paint, vector graphics are effectively edited.
Pixbuilder Studio is distinguished by high performance indicators, the rest of the utilities from the above selection demonstrate a lower speed of launching and opening images. The program contains rich professional-level functionality and is available for download absolutely free of charge.
Fans of various brushes will appreciate the Artweaver Free program, which has a lot of useful filters and effects. It is worth noting that the application allows you to create your own brushes, which will become difficult for competitors.
Paint Tool SAI is a serious utility designed for professional artists and designers to create stunning illustrations as well as digital paintings. The utility supports tablets, giving creative people all the necessary resources for artistic activities. Moreover, some studios use SAI as a cartoon drawing program. Its functions are too good.
Graffiti Studio is difficult to compare with full-fledged painters and even drawing games for children, since the purpose of this application is to entertain the user. You can fulfill your teenage dream and feel like a master of street graffiti. True, the range of tools is scarce - only a marker and spray cans, but a huge selection of colors and shades, line thicknesses will be a significant plus.
Also, the wonderful programs MyPaint, Medibang Paint, SmoothDraw, Affinity Designer, the Paint graphic editor built into Windows and the Inkscape raster graphics editor were not included in the review. You can always find their detailed descriptions on our website.
Do you want to paint beautiful pictures, but don't want to spend money on materials? This is no longer a problem! Today, digital technologies have come to replace paints and canvases, which have made painting an incredibly convenient and exciting experience.
Mouse or graphics tablet?
This choice depends on your drawing skills. If you went to art school or are just a confident pencil and brush user, you'll be more comfortable working with a graphics tablet. If you still do not know how to draw, then you can easily start with a computer mouse.
As with any art form, drawing requires a certain amount of skill. The more confidently you use the tool, the more accurate the picture is. Someone creates second-rate drawings on a cool graphics tablet, and someone writes masterpieces using a regular computer mouse.
Choose a tool based on your abilities and skills, and special programs will help you turn your ideas into reality.
What program to draw in?
In addition to the well-known graphic editor Photoshop and the standard Paint, there are various free drawing programs for PC. And they are no worse than the same Photoshop. And some drawing games for the computer even surpass it. For example, ease of use.
What program is best for drawing? It's up to you to decide. And to simplify this task, below are the best software for drawing on a PC.
The list is divided into two parts. The first one contains simple drawing programs that are suitable for amateurs and even for children 5-6 years old. And in the second - professional software in which you can draw graffiti, anime, artistic paintings with a brush (it is also suitable for graphics tablets).
List of the best drawing software for PC for hobbyists
Let's start with simple applications where you can draw on your PC. They are easy to use, so they are suitable for children and beginners who want to try their hand at this business.
Once again, I remind you that all applications are free, and you can easily find them on the office. websites (links below).
Paint.NET is a simple drawing program. Despite the similar name, this is not the default Paint that comes with Windows. Although very similar.
Paint.NET has a simple and informative panel, so it's not hard to figure it out. There are also floating windows that perform additional functions. They are translucent and do not interfere with editing pictures.
The main advantages of this software:
- layer support;
- import of external files;
- support for hotkeys (standard buttons are listed in the "Window" item);
- good functionality;
- takes up little space;
- completely in Russian.
Easy to use and free, this drawing program is great for kids. For the first time, its capabilities will be more than enough.
SmoothDraw - draw from scratch
SmoothDraw - allows you to edit images or create your own, since the functionality allows this. Great for those who like to draw from scratch - after all, this is what it is intended for.
Its main advantages:
- a huge toolkit (virtual canvas rotation, anti-aliasing, various blending modes);
- painting tools: grass, raindrops, stars, graffiti;
- synchronization with tablets.
Thanks to this functionality, it is suitable even for experienced artists. The only negative is that there is no Russian language. But SmoothDraw's interface is so simple that even kids can figure it out.
By the way, this program does not need to be installed because it is a portable version. That is, you can save it to a USB flash drive, and then use it on any PC or laptop.
MyPaint - app for tablets
MyPaint is a free graphic drawing program. Designed for tablets, but can also be used on PC.
The MyPaint app is designed for beginners and hobbyists. Turns the screen of a tablet or computer into a real artistic canvas (hiding all elements). Thanks to this, you can draw whatever your heart desires.
Its main advantages:
- a large selection of brushes (+ it is possible to create your own, as well as import ready-made ones);
- support for quick commands;
- works on Windows, Linux, Mac OS.
Thus, if you are looking for children's programs for painting with a brush, try the MyPaint application. It is possible that your child will like it very much. Link to office MyPaint website.
LiveBrush - application for drawing tablets
Its main feature: the presence of only one tool - brushes.
On the one hand, it seems to be not convenient, but on the other hand, you can realize any of your ideas. Just grab a brush and go!
LiveBrush is a great drawing tool for kids. Among its main advantages are:
- vector patterns;
- a large set of brushes (you can combine them, create your own or find ready-made ones on the Internet);
- full compatibility with the tablet (the application recognizes the tilt of the brush and the pressure on the display).
In a word, this is an ideal drawing program for children. Especially if you have a graphics tablet. Link to office site .
Tux Paint - drawing for kids
If you want a simple drawing program for kids, try Tux Paint. This drawing was created for kids from 3 years old and is used in many preschool institutions for teaching computer literacy.
Its main advantages:
- bright interface that kids will love;
- cool sound effects;
- support for Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux and Mac OS.
And there is also a funny penguin Tux - a virtual assistant who will teach you how to draw correctly. The application is completely free (link to official website).
Professional drawing programs
This completes the list of amateur and children's drawing programs. Now let's take a look at the top drawing programs designed for professionals.
Gimp is a functional application
Gimp is a powerful drawing program for your computer. In terms of functionality, it almost caught up with Photoshop, but unlike it, it is free.
Main advantages:
- a huge number of effects for editing images;
- wide functionality for creating drawings from scratch;
- it is possible to create a web resource design;
- on-the-fly image archiving;
- graphics tablet support.
Inkscape - draw vector graphics
Inkscape is a vector drawing program.
The main advantage of vector graphics is the ability to resize images while maintaining quality. Therefore, this application is often used in the printing industry.
This program supports:
- various operations with contours;
- copying styles;
- gradient editing;
- working with layers.
There is also a list of hotkeys and a function to export drawings to any format. Another plus is the presence of the Russian language. Link to office Inkscape website.
Artweaver is a free alternative to Photoshop
Artweaver is a professional drawing program that is in no way inferior to Photoshop in terms of functionality. Moreover, it even surpasses it in some functions.
For example, this application can:
- record video while drawing (ideal for creating video tutorials);
- work in the "cloud" (allows you to draw an image together with other artists online);
- imitate drawing with a brush, oil, paint, pencil and other tools.
Of course, all the standard options are in place here. Therefore, if you need a free professional drawing program, go to the office. site .
PixBuilder Studio - the second analogue of Photoshop
Another professional program for drawing on a computer is PixBuilder Studio. It is also similar to Photoshop, but unlike the previous version, it supports the Russian language.
Its main functions:
- creation of raster and web graphics;
- high-quality blur and sharpening effects;
- multi-stage cancellation of operations.
Graffiti Studio - for graffiti lovers
This is a unique program for drawing graffiti. Designed more for fun, but fans of street art will definitely like it.
Its main features:
- background selection (cars, buses, walls, etc.);
- huge color palette (more than 100 colors);
- realistic options (adding smudges, using markers, etc.).
And most importantly - the drawings are obtained as real. That's what this app is all about. Link to download Graffiti Studio.
Paint Tool SAI - for anime fans
And the last one on this list is an anime drawing program. If you've always dreamed of drawing manga characters, you can try your hand at Paint Tool SAI. Although this application is also suitable for creating portraits and landscapes.
The main features of the program for drawing anime:
- many brushes;
- pencils of various softness;
- a set of useful tools (there is a fine-tuning of each of them).
It also supports working with several drawings at once and combining them through layers. Link
Drawing is one of the oldest occupations. People from different parts of the world were engaged in it even before history began to be recorded in written sources. A lot of time has passed since then. And now, instead of the walls of the cave, we have at our disposal modern smartphones, tablets and computers.
Adobe Illustrator Draw
Dotpict - it is intended exclusively for pixel graphics. The work screen is displayed as a grid, each square of which can be filled with a specific color. This way you can create small landscapes, images of people, animals, etc.
To draw small details - zoom in, and then zoom out again to view the whole picture. The application has a function to automatically save the results of work. Dotpict is a great app for pixel art lovers who want to create simple drawings without using complex tools.
Medi Bang Paint
MediBang Paint works on Android OS, Mac OS X, Windows, iOS. It is possible to start and continue drawing anywhere on different devices. The results of the work are stored in the cloud service, they can be shared with other people.
There is also a decent amount of brushes and other tools for drawing, creating comics. It is even more amazing that such a high-quality application can be obtained completely free of charge.
RoughAnimator
RoughAnimator allows you to first create drawings and then turn them into animation. In other programs, you first need to draw something, then import the image into another program, and animate it there. RoughAnimator has brought it all together.
Draw frame by frame, turning them into little cartoons. There is a playback speed control function and a number of simple tools. Save your work as GIF animation, QuickTime video, or as a sequence of frames. The application costs 300 rubles.
So, you bought a graphics tablet. In addition to the fact that you still have to get used to it and "fill your hand", you need to immediately decide on a graphic editor that will reveal all the possibilities of your new device to the maximum. And if you think that you can only draw in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then you are greatly mistaken.
In addition to the world-famous and undoubtedly cool Adobe products, there are many graphic editors that offer the same functionality, but for less money, and sometimes even for free. In addition, some programs boast a unique interface with many interesting features that designers and illustrators will definitely appreciate.
We have compiled a list of programs where you can fully draw with a graphics tablet, imitating various artistic techniques, make sketches, create raster and vector images, and practice lettering and calligraphy.
Corel Painter X3
Painter X3 simulates traditional brushes, textures, dry and wet effects to incredible accuracy. Thanks to this, there is an almost complete immersion in a real artist's studio, where there is no computer and monitor, only an easel and canvas.
Painter Lite
The lighter and cheaper version of Painter offers all the painting tools you need, but at a lower price. A great option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready for significant spending.
Clip Paint Studio PRO
Although this program was developed specifically for drawing manga, Clip Paint Studio has gone quite far and can be used in industry-standard digital painting with the same success. The program has incredibly handy features, such as ready-made shapes that you can use as a nature for drawing poses.
Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 7
SketchBook Pro is a professional drawing application optimized specifically for tablet devices. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant, which will undoubtedly be appreciated by novice users.
ArtRage 4
A program with incredible tools and the most attractive interface. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant. Focused on creating realistic images.
Xara Photo and Graphic Designer 9
Photo editing, drawing, unusual effects - not all the possibilities of Xara Photo. Users will appreciate the compatibility of file formats and the low price of the product.
Affinity Designer
The program supports working with layers, import / export of different file formats, a convenient navigator and all the tools for working with vector graphics that you can think of. Affinity Designer is a kind of Adobe Illustrator killer. The only drawback of this program may be that it is only for MAC. But the price is more than pleasant.
inkscape
Free and handy vector illustrator, which is essentially a symbiosis of CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. The remarkable support for pen pressure sensitivity, a big shortage in the vector illustration world, makes Inkscape a powerful tool for those who are serious about calligraphy.
By the way, Inkscape has an excellent resource in seven languages, including Russian, which is a rarity even for commercial graphics programs. On the Inkscape website, you can not only download the program, but also read articles, study lessons, participate in discussions, and much more. There is also an opportunity to become one of the developers and testers of the product and bring useful features to it.
artweaver
A raster graphics program that looks like a symbiosis of Painter and Photoshop. Compared to GIMP, it is slower in processing, but with a much larger set of brushes. Broad Wacom tablet support.
GIMP
Colorful and functional raster program for drawing, illustrating. In terms of interface appearance and capabilities, it is similar to Corel Painter. Broad Wacom tablet support.
MyPaint
A resource-friendly and easy-to-use open-source software for digital artists. Allows you to concentrate on creativity, not the program interface. Tablet support is well implemented.
SmoothDraw
And here is another noteworthy drawing program - ten thousand beginners and professional artists managed to download this wonderful development for free. You don't have to waste time learning menus and tools - just open a new file and show off your talents with clear visualized features.
Blending modes, layers, virtual canvas rotation, sub-pixel anti-aliasing are available to users. In addition to standard painting tools, the application contains special tools such as graffiti, water drops, stars, grass. Synchronization with tablets is also implemented.
Paint Tool SAI
Don't be intimidated by the clean SAI interface, as this is the de facto program standard for most Japanese anime artists. It also has a line correction function to create sharper contours.
Serif Draw Plus (starter edition)
Serif DrawPlus offers all the tools to work with raster and vector graphics. Here you can create interesting prints, make logos, edit photos or draw using a lot of custom effects, including 3D. Truly a godsend for novice illustrators and designers, moreover, completely free of charge!
All of the programs on the list will make great alternatives to Adobe products, even if you're not ready to admit it just yet. It's enough to give them a chance, and who knows, maybe in a couple of weeks you won't even remember about Photoshop! Moreover, for some products you don’t have to pay at all. Don't be afraid to try new things, push boundaries and improve!
