In addition to the well-known graphic editor Photoshop and standard Paint, there are various free drawing programs for PC. And they are no worse than the same Photoshop. And some drawing programs for computers even surpass it. For example, in ease of use.

Which program is better to draw in? It's up to you to decide. And to simplify this task, below are best software for drawing on PC.

The list is divided into two parts. The first 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).

Let's start with simple applications, in which you can draw on a PC. They are easy to use, making them suitable for children and beginners who want to try their hand at this activity.

I remind you once again that all applications are free, and you can easily find them at the office. websites (links below).

Paint.NET simple program for drawing. Despite the similar name, this is not the default Paint in Windows. Although very similar.

Paint.NET has a simple and informative panel, so understanding it is not difficult at all. There are also floating windows that perform additional functions. They are translucent and do not interfere with image editing.

The main advantages of this software:

• layer support;
• import external files;
• support for hot keys (standard buttons are listed in the “Window” item);
• good functionality;
• takes up little space;
• completely in Russian.

Simple and free, this drawing program is perfect for kids. At first, there will be more than enough possibilities.

SmoothDraw – drawing from scratch

SmoothDraw – allows you to edit images or create your own, fortunately the functionality allows this. Great for those who like to draw from scratch - that's what it's designed for.

Its main advantages:

• 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 the SmoothDraw interface is so simple that even children can figure it out.

By the way, this program does not require installation, since it is a portable version. That is, you can save it to a flash drive and then use it on any PC or laptop.

MyPaint – application for tablets

MyPaint is a free graphics drawing program. Designed for tablets, but can also be used on PCs.

MyPaint app is designed for beginners and hobbyists. Turns your tablet or computer screen 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.

So, if you are looking for brush painting software for kids, try MyPaint app. It is quite possible that your child will really like it. Link to office MyPaint website.

LiveBrush – application for graphics tablets

Its main feature: the presence of only one tool - a brush.

On the one hand, this seems inconvenient, but on the other, you can realize any of your ideas. Just grab a brush and go!

LiveBrush is a great drawing app 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 force of pressing the display).

In short, this is an ideal drawing program for children. Especially if you have a graphics tablet. Link to office website .

Tux Paint – drawing game for kids

If you need simple program drawing for kids - try Tux Paint. This drawing game was created for children 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 little penguin called Tux - virtual assistant, which will teach you how to draw correctly. The application is completely free (link to the official website).

Professional drawing programs

This concludes the list of amateur and children's drawing programs. Now let's 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 has almost caught up with Photoshop, but unlike it, it is free.

Main advantages:

• a huge number of effects for image editing;
• Wide functionality for creating drawings from scratch;
• it is possible to create a web resource design;
• on-the-fly image archiving;
• support for graphics tablets.

Inkscape – drawing vector graphics

Inkscape is a program for drawing with vectors.

Main advantage vector graphics: 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;
• editing gradient;
• working with layers.

There is also a list of hotkeys and a function for exporting pictures to any format. Another plus is the presence of the Russian language. Link to office Inkscape website.

Artweaver - a free analogue of Photoshop

Artweaver is a professional drawing program that is in no way inferior in functionality to Photoshop. 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. Therefore, if you need a free professional drawing program, go to the office. website .

PixBuilder Studio - the second analogue of Photoshop

Another professional program for drawing on a computer is PixBuilder Studio. 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 drawings will definitely like it.

Its main features:

• selection of background (cars, buses, walls, etc.);
• huge color palette (more than 100 colors);
• realistic options (adding smudges, using markers, etc.).

And most importantly, the drawings look like real ones. This is what makes this application captivating. Graffiti Studio download link.

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.

Main features of the anime drawing program:

• many brushes;
• pencils of varying softness;
• a set of useful tools (available fine tuning each of them).

It also supports working with several drawings at once and combining them through layers. Link

To paint a picture it is not at all necessary to enroll in art courses and buy and buy expensive supplies. Just turn on your computer and launch the appropriate software. In this article we will look at best programs for creating digital paintings.

To draw on a computer, you need to select a brush and move it around the virtual canvas using a mouse, keyboard, or special devices such as graphics tablets.

The tool can be a pen, pencil or an art brush with paints. When pressed for a long time, the thickness of the lines changes, mixing colors is allowed.

There are special panels for working with the palette. You can apply various effects to finished objects.

The benefits of digital painting include items such as:

• Cancel unsuccessful actions;
• Unlimited color range;

Let's start with the top 15 drawing applications on a personal computer with free programs.

You can use all their functionality completely free of charge for an unlimited amount of time.

Tux paint

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The educational program Tux paint was created for the youngest personal computer users, but it may also appeal to adult novice artists. It has a relatively small set of tools and does not have a lot of palettes.

The highlight of this application is its simplicity, large buttons in the interface, the presence basic models, a large number of stamps, an integrated assistant in the form of a funny penguin Tuxie.

All this greatly simplifies the process of creating works.

By the way, it is possible to make a slide show. The program was developed specifically for children from 3 to 12 years old and is even used in a number of preschool institutions in Europe.

The attractive and colorful interface with funny sound effects offers clear large buttons with tools and colors, and Tux the penguin will show you how to draw correctly.

Tux Paint will help your child develop creative abilities and teach him the basics of computer literacy.

Among the disadvantages of tux paint, we highlight the lengthy processing of the applied effects.

Paint.net

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At first glance it may seem that this program is no different from standard application called Paint, included with the Windows operating system.

This is partly the trick of paint.net. The interface is familiar to all Windows operating system users.

But the functionality of the paint.net application stands out significantly compared to the integrated editor.

In it you can create three-dimensional models, draw transparent objects, moving objects and other complex structures. Let's note a very convenient selection tool.

In paint.net it is called by the magic wand.

The program contains a number of integrated tools and also supports plugins, among which you can find a large number of useful tools.

Inscape

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Inscape is a popular vector editor. It is often used for drawing graphics systems, as well as for creating business cards, booklets and other promotional products.

Using this application it is very convenient to draw geometric shapes and objects, which are based on several small particles of the correct shape.

A special block is available for working with text and footnotes.

This program is primarily based on its own rendering engine, which means that with proper performance of the personal computer, the process of adding new strokes will be carried out at lightning speed.

SmoothDraw

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A program called SmoothDraw is more versatile than the previous editor. There are Various types pencils, as well as convenient pens, spray bottles, and markers.

With this entire set you will add personality to your painting.

This program contains a convenient layering algorithm, including an integrated collection of Elios effects. Pixel technology allows you to create high quality drawings.

In this case, the principle of selecting a brush type is very conveniently implemented, that is, depending on pressing a number on the keyboard, the corresponding drawing tool is selected.

It should be noted that the application is compatible with graphics tablets. The downside of this utility is its poor localized interface.

Artweaver

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A program called Artweaver is a good raster editor with large set custom brushes.

The application is distinguished by the presence of impasto, which is a unique drawing tool that imitates relief paint. A similar function allows you to create oil masks on canvas.

A program called My Paint is an art editor that includes high-quality visualization of each painting. Large icons help you select a tool.

The user clearly sees what each brush is capable of. In addition, all brushes are divided into three main blocks:

• Classic;
• Experimental;
• Favorites.

The last section is initially empty. If desired, it can be filled in manually by simply dragging and dropping.

Another trick May paint is the presence of a notepad that performs the function of a paper instrument.

If you are unsure whether you should try using of this program, then first take a look at the gallery of user works from around the world. You can find interesting works there.

Livebrush

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An application called Livebrush is a beautiful graphic editor that is loved by many users from different parts of the world.

The program has a very convenient feature for creating brushes.

The application allows you to generate tools based on own pattern. It’s not for nothing that the name of the application is translated as a living brush.

Among the features of the program, we note such functions as:

• decorating the line along which the brush runs;
• It is also worth highlighting the presence of fractal brushes.

Livebrush is based on the Etoubieir platform. To run the program, you must initially install this environment, although this installation method cannot be called convenient.

Krita

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The next program, called “Krita”, is considered one of the best in the industry. This application selects a large number of artists from different parts of the globe.

Key Features:

• Unlimited canvas size;
• Imitation of canvas materials;
• Emulation of real drawing tools;
• A huge number of artistic effects.

This entire set is successfully contained in a laconic Russified interface.

Add to this a high level of detail, a good implementation of the layering function, many post-processing tools and a large number of other useful functions.

Of course, the Krita app supports most modern graphics tablets.

The Gimp

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The developers produced an application called Gimp initially as a competitor to everyone famous photo Photoshop editor.

Over time, this application has acquired enough functions to be considered a full-fledged drawing software.

• Editable hard and soft brushes;
• layer-by-layer processing; Smoothing functions;
• Built-in effects;
• A large number of tools that allow you to change the size and other characteristics of an element;
• And so on.

Thus, we have a fairly good editor for creating high-quality works.

There is one significant drawback that you should pay attention to.

Since the program has very big amount options, to use it you will need a fairly powerful personal computer.

Paint tool Sai

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A program called Paint Tool Sai was created by Japanese developers.

This application is in Lately has gained popularity among users living in the Russian Federation. The program has two drawing modes:

• The first of which is raster;
• The second is vector.

It is worth noting that each of the brushes belongs to different mode. The application boasts a high-tech rendering engine, full support for graphics tablets, and its own pen smoothing algorithm.

As with most other solutions, the application's interface resembles a menu from Adobe Photoshop.

However, the developers of this application went even further. Thus, the hotkeys are completely identical to Adobe Photoshop.

This editor can be installed on any operating system Windows system, including Windows ninety-eight.

Unfortunately, the application is not adapted for Russian Federation and the CIS in general, the menu is only available in English.

It is necessary to understand that the program is paid, but there is time to use it in a trial period of one calendar month.

• Drawing;
• Pixel editing;
• Export.

Each of the modes has an interesting name - Person. It is logical that Affinity Designer can work with raster and vector graphics.

The program is based on a fairly fast engine. Its interface also has a Photoshop-like design, although the application would be more accurately compared to Adobe Illustrator than to Photoshop.

The set of brushes is standard. It is possible to create your own drawing tools.

An interesting fact is that the developers initially produced this application for an operating system called Mac OS. And only very recently the program appeared on operating system Windows.

The program is paid, but there is a trial period of ten calendar days. The license fee is fifty United States dollars.

PixBuilder Studio - quite high quality free editor raster graphics, which also allows you to create web graphics.

Its functionality, in addition to the basic components, includes managing layers, adjusting levels and curves, multi-stage undo of operations, as well as high-quality sharpening and blur effects.

With all this, the user is given the opportunity to customize the interface - pin frequently used or important options to the main toolbar.

So, you bought a graphics tablet. Besides the fact that you still have to get used to it and get better at it, you need to immediately decide on a graphic editor that will maximize all the capabilities of your new device. And if you think that you can only draw in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then you are very mistaken.

In addition to the globally recognized and undoubtedly cool products of Adobe, there are many graphic editors, offering the same functionality, but for less money, and sometimes even for free. In addition, some programs boast a unique interface with many interesting features; designers and illustrators will definitely appreciate them.

We have compiled a list of programs where you can fully draw using a graphics tablet, simulating various artistic techniques, make sketches, create raster and vector images, and also practice lettering and calligraphy.

Corel Painter X3

Painter X3 simulates traditional brushes, textures, dry and wet effects with incredible precision. Thanks to this, there is an almost complete immersion in a real artist’s studio, where there is no computer or monitor, only an easel and canvas.

Painter Lite

A lighter, cheaper version of Painter offers all the painting tools you need, but at a higher price. low price. Great option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready for significant expenses.

Clip Paint Studio PRO

Despite the fact that this program was developed specifically for drawing manga, Clip Paint Studio has gone quite far and can be used with the same success in industry-standard digital painting. The program has incredibly convenient features, for example, ready-made shapes that can be used as a model 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 novice users will undoubtedly appreciate.

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 are not all the capabilities 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 something of an Adobe Illustrator killer. The only drawback of this program may be that it is only available for MAC. But the price is more than reasonable.

Inkscape

A free and convenient vector illustrator, which is essentially a symbiosis of Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator. Remarkable support for pen pressure sensitivity—a big deficiency in the vector illustration world—makes Inkscape a powerful tool for those serious about calligraphy.

By the way, Inkscape has an excellent resource in seven languages, including Russian, which is very rare 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 the 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. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

GIMP

A colorful and functional raster program for drawing and illustrating. By appearance The interface and features are similar to Corel Painter. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

MyPaint

An undemanding and easy-to-use open-source program for digital artists. Allows you to concentrate on creativity, not the program interface. Tablet support is well implemented.

SmoothDraw

And here's another one worth attention drawing program - ten thousand beginner 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 using clearly visualized functions.

Users have access to blending modes, layers, virtual canvas rotation, and sub-pixel anti-aliasing levels. Except standard means painting app contains special tools such as graffiti, water drops, stars, grass. Synchronization with tablets is also implemented.

Paint Tool SAI

Don't be intimidated by SAI's clean interface, as this is the de facto standard program for most Japanese anime artists. It also comes with a line correction feature to create sharper contours.

Serif DrawPlus (starter edition)

Serif DrawPlus offers all the tools for working 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 beginning illustrators and designers, and completely free!

All the programs on the list will be excellent alternatives to Adobe products, even if you are not ready to admit it 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, you don’t have to pay for some products at all. Don't be afraid to try new things, push boundaries and improve!

Drawing is one of the oldest activities. 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 home 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 entire picture. The application has a function for automatically saving work results. Dotpict is a great app for pixel art lovers who want to create simple drawings without using complex tools.

MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint runs on Android, Mac OS X, Windows, iOS. It is possible to start and continue drawing anywhere on the different devices. The results of your work are saved in a cloud service and can be shared with other people.

There is also a decent number of brushes and other tools for drawing and creating comics. What’s even more surprising is 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 animations. In other programs, you first need to draw something, then import the image into another program, and then animate it there. RoughAnimator brings it all together.

Draw frame by frame, turning them into little cartoons. There is a function for adjusting the playback speed 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.

Krita is so advanced and functional program for drawing that you can’t believe that this is not a commercial product, but an open-source development source code. This editor has support for layers, a huge number of brushes and tools, a bunch of different filters and effects.

Krita can be used to create digital paintings, sketches, paintings, comics, and even hand-drawn stop-motion animation. The interface is conveniently customizable. Plus, Krita works great with graphics tablets.

GIMP

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

Powerful, flexible, customizable open source raster editor. True, the interface and hotkeys here are unique - artists accustomed to Photoshop will have to relearn.

GIMP has most of the tools available in Photoshop: layers, masks, color correction, smart selections, brushes, filters and a mountain of other features. Some of the missing ones can be added using third-party extensions.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

But this is already a tool for creating vector graphics - a free and open-source analogue of Adobe Illustrator. It is well suited for creating logos, icons, web graphics, vector illustrations and other design products.

Inkscape contains everything for comfortable creation and editing vector images: color and texture management tools, layers, smart placement and alignment of objects, as well as the ability to vectorize raster images.

• Platforms: Windows.

This, of course, is not a full-fledged analogue of Photoshop, but rather good old Paint on steroids, but it’s enough for amateur drawing.

Its simplicity makes Paint.NET well suited for beginning artists. Plus, it can work quickly even on devices.

Paint.NET supports working with layers and has a large number of effects. There are tools for blurring, stylizing, sharpening and noise reduction, and if desired, the program’s capabilities can be expanded using plugins.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, web.

Gravit Designer is a fairly powerful and advanced, but free vector graphics editor. With it, you can easily create icons, logos, banners and other images. The application has many tools: curves, layers, shapes, selecting and transforming objects, working with text and fonts.

In addition, it has a built-in library of vector objects created by users. You can freely use them in your own works. Another feature of the application: if desired, you can launch it without installation, directly in the browser through the native Gravit web service.

Paid programs for drawing on a computer

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price:‎$49.99.

The editor is impressive with its capabilities. Customizable panels and key combinations, a convenient canvas rotation system that makes it seem like you are drawing on real paper, compatibility with graphics tablets, shadow effects, glow, contour, bevel - you can’t list it all.

Affinity Designer is definitely worth a try for those who are professional graphics and design professionals and don't want to overpay for Photoshop.

• Platforms: Windows.
• Price:$59.99.

A very unique drawing program that differs from others presented here. BlackInk will allow you to draw incredible pictures with a rather unusual style. What can I say, just look at the images created in the editor and you will understand that it allows you to create art.

Instead of traditional approaches to creating raster images, BlackInk uses its own mechanism. The so-called Controller opens up unprecedented possibilities for customizing brushes. It's not easy to master, but the results will impress you.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price: subscription from 644 rubles per month.

Photoshop is the de facto standard in the world computer graphics, the most popular program for artists, designers and photographers. There is no point in talking about possibilities: if something can be done with an image, then it will do it.

Since Photoshop is part cloud service With Adobe Creative Cloud, you can easily share your brushes, colors and styles across all your devices - settings sync on the fly. In addition, a ton of plugins have been created for Photoshop due to its popularity.

The only thing wrong with Adobe's creation is the subscription price. However, this was to be expected, because Photoshop is the most powerful and advanced of all raster editors in the world.

• Platforms: Windows, macOS.
• Price:$429.

Everyone knows Corel Draw - the most powerful professional vector graphics editor. But Corel has another brainchild - the Corel Painter raster editor, perfect for drawing. This editor has many convenient tools for working with color, synthesizing textures and cloning objects, as well as brushes, canvases and layers.

This expensive but effective editor for sophisticated artists is definitely worth the money.