Today, paintings or art created using a computer are no less interesting than ordinary canvases painted on paper. Controlling the mouse cursor is no easier than moving a pencil or brush across the canvas. Some artists who are professionally involved in the electronic art of drawing resort to using special devices like graphics tablets, which eliminates the need for a mouse, but in this case special software is required.
Let's look at the best programs for creating art on personal computer both for amateur and professional environments. Let us outline the key capabilities of the software, ease of use and accessibility of products for different users. We won’t mention the venerable “Photoshop,” because literally all PC artists already know about its existence and widespread dominance in our computers, but we’ll look at lesser-known and smart drawing utilities.
Paint.NET
This is a basic art creation program that is included in almost every copy of the Windows platform. She has at her disposal all the tools necessary for basic drawing: brush, pencil, eraser and fill. Moreover, each instrument has a dozen varieties: thickness, saturation, handicap, etc.
For connoisseurs of virtual art in the style of abstractionism and cubism, the art creation program includes triangle, rectangle, stretching ellipse, polyhedra and conversation clouds for comics. There are also no problems with support for graphic formats. On the official Microsoft resource and on amateur sites you can find some additional plugins and add-ons that significantly expand the capabilities of the program for creating art, turning it into a real monster of art.
We can recommend the utility to any novice artist, as they say, for testing the pen. You can’t count on creating any serious paintings using this program, but it’s quite possible to get your hands on it.
The GIMP
It's pretty powerful program for creating pixel art, and in its functionality it is as close as possible to the legendary Photoshop. The capabilities of the utility allow you not only to draw a picture from scratch, but also to apply many effects to already ready-made images. In addition, the program’s functionality easily copes with the initial layout of websites or some other design layouts.
The program for GIMP supports multi-layer work with images, detailed setup tools, the most accurate color calibration, etc. The utility also supports professional graphics tablets, so it can be recommended to both experienced artists and novice amateurs.
Inkscape
Another well-developed program for creating pop art and complex drawing. The utility allows you to perform any operations with contours, edit the gradient, change the style and type of nodes. In general, the software provides almost everything to draw professional masterpieces of art.
In addition, in the settings you can find a large number of preset shapes that can be changed as you wish. The program supports convenient “hot keys” and exports not only to all popular graphic formats, but also specific ones, like XML. Professional painters have plenty of room to explore in Inkscape, but amateurs will find it difficult to understand all the nuances and specifics of the utility, so it’s better for them to choose something simpler or study the manual thoroughly.
SmoothDraw
This is a great program for creating art from photos. The utility has been adopted by tens of thousands of users, including professional artists and amateur beginners. There is no need here, as in previous programs, to thoroughly study the menu and available tools - just open new file and give free rein to your imagination with the help of intuitive and well-visualized functionality.
At your disposal are multi-layered objects, canvas rotation along all axes, blending modes and sub-pixel anti-aliasing levels. In addition to the standard set of tools for painting on ready-made photos or from a blank sheet of paper, the utility includes rare ready-made brushes like graffiti, stars, grass or water drops. The program also fully supports graphics tablets, which is a clear plus for such software.
PixBuilder Studio
Another program for editing and creating pixel art, that is raster graphics. The software’s capabilities also allow you to easily work on website design, which is why the utility is enviably popular among webmasters, competing with the famous Photoshop.
In addition to the already familiar basic set of tools, there is work with layers, multi-stage undoing of operations, adjusting curve lines and levels, as well as adjusting the popular Bloom (blur) and sharpening effects. The user also has the opportunity to customize the interface at his own discretion: assign tools, display important options as individual elements etc. Working with the program is quite comfortable for both professionals and amateur beginners.
Manga Studio
This is a special program for creating anime art. The user has access to a chic set of tools for drawing manga and comics. Those who have thoroughly studied the manual and have a good understanding of the menu branches as well as hot keys consider the utility the most convenient for sculpting anime.
All the tools, which are customizable, are always at your fingertips: screentone, coloring, black outline, brightener, etc. If you are unfamiliar with software of this kind, but really want to draw anime, then an extended version of the program with step by step instructions your choice - illustrations or videos, which explain in detail all the nuances of this event - from the basics to the creation of professional manga paintings.
Livebrush
This utility can be called a shining example of what a high-quality drawing program for children should look like. Despite its specificity, the program is enviably popular among established artists.
One of distinctive features of this software are vector patterns where the user can apply a drawing of specified shapes and sizes. Here you can easily decorate with Slavic or oriental ornaments, some symmetrical grids or Gothic patterns. The already huge selection of brushes can be expanded with your own settings, or you can download an even larger assortment both from the developer’s official resource and from other amateur resources.
The software has proven itself to work well with graphics tablets and fully supports all stylus protocols. Moreover, the program monitors not only the pressure applied to the pen, but also its tilt, which for many artists is a critical point when choosing such utilities.
PaintTool SAI
This utility, along with Manga Studio, has become popular among fans of Japanese comics. In addition, many users called it a program for creating art on Minecraft due to its specific and convenient tools for this task. The utility is also perfect for those who like to draw landscapes and portraits in the style of hyperrealism or pop art.
The user has access to a wide range of tools: ballpoint pens, ink, dozens of brushes, pencils of different softnesses, pastels, watercolors, etc. Moreover, each individual tool can be customized to suit your specific needs. There is also the possibility of parallel work with several canvases and support for multi-layer objects. This software is used by both professional artists and novice amateurs, and as mentioned above, it is an almost ideal program for creating art for Minecraft.
Affinity Designer
This is a good software for creating art with a classic design and a familiar set of tools. Here you will find a large assortment of brushes, gradients and other auxiliary modes. Among other similar utilities, this program stands out because it copes well with vector objects and can easily process raster images. Many people use this software not so much for drawing from scratch, but for retouching photos and further processing them into a work of art.
One of the obvious disadvantages of the program is the lack of support for third-party plugins. All that is available to the user is a small list of add-ons on the developer’s official resource. The latter, by the way, promised to correct this defect in the very near future. But even without additional plugins, the utility is capable of a lot and will delight you with intuitive functionality with good artistic capabilities.
Summarizing
Drawing is a specific matter. Some people like to sculpt landscapes, some prefer to paint faces, and for others, don’t feed them bread - let them turn all of reality into Japanese manga. Despite the similarity of all the above products and functionality, each utility has some distinctive features.
Before you start creating the next masterpiece that your friends will admire, be sure to take into account the focus and set of tools of a particular art program. It’s better to spend a couple of hours studying the manual of the software you like than to then port your work to another utility with loss of data due to the lack of some kind of brush.
In today's world, computers are increasingly penetrating our lives. Many areas are simply unthinkable without the use of a PC: complex mathematical calculations, design, modeling, Internet communications, etc. Finally, it came to drawing!
Now not only artists, but also ordinary amateurs can easily try to draw some “masterpiece” using special programs. About these special programs for drawing on a computer and would like to talk about it in this article.
*Please note that only free programs.
1. Paint is the default program...
It is with Paint that I would like to begin the review of drawing programs, because... it is included in Windows XP, 7, 8, Vista, etc., which means you don’t need to download anything to start drawing!
To open it, go to the menu " start/programs/standard", and then click the "Paint" icon.
The program itself is extremely simple and even a complete beginner who has recently turned on a PC can understand it.
Among the main functions: changing the size of pictures, cutting out a certain part of the image, the ability to draw with a pencil or brush, filling the area with the selected color, etc.
For those who do not professionally deal with images, for those who sometimes need to correct something small in pictures - the program’s capabilities are more than enough. That is why I recommend starting your acquaintance with drawing on a PC with it!
2. Gimp - a powerful graph. editor
Gimp is a powerful graphics editor that can work with graphics tablets* (see below) and many other input devices.
Main functions:
Improve photos, make them brighter, enhance color rendition;
Easily and quickly remove unnecessary elements from photographs;
Cut website layouts;
Drawing pictures using graphics tablets;
Own file storage format “.xcf”, which is capable of storing texts, textures, layers, etc.;
Convenient ability to work with the clipboard - you can instantly insert a picture into the program and start editing it;
Gimp will allow you to archive images almost on the fly;
Ability to open files in “.psd” format;
Creating your own plugins (if you have programming skills, of course).
3. MyPaint - artistic drawing
Website: http://mypaint.intilinux.com/?page_id=6
MyPaint is a graphics editor aimed at beginner artists. The program has a simple interface coupled with unlimited canvas sizes. There is also an excellent set of brushes, thanks to which, using this program, you can draw pictures on your computer, just like on canvas!
Main functions:
Possibility of quick commands using assigned buttons;
A huge selection of brushes, their customization, the ability to create and import them;
Excellent support for the tablet; by the way, the program was generally designed for it;
Unlimited canvas size - thus nothing limits your creativity;
Ability to work on Windows, Linux and Mac OS.
4. Graffiti Studio - for graffiti fans
This program will appeal to all graffiti lovers (in principle, you can guess the direction of the program from the name).
The program is captivating with its simplicity and realism - the paintings come out of the pen almost like the best hits on the walls of professionals.
In the program, you can choose canvases, for example, carriages, walls, buses, on which you can then work your creative miracles.
The panel provides a choice of a huge number of colors - more than 100 pieces! It is possible to make smudges, change the distance to the surface, use markers, etc. In general, a whole arsenal of a graffiti artist!
5. Artweaver - replacement for Adobe Photoshop
A free graphic editor that claims to be the most Adobe Photoshop. This program simulates drawing with oil, paint, pencil, chalk, brush, etc.
It is possible to work with layers, convert images into various formats, compression, etc. Judging by the screenshot below, you can’t even tell it from Adobe Photoshop!
Website: http://www.smoothdraw.com/
SmoothDraw is an excellent graphics editor, with a lot of possibilities for processing and creating images. The program is mainly focused on creating pictures from scratch, from a white and blank canvas.
You will have a large number of design and artistic tools in your arsenal: brushes, pencils, pens, pens, etc.
The work with tablets is also quite good, coupled with the user-friendly interface of the program - it can be safely recommended to most users.
7. PixBuilder Studio - mini Photoshop
Many users on the Internet have already dubbed this program mini Photoshop. It has most of the popular functions and features of the paid version. Adobe programs Photoshop: brightness and contrast editor, there are tools for cutting, transforming images, you can create complex shapes and objects.
Good implementation of several types of picture blur, sharpening effects, etc.
It’s probably not worth talking about such features as changing the size of the picture, rotating, reversing, etc. Overall, PixBuilder Studio is an excellent drawing and editing program for your computer.
8. Inkscape - analogue of Corel Draw (vector graphics)
This is a free vector image editor similar to Corel Draw. This program is for drawing with vectors - i.e. directed segments. Unlike bitmap images, vector images can easily be resized without losing quality! Typically, such a program is used in printing.
It’s worth mentioning here about Flash - it also uses vector graphics, which allows you to significantly reduce the size of the video!
By the way, it’s worth adding that the program has support for the Russian language!
9. Livebrush - painting with a brush
Website: http://www.livebrush.com/GetLivebrush.aspx
Very simple program for drawing with good capabilities for image editing. One of the main features of this editor is that you will draw here brush! There are no other tools!
On the one hand, this is limiting, but on the other, the program allows you to implement a lot of things that you can’t do in any other!
A huge number of brushes, settings for them, strokes, etc. Moreover, you can create brushes yourself and download them from the Internet.
By the way, by “brush” in livebrush we mean not “just a simple” line, but also models of complex geometric shapes... In general, it is recommended for all fans of working with graphics to become familiar with it.
10. Graphics tablets
A graphics tablet is a special device for drawing on a computer. Connects to computer via standard USB. Using the stylus, you can navigate electronic sheet, and on the computer screen you immediately see your picture online. Great!
Who needs a tablet for what?
The tablet can be useful not only for professional designers, but also for ordinary schoolchildren and children. Using it you can edit photos and images, draw graffiti in in social networks, easily and quickly enter manuscripts into graphic documents. In addition, when using a pen (tablet pen), your hand and wrist do not get tired during long-term work, such as when using a mouse.
For professionals, this is an opportunity to edit photographs: create masks, retouch, edit and make corrections to complex contours of images (hair, eyes, etc.).
In general, you get used to the tablet very quickly and if you often work with graphics, the device becomes simply irreplaceable! Recommended for all graphics lovers.
This concludes the review of programs. Good luck with your choice and beautiful drawings!
The modern world is changing everything, and anyone can become anything, even an artist. In order to draw, it is not necessary to work in some special place; it is enough to simply have programs for drawing art on your computer. This article shows the most famous of these programs.
Any graphic editor can be called a program for drawing art, although not every such editor is able to satisfy your desires. It is for this reason that this list will include the most different programs with different functionality. The most important thing is that each of the programs can become either a separate tool in your hands or be included in your set, which you can use in different ways.
This graphic editor is not intended for drawing art. More precisely, it was not designed for this. When it was created, the programmers were inspired by children, and the fact that it is in childhood that we become who we are now. This children's program has musical accompaniment and many instruments, but is not very suitable for drawing high-quality art.
Artweaver
This art creation program is very similar to Adobe Photoshop. It has everything that Photoshop has - layers, corrections, the same tools. But not all tools are available in free version, and this is an important disadvantage.
ArtRage
ArtRage is the most unique program in this collection. The fact is that the program has a set of tools that are great for drawing not only with a pencil, but also with paints, both oil and watercolor. Moreover, the image drawn with these tools is very similar to the real one. The program also includes layers, stickers, stencils and even tracing paper. The main advantage is that each tool can be configured and saved as a separate template, thereby expanding the capabilities of the program.
Paint.NET
If Artweaver was similar to Photoshop, then this program is more like standard Paint with Photoshop capabilities. It includes tools from Paint, layers, corrections, effects, and even taking an image from a camera or scanner. Plus to all this, it is completely free. The only downside is that sometimes it works much slower with 3D images.
Inkscape
This art drawing program is quite a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced user. It has very wide functionality and a lot of possibilities. Of the possibilities, transformation stands out the most bitmap to vector. There are also tools for working with layers, text and paths.
GIMP
This graphics editor is another copy of Adobe Photoshop, but it has a few differences. True, these differences are rather superficial. There is also work with layers, image correction and filters, but there is also image transformation, and access to it is quite easy.
Paint Tool Sai
A huge number of different tool settings allow you to create almost new tool, which is a plus of the program. Plus, you can directly customize the toolbar. But, unfortunately, all this is available for only one day, and then you have to pay.
In our modern times, it is not necessary to be able to draw to create art; it is enough just to have one of the programs presented in this list. They all have one common goal, but almost each of them approaches this goal in different ways, however, with the help of these programs you can create truly beautiful and unique art. What software do you use to create art?
So you bought 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 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 tricks, they will definitely be appreciated by designers and illustrators.
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
Lightweight and cheaper version of Painter offers everything necessary tools for drawing, but at a lower price. An excellent option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready to spend a lot of money.
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 kind of a killer Adobe Illustrator. 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 that is essentially a symbiosis 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 is another drawing program worth attention - 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 programs from the list will become an excellent alternative Adobe products, even if you're 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!
In addition to the famous graphics editor Photoshop and standard Paint There are various free drawing programs for PC. And they are nothing worse than that or 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 the best drawing software for 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, and 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, 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 is a simple drawing program. 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 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 free graphics program for drawing. 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 a simple drawing program for kids, try Tux Paint. This drawing game was created for children aged 3 years and older and is used in many preschool institutions to teach 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 – professional program for drawing, which 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
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