4 Drawing Apps Every Digital Artist Should Know About

Whether you’re sketching, painting, or creating digital masterpieces, the right drawing app can really make or break your creative flow. I’ve danced around with quite a few apps over the years, and let me tell you, not all are created equal. Here’s a rundown of five drawing apps that have truly changed the game for me and might just do the same for you.

1. Procreate

Starting with the heavy hitter, Procreate has become almost synonymous with digital art, especially for iPad users. This app is a powerhouse for creating detailed artwork, and if you’re diving into large-scale projects like poster prints or tapestries, it’s a must-have.

The ability to handle large canvases with ease comes from the extra processing power of an iPad Pro. And the seamless sync across Apple devices? Total game changer. I can sketch on my iPad, pull references from my iPhone instantly via iCloud, and never miss a beat.

Though I was a bit of an Apple skeptic before, the ecosystem’s connectivity has made my creative process smoother than ever. Yes, file management on iOS can be a bit of a comedy show, but with tools like FileBrowser, I can sync everything to my PC without too much fuss.

2. Krita

Now, for those who lean towards open-source software, Krita is a gem. It’s tailored for raster illustrations and packs a punch with its intuitive interface and robust feature set.

After bouncing between Photoshop, SAI, and GIMP, Krita has become my go-to for the past seven years. It’s not just the technical prowess of Krita that keeps me coming back but also the vibrant community that supports it.

The small things like the brush popup panel and easy brush resizing are big pluses. And did I mention it’s free? Trust me, it’s one of those tools that you’ll end up wanting to support financially simply because it’s that good.

3. Adobe Fresco

If you’re not on the iPad train, Adobe Fresco is a fantastic alternative. It bridges the gap between traditional drawing and digital innovations with a splash of Adobe’s magic. Fresco starts strong with a robust selection of brushes, and if you’re missing anything, just dive into the vast world of downloadable brushes.

It’s right up there with Procreate in terms of functionality, and for those who started out with Photoshop, it feels like coming home—only better.

4. Autodesk Sketchbook

For a more laid-back drawing experience that you can take on the go, Autodesk Sketchbook hits the spot. It’s one of those apps that prove you don’t need a bunch of complicated features to produce great art—it’s about enhancing creativity without overwhelming you.

The app shines with its simplicity and ease of use, whether you’re using it on your desktop or your phone. Though the mobile version isn’t as robust, the desktop experience is enough to keep you coming back.

Procreate vs. Adobe Fresco

Alright, I know I’ve already mentioned Procreate, but hear me out—picking between Procreate and Adobe Fresco can be tough. Both apps deliver quality, but here’s the scoop: if you’re all in with the Apple ecosystem, Procreate might edge out simply for its deeper integration. However, if you’re someone who likes to mix things up or isn’t committed to Apple, Adobe Fresco offers flexibility with similar capabilities and the added benefit of Adobe’s creative cloud integration.