8 Best Free Drawing Software You Should Try In 2024(Free & Paid)

Summary: In this article, we will explore the top eight drawing software options available in 2024, both free and paid. Their advantages, disadvantages and pricing information are all covered. Come and check it!

It's fine to draw with just a traditional pen and paper - but digital drawing with drawing software is the future.

Drawing software are significant tools for aspiring or professional digital artists. Modern drawing software and apps offer capabilities to create, edit, and sometimes even publish finished artwork such as sketches, illustrations, and diagrams.

Creating visual image files on all operating systems, such as iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, is easier than ever. Artists of any skill level can produce artwork for marketing, advertising and graphic design projects when they lean to use a wide range of drawing software.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, these drawing tools offer a range of features and capabilities to suit your needs. Let's dive in and discover the perfect drawing software for you!

Top 8 Drawing Software for Digital Artists

To help you find the drawing tool that’s right for you, we’ve tested out the best free drawing software for PC, Mac, and other devices as follows.

Fotor | Best AI Drawing Software

Fotor is an all-in-one drawing software that incorporates artificial intelligence to enhance your artistic creations. It offers a user-friendly interface and a wide array of AI drawing tools.

Just enter your digital art inspiration prompts and you can get the artwork that AI draws for you. You will not be restricted from the different styles of art in it, because you can generate concept art, anime, 3D, and more different digital artwork. Try it out to experience an instant text to image conversion.

Still, you are also allowed to turn your own images into paintings without drawing it in the related art styles. The whole process only takes a few seconds, and you can turn your photos into sketches, oil paintings, anime, pop art, cartoon, and more. These artworks will have the same feel and look as the traditional art media.

Available:

Windows/macOS/IOS/Android

Pros:

• Easy to use interface; Good for beginner

• Excellent image quality and accuracy

• Various image generation styles to choose from

• Text-to-image and image-to-image conversions

• Built-in image editing tools

Cons:

• Fast generation mode is fee-based

Pricing:

• Fotor Basic: Free

• Fotor Pro: $3.33/month

• Fotor Pro+: $7.49/month

Krita

Krita is a free and open-source drawing software that has gained popularity among digital artists. It boasts an impressive set of tools and features, making it a viable alternative to expensive paid software. Krita supports a variety of brush engines, offering a wide range of brushes and textures to choose from. It also provides advanced layer management, animation capabilities, and customizable interface options. Whether you are into digital painting, concept art, or illustration, Krita is a reliable and robust choice for your artistic endeavors.

Available:

Windows/macOS/Linux

Pros:

• Free drawing software.

• Lots of free educational resources.

• Massive collection of brushes.

• Available for windows, mac, and Linux.

Cons:

• Lack of tutorials.

• It is not versatile.

Pricing:

• Completely free

Inscape

If you are looking for a free and powerful vector graphics editor, Inkscape is an excellent choice. As a paint tool, it enables artists to create scalable vector artwork with precision and versatility. Inkscape supports various advanced features, including node editing, path operations, and text support. It also allows import and export of popular file formats, making it compatible with other software. Whether you are designing logos, icons, or illustrations, Inkscape provides a comprehensive toolkit for vector-based artwork.

Available:

Windows/macOS/Linux

Pros:

• Drawing, Pencil, Pen, and Calligraphy tools

• Text tools

• Supports multiple file formats

• Bitmap tracing

• SVG format file editing and generation

Cons:

• It can be used for creating vector graphics only.

• Not beginner friendly.

• Do not support CMYK color mode.

Pricing:

• Free

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade drawing software widely used by designers and artists. While it comes with a subscription fee, it offers an extensive set of features and integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications. Adobe Illustrator excels in creating vector-based graphics, providing powerful tools for precise drawing, typography, and image editing. It supports seamless integration with other Adobe products like Photoshop and InDesign, allowing you to work seamlessly across different platforms. If you are looking for industry-standard drawing software with advanced capabilities, Adobe Illustrator is a top choice.

Available:

Windows/macOS/iPad

Pros:

• It is a versatile software for digital artists.

• Best file recovery.

• Offers multiple exporting options.

• An incredible tool for image tracing.

Cons:

• It occupies a lot of disk space.

• It’s not beginner friendly.

• Provide minimal support for raster graphics.

• Expensive CC monthly subscription when you need only Adobe Illustrator.

Pricing:

• $20.99/month

Artweaver

Artweaver is a feature-rich drawing software that caters to both beginners and advanced artists. It offers a wide range of realistic brushes, simulating various traditional art mediums such as pencils, oil paints, and watercolors. Artweaver provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive tools, allowing artists to create stunning digital artwork. It also supports layers, filters, and customizable brushes, enabling artists to unleash their creativity and experiment with different techniques.

Available:

Windows

Pros:

• Provides tools for raster paintings.

• Provides plug-in support.

• Plus edition is affordable.

Cons:

• Available for Windows users; no mac OS version is available.

• Do not support open-type fonts.

• The interface is outdated.

Pricing:

• Free for Artweaver

• Artweaver Plus retails for €34

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a professional drawing software known for its precision and speed. It provides a robust set of vector editing tools, allowing artists to create detailed and scalable artwork. Affinity Designer supports advanced features like non-destructive editing, advanced typography, and seamless PSD file compatibility. It also offers a flexible and customizable workspace, enabling artists to tailor the software to their specific needs. Whether you are working on illustrations, branding materials, or user interfaces, Affinity Designer offers a comprehensive set of tools for your creative projects.

Available:

Windows/macOS/iPad

Pros:

• It allows users to freely switch between raster and vector workspaces with just a single click.

• It has a core engine that can take documents of any size or complexity and can easily handle even 1000s of objects.

Cons:

• A little expensive

Pricing:

• Windows and Mac: $69.99

• IPad: $18.49

Procreate

Procreate is a highly acclaimed one of the best drawing apps designed exclusively for iPad users. It has gained popularity among digital artists for its powerful features and intuitive interface. Procreate provides a vast collection of brushes, offering realistic textures and effects. It supports advanced layer management, customizable shortcuts, and various drawing assist tools. With Procreate, artists can create stunning digital artwork on their iPad, taking advantage of its touch-based interface and pressure sensitivity. If you are an iPad user seeking a professional drawing software, Procreate is a top choice.

Available:

iPad

Pros:

• Has an intuitive user interface.

• A vast selection of digital brushes, textures, and layer controls.

• No in-app purchases are required for full access to features.

Cons:

• Available only for iPad and iPhones.

Pricing:

• One-time payment: $9.99

Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint, formerly known as Manga Studio, is a versatile drawing software popular among comic artists and illustrators. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and features tailored for creating manga and comic artwork. Clip Studio Paint provides specialized brushes for inking, coloring, and creating dynamic panel layouts. It also offers advanced features for 3D modeling, animation, and perspective drawing. Whether you are a professional comic artist or an aspiring illustrator, Clip Studio Paint provides the necessary tools to bring your artistic vision to life.

Available:

Windows/macOS/iPad/iPhone/Android/Chromebook

Pros:

• Clip Studio Paint has advanced vector tools.

• It has a wide selection of custom brushes.

• Available for Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android.

• It allows you to share your work on social media platforms easily.

Cons:

• The Pro and Ex versions of Clip Studio Paint are expensive.

• The user interface can be confusing for digital art beginners.

Pricing:

• Clip Studio Paint PRO: $49.99

• Clip Studio Paint EX: $219.00

Conclusion

In this article, we have talked about digital drawing and shares the eight best drawing software with you. From free software like Krita and Inkscape to professional-grade options like Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer, there is a drawing software suitable for every artist's needs and budget. So go ahead, choose the drawing software that resonates with you, and embark on your creative journey!