Unleashing your creativity shouldn’t be limited by your budget. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, the right sketching app can transform your device into a portable studio. At freetrials.co.uk, we’ve evaluated a range of apps based on their features, user interface, and overall performance to ensure you get the best tools without spending a penny. From simple doodling to complex illustrations, these free sketching apps offer impressive capabilities that rival their paid counterparts.
Autodesk SketchBook
Autodesk SketchBook is a professional-grade digital sketching and painting software that offers a clean, intuitive interface perfect for both beginners and experienced artists. The application provides a wide array of customisable brushes, allowing users to create everything from quick sketches to detailed illustrations.
Its streamlined design keeps tools out of the way, providing a distraction-free drawing experience that closely mimics traditional sketching. SketchBook’s powerful features, such as perspective guides and symmetry tools, make it an excellent choice for concept artists, illustrators, and designers who need precision in their work.
Key Features
- Intuitive interface with customisable workspace
- Wide variety of brushes and tools
- Layer support with blending modes
- Perspective guides and rulers
- Symmetry tools for mandala and pattern creation
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)
Autodesk SketchBook offers a free plan that includes most of its core features, making it an excellent option for artists of all levels. The free version provides access to the basic brushes, layers, and tools, allowing users to create professional-quality artwork without any cost. For those requiring advanced features, there’s a Pro version available for a one-time purchase of £17.99, which unlocks additional brush customisation options, more advanced layer controls, and exclusive brushes.
Krita
Krita is a powerful, open-source digital painting program that has gained a strong following among digital artists and illustrators. Developed by artists for artists, Krita offers a feature-rich environment that rivals many paid applications. Its user interface is highly customisable, allowing artists to tailor their workspace to their specific needs.
Krita excels in providing a natural painting experience with its brush engine, which offers an extensive range of brush presets and the ability to create custom brushes. The software also includes advanced features like vector tools, animation support, and a wrap-around mode for seamless pattern creation.
Key Features
- Highly customisable brush engine
- Multiple brush stabilisers for smooth lines
- Advanced layer management
- Vector tools and text support
- Animation tools
- Wrap-around mode for pattern creation
- Resource management for brushes, patterns, and gradients
Krita is completely free and open-source, meaning users have access to all features without any cost or time limitations. The software is maintained by a community of developers and artists, ensuring regular updates and improvements. While there’s no paid version, users can support the project through donations or by purchasing training materials and artwork from the Krita shop.
MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a versatile digital painting and comic creation software that caters to both amateur and professional artists. Known for its user-friendly interface and lightweight design, MediBang Paint offers a wide range of tools specifically tailored for manga and comic book artists.
The software provides an extensive library of pre-made tones, textures, and backgrounds, which can significantly speed up the creation process. MediBang Paint also offers cloud storage and synchronisation across devices, allowing artists to work seamlessly between their computers and mobile devices.
Key Features
- Specialised tools for comic and manga creation
- Extensive library of tones, textures, and backgrounds
- Cloud storage and cross-device synchronisation
- Customisable brushes and tools
- Layer support with blending modes
- Text tools with speech bubble creation
- Collaborative features for team projects
MediBang Paint offers a completely free plan that includes all of its core features, making it an excellent choice for artists on a budget. The free version provides access to all drawing tools, cloud storage, and the materials library. There’s no time limit on the free version, and it doesn’t include ads. For users who need more cloud storage or want to remove the watermark on exported files, there’s a Pro version available for a monthly subscription starting at £6.99.
MyPaint
MyPaint is an open-source digital painting program that focuses on providing a simple, distraction-free environment for artists. Designed primarily for use with graphics tablets, MyPaint offers a clean interface that disappears when you start drawing, allowing for an immersive creative experience.
The software is particularly noted for its unique brush engine, which simulates traditional media with impressive accuracy. MyPaint’s infinite canvas feature allows artists to sketch and paint without worrying about canvas size constraints, making it ideal for conceptual work and exploration.
Key Features
- Minimalist, distraction-free interface
- Infinite canvas for unrestricted drawing
- Advanced brush engine with customisable brushes
- Pressure sensitivity support for graphics tablets
- Layer support with basic blending modes
- Color mixing and selection tools
- Support for OpenRaster file format
MyPaint is completely free and open-source software. All features are available without any cost or time limitations. The program is maintained by a community of developers and artists, ensuring ongoing improvements and updates. There is no paid version of MyPaint, but users can support the project through donations or by contributing to its development.
Concepts
Concepts is a flexible sketching and design app that bridges the gap between traditional sketching and precise vector drawing. It offers an infinite canvas and a unique approach to digital sketching with its proprietary Fluid Ink engine, which provides a smooth and responsive drawing experience.
Concepts is particularly popular among architects, product designers, and illustrators due to its powerful vector editing capabilities and precision tools. The app’s interface is highly customisable, allowing users to create personalised toolbars and gestures for a more efficient workflow.
Key Features
- Infinite canvas with zoom capabilities
- Fluid Ink engine for smooth drawing
- Vector sketching with precision tools
- Customisable brushes and tools
- Layer support with adjustable opacity
- Object library for quick insertion of common elements
- Export in various formats including SVG and CAD
Concepts offers a free plan that includes basic sketching tools and infinite canvas functionality. The free version allows users to explore the app’s core features and create unlimited sketches. However, some advanced features like precision tools, PDF export, and the full brush library are available through in-app purchases or by upgrading to the Concepts Everything subscription, which costs £9.99 per month or £79.99 per year.
Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches is a sleek and intuitive digital sketching app designed to provide a natural drawing experience on mobile devices and tablets. Known for its clean, minimalist interface, Tayasui Sketches offers a range of realistic brushes that mimic traditional art tools with impressive accuracy.
The app focuses on simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to artists of all skill levels. Tayasui Sketches excels in providing a distraction-free environment where artists can focus solely on their creativity, with tools that appear only when needed.
Key Features
- Realistic brush engine with customisable tools
- Minimalist, clutter-free interface
- Layer support with blending modes
- Symmetry tool for creating patterns
- Color eyedropper and mixer
- Ruler and shape tools for precise drawing
- Cloud sync across devices (in paid version)
Tayasui Sketches offers a free plan that includes a selection of basic brushes and tools, allowing users to create artwork without any cost. The free version provides access to essential features like layers, color mixing, and basic export options. For more advanced features such as additional brushes, PNG export, and cloud sync, users can upgrade to the Pro version through a one-time purchase of £5.99 on mobile devices or £24.99 for the desktop version.
ibis Paint X
ibis Paint X is a versatile digital painting and drawing app that has gained popularity, especially among manga and anime artists. The app offers a wide array of brushes and tools, making it suitable for various styles of digital art. ibis Paint X is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive set of features, including layer support, filters, and text tools.
One of its unique aspects is the ability to record and share drawing processes, which has made it a favourite among art tutorial creators. The app also includes a community aspect, allowing users to share their work and participate in art challenges.
Key Features
- Over 2500 brushes with customisation options
- Layer support with various blending modes
- Text tools with fonts and effects
- Filter and effect options for image editing
- Drawing process recording and playback
- Ruler and perspective guide tools
- Community features for sharing and viewing artwork
ibis Paint X offers a comprehensive free plan that includes most of its features, including access to a large selection of brushes and tools. The free version is supported by ads, which can be removed by watching video ads or through in-app purchases. For users who want an ad-free experience and access to premium brushes and features, there’s a Prime membership available for £4.99 per month or £31.99 per year.
ArtFlow
ArtFlow is a powerful digital painting app designed specifically for Android devices. It offers a professional-grade set of tools and features, making it a popular choice among digital artists who prefer working on mobile platforms. ArtFlow stands out for its smooth performance and ability to handle large canvases without lag, even on older devices.
The app provides a wide range of customisable brushes and a user-friendly interface that can be tailored to suit individual preferences. ArtFlow’s support for pressure-sensitive styluses enhances the natural feel of drawing, making it an excellent option for both sketching and detailed artwork.
Key Features
- Extensive brush library with customisation options
- Layer support with blending modes
- Pressure sensitivity support for compatible styluses
- Large canvas sizes with smooth performance
- Customisable interface and shortcuts
- Symmetry tools and rulers
- Export in various formats including PSD
ArtFlow offers a free plan that includes basic drawing tools and layers, allowing users to create artwork without any cost. The free version provides access to a limited set of brushes and features, which is sufficient for casual sketching and basic digital painting. For access to the full set of brushes, advanced layer options, and additional export formats, users can upgrade to the Pro version through a one-time purchase of £4.99.
Drawpile
Drawpile is a unique open-source drawing application that combines digital painting tools with collaborative features. It allows multiple users to work on the same canvas in real-time, making it an excellent choice for team projects, online art classes, or simply drawing with friends.
Drawpile offers a straightforward interface with a good selection of brushes and tools suitable for both sketching and detailed work. The software supports layers and provides basic image editing capabilities. One of Drawpile’s standout features is its ability to record drawing sessions, which can be played back later, making it useful for creating tutorials or reviewing the creative process.
Key Features
- Real-time collaborative drawing
- Layer support with blending modes
- Customisable brushes and tools
- Session recording and playback
- Chat function for communication during collaborative sessions
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Support for pressure-sensitive drawing tablets
Drawpile is completely free and open-source software. All features, including the collaborative tools, are available at no cost and without time limitations. The application is maintained by a community of developers, ensuring regular updates and improvements. There is no paid version of Drawpile, but users can support the project through donations or by contributing to its development.
Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is a feature-rich digital painting app designed for mobile devices, offering a professional-grade toolset that rivals desktop applications. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful brush engine, Infinite Painter provides artists with a wide range of customisable brushes and tools.
The app excels in its ability to simulate traditional media, from watercolors to oils, with impressive realism. Infinite Painter also offers advanced features like perspective guides, symmetry tools, and 3D layer support, making it suitable for various artistic styles and techniques. Its infinite canvas feature allows for unrestricted creativity, ideal for conceptual work and large-scale projects.
Key Features
- Advanced brush engine with over 160 customisable brushes
- Layer support with 3D layer capabilities
- Perspective and symmetry tools
- Infinite canvas with high-resolution support
- Smudge and blending tools for realistic effects
- Color harmony and mixing features
- Import and export in various file formats
Infinite Painter offers a free plan that allows users to explore many of its core features. The free version includes access to a selection of brushes and basic tools, enabling users to create artwork without any cost. However, some advanced features and the full brush library are locked behind in-app purchases. For full access to all features and brushes, users can opt for a premium subscription, which is available for £9.99 per month or £69.99 per year.
How to choose the best free sketching app for you
Consider your device and operating system
Before diving into the world of free sketching apps, take stock of your device’s capabilities and operating system. Some apps are exclusive to iOS or Android, while others offer cross-platform functionality. Ensure the app you’re eyeing is compatible with your smartphone or tablet to avoid disappointment. Additionally, consider your device’s processing power and storage capacity, as more feature-rich apps may require greater resources.
Assess your skill level and artistic needs
Free sketching apps come in a variety of complexities, from basic doodling tools to professional-grade software. Beginners might prefer apps with intuitive interfaces and simple toolsets, while experienced artists may seek advanced features like layer support, custom brushes, and precise colour control. Think about your artistic goals and choose an app that aligns with your skill level and ambitions, whether you’re looking to create quick sketches or detailed illustrations.
Evaluate available features and limitations
While free apps offer excellent value, they often come with certain restrictions. Compare the features offered by different apps, paying attention to elements like the number of brushes, canvas sizes, export options, and cloud storage. Some free versions may limit access to premium tools or place watermarks on your creations. Weigh these factors against your needs and consider whether the app’s limitations will hinder your artistic expression or if they’re acceptable trade-offs for a no-cost solution.
Which Free Sketching App Is Best?
Autodesk SketchBook is great for digital artists seeking professional-grade tools. Its intuitive interface and extensive brush library set it apart, while the free plan offers a wide-ranging set of features that rival paid applications. We recommend SketchBook if you want a powerful, all-in-one digital art solution, suitable for both beginners and experienced artists alike.
If you prefer open-source software, Krita or MyPaint might be more your speed. Krita offers a wide array of brushes and painting tools, ideal for creating detailed digital art. MyPaint, on the other hand, excels with its minimalist interface and unique brush engine, perfect if you want a distraction-free drawing experience. We suggest Krita for illustrators and concept artists, while MyPaint is great for sketchers and those who prefer simplicity.
MediBang Paint provides a versatile platform with cloud syncing capabilities, allowing you to work seamlessly across devices. Its user-friendly interface and solid set of tools make it a top contender if you need flexibility in your creative process. We recommend MediBang Paint for comic artists and those who frequently switch between devices. The mobile version is particularly noteworthy, offering a robust set of features for on-the-go creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Free Sketching Apps
What are the best free sketching apps available?
Some of the best free sketching apps include Autodesk SketchBook, Krita, MediBang Paint, MyPaint, Concepts, Tayasui Sketches, ibis Paint X, ArtFlow, Drawpile, and Infinite Painter. Each offers unique features and tools for digital artists.
Are these sketching apps completely free?
While all the mentioned apps have free versions, some like Concepts and Infinite Painter offer free plans with in-app purchases for additional features. Others like Krita, MyPaint, and Drawpile are completely free and open-source.
Can I use these sketching apps professionally?
Yes, many of these apps are suitable for professional use. Apps like Autodesk SketchBook and Krita are particularly popular among professional artists and illustrators for their robust feature sets.
Which sketching app is best for beginners?
For beginners, apps like Autodesk SketchBook and Tayasui Sketches offer user-friendly interfaces and basic tools that are easy to grasp. MediBang Paint is also known for its simplicity and comprehensive tutorials.
Do these apps work on both mobile devices and computers?
The availability varies. Apps like Autodesk SketchBook and ibis Paint X work on both mobile and desktop platforms. Others, like MyPaint and Krita, are primarily desktop applications. Always check the app’s compatibility with your specific device.
Which app is best for collaborative drawing?
Drawpile stands out for collaborative work, as it’s designed specifically for real-time collaboration between multiple artists. It allows users to host drawing sessions and work together on the same canvas.
Can I export my sketches to other file formats?
Yes, most of these apps allow you to export your work in various file formats. Common export options include PNG, JPG, and often PSD for further editing in other software.
Do any of these apps offer vector drawing capabilities?
Yes, Concepts is known for its vector drawing capabilities, allowing for infinite scaling without loss of quality. Most other apps in this list primarily focus on raster-based drawing.
Are these apps suitable for comic and manga creation?
Absolutely. MediBang Paint is particularly popular among comic and manga artists due to its specialised tools and resources. Krita also offers comic creation tools and panel templates.
How often are these free sketching apps updated?
Update frequency varies by app. Open-source options like Krita and MyPaint are regularly updated by their communities. Commercial apps with free tiers, such as Autodesk SketchBook and ibis Paint X, also receive frequent updates to maintain competitiveness.
