You can digitally paint with your Android tablet or phone.
These painting apps for Android can be used by professionals as well as amateurs. Although you don’t necessarily need a stylus to use these apps, it is recommended.
After you’re done, find the best Android drawing apps.
Be Ready to Digitally Paint and Draw on Android Before You Start
It is very different to draw on a tablet than using a pen and paper. It is not surprising that using a mouse can be quite different.
Before you choose a digital painting app for Android, make sure to:
- Is there multiple touch-point support for the table or phone?
- Does it detect when your palm rests on the display?
Although most Android painting apps allow you to use your fingers, using a stylus instead is smart. A stylus is available for some Android tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 comes with an S-Pen stylus, which is a larger version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20’s.
The KEKOW Active Stylus pen is a good option for all Android devices.
The MEKO Universal Stylus is a good option if your budget is tight. For better accuracy, this stylus uses a disc stylus nib. It is an excellent entry-level style that doesn’t look quite as good as others.
These are the best Android drawing apps.
1. The Best Android Drawing and Painting App: ibis PaintX
ibis Paint X, an Android application that lets you create digital paintings is a good place to start.
This tool is ideal for artists who are keen to illustrate. It includes stroke stabilization, rulers and clipping masks.
Ibis Paint X has over 300 brushes and unlimited layers each with their own parameters. You can also share your creations online with other Android users once you are done.
There are two premium options available: Prime membership without ads, and remove ads. It’s worth looking into membership as it offers advanced features like new fonts or filters. For tutorial videos, you should also visit the ibis PaintX YouTube channel.
2. Adobe Illustrator Draw
Adobe Illustrator Draw, a well-known software developer for creative productivity, offers a free sketching application called Adobe Illustrator Draw. The portable version of Adobe Illustrator Draw, a popular vector graphics program, features a simple interface, intuitive gesture mechanics and a comprehensive feature list.
The brush tools are easy to use for vector art-based illustration. Your images will be crisp and clear. You can easily transfer your sketches or finished products to the main Adobe Illustrator for flexible productivity. This Android drawing app offers everything you need, from layering to sketching and painting.
3. ArtFlow
You won’t believe how much ArtFlow offers. Artflow is an excellent sketch app for Android. It has multiple brushes and features that can be accessed by clicking an icon. You can use it for serious art creation or just to play.
You can only save your art as a JPEG, PNG or PNG with the free version. Pro versions allow you to export PSD formats so that you can continue your desktop work.
4. MediBang Paint
Learn how to create digital art with your phone. MediBang Paint, one of the most popular drawing apps for Android has a UI that is similar to the Adobe suite.
This app is free and features a lot. There are many online resources that can help you get started.
5. Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter quickly became a fan favorite. It’s simple. All you see is a few tools: smudge, brush size and color.
Infinite Painter has all the tools you need at a click. Although it is very simple, it packs enough features to produce professional-looking work.
Infinite Painter is a top Android drawing app.
6. SketchBook
Autodesk, the creator of AutoCAD among other design softwares, has developed SketchBook. SketchBook is an Android painting app that gives you the tools and features necessary to create whatever your imagination inspires.
Sketchbook used to be a premium app. However, Autodesk made Sketchbook free in recent years. You can use Sketchbook on any device, desktop or mobile.
7. PaperColor
PaperColor is the perfect app to create digital art right from your smartphone. This app has a minimalist UI and puts the brushes and pens right in front of your eyes. This app is as close as an Android paint app can get to an easel or canvas.
PaperColor has a great portfolio display, and the most intuitive and comprehensive brush selections of any drawing program. You’ll get all the amazing tools PaperColor offers when you upgrade to the VIP version.
8. Pixel Studio
You want a painting app for Android with a lower resolution? Pixel Studio is a great option for those who are interested in creating pixel art. This Android art app allows you to create pixel art in 8-bit or 16-bit styles, including single items, characters, and backgrounds.
Pixel Studio lives up its name. Pixel Studio is not just used to create static art. Pixel Studio offers animation tools and the ability to add sound FX or music to loops. You can output animations as GIFs. Static art can be saved in standard formats, and can be exported to other art programs.
9. Krita
Krita, one of the most popular open-source creativity tools available, is currently free to download and use on Android. Krita’s first release was for Linux. However, it has been updated to be compatible with Windows, macOS and Chrome. Android will follow.
Krita for Android is an app that anyone can use to improve their digital painting skills. The same menus and tools are all available in the same places. Krita works better with a stylus, mouse or pen than a finger.
Krita can however be used to create exceptional digital art.
10. Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector
This app is for you if your artistic abilities aren’t as strong as you would like. Da Vinci Eye AR Art Projector allows you to “trace” images from your phone to a surface below by using augmented reality (AR).
Just place the phone over your paper and launch the app. Select the image and begin drawing. Da Vinci Eye AR Art Projector can help you draw, by allowing you to see “through” the source picture.
This may be viewed as a cheat by some. It’s still a beautiful app that cleverly uses AR to create.
11. Bamboo Paper
Bamboo Paper is a simpler way to draw and paint on Android. Bamboo Paper was developed by Wacom, who are experts in digital art. It is lightweight and can be used to take written notes.
The app can be used for any type of design work. Styluses are also supported. Bamboo Paper is a great way to get started with digital art on your phone or tablet. It has a variety of textures, pens and palettes.
Wacom IDs allow you to unlock Inkspace sync and ensure that your notes and sketches are accessible on every device.
There are many great Android painting apps, both paid and free.
You don’t have to be a procrastinator if you’ve ever had a passion for sketching or drawing. These top painting apps for Android will help you improve your drawing skills wherever you are.
The following are the top Android drawing and painting apps:
- Ibis Paint X
- Adobe Illustrator Draw
- ArtFlow
- MediBang Paint
- Infinite Painter
- Sketchbook
- PaperColor
- Pixel Studio
- Krita
- Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector
- Bamboo Paper
All of these will work on Android tablets and phones, but for best results, you need an Android-compatible stylus. Consider a dedicated drawing tablet if an Android tablet is not suitable for your artistic needs.
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