Since its humble beginnings, free drawing software has advanced a lot. Although older drawing programs were limited in functionality, modern versions are much more powerful and offer many more options.
Many of these amazing drawing programs offer realistic simulations of watercolors and oils, pastels, charcoal, etc. Many of this software allows you to work in three dimensions. You can make your own models and apply your textures and paint effects. Then you can combine them with 2D sketches to create scenes or print in 3D.
These applications can be used with a mouse but they also work seamlessly with a stylus, touchscreen, or stylus. You have full control over your virtual brushes, pens, and other tools. It all works without any cost.
Some tools are made for professional illustrators while others are great for children. There is something for everyone. Your imagination and skill are the only limitations.
1. Krita
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux
Krita is a professional-quality drawing program created by a group of artists who aspire to make the best tools available for everyone.
Krita can be used for all types of illustration and drawing but is especially great for comics or manga. You can use panel templates, halftone filters, and perspective tools, in addition to brushes, fills pens, and other tools. Custom brushes can be saved for later use.
Right-clicking on any canvas in Krita will open a selection wheel. This allows you to pick a tool and choose a color in seconds. It’s easier than scrolling through settings and menus.
Krita was designed by artists for artists. It is filled with thoughtful touches that make it easy to create beautiful paintings. You can use the handy drawing tools to create straight lines, smooth shapes, and vanishing points. There are layers, masks, and transform tools as well as advanced selection functions.
Krita is a powerful drawing program that you can download and use for free.
2. Artweaver is Free
SPECIFICATIONS
Windows operating system
Artweaver allows you to create stunning digital drawings using input from your mouse, stylus, or touchscreen PC. You can also use the stylus, mouse, or touch screen keyboard to apply realistic brush effects.
This free software allows you to create complex images using a wide range of patterns and pens. You can create layers to build your masterpiece without losing the ability to change anything.
Artweaver is suitable for all artists, but it’s especially useful for children. Children love to experiment with the various brushes and it’s easy to clean up afterward.
3. Microsoft Paint 3D
SPECIFICATIONS
Windows operating system
Paint 3D is similar to Microsoft Paint but offers a limited number of drawing tools that can be used for drawing on a flat canvas. The real fun comes when you click on the 3D Objects option. You can choose a model to import, which currently includes people and animals. Or you can draw your own shape to ‘inflate it’ to make it a three-dimensional model. This model can be rotated to view it from different angles.
You can choose a finish to your shape (e.g. matte, gloss, or dull metal), and then paint it with lighting effects. You can’t control the thickness of the 3D effect. Your object will look exactly like something you created with Puff Paints. However, it is a great free drawing program that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Multiple models can be placed at different depths to create a scene. If you have a 3D printer, you can even print your doodles in the real world.
4. Microsoft Fresh Paint
SPECIFICATIONS
Windows operating system
Microsoft’s Fresh Paint app is another art application. It replicates the feeling of using a pen or brush to draw on paper.
Skeuomorphism is a great interface. The virtual brush can be dipped in a variety of colours and the colors will splatter to show which shade you are currently using. The bristles can be washed in water and then repainted. You can also use them one after the other to mix them on the brush.
Fresh Paint can be used to simulate watercolors, gouache and other materials. You can interact with your work, as if it were still wet, by smearing and mixing colors on the canvas.
Experiential artists will be able to achieve amazing results using tools that look and behave just like their real-life counterparts. Children and beginners will have no trouble creating a mess. Everyone can use the free drawing software.
5. MyPaint
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux
Martin Renold, an artist, and inventor of MyPaint, was frustrated by limitations in Wacom Tablet’s proprietary software. He decided to create his own software. The open-source, free drawing software is a powerful tool for serious artists.
MyPaint’s Linux background means that it works differently than most Windows apps. It will take some time to get used to its interface if you are a hobbyist artist-illustrator. Krita’s focus is on comics so it may not be a good fit for your needs.
MyPaint is best used with a graphic tablet. However, you can use it with any input device, even touchscreens.
You’ll find the usual assortment of customizable brushes as well as layers support and a scratchpad to create sketches. Additional brush packages can be downloaded and installed by other users, which is a benefit of the source code being made public.
