Download a simple drawing program. Review of free drawing programs

Computers, which entered our lives not so long ago, have already become excellent helpers for us. Smart machines greatly facilitate work in all areas of human activity. Computers especially help creative individuals like artists. Surely many people know how difficult it is to paint pictures by hand. Rubbing paints, preparing the canvas - all this is a very long and tedious process, after which the desire to create is completely discouraged. And the process itself One wrong movement or stroke - and that’s it. The picture will have to be redrawn. After all, it is almost impossible to correct a mistake.

All this really interferes with the creative process. But you and I are already living in the 20th century. A long time ago, various programs for drawing on a graphics tablet and even a smartphone appeared. Now you can use your personal computer as a canvas. But to create on your gadget, you need a special program for graphic drawing. And sometimes finding a good application is quite difficult. But this article is designed to make it easier for you. After all, we will look at the best drawing programs.

Graphic drawing

The technical process has also reached the artists. Now anyone can create a masterpiece using their gadget. However, many painters are still skeptical about graphic drawing. And in vain! After all, drawing using new technologies has many advantages. We'll talk about them.

Perhaps the first thing worth noting is the savings. Artists are forced to constantly purchase canvases, paints, and various types of brushes. And this is very expensive, because professional ones cost a lot of money. When you draw on a computer, you don't spend a penny. All you need is a mouse or graphics tablet.

Another advantage is huge functionality. Professional drawing programs have a lot of settings. You can change the sensitivity of the brush, pencil, its transparency, etc. Using all these settings, you can create a real masterpiece.

Graphic tablets or computer mouse?

Well, we talked about the advantages of drawing using a PC. Perhaps now it’s worth discussing the basic tools for creating virtual paintings. Surely those painters who have used standard Paint at least once understand that drawing with a mouse is quite inconvenient. In order to create virtual masterpieces, precise positioning and appropriate kinetics of brush movement are required. A regular computer mouse cannot provide users with all this. Therefore, special tablets, also called digitizers, have been developed for artists and designers.

Typically, a special stylus pen is included with such a device, with which you can work with the digitizer. Essentially, the artist works with the tablet as if it were a canvas. The device connects to a PC via USB. Then the user writes his masterpiece on the tablet using a pen, and the drawing appears on the screen of his monitor online.

Can you draw with a mouse?

Many aspiring artists do not have the funds to buy a professional tablet. It is for this reason that many are interested in the question: “Is it possible to draw on a computer with a mouse?” In this part of the article we will try to answer this question.

Drawing with a computer mouse is quite possible. Moreover, you can do it very well. The main thing is talent and desire. As an example, we can cite a recently released video that took the Internet by storm. In it, a guy, using a mouse and standard Paint, was able to draw the famous portrait of Leonardo da Vinci “La Gioconda”. The program also plays a big role in drawing. You need to choose one that has extensive functionality. In addition, you need to perfectly learn how to use all the functions that the software provides you. In this article we will look at drawing programs for PCs that have the most comprehensive functionality.

There are many different applications available at the moment. Despite this, questions about which programs to choose for drawing on a graphics tablet are not decreasing. Are you interested in this too? Then this article is for you. After all, now we will look at the best programs for drawing on a graphics tablet.

Paint

Perhaps we will begin our acquaintance with drawing programs with Paint. This is a standard program that is present on devices with software from Microsoft. It has a rather meager set of functions, but even with them, with the right level of skill, you can create good drawings.

Inkscape

The program we'll look at now is Inkscape. An excellent drawing program in Russian. The main advantage of this software is its simplicity. The developers have created an intuitive interface that even a child can understand. On the left panel you can see the full panel (brushes, pens, pencils, etc.), on the top panel there are parameters for tools, and at the bottom there is a palette. Everything is indicated by standard icons that everyone can understand. But the fact that a program has an easy-to-learn interface does not mean that it is intended for beginners. Inkscape has a lot of settings. It will take quite a lot of time to figure it out.

Many people are looking for free drawing programs. Inkscape is one of them. This program is used by both experienced and beginning artists. Inkscape uses the universal SVG format. Thanks to it, you can create illustrations and even animations without any problems.

Is this software suitable for beginners? There are tons of tutorials on Inkscape. Therefore, novice artists and animators do not have to master the program on their own.

Gimp

Gimp is one of the most powerful programs. The program has enormous functionality. In addition to drawing, you can use it to edit photos, cut layouts for websites, etc. Perhaps the main feature of the program is support not only for a graphics tablet, but also for other, less popular input devices. Another interesting feature is support for homemade plugins. If you have programming skills, this feature will make your work much easier.

Livebrush

Livebrush is an excellent drawing program that is based on an engine called Adobe AIR. This fact may scare off many, because software written on this engine is famous for its instability. But don't worry. Livebrush functions very smoothly, and even when RAM consumption is exceeded, the program runs without lags or crashes.

As for the design, the program pleasantly surprises with its interface and menu. Not only do they look cute, but they also inspire creativity. For example, the canvas has a fairly realistic shade, and the brush exactly repeats the ink painting technique.

As for functionality, Livebrush has quite a lot of different settings that will allow you to create your own unique style. In addition, the program allows you to work with both vector and C. In order to switch between these two modes, you must press the corresponding key, which can be found on the top toolbar.

One of the downsides is the lack of customization. You won't be able to customize it to suit your whims. For example, the toolbar is always on the right side, and, unfortunately, you won’t be able to change this.

Graffiti Studio

Quite a specific and highly focused program. As the name suggests, Graffiti Studio is an editor in which you can create your own graffiti. One of the interesting features is the ability to select a background. For example, you have the opportunity to leave your masterpiece on a wall, carriage, bus, etc. We are also pleased with the extensive range of colors (there are more than a hundred of them in the editor). In addition, Graffiti Studio has a lot of settings. You can create drips, apply different markers, change the distance from the surface, etc. We can say that Graffiti Studio is a real writer simulator.

MyPaint

Need a graphic drawing program that is suitable for beginners? MyPaint is the best choice. A simple and intuitive interface, coupled with an unlimited canvas size, gives enormous scope for wild imagination. A huge set of brushes will allow you to paint in almost any manner. Using the create your own brush feature, you can discover a new, unique style. Among other things, MyPaint supports hotkeys, the use of which will greatly facilitate the work on your work. You can configure them at your discretion in a special menu.

Corel Painter

And since we have touched on programs for beginners, it would be unfair to remain silent about software for professionals. Corel Painter is the best graphic drawing program available at the moment. The application was developed by the well-known company Corel specifically for professional designers and artists. Corel Painter has immense functionality in its arsenal, which you will probably spend more than one month learning. Already on your first visit, about 30 brushes will be available to you. For each of them, you can choose up to 20 different types of fiber arrangement. In addition, the program contains so-called texture brushes of foliage, metal, asphalt, etc. The palette deserves special attention. Corel Painter has a huge number of colors. What is characteristic is that each color on the computer looks the same as it would look in real life. Since the program provides many features, a huge manual has been written for it, which is already built into the software. In it, the creators talk in detail about each function and its application. This guide is so large that the creators did not dare to localize it for the Russian segment. That is, Corel Painter is not Russified. And this is a huge minus. Another drawback of the program is the price. In order to take advantage of this offer, you will have to fork out and give the developers about $380. But it is worth noting that the price is completely justified. In this program, with skill, you can create real masterpieces.

MAXON Bodypaint 3D

MAXON Bodypaint 3D is an excellent 3D painting program. Using this software, you can easily create a high-quality texture or three-dimensional sculpture. MAXON has many different tools that will allow you to transform standard objects into real, highly detailed masterpieces.

Using this proposal, you can create professional textures for video games. But it is worth noting that 3D drawing is a very labor-intensive process. It will take a lot of time to learn how to draw three-dimensional sculptures.

ArtFlow

Where can I get high-quality drawing programs for Android? Sometimes inspiration finds a painter in the most unpredictable places. Sometimes, during a boring couple, a muse may come to you. But what to do if you don’t have a graphics tablet at hand? You must use your smartphone. But in order to draw using your phone, you need special drawing programs for Android.

The title of the best graphics program for mobile devices can be safely assigned to the brainchild of Artflow Studio - the ArtFlow application. This is an amazing mobile program that is not inferior in capabilities and functionality to its PC counterparts. A huge number of tools, a lot of settings and many colors. Drawing with this application is a pleasure. In addition, I am glad that ArtFlow is distributed absolutely free of charge. Anyone can download the program from the Play Market.

We reviewed the most common applications that act as full-fledged drawing complexes, as well as processing a variety of graphic images.

Which utility you choose depends on your goals.

Corel Painter will be highly appreciated by digital graphics specialists. This is the best choice when you want to download a drawing program to your computer to work with your tablet. The famous developer offers a developed but rather complex product. To learn how to use all the benefits of the package, you will have to spend a lot of time.

Autodesk SketchBook Pro is a high-quality drawing creation program for all categories of users. Allows you to both process images and create cool art, comics, and sketches from scratch. An accessible interface in Russian will be a pleasant bonus, but in order to work with the utility at the highest level, it is advisable to think about purchasing a professional monitor with good color reproduction.

Adobe Photoshop allows you to apply a wide range of different effects and filters. Creating images will seem very comfortable and quite simple. You will be able to enjoy an accessible Russian-language interface and a large number of educational video lessons and materials on the Internet.

Working with Tux Paint is aimed at quality training for inexperienced users. The utility's interface will be convenient for any user, and the presence of sound and animation effects will attract the attention of children's audiences whose parents want to teach their child the skill of drawing on a computer.

Paint.NET will bring a lot of positive impressions; the program engine is able to remember all user activity and return more than a dozen completed actions, excluding any errors made during the editing process and applying various effects. Paint has a familiar Russian-language interface that effectively edits vector graphics.

Pixbuilder Studio is distinguished by high performance indicators, while the rest of the utilities from the above selection demonstrate lower launch and image opening speeds. The program contains rich professional-level functionality and is available for download absolutely free.

Fans of a variety of brushes will appreciate the Artweaver Free program, which has a lot of useful filters and effects. It is worth noting that the application allows you to create your own brushes, which will be difficult for competitors.

Paint Tool SAI is a serious utility designed for professional artists and designers, allowing you to create stunning illustrations and digital paintings. The utility supports graphics tablets, providing creative people with all the necessary resources for artistic activities. Moreover, some studios use Paint Tool SAI as a cartoon drawing program. Its functions are really good.

Graffiti Studio is difficult to compare with full-fledged painters and even drawing games for children, since the purpose of this application is to entertain the user. You can fulfill your teenage dream and feel like a master of street graffiti. True, the range of tools is meager - only a marker and spray cans, but a huge selection of colors and shades, line thicknesses will be a significant plus.

Also not included in the review are the wonderful programs MyPaint, Medibang Paint, SmoothDraw, Affinity Designer, the built-in Windows graphics editor Paint, and the raster graphics editor Inkscape. You can always find their detailed descriptions on our website.

In addition to the well-known graphic editor Photoshop and standard Paint, there are various free programs for drawing on a computer. And they are no worse than the same Photoshop. And some drawing programs for computers even surpass it. For example, in ease of use.

Which program is better to draw in? It's up to you to decide. And to make this task easier, below are the best drawing programs for PC.

The list is divided into two parts. The first contains simple drawing programs that are suitable for amateurs and even for children 5-6 years old. And in the second - professional software in which you can draw graffiti, anime, and artistic paintings with a brush (it is also suitable for graphics tablets).

Let's start with simple applications that you can use to draw on your PC. They are easy to use, making them suitable for children and beginners who want to try their hand at this activity.

I remind you once again that all applications are free, and you can easily find them at the office. websites (links below).

Paint.NET is a simple drawing program for your computer. Despite the similar name, this is not the default Paint in Windows. Although very similar.

Paint.NET has a simple and informative panel, so understanding it is not difficult at all. There are also floating windows that perform additional functions. They are translucent and do not interfere with image editing.

The main advantages of this software:

  • layer support;
  • import external files;
  • support for hot keys (standard buttons are listed in the “Window” item);
  • good functionality;
  • takes up little space;
  • completely in Russian.

Simple and free, this drawing program is perfect for kids. At first, there will be more than enough possibilities.

SmoothDraw – drawing from scratch

SmoothDraw is a good drawing program for PC. Allows you to edit images or create your own, fortunately the functionality allows this. Great for those who like to draw from scratch - that's what it's designed for.

Its main advantages:

  • huge toolkit (virtual canvas rotation, anti-aliasing, various blending modes);
  • painting tools: grass, raindrops, stars, graffiti;
  • synchronization with tablets.

Thanks to this functionality, it is suitable even for experienced artists. The only negative is that there is no Russian language. But the SmoothDraw interface is so simple that even children can figure it out.

By the way, this program does not require installation, since it is a portable version. That is, you can save it to a flash drive and then use it on any PC or laptop.

MyPaint – application for tablets

MyPaint is a free graphics drawing program. Designed for tablets, but can also be used on PCs.

MyPaint app is designed for beginners and hobbyists. Turns your tablet or computer screen into a real artistic canvas (hiding all elements). Thanks to this, you can draw whatever your heart desires.

Its main advantages:

  • a large selection of brushes (+ it is possible to create your own, as well as import ready-made ones);
  • support for quick commands;
  • works on Windows, Linux, Mac OS.

So, if you are looking for brush painting software for kids, try MyPaint app. It is quite possible that your child will really like it. Link to office MyPaint website.

LiveBrush – application for graphics tablets

Another one of the best drawing programs on your computer is LiveBrush. Its main feature: the presence of only one tool - a brush.

On the one hand, this seems inconvenient, but on the other, you can realize any of your ideas. Just grab a brush and go!

LiveBrush is a great drawing app for kids. Among its main advantages are:

  • vector patterns;
  • a large set of brushes (you can combine them, create your own, or find ready-made ones on the Internet);
  • Full compatibility with the tablet (the application recognizes the tilt of the brush and the force of pressing the display).

In short, this is an ideal drawing program for children. Especially if you have a graphics tablet. Link to office LiveBrush website.

Tux Paint – drawing game for kids

If you need a simple drawing program for kids, try Tux Paint. This drawing game was created for children aged 3 years and older and is used in many preschool institutions to teach computer literacy.

Its main advantages:

  • bright interface that kids will love;
  • cool sound effects;
  • support for Windows XP, Vista, 7, Linux and Mac OS.

There is also a funny little penguin called Tux, a virtual assistant who will teach you how to draw correctly. The application is completely free (link to the Tux Paint official website).

Professional drawing programs

This concludes the list of amateur and children's drawing programs. Now let's look at the top drawing programs designed for professionals.

Gimp is a functional application

Gimp is a powerful drawing program for your computer. In terms of functionality, it has almost caught up with Photoshop, but unlike it, it is free.

Main advantages:

  • a huge number of effects for image editing;
  • Wide functionality for creating drawings from scratch;
  • it is possible to create a web resource design;
  • on-the-fly image archiving;
  • support for graphics tablets.

Inkscape – drawing vector graphics

Inkscape is a program for drawing with vectors.

The main advantage of vector graphics: the ability to resize the image while maintaining quality. Therefore, this application is often used in the printing industry.

This program supports:

  • various operations with contours;
  • copying styles;
  • editing gradient;
  • working with layers.

There is also a list of hotkeys and a function for exporting pictures to any format. Another plus is the presence of the Russian language. Link to office Inkscape website.

Artweaver - a free analogue of Photoshop

Artweaver is a professional drawing program that is in no way inferior in functionality to Photoshop. Moreover, it even surpasses it in some functions.

For example, this application can:

  • record video while drawing (ideal for creating video tutorials);
  • work in the “cloud” (allows you to draw an image together with other artists online);
  • imitate drawing with a brush, oil, paint, pencil and other tools.

Of course, all the standard options are in place. Therefore, if you need a free professional drawing program, go to the office. Artweaver website.

PixBuilder Studio - the second analogue of Photoshop

Another professional program for drawing on a computer is PixBuilder Studio. Also similar to Photoshop, but unlike the previous version, it supports the Russian language.

Its main functions:

  • creation of raster and web graphics;
  • high-quality blur and sharpening effects;
  • multi-stage cancellation of operations.

Graffiti Studio – for graffiti lovers

This is a unique program for drawing graffiti. Designed more for fun, but fans of street drawings will definitely like it.

Its main features:

  • selection of background (cars, buses, walls, etc.);
  • huge color palette (more than 100 colors);
  • realistic options (adding smudges, using markers, etc.).

And most importantly, the drawings look like real ones. This is what makes this application captivating. Graffiti Studio download link.

Paint Tool SAI – for anime fans

And the last one on this list is an anime drawing program. If you've always dreamed of drawing manga characters, you can try your hand at Paint Tool SAI. Although this application is also suitable for creating portraits and landscapes.

Main features of the anime drawing program:

  • many brushes;
  • pencils of varying softness;
  • a set of useful tools (each of them can be fine-tuned).

It also supports working with several drawings at once and combining them through layers. Link to Paint Tool SAI website.

Instead of a conclusion

That's all. The 11 best programs for drawing on a computer were discussed above. Half of them are suitable for children and beginners, and the other half are suitable for experienced artists.

Which program is better to draw in? As I said, it's up to you. For example, if you need a free graphics tablet program, then choose one of the following:

  • Inkscape;
  • SmoothDraw;
  • Artweaver;
  • MyPaint;
  • Gimp;
  • Paint Tool SAI.

The remaining programs are used for drawing on a PC or laptop. They are all free, so you can install any of them.

This review presents the best computer drawing programs for experienced artists and ordinary users. The diverse functionality of the applications allows you to draw portraits, landscapes, comics or create design designs. A wide variety of tools, processing effects and modes will allow you to create a unique masterpiece.

Our selection of free drawing programs will help you get acquainted with the capabilities of each software and choose the best one.

Programs

Russian language

License

Plugins

Rating

Purpose

Yes Free Yes 10 Amateur
Yes Free No 10 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 8 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 8 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 8 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 10 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 9 Pro
Yes Free Yes 8 Amateur
Yes Free No 6 Amateur
Yes Free Yes 8 Pro

GIMP is a free editor for creating screen and web graphics, high-quality processing and drawing with a large set of tools and a variety of effects. The application supports all popular formats, has batch processing and works with layers. The interface is multi-window and customizable for the user.

PicPick is a free application for creating screenshots by capturing the screen and further editing it. Using the “scrolling” function, you can create a screenshot of web pages and documents in the form of a single image. The software has a Russian-language interface and a wide selection of editing tools.

Paint.NET is a free application that functions as a graphics editor with the ability to work with layers, noise reduction, stylization and artistic processing. The main options of the program are focused on working with photo editing and vector graphics.

Inkscape is a free graphics utility for creating vector technical drawings with a set of tools for easy and fast editing. It runs on a custom engine, exports and imports into various graphics formats, opens and saves in gzip compressed format, and also has a multilingual menu.

PaintTool SAI is a free application for creating beautiful digital paintings and high-quality illustrations using a variety of tools and effects. The utility works with an unlimited number of layers, edits files of various formats and saves them in its own “.sai”. Implemented work with a graphics tablet.

Krita is a free program that allows you to create, process and adjust raster graphics using a large set of tools and filters. The cross-platform utility simulates canvas material, emulates real tools and supports photo import.

Adobe Photoshop is a popular, powerful utility for high-quality editing and working with photos and images using a wide range of tools. The graphics editor supports various modes and layers, adds effects and text entries, creates raster graphics, while having a clear interface.

Computer drawing program?

Computer technology has penetrated into all spheres of human activity. Engineering was no exception.

The era of drawing boards and pencils has passed; now special software and printers are used to create high-quality drawings.

In addition, the use of such programs is available to everyone, that is, high-quality drawings have gone beyond design bureaus.

In the relevant software segment, there are many decent CAD (computer-aided design) systems.

Particular attention should be paid to three representatives: AutoCAD, Compass-3D and NanoCAD. It is these programs that this material is dedicated to.

Autodesk AutoCAD

One of the most popular CAD systems both among professional design and among amateurs.

Autodesk is constantly improving computer drawing in Autocad, adding more and more features. New versions are released regularly, every year.

Functional Features

The 3D drawing program allows you to create both two-dimensional projects and three-dimensional drawings. At the same time, the capabilities of rendering three-dimensional objects are not inferior to full-fledged editors.

2D modeling functions make AutoCAD not just an electronic drawing board, but a powerful tool for creating high-quality drawings.

The program supports working with drawings in three formats: DWG (a closed format for editing AutoCAD drawings), DWF (a format for publishing drawings) and DXF (a format for working with AutoCAD drawings in other programs).

Advantages and disadvantages

This CAD system has many advantages, but they come at a price. You will have to pay a lot of money for rich functionality.

On the other hand, there are cheaper versions of the program with reduced functionality (AutoCAD LT) and a free version for educational use.

Positive properties:

A huge set of tools and functions for professional design.

Possibility of integration with Excel spreadsheets.

Working with layouts.

Flaws:

High cost of the basic version of the software.

High system requirements.

Scope of application

AuotCAD is used in the field of professional equipment design, design, architecture and even for educational purposes.

Any modern industry that needs to create drawings cannot do without decent software for creating projects. In most cases, this is AutoCAD.

Askon KOMPAS

"KOMPAS" is a whole family of software tools for creating electronic drawings.

Interesting! The main feature of CAD is that it is developed by a Russian company and has an original computing core. Drawings created using Compass fully comply with state standards.

The computer drawing program Compass allows you to design parts, entire mechanisms and even buildings.

Functional Features

The program supports work with many of the most common electronic drawing formats, which allows you to effectively collaborate with companies using other design environments.

The basis for the finished drawing is a 3D model. In this case, the data in the 2D drawing changes dynamically as the volumetric model is edited.

Based on the finished drawing, design documentation is drawn up, which fully complies with state standards.

At the same time, standards are constantly updated thanks to the special service “KOMPAS Audit”.

From 2008 to 2013, there was a program for drawing on a computer online from KOMPAS.

Advantages and disadvantages

The program is most widespread in the Russian Federation, which is not surprising, given the developers. There are also foreign localizations, but the demand for them is not so great.

Among the many advantages, it is worth noting the following:

Easy to learn and use.

Large database of attached libraries.

Active development and continuous improvement.

Wide range of tools.

Focus on the Russian user.

Flaws:

High cost.

Demanding on computer resources.

Scope of application

KOMPAS is widely used both for professional activities and for educational purposes.

There are no free versions of the program, but for educational purposes the cheaper KOMPAS 3D LT with reduced functions is used.

Many domestic enterprises use this CAD to create drawings and design documentation for standard and original parts and assemblies.