What is the name of the program for creating drawings? Programs for drawing on a computer. Professional drawing programs on your computer

So, you bought a graphics tablet. Besides the fact that you still have to get used to it and get better at it, you need to immediately decide on a graphic editor that will maximize all the capabilities of your new device. And if you think that you can only draw in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then you are very mistaken.

In addition to the globally recognized and undoubtedly cool products of Adobe, there are many graphic editors that offer the same functionality, but for less money, and sometimes even for free. In addition, some programs boast a unique interface with many interesting features; designers and illustrators will definitely appreciate them.

We have compiled a list of programs where you can fully draw using a graphics tablet, simulating various artistic techniques, make sketches, create raster and vector images, and also practice lettering and calligraphy.

Corel Painter X3

Painter X3 simulates traditional brushes, textures, dry and wet effects with incredible precision. Thanks to this, there is an almost complete immersion in a real artist’s studio, where there is no computer or monitor, only an easel and canvas.

Painter Lite

A lighter, cheaper version of Painter offers all the painting tools you need, but at a lower price. An excellent option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready to spend a lot of money.

Clip Paint Studio PRO

Despite the fact that this program was developed specifically for drawing manga, Clip Paint Studio has gone quite far and can be used with the same success in industry-standard digital painting. The program has incredibly convenient features, for example, ready-made shapes that can be used as a model for drawing poses.

Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 7

SketchBook Pro is a professional drawing application optimized specifically for tablet devices. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant, which novice users will undoubtedly appreciate.

ArtRage 4

A program with incredible tools and the most attractive interface. Drawing in it is easy and pleasant. Focused on creating realistic images.

Xara Photo and Graphic Designer 9

Photo editing, drawing, unusual effects are not all the capabilities of Xara Photo. Users will appreciate the compatibility of file formats and the low price of the product.

Affinity Designer

The program supports working with layers, import\export of different file formats, a convenient navigator and all the tools for working with vector graphics that you can think of. Affinity Designer is something of an Adobe Illustrator killer. The only drawback of this program may be that it is only available for MAC. But the price is more than reasonable.

Inkscape

A free and convenient vector illustrator, which is essentially a symbiosis of Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator. Remarkable support for pen pressure sensitivity—a big deficiency in the vector illustration world—makes Inkscape a powerful tool for those serious about calligraphy.

By the way, Inkscape has an excellent resource in seven languages, including Russian, which is very rare even for commercial graphics programs. On the Inkscape website you can not only download the program, but also read articles, study lessons, participate in discussions and much more. There is also the opportunity to become one of the developers and testers of the product and bring useful features to it.

Artweaver

A raster graphics program that looks like a symbiosis of Painter and Photoshop. Compared to GIMP, it is slower in processing, but with a much larger set of brushes. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

GIMP

A colorful and functional raster program for drawing and illustrating. The interface appearance and capabilities are similar to Corel Painter. Wide support for Wacom tablet.

MyPaint

An undemanding and easy-to-use open-source program for digital artists. Allows you to concentrate on creativity, not the program interface. Tablet support is well implemented.

SmoothDraw

And here is another drawing program worth attention - ten thousand beginner and professional artists managed to download this wonderful development for free. You don't have to waste time learning menus and tools - just open a new file and show off your talents using clearly visualized functions.

Users have access to blending modes, layers, virtual canvas rotation, and sub-pixel anti-aliasing levels. In addition to standard painting tools, the application contains special tools, such as graffiti, water drops, stars, grass. Synchronization with tablets is also implemented.

Paint Tool SAI

Don't be intimidated by SAI's clean interface, as this is the de facto standard program for most Japanese anime artists. It also comes with a line correction feature to create sharper contours.

Serif DrawPlus (starter edition)

Serif DrawPlus offers all the tools for working with raster and vector graphics. Here you can create interesting prints, make logos, edit photos or draw using a lot of custom effects, including 3D. Truly a godsend for beginning illustrators and designers, and completely free!

All the programs on the list will be excellent alternatives to Adobe products, even if you are not ready to admit it yet. It’s enough to give them a chance, and who knows, maybe in a couple of weeks you won’t even remember about Photoshop! Moreover, you don’t have to pay for some products at all. Don't be afraid to try new things, push boundaries and improve!

The modern world is changing everything, and anyone can become anything, even an artist. In order to draw, it is not necessary to work in some special place; it is enough to simply have programs for drawing art on your computer. This article shows the most famous of these programs.

Any graphic editor can be called a program for drawing art, although not every such editor is able to satisfy your desires. It is for this reason that this list will contain a variety of programs with different functionality. The most important thing is that each of the programs can become either a separate tool in your hands or be included in your set, which you can use in different ways.

This graphic editor is not intended for drawing art. More precisely, it was not designed for this. When it was created, the programmers were inspired by children, and the fact that it is in childhood that we become who we are now. This children's program has musical accompaniment and many instruments, but is not very suitable for drawing high-quality art.

Artweaver

This art creation program is very similar to Adobe Photoshop. It has everything that Photoshop has - layers, corrections, the same tools. But not all tools are available in the free version, and this is an important disadvantage.

ArtRage

ArtRage is the most unique program in this collection. The fact is that the program has a set of tools that are great for drawing not only with a pencil, but also with paints, both oil and watercolor. Moreover, the image drawn with these tools is very similar to the real one. The program also includes layers, stickers, stencils and even tracing paper. The main advantage is that each tool can be configured and saved as a separate template, thereby expanding the capabilities of the program.

Paint.NET

If Artweaver was similar to Photoshop, then this program is more like standard Paint with Photoshop capabilities. It includes tools from Paint, layers, corrections, effects, and even taking an image from a camera or scanner. Plus to all this, it is completely free. The only downside is that sometimes it works much slower with 3D images.

Inkscape

This art drawing program is quite a powerful tool in the hands of an experienced user. It has very wide functionality and a lot of possibilities. The most notable feature is the conversion of a raster image to a vector one. There are also tools for working with layers, text and paths.

GIMP

This graphics editor is another copy of Adobe Photoshop, but it has a few differences. True, these differences are rather superficial. There is also work with layers, image correction and filters, but there is also image transformation, and access to it is quite easy.

Paint Tool Sai

A huge number of different instrument settings allow you to create an almost new instrument, which is an advantage of the program. Plus, you can directly customize the toolbar. But, unfortunately, all this is available for only one day, and then you have to pay.

In our modern times, it is not necessary to be able to draw to create art; it is enough just to have one of the programs presented in this list. They all have one common goal, but almost each of them approaches this goal in different ways, however, with the help of these programs you can create truly beautiful and unique art. What software do you use to create art?

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 can 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.

Convenient and easy-to-use programs for drawing on a graphics tablet have become widespread.

This is due to the fact that more and more artists are starting to work digitally, abandoning classical materials to create illustrations or paintings.

However, both the convenience of work and the quality of its implementation largely depend on what software the author uses to work on the tablet.

Peculiarities

Most tablet-based artists currently use Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. This is high-quality, functional software, however, it is not the only one. It is worth choosing a program based on functionality and ease of working with it.

The capabilities of your tablet will depend on which program you choose. Therefore, you need to choose software taking into account the technical data of the device. In addition, there are universal programs suitable for any tablet.

<Рис. 1 Планшет>

Paint

This application is suitable for artists who are just starting to master working on a graphics tablet. It has general functionality, a simple and familiar menu, and therefore you will not need to spend additional time getting used to it (although a novice author will still have to get used to the tablet).

Having a certain level of skill and getting good at it, with the help of such software you can create quite high-quality works. The advantages of such an application include:

  1. Its presence by default in standard builds of all versions of Windows (although it is recommended to work with those included in the builds of XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10);
  2. Extremely simple interface and menu - almost every user knows how to work with Paint;
  3. Quite wide (for a basic program) functionality.

Among the functional features of the program, we can highlight drawing with a pencil with lines of various thicknesses and densities, drawing with a brush at different transparency and stroke widths, filling the selected area with one color, and working in several layers. You can also act with the finished image - select and copy zones, cut out areas, enlarge, stretch and flip selected zones. Saves pictures in several formats.

You should start getting acquainted with the functionality of a drawing tablet with this software. Moreover, it can be basic for those who do not draw professionally, as well as for those who periodically make minor edits in graphic files.

<Рис. 2 Работа в Пейнт>

Gimp

This software for creating drawings has wide functionality and significant power. You can download it from the official website www.gimp.org. Works with all types of graphics tablets, and also with some other input devices.

The disadvantages of such software include the following:

  1. Quite a significant load on both the hardware of the computer and tablet;
  2. The interface is quite complex, it takes time to get used to it.

<Рис. 3 Работа в Gimp>

However, it is still considered that the application is intended for beginners. It has quite a wide functionality:

  • Working with photos - brightness, color correction, adjusting levels, contrast, etc.;
  • Photo editing - removing unnecessary elements, cropping, and other standard Photoshop functions;
  • Suitable for web designers as it allows you to create and edit website layouts;
  • Drawing pictures – equipped with the functions “brush”, “pencil”, “filling an area with color”, etc., and in several types;
  • It has an individual format for saving pictures.xcf, which can save data with a picture, text insert, layers, textures, etc.;
  • Simple integration with the clipboard – pictures and photos can be opened in the program by simply copying them;
  • Opens files intended for editing from other well-known graphics programs, for example, .psd;
  • The developer's open code allows you to create and install your own plugins, add-ons and extensions for this software;
  • Allows you to quickly archive files.

This software is very versatile. It is suitable for both beginners and non-professionals, as well as professional illustrators.

MyPaint

The program is intended primarily for artists working in classical genres. It is not so much designed for drawing simple illustrations, but for creating works of art, paintings in the classical style. For this reason, it has quite broad and complex functionality, and a not very simple menu.

Most artists take some time to get used to it. However, it is believed that the interface of this program is simpler than most similar ones with similar functionality. You can download the application at .

<Рис. 4 Работа в MyPaint>

The main advantages of this application are:

  • Unlimited canvas sizes;
  • The ability to customize the contents of the menu bar, include assignable buttons, etc., resulting in the function of quickly switching between commands and easy access to frequently used functions;
  • A very wide selection of brush types with the ability to fine-tune each;
  • Function for importing strokes and brushes, generating, customizing and editing them;
  • Works with many types of devices and supports them well;
  • Unlike most similar programs, it works in a variety of operating systems - Linux, Mac OS, Windows, Ubuntu.

Drawing in this software should be fast after the user gets used to its interface. However, non-professional artists, as well as illustrators and comic book creators, can make do with other, simpler applications (both in terms of interface and functionality).

Graffiti Studio

The program is designed for creating graffiti; its main functionality is designed for this style of drawing. Can be successfully used by those who create comics, as well as illustrators working in a similar style. The program has a very simple and intuitive interface.

An interesting distinguishing feature is its relative realism. The whole process of work is reminiscent of applying graffiti “live”. And as a canvas, you can choose surfaces familiar to a street artist - walls, asphalt, cars, buses, etc.

<Рис. 5 Работа в Graffiti Studio>

The features of this application include:

  • Use of more than 100 color shades of paints, such as could be used in real painting;
  • Creating drips and stains, applying to “dry paint”;
  • Changing the specifics of application, depending on what surface you have chosen (as in reality);
  • Changing the distance from the artist to the canvas (the distance from which virtual spray paint is applied to a vertical surface);
  • The use of markers and other means that are actively used in real graffiti.

Although this style is not as popular now as it was a few years ago, it has not completely disappeared. Largely thanks to the emergence of such programs.

Artweaver

The program is a complete analogue of Photoshop. But, unlike it, it is sold completely free of charge. You can download it from the official website.

It has functionality completely similar to Photoshop. And besides, a similar interface and appearance. It is quite capable of replacing this graphic editor.

However, it also has some additional functions that will be convenient for artists. Its main advantage is that authors who are accustomed to working in Photoshop will not have to relearn. In addition, this application uses less computer resources and is less heavy.

The application allows you to create paintings using media that imitate oil, pencil, watercolor, and chalk. At the same time, various tools are presented here - brushes, markers, pencils, pens, pens and others (of various types, moreover).

Like Photoshop, it has full functionality for changing photos - color correction, adjusting brightness and contrast, levels, cropping, cutting out areas, compression, rotation, reflections, stylization, etc. Like its more famous analogue, it supports working in layers.

<Рис. 6 Работа в Artweaver>

SmoothDraw

You can download the program and a manual for working with it from the official website. It is suitable for working with any type of tablet. It has quite a wide functionality with a relatively simple interface.

Allows you not only to create new images, but also to process, change and edit old ones, including those created in other programs. But mainly the application is aimed specifically at artists who create a picture on a blank canvas. Suitable for both illustrators and web designers and artists working in a classical style.

Allows you to simulate work with various tools - brush, pencil, pen, pens, colored pencils, felt-tip pens, etc. Interacts well with tablets; there are no crashes or bugs when performing basic functions. Since the software has a simple interface, it will make the creative process relatively simple and fast.

<Рис. 7 Работа в SmoothDraw>

PixBuilder Studio

The most accurate description for this program would be a lightweight version of Photoshop. It combines most of the most used functions of this program, but removes unnecessary or rarely used features in order to simplify the interface and reduce the load on the hardware and software of the computer. You can download the program from the link.

Has the following functionality:

  • Editing the image according to parameters: brightness, contrast, color correction, color enhancement, etc.;
  • Cutting and transforming photos, stretching, compressing, reflecting, rotating, both the entire image and a selected area;
  • Generating complex shapes, objects, etc.;
  • Blur and sharpen functions, image stylization options.

However, in general, the application is more designed for editing existing images than for creating new ones. For this reason, it is not suitable for professional artists. Rather, it is suitable for those who edit photos and pictures, but sometimes make their own edits and additions to them.

<Рис. 8 Работа в PixBuilder Studio>

Inkscape

It differs significantly from other programs on the list primarily in that it allows you to create vector graphic images. In essence, it is a more advanced and functional version of CoralDraw, which is familiar to most users. You can download it from the official website, but you must indicate your operating system, since there are builds of this program for all operating systems (which is another significant advantage).

What are the advantages of this application? First of all, in the very principle of vector graphics, that is, drawing with directed segments. Such segments, unlike point fragments (in which all other programs described above work), are easy to edit at any stage.

At the same time, when editing the shapes and sizes of segments in this way, there is no loss of picture quality. You can even enlarge the entire image several times, while maintaining its quality.

For this reason, the program is popular among web designers and designers, logo designers, etc., because they often need to edit the image size. In addition, the application is actively used in printing, creating banners and booklets.

<Рис. 9 Работа в Inkscape>

Livebrush

Simple and interesting software, intended rather for creative search and inspiration than for creating a classic work. In addition, it has quite a wide range of image editing functionality. You can download the software from the link.

There is only one tool here - a brush. But it is presented in many different types, both in width and density, type, etc. In addition, many types of brushes can be downloaded, edited, created, etc.

In addition to traditional brushes - lines, there are also complex geometric shapes, which are also considered brushes in this application. The program is suitable for creating abstract illustrations and some design works.

<Рис. 10 Работа в Livebrush>

Paid programs

Many developers also implement paid programs for working with graphics tablets. In terms of functionality, they are not always superior to free ones, so you should weigh the pros and cons before purchasing. The most popular commercial programs are:

  • Corel Painter X3 works with traditional materials - brushes, pencils, etc. Simulates dry and wet coatings and effects. The works turn out to be realistic, and the drawing process is familiar;
  • Painter Lite is a cheaper version of the previous program, with narrower functionality. Equipped with only the necessary drawing tools, it is suitable for beginners or for those who are not yet ready for significant expenses;
  • Clip Paint Studio Pro was developed for creating anime and manga. However, you can create comics and illustrations of any type in it. Its developers have made so many changes to the program that it can now be used for digital painting. It is convenient to have standard manga poses and figures that can be used as models for classical drawing;

    <Рис. 11 Работа в Corel Painter X3>

    Another good paid program is Affinity Designer. But it has a significant drawback - it is designed only to work with MAC.

    Computer drawing programs

    In this video, I took six programs that you can use to draw on a computer with a tablet and explained which program is best suited for whom and also revealed the criteria for choosing a graphic editor for everyone personally.

Krita is such an advanced and functional drawing program that it’s hard to believe that this is not a commercial product, but an open source development. This editor has support for layers, a huge number of brushes and tools, a bunch of different filters and effects.

Krita can be used to create digital paintings, sketches, paintings, comics, and even hand-drawn stop-motion animation. The interface is conveniently customizable. Plus, Krita works great with graphics tablets.

GIMP

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

Powerful, flexible, customizable open source raster editor. True, the interface and hotkeys here are unique - artists accustomed to Photoshop will have to relearn.

GIMP has most of the tools available in Photoshop: layers, masks, color correction, smart selections, brushes, filters and a mountain of other features. Some of the missing ones can be added using third-party extensions.

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.

But this is already a tool for creating vector graphics - a free and open-source analogue of Adobe Illustrator. It is well suited for creating logos, icons, web graphics, vector illustrations and other design products.

Inkscape contains everything for comfortable creation and editing of vector images: color and texture management tools, layers, smart placement and alignment of objects, as well as the ability to vectorize raster images.

  • Platforms: Windows.

This, of course, is not a full-fledged analogue of Photoshop, but rather good old Paint on steroids, but it’s enough for amateur drawing.

Its simplicity makes Paint.NET well suited for beginning artists. Plus, it can work quickly even on devices.

Paint.NET supports working with layers and has a large number of effects. There are tools for blurring, stylizing, sharpening and noise reduction, and if desired, the program’s capabilities can be expanded using plugins.

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, web.

Gravit Designer is a fairly powerful and advanced, but free vector graphics editor. With it, you can easily create icons, logos, banners and other images. The application has many tools: curves, layers, shapes, selecting and transforming objects, working with text and fonts.

In addition, it has a built-in library of vector objects created by users. You can freely use them in your own works. Another feature of the application: if desired, you can launch it without installation, directly in the browser through the native Gravit web service.

Paid programs for drawing on a computer

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Price:‎$49.99.

The editor is impressive with its capabilities. Customizable panels and key combinations, a convenient canvas rotation system that makes it seem like you are drawing on real paper, compatibility with graphics tablets, shadow effects, glow, contour, bevel - you can’t list it all.

Affinity Designer is definitely worth a try for those who are professional graphics and design professionals and don't want to overpay for Photoshop.

  • Platforms: Windows.
  • Price:$59.99.

A very unique drawing program that differs from others presented here. BlackInk will allow you to draw incredible pictures with a rather unusual style. What can I say, just look at the images created in the editor and you will understand that it allows you to create art.

Instead of traditional approaches to creating raster images, BlackInk uses its own mechanism. The so-called Controller opens up unprecedented possibilities for customizing brushes. It's not easy to master, but the results will impress you.

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Price: subscription from 644 rubles per month.

Photoshop is the de facto standard in the world of computer graphics, the most popular program for artists, designers and photographers. There is no point in talking about possibilities: if something can be done with an image, then it will do it.

Because Photoshop is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, you can easily share your brushes, colors, and presets across your devices—settings synced on the fly. In addition, a ton of plugins have been created for Photoshop due to its popularity.

The only thing wrong with Adobe's creation is the subscription price. However, this was to be expected, because Photoshop is the most powerful and advanced of all raster editors in the world.

  • Platforms: Windows, macOS.
  • Price:$429.

Everyone knows Corel Draw - the most powerful professional vector graphics editor. But Corel has another brainchild - the Corel Painter raster editor, perfect for drawing. This editor has many convenient tools for working with color, synthesizing textures and cloning objects, as well as brushes, canvases and layers.

This expensive but effective editor for sophisticated artists is definitely worth the money.

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