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@rosswd
Last active June 21, 2023 15:26
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Software for drawing with a graphics tablet

Drawing Tablet Software

Software for drawing using graphics tablets like wacom or using a tablet like an iPad.

Software List

Title Platforms Pricing
Medibang Paint / Paint Pro Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android Adware, no paid version
Paint Tool SAI Windows $51
ArtRage Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS $79 + tax
Clip Studio Paint Windows, Mac OS, iOS PRO: $49.99
EX: $219
Paintstorm Studio Windows, Linux, Mac OS, iOS $19
Sketchbook Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android Free Version: $0
Sketchbook Pro: $85
Corel Draw Windows, Mac OS Pricing unavailable with my browser (Sept 2019)
Sketchable Windows, Surface Limited Version: $0
Premium Features, in-app Purchase: $30
Leonardo Windows, Surface During Beta: $39
Concepts Windows, ChromeOS, iOS, Android $0 with subscription option and in-app purchases
Procreate iOS $9.99
Astropad iOS Astropad Studio (iPad): $0 with subscription option
Astropad Standard (iPad): $29.99 (works in conjunction with a free Mac OS app)
Artstudio Mac OS, iOS Artstudio Lite (iPhone): $0
Artstudio (iPhone/iPad): $4.99 with in-app purchases
Artstudio Pro (iPhone/iPad): $11.99
Artstudio Pro (Mac OS): $19.99
Krita Windows, Linux, Mac OS $0 (donations welcome)
Drawpile Windows, Linux, Mac OS $0 (unclear if they accept donations)
Firealpaca Windows, Mac OS $0 (unclear if Firealpaca uses the same adware business model as Medibang Paint)

License Comparison

Title License Details
Medibang Paint No Limits Adware
Paint Tool SAI Seems to be Per User The FAQ says you can install it on a new Computer without acquiring a new license but it doesn't state whether you can install it on more than one computer.
Artrage Per User
Clip Studio Paint Per User Two computers used by the same user but not at the same time. Can be Windows and/or Mac OS but not iPad version. If you buy a new computer you can use the same serial number but again only two computers can be active at the same time and must only be used by the same user
Paintstorm Studio Per Computer With a discount for 2 licenses at time of purchase.
Sketchbook Seems to be Per User
Concepts Per User
Sketchable Per Computer
Leonardo Unclear as software is still Beta
Krita No Limits Open Source
Drawpile No Limits

Terms

  • Per Computer: You need to purchase a license for each computer
  • Per User: You can install the license on a reasonable amount of computers provided you are the only one using the software
  • No Limits: Install it on as many computers as you like without restriction. Generally applies to Open Source software.

Not Recommended List

  • Medibang Paint: Adware with no Paid version
  • Sketchable: The free version is too limited, see reviews on Microsoft store for context. The premium, one time purchase, seems to be $30.

Note: Leonardo and Sketchable are generally designed for the Surface tablet but have support for traditional graphics tablets.

@kylerifqi
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Thanks! you should also list Weylus as a free open-source option though it doesn't provide stylus pressure on windows and mac.

@jianqi87
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thanks for sharing, it's helpful and useful.
Here is an more detailed article about the 20 best free and paid drawing software:
https://pctechtest.com/20-best-digital-art-drawing-software

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