Which Drawing App Is Best? (For iPad, Windows, and Android Tablets)
Howto & Style
Introduction
In this article, we will explore 10 digital drawing apps suitable for iPads, Windows, and Android tablets. We will provide an overview of each app, discussing their functionalities, pros and cons, pricing structures, and ideal use cases for different kinds of artists. Finally, we will conclude with a ranking and our top pick.
1. Sketchbook
Overview: Sketchbook is a highly versatile drawing app that stands out for being free while offering a rich array of features. You’ll find an impressive selection of brushes and textures right out of the gate. The app provides essential tools like stream flow for smooth strokes, automatic shape correction for circles and straight lines, and a responsive layer system.
Pros:
- Free to download.
- User-friendly interface.
- Minimal lag.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced functionalities found in professional apps.
Availability:
- Both Apple and Android devices.
2. Clip Studio Paint
Overview: Primarily aimed at professionals, Clip Studio Paint has a robust feature set resembling Photoshop. The learning curve can be steep, but it includes a strong assortment of blending brushes suited for anime and manga.
Pros:
- Comprehensive toolset for serious artists.
- Works well for advanced techniques.
Cons:
- Free version has limited save functionality.
- Oversized app; requires extra storage.
Availability:
- Apple and Windows devices with a one-time fee of $ 50.
3. Tayasui Sketches
Overview: This app is a powerful tool that provides a realistic drawing experience. It’s limited in layers unless you pay for the Pro version, but it still offers a solid selection of brushes and textures.
Pros:
- Intuitive design.
- Realistic brush feel.
Cons:
- Limited features in the free version.
Availability:
- Exclusive to Apple devices. Pro plan available for $ 6.
4. Paper by WeTransfer
Overview: While the tools in Paper are effective for basic drawing tasks, it lacks customization and additional features without a premium subscription.
Pros:
- Attractive interface for simple tasks.
Cons:
- Limited tools and high annual fee of $ 12.
Availability:
- Apple devices only.
5. Art Studio Pro
Overview: Art Studio Pro has a good set of brushes and features, but you need to pay for more layers and tools.
Pros:
- Solid feature set after investment.
Cons:
- Restricted features without the Pro plan.
Availability:
- $ 40 one-time fee or $ 9.99 per year.
6. Sketch Pro
Overview: With a simple UI and a satisfactory brush selection, Sketch Pro still requires a premium subscription for full access to its features.
Pros:
- Good for quick sketches.
Cons:
- High yearly cost of $ 40.
Availability:
- Apple devices only.
7. Adobe Fresco
Overview: Adobe Fresco is excellent for vector drawing and runs smoothly on tablets. The app features a variety of brushes and a simple layer structure.
Pros:
- Great for both pixel and vector art.
- Part of the Adobe suite.
Cons:
- Subscription model can become costly ($ 9.99/month).
Availability:
- Available on both Apple and Windows devices.
8. Vectornator
Overview: Vectornator is entirely free and works exclusively on iOS devices. The app excels in vector drawing and allows users to trace over images.
Pros:
- Completely free.
- Strong vector drawing capabilities.
Cons:
- Limited to iOS devices.
9. Procreate
Overview: Procreate stands out for its extensive brush library and smooth user experience. It makes animations easy and is widely recommended for both professionals and beginners.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced at $ 12.
- Highly regarded and easy to use.
Cons:
- iPad exclusive.
10. Concepts
Overview: Concepts welcomes both beginners and professionals with a clean interface and intuitive controls. However, it does have limited features without a subscription.
Pros:
- Customizable UI.
- Good for concept art and design.
Cons:
- Costs $ 5/month or $ 30/year for full features.
Conclusion and Ranking
In summary, based on their features, pricing, and overall usability:
- Best Overall: Sketchbook - Score: 9/10
- Top Premium Option: Procreate - Score: 9/10
- Second Tier: Tayasui Sketches and Adobe Fresco - Score: 7/10
- Advanced Users: Clip Studio Paint - Score: 5/10
- Limited Options: Paper by WeTransfer - Score: 2/10
Each app has its unique strengths and weaknesses depending on the needs of the artist, from beginners to professionals looking to elevate their craft.
Keywords
- Digital drawing apps
- iPad
- Android Tablets
- Sketchbook
- Procreate
- Clip Studio Paint
- Adobe Fresco
- Vectornator
- Art Studio Pro
- Tayasui Sketches
FAQ
What is the best free drawing app available?
Sketchbook is one of the best free drawing apps, offering a versatile and user-friendly platform.
Is Procreate worth the money?
Yes, Procreate is generally considered worth the $ 12 purchase for its extensive features and ease of use.
Can I use Clip Studio Paint on Windows?
Yes, Clip Studio Paint is available for both Apple and Windows devices.
Which drawing app is best for beginners?
Sketchbook and Procreate are both excellent choices for beginners due to their intuitive design and helpful features.
Is Adobe Fresco good for vector drawing?
Fresco is suitable for vector drawing and has a strong capabilities, but its brush library may be limited.
Are there any completely free drawing apps?
Yes, Vectornator is a completely free app tailored for vector drawing, although it is available only on iOS devices.
