As an artist who specializes in animal art and pet portraits, I’m always on the lookout for the best drawing apps. Pen and paper is always great, but sometimes the convenience of a digital app is just what I need. If you’re like me and want to have your art studio right in your pocket, you’ll be happy to know that there are some amazing free drawing apps available for Android.
I’m going to share some of the best free drawing apps I’ve come across. Whether you’re a professional artist, a hobbyist, or someone who’s just getting started, these apps can help you create stunning artwork without spending a penny.
My Criteria for the Best Free Drawing Apps
When choosing a drawing app, I look for a few key things that make the experience smoother and more enjoyable:
- First, I need an app that’s easy to navigate.
- Second, a wide variety of brushes and tools is important so I can experiment with different textures.
- Layer management is another must-have since it gives me the flexibility to edit different parts of my drawing without affecting the whole piece.
- I also value responsiveness. There’s nothing more frustrating than a laggy app when you’re trying to draw something.
- And lastly, having extra features like pressure sensitivity and cloud saving are always a bonus.
These are the criteria that guide me in picking out the best free drawing apps for artists, and they’re the ones I’ll be focusing on in this list.
App #1: ibis Paint X
Ibis Paint X is one of the most popular drawing apps on Android, and for good reason. It’s packed with features that rival some of the best desktop programs, making it a fantastic choice for artists looking to create detailed and professional-quality work on the go. This app offers an extensive variety of tools to help you bring your ideas to life.
One of the app’s standout features is the sheer number of brushes available—over 300 in the free version alone! Another big plus is the app’s smooth performance, even when working with multiple layers. This is great when you’re building up details in your art without worrying about lag. The app also includes stabilizers to help with smooth linework, which is a huge bonus for precision-heavy drawings like pet portraits.
Pros:
- Over 300 brushes in the free version, with options to unlock even more.
- Smooth performance with no lag, even when working with multiple layers.
- Layer management is top-notch, with blending modes and opacity settings similar to desktop programs.
- Great for both sketching and painting, offering tools that cater to both styles.
- Line stabilizers are helpful for clean, crisp lines.
Cons:
- Large amount of ads in the free version.
- Some of the more advanced brushes and features are locked behind a paywall.
- The learning curve can be steep for beginners due to the large number of features and customization options.
Paid Add-ons?
Yes. While the free version is fully functional, there are paid options, including a “Prime Membership” that unlocks additional features like premium brushes, removes ads, and offers a smoother experience. You can also opt for a one-time purchase to unlock premium brushes.
App #2: Sketchbook
Sketchbook has earned a reputation as a top choice for digital artists. Originally a paid app, it’s now entirely free, offering a professional-grade toolset that can easily rival paid software. It’s an award-winning sketching, painting, and drawing app.
One of the best parts about Sketchbook is its intuitive layout, which makes it easy to jump right into creating. The app includes a customizable toolbar that lets you keep your favorite tools close at hand, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned artists. With Sketchbook’s range of brushes—from pencils and markers to airbrushes—you can achieve a variety of textures. The app also has a smooth and responsive drawing experience, with no noticeable lag, even on high-resolution canvases. Bonus: there’s a desktop version!
Pros:
- Professional-grade tools available for free with no paid features or add-ons.
- User-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate, especially helpful for beginners.
- Wide selection of brushes that are fully customizable, allowing for precision in any style.
- Supports multiple layers, blending modes, and advanced color tools, similar to desktop art programs.
- Extremely responsive, with smooth, lag-free performance on most devices.
Cons:
- Limited options for cross-device syncing, so you’ll need to manually save your work if switching devices.
- Some tools and features may require a bit of practice to fully utilize, especially for new digital artists.
- Lacks community resources and tutorials within the app compared to other options like ibis Paint X.
Paid Add-ons?
None. Sketchbook is completely free to use with all features unlocked, making it an exceptional choice for Android artists who want a powerful app without paying extra.
App #3: MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a versatile and feature-rich app that’s especially popular among comic artists and illustrators. While it’s well-suited for comic creation, its extensive set of tools and brushes also make it a great option for general digital art. One standout feature of MediBang is its cloud-syncing ability, which allows you to save your work to the cloud and access it from multiple devices—perfect for artists on the go.
MediBang offers a range of brushes, pens, and customizable tools, including screen tones and comic panel creation tools, which add to its appeal for those interested in creating comics or manga. The app’s layout is user-friendly and feels similar to desktop programs, making it a comfortable choice for artists who are already familiar with digital art software.
Pros:
- Cloud-syncing allows you to access your work across multiple devices, which is great for flexibility.
- Large community with tutorials, resources, and assets like backgrounds and tones available for download.
- Excellent brush variety and customization, making it versatile for different styles, including detailed illustrations.
- Supports layers and blending modes similar to professional desktop software.
- Comic-creation tools are a bonus for those interested in comics or manga.
Cons:
- Ads in the free version, which can be distracting and annoying.
- Some premium brushes and cloud storage features are locked behind a subscription.
- Interface may take a bit of getting used to, especially with the comic-related features, if you’re mainly focused on traditional illustration.
Paid Add-ons?
Yes. MediBang Paint is free to use, but there’s an optional monthly subscription that unlocks additional brushes, removes ads, and provides extra cloud storage. However, all core features are available in the free version.
App #4: Infinite Painter:
Infinite Painter is an app that lives up to its name by offering an impressive array of brushes, blending tools, and customization options. This app stands out for its advanced brush settings and natural painting feel, making it an ideal choice for artists who want to create textured, detailed artwork.
One of the best features of Infinite Painter is its customizable brush engine. You can create your own brushes or modify existing ones, giving you the flexibility to achieve unique effects. The app also includes advanced layer options with blending modes and mask tools, making it feel like a professional-grade software.
Pros:
- Advanced brush customization options, allowing for highly specific textures and effects.
- Realistic blending and painting tools that mimic traditional mediums, ideal for textured, detailed artwork.
- Professional-level layer management, including blending modes, masks, and clipping layers.
- Great interface that is simple and easy to understand.
Cons:
- Free version is somewhat limited in brushes and tools compared to the premium version.
- Lack of in-app tutorials or community resources, making it less user-friendly for learning.
- Some bugs and limitations for certain devices.
Paid Add-ons?
Yes. Infinite Painter has paid add-ons in the form of a one-time premium purchase, which unlocks additional brushes, tools, and features. The free version provides access to essential tools but is somewhat limited compared to the premium experience.
App #5: ArtFlow
ArtFlow is a streamlined and intuitive drawing app that’s ideal for artists of all levels, especially beginners who want to explore digital painting. Known for its clean interface and focus on a natural drawing experience, ArtFlow provides a solid selection of brushes, tools, and customizable options without overwhelming users.
One of the standout features of ArtFlow is its responsive color blending, which is perfect for creating smooth gradients and shading effects. While the app’s brush selection may be more limited compared to others, each brush feels natural and satisfying to use. ArtFlow also supports pressure sensitivity for devices with a stylus, making it easier to control stroke weight and texture, especially in detail-heavy areas like fur or feathers. Although the core app is free, ArtFlow offers additional premium features through a one-time upgrade.
Pros:
- Clean, easy-to-navigate interface, great for beginners and those who prefer a simpler workspace.
- Natural-feeling brushes and excellent color blending tools, perfect for soft shading and blending effects.
- Supports pressure sensitivity, allowing for a realistic and responsive drawing experience.
- Layer support with blending modes and adjustable opacity, enabling more complex compositions.
- Smooth performance on most devices, with minimal lag even in higher-resolution projects.
Cons:
- Limited brush selection and features in the free version compared to other apps.
- Premium version required to unlock additional brushes, layers, and tools, which may feel restrictive.
- Lacks some advanced customization options found in other apps, making it less suitable for intricate or highly detailed work.
Paid Add-ons?
Yes. ArtFlow has a one-time premium upgrade option that unlocks additional brushes, tools, and layer options. The free version provides a good foundation, but some features are restricted to premium users.
Which Free Drawing Apps is the best for Artists?
Finding the right drawing app can make a huge difference in your creative process. Each of these free Android apps offers its own unique strengths, from customizable brushes to professional-grade layer options and responsive interfaces.
I personally really like Sketchbook. The fact that it’s completely free and still offers such a wide variety of brushes and tools is a huge bonus. The fluid drawing experience and the ability to create detailed work without distractions really make it stand out for me. Plus, I also love the fact that it has a desktop version.
However, all these apps are a great way to experiment, improve, and get creative without the cost. Don’t be afraid to try a few of them out and see which one fits your style best. Each has something valuable to offer, and exploring the options can help you discover new techniques and approaches to digital art.
Have a favorite app or a personal tip to share? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about what works for other artists!
