The Ultimate Ranking of Drawing Apps
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Fresco
- Affinity Photo and Designer
- Vectornator
- Sketchable
- Leonardo
- Krita
- Clip Studio Paint
- Procreate
- Heavy Paint
- Art Studio Pro
- MediBang Paint
- CorelDRAW and Corel Paint
- Infinite Painter
- ArtFlow
- Huion Sketch
- Inkscape
- Conclusion
Introduction
In the world of digital art, having the right drawing app can make all the difference. With so many options available, it's essential to find the program that suits your needs and preferences. In this article, we will explore and rank some of the top drawing apps on the market in 2022. From industry standards like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to newer contenders like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, we will examine the features, pros, and cons of each app. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting, there's something for everyone on this list. So, let's dive in and discover the best drawing app for you.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is a top-level drawing app that is widely regarded as the gold standard in art production. While it does much more than just drawing, its versatility and extensive features make it a must-have tool for artists. From photo editing to graphic design and animation, Photoshop is used in various industries. Many other apps even support the Photoshop format or allow the import of Photoshop brushes. While its interface may seem overwhelming at first, its power and capabilities place it in the top tier of drawing apps.
Pros:
- Extensive features and capabilities
- Industry standard for art production
- Wide range of supported formats and brushes
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Expensive subscription model
2. Adobe Illustrator
As a vector drawing app, Adobe Illustrator is the gold standard for many professional artists and designers. While it may not be primarily a drawing app, Illustrator's precision and versatility make it a worthy contender. It excels in logo design, layouts, and other graphic design tasks. While it may not have as many drawing features as Photoshop, its focus on vector graphics and its seamless integration with other Adobe apps make it a valuable tool for illustrators.
Pros:
- Excellent for creating vector graphics
- Seamless integration with other Adobe apps
- Wide range of design features
Cons:
- Less emphasis on freehand drawing
- Expensive subscription model
3. Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco is Adobe's dedicated drawing app for iPad and Windows tablets. It offers a focused set of features specifically designed for artists. One standout feature is its use of Photoshop's brush engine, which allows for the import and use of Photoshop brushes seamlessly. Fresco also introduces new features like vector brushes and live brushes, which simulate the feel of painting with traditional media. While the interface may not suit everyone's preferences, Fresco is a robust drawing app that caters to both professional and casual artists.
Pros:
- Use of Photoshop's brush engine
- Wide range of brushes, including vector and live brushes
- Available for both iPad and Windows tablets
Cons:
- Interface may not be as intuitive for some users
- Limited to Adobe ecosystem
4. Affinity Photo and Designer
Affinity Photo and Designer are powerful apps that offer a combination of features from both Photoshop and Illustrator. Affinity Designer is a vector drawing app that provides a seamless workflow between pixel and vector modes. It aims to bring the best of both worlds with its intuitive interface and extensive toolset. Affinity Photo, on the other HAND, is a robust photo editing and manipulation app with a focus on professional-grade features. Both apps are available on multiple platforms and offer an affordable alternative to Adobe's subscription model.
Pros:
- Seamless workflow between pixel and vector modes (Affinity Designer)
- Professional-grade photo editing features (Affinity Photo)
- Affordable pricing model
Cons:
- May not have as extensive a feature set as Adobe apps
- Steeper learning curve compared to more basic drawing apps
5. Vectornator
Vectornator is a free vector drawing app available on iPad and desktop platforms. It is particularly suitable for beginners or those looking to explore vector illustration. While it may not have the same level of features as more established apps, Vectornator offers a solid set of tools and an intuitive interface. With regular updates and additional features, Vectornator has the potential to become a top contender in the vector drawing app category.
Pros:
- Free to use
- User-friendly interface
- Suitable for beginners
Cons:
- May lack advanced features compared to more established apps
- Limited platform availability
6. Sketchable
Sketchable is a Windows-only drawing app designed specifically for touch-enabled devices. It offers a streamlined interface that focuses on a smooth drawing experience. With features like pinch and zoom, quick undo, and an interface optimized for touch gestures, Sketchable provides a comfortable drawing experience for Windows users. While it may not have the same level of recognition as other apps, Sketchable remains a solid choice for artists using Windows touch devices.
Pros:
- Designed for touch-enabled devices
- Smooth drawing experience
- Optimized interface for touch gestures
Cons:
- Limited platform availability (Windows only)
- May lack some advanced features found in other apps
7. Leonardo
Leonardo is a drawing app available for Windows touch devices. It offers a more conventional interface compared to Sketchable, with icons along the side. However, it still prioritizes touch functionality, providing a hybrid experience between a touch and desktop app. Leonardo is known for its lightweight performance, speed, and reliability. It strikes a balance between a touch-focused app and a traditional desktop app, making it a reliable choice for artists using Windows touch devices.
Pros:
- Lightweight and fast performance
- Reliable performance on Windows touch devices
- Touch-focused interface with familiar elements
Cons:
- Limited platform availability (Windows only)
- May lack some advanced features found in other apps
8. Krita
Krita is a free and fully-featured drawing app that rivals its paid counterparts. It offers an extensive set of tools designed specifically for digital artists. With features like a customizable workspace, a wide range of brushes, and support for animation, Krita has gained a dedicated following within the artist community. While its updates may not be as frequent as commercial apps, Krita's dedication to providing a high-quality drawing experience makes it a top choice for artists on a budget.
Pros:
- Free to use with highly developed features
- Extensive set of brushes and tools
- Animation support
Cons:
- Updates may not be as frequent as commercial apps
- Platform availability limited compared to other apps
9. Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is a popular drawing app that excels in creating comics and cartoons. Its interface is tailored towards the needs of comic artists, offering features like panel makers and a wide range of ink brushes. Clip Studio Paint provides a smooth and enjoyable drawing experience, with seamless integration between its different functionalities. Whether You're a professional comic artist or an aspiring cartoonist, Clip Studio Paint is a powerful tool that offers a comprehensive set of features.
Pros:
- Excellent for creating comics and cartoons
- Seamless integration between functionalities
- Wide range of ink brushes
Cons:
- May have a steeper learning curve for beginners
- Lesser-known compared to industry giants like Adobe
10. Procreate
Procreate has become synonymous with digital art creation on the iPad. Loved by artists worldwide, it offers an intuitive and enjoyable drawing experience. Procreate's minimal interface, combined with its powerful set of brushes and tools, makes it a top choice for both professionals and casual artists. With features like Palm rejection, multi-touch gestures, and a wide range of brush customization options, Procreate continues to push boundaries in the world of digital art.
Pros:
- Intuitive and minimal interface
- Comprehensive set of brushes and tools
- Support for palm rejection and multi-touch gestures
Cons:
- Limited to iPad users
- May require a one-time purchase fee
Conclusion
Choosing the right drawing app is crucial for artists looking to unleash their creative potential. From industry standards like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to emerging apps like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, there is no shortage of options. Each app has its own set of features, interfaces, and target audiences. Ultimately, the best drawing app for you will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you're a professional artist or just starting on your artistic Journey, this list provides a range of options to explore and find the perfect drawing app that suits your unique style and requirements.