This review presents the best programs for drawing on a computer for experienced artists and ordinary users. A variety of application functionality allows you to draw portraits, landscapes, comics or create design designs. A variety of tools, processing effects and modes will allow you to create a unique masterpiece.

Our selection of free drawing programs will help you get acquainted with the capabilities of each software and choose the best one.

Programs	Russian language	License	Plugins	Rating	purpose
	Yes	Free	Yes	10	amateur
	Yes	Free	Not	10	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	10	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	9	Pro
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	amateur
	Yes	Free	Not	6	amateur
	Yes	Free	Yes	8	Pro

GIMP- free editor for creating screen and web graphics, high-quality processing and rendering with a wide range of tools and a variety of effects. The application supports all popular formats, has batch processing and work with layers. The interface is multi-window and customizable.

PicPick- free app to create screenshots by capturing the screen and further editing it. Using the "scroll" function, you can create a screen of web pages and documents in the form of a single picture. The software has a Russian-language interface and a wide range of editing tools.

Paint.NET is a free application that performs the functions of a graphic editor with the ability to work with layers, noise reduction, stylization and artistic processing. The main options of the program are focused on working with photo editing and vector graphics.

Inkscape is a free graphic utility for creating vector technical drawings with a set of tools for easy and fast editing. Works on an individual engine, exports and imports to various graphics formats, opens and saves in a compressed gzip format, and also has a multilingual menu.

PaintTool SAI is a free application for creating beautiful digital paintings and high-quality illustrations with a variety of tools and effects. The utility works with an unlimited number of layers, edits files of various formats and saves in its own ".sai". Implemented work with a graphics tablet.

Crita- free program, which allows you to create, process and adjust bitmap graphics using a large set of tools and filters. The cross-platform utility simulates canvas material, emulates real tools and supports photo import.

Adobe Photoshop- a popular powerful utility for high-quality editing and working with photos and images using a large set of tools. Graphics editor supports various modes and layers, adds effects and text entries, creates raster graphics, while having a clear interface.

So, you bought a graphics tablet. In addition to the fact that you still have to get used to it and "fill your hand", you need to immediately decide on a graphic editor that will reveal all the possibilities of your new device to the maximum. And if you think that you can only draw in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then you are greatly mistaken.

In addition to the world-famous and undoubtedly cool Adobe products, 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 that designers and illustrators will definitely appreciate.

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

Corel Painter X3

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

Painter Lite

The lighter and cheaper version of Painter offers everything necessary tools for drawing, but for more low price. A great option for those who are just starting to draw and are not ready for significant spending.

Clip Paint Studio PRO

Although this program was developed specifically for drawing manga, Clip Paint Studio has gone quite far and can be used in industry-standard digital painting with the same success. The program has incredibly handy features, such as ready-made shapes that you can use as a nature 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 will undoubtedly be appreciated by novice users.

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 - not all the possibilities 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 different formats files, a handy navigator, and all the vector graphics tools you can think of. Affinity Designer is a kind of "killer" Adobe Illustrator. The only drawback of this program may be that it is only for MAC. But the price is more than pleasant.

inkscape

Free and handy vector illustrator, which is essentially a symbiosis of CorelDRAW and Adobe Illustrator. The remarkable support for pen pressure sensitivity, a big shortage in the vector illustration world, makes Inkscape a powerful tool for those who are serious about calligraphy.

By the way, Inkscape has an excellent resource in seven languages, including Russian, which is a rarity 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 an opportunity to become one of the developers and testers of the product and bring to it useful features.

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. Broad Wacom tablet support.

GIMP

Colorful and functional raster program for drawing, illustrating. By appearance interface and features similar to Corel Painter. Broad Wacom tablet support.

MyPaint

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

SmoothDraw

And here's another one noteworthy program for drawing - ten thousand beginners 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 with clear visualized features.

Blending modes, layers, virtual canvas rotation, sub-pixel anti-aliasing are available to users. except standard means painting app contains special tools like graffiti, water drops, stars, grass. Synchronization with tablets is also implemented.

Paint Tool SAI

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

Serif Draw Plus (starter edition)

Serif DrawPlus offers all the tools to work 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 novice illustrators and designers, moreover, completely free of charge!

All of the programs on the list will make great alternatives to Adobe products, even if you're not ready to admit it just 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, for some products you don’t have to pay at all. Don't be afraid to try new things, push boundaries and improve!

Text: Viktor Bespaly

The computer has changed its role more than once during its evolution. If earlier it was bought in order to create, now it has turned into a multimedia entertainment center. On a computer, you can watch movies, listen to music, play games - and for most people this is enough. But not for those who want to create. Today we will talk about how you can draw on a computer - and at the same time draw beautifully.

A real designer is unthinkable without an art education, he must be fluent in the technique of drawing (pencil, charcoal), graphics (watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, etc.), painting (gouache, watercolor, tempera, acrylic, oil). But everyone can master computer graphics. A computer in the hands of an ordinary person can turn into an obedient tool for the embodiment of his artistic thought - the very one that he cannot translate on paper.

The first thing to remember is that there are two types of graphic files: vector and raster. The set of tools and programs you need will depend on which graphics you prefer. In vector files, the picture is formed by a set of curves and shading functions. Each time you open this picture, the editor program draws the image from scratch. In raster files, a picture is a set of dots with a color parameter, and the picture is universal, but takes up more space.

USEFUL IRON

One of the most important parameters of a computer is the volume random access memory.

Contrary to many claims, a very fast processor is not needed to draw on a computer. A real frequency of 1.5-2 GHz is quite enough, it will be Intel or AMD - it doesn't matter, it all depends on the means and preferences you have. The most important parameter of a computer working with graphics is the amount of RAM; the more it is, the better. Our working applications, such as Photoshop, Painter, OpenCanvas (or even 3DS MAX), are very fond of having a lot of RAM. And if you are going to create complex multi-layer compositions (and you are definitely going to?), then you can’t get away with standard 512 MB DDR. You can recommend to put at least 1 GB; the speed of RAM affects performance less noticeably.

An ultra-modern video card is not needed for drawing, the brand also does not really matter. However, there is an established opinion that best cards for drawing and graphics is released by Matrox.

Now the main thing: the periphery. And we'll start with the good old scanner- without it, the artist will have a very difficult time, but he is needed, first of all, to enter background blanks into the computer. For example, you have drawn a palm tree, and now you need to place it on an island by the sea. Take a similar illustration on paper, scan it, style it like a painting and place it as a layer under a palm tree. A digital camera can compensate for the lack of a scanner, but in this application he will cope with the task for C grade. You can make sketches by hand on plain paper, and then correct them on the computer, having previously scanned them. A decent scanner will cost you 2 - 2.5 thousand rubles.

And finally, the main thing peripheral device for computer artist - digitizer or tablet. They come in two main types - drawing and graphic. Drawing tablet built for CAD applications AutoCAD type, 3DStudioMAX and their analogues. Such tablets have a pen without a degree of pressure - it is either pressed or not, details are not provided here. The main advantages of these tablets - a high resolution and positioning accuracy; old model with large area will cost approximately 1,800 rubles.

Graphics tablet differs in the following: a small platform (the areas of the graphics are small compared to the drawings); it positions the point rougher, but it feels pressure on the pen, and this is a big plus. If you use Adobe Photoshop, then working with chiaroscuro and brushes of different thicknesses will be much easier. Additionally, you can use a function that makes the stroke brighter or paler, depending on the force of pressing - as a result, we get the opportunity to draw a lighter or darker "spot" without changing the brush.

For our case, graphic tablets are best suited. Prices for non-professional models start at 800 rubles; as you understand, the more expensive the tablet, the better it is and the more convenient it is to work on it. However, even on a small A6 matrix, everything can look quite tolerable.

Another useful device - a source uninterruptible power supply . Better to play it safe than later grieve over the loss of a brilliant creation, over which you pored over for a week. Estimated price depends on the desired capacity and the number of connected devices. In order to be in time right moment save the drawing and turn off the computer correctly, a UPS worth 1,000 rubles is enough.

Mice are ordinary

A rather exotic input method is trackball- an inverted mouse with a big ball. The user rotates this ball with his fingers. The advantage of the trackball over the mouse is the high accuracy of cursor movement at low speeds. For everyday use, the trackball is inconvenient.

In choise mice everything is quite simple: whether it sits comfortably in the hand, whether there is scrolling or a 3rd button, etc., all this is entirely up to your taste. A separate conversation about rugs, carpets must be bought specifically, and not use those that come as a bonus to a new computer.

A mechanical mouse pad needs to be slippery and grippy at the same time. This means that the mouse should not stick to the carpet, but the ball should literally bite into it. For optics, it is better to choose such a rug so that the mouse does not jerk the cursor while standing still. The size of the rug should also be optimal - too large ones take up a lot of space on the table, and too small make the user often move the mouse away from the edge of the carpet.

You can also draw with a regular mouse. But not necessary.

PROGRAMS FOR ARTISTS

There is a whole spectrum software tools- from simple drawing tools on a computer to professional packages. The Windows shell includes one of the most simple packages- Paint. On the example of working with this package, you can get an initial idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhow to create graphic files. There are also more serious packages, for example, Adobe Photoshop. Let's try to briefly go through the main programs and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Painter is one of the best drawing software.

painter - the best program for a computer artist. Version 8 is now out, called Corel Painter. Don't be fooled by phrases like "Procreate Painter is better than Corel Painter" - it's the same program. Painter easily imitates all currently known real materials for drawing and painting, and even the styles of individual well-known artists. The interface is intuitive, the only drawback of the program is that it is paid.

Adobe Photoshop- a package focused more on photo processing than on drawing. However, it contains many essential tools for an artist. Painting in it is not very convenient, but coloring pictures of comics is the very thing, and applying various styles and filters to them is even better. The great advantage of Photoshop lies in the fact that a huge number of filters, brushes and other add-ons have been created for it. You can easily convert all sketches into a single gallery with a recognizable style. Photoshop is paid and expensive, but it's worth it.

Photoshop is the most powerful graphic editor for all occasions.

OpenCanvas- a completely free program for artists, very easy and convenient, but very inferior in functionality expensive analogues. In many ways it repeats the flagships, but greatly simplified. The project is developing, new updates are released periodically. Would recommend to all budding artists.

OpenCanvas is free and functional - that's what it's good for.

Ambient Design ArtRage- a special program that allows you to draw almost artistic works using a tablet computer or tablet. You can draw either yourself, or use any digital photo as a substrate; you can draw not only on tablet computer, but also using an ordinary mouse or tablet. Very useful and absolutely free program.

Ambient Design ArtRage is designed specifically for tablet computers.

Corel Draw- vector graphics editor. For a long time it was considered a toy for amateurs, professionals disdained the program, preferring Adobe Illustrator. But the Canadian company Corel did not stand still - the situation changed after the release of the 10th series. The program has grown so much that today we can already recognize it as a very serious vector graphics tool. Everyone will like it - from a green beginner trying to draw “in Corel” for the first time, to a pro who, in no time, makes some fashionable trademark or label for a new beer with it.

Corel Draw is a powerful vector editor.

Combining these editors together, you can achieve almost any result. The only thing to remember is that the vector editor is always primary, and the raster editor is secondary. That is, having edited the file in a raster editor, it can no longer be converted to vector format, it will only be possible to overlay the next layer.

Summarize. The required set of a computer artist is Painter or Photoshop. Optional - Flash, Corel Draw, OpenCanvas. A vector editor will allow you to create an image from scratch, while a raster one works better with blanks. This, of course, does not mean that in the same Photoshop it is impossible to draw something decent, or even brilliant. But it is more convenient to draw in vector programs.

Options for practical application

Budget. Mouse, pad, bitmap editor.

If you invested a little more than the standard $ 10 in a mousepad and mouse, and if you have a lot of patience and no less time, then, of course, you will draw something. Sadly, drawing with a regular mouse is very difficult. At best, drawings are obtained in the style of children's primitivism.

Minimum. Scanner, sheet of paper, pencil, mouse, raster or vector editor.

This method is quite laborious, but allows you to get good results. The meaning is simple - you make a sketch on paper, scan it and process it in a graphics editor. The better software the better the drawing will be.

Comfortable. Mouse, scanner, Corel Draw, quality mouse pad.

It is very convenient if the mouse polling frequency is high, and with the help of vector editors you can draw any curved lines correctly. But this method is good only for vector editors.

How to. Graphics tablet, scanner, trackball, Corel Draw and Adobe Photoshop.

With this set, you can draw on high level You are only limited by your skills and imagination.

Graphics tablet

A tablet is the perfect drawing device.

Probably, almost everyone who has ever picked up an electronic pen and tried to draw something on a graphics tablet has experienced bewilderment and disappointment. It looks so much like a regular pen, but the feeling of drawing is completely different. And the results, frankly, are not brilliant. Perhaps the result will be better if you understand the principle of operation of these wonderful plates.

A special grid is installed inside the tablet. These are conductors made of the thinnest copper strips. Each of them can be compared to a receiving antenna that receives a signal from electronic pen. They allow special microcircuits to track the position of the pen on the tablet and transmit its coordinates to the chip. Further, the driver and the drawing program are included in the work.

When we draw a pen over the active area of ​​the tablet, then on the screen, if we have a graphics editor loaded and a drawing tool selected, a trace remains. Many tablets have a transparent plastic cover that can be removed and you can put a picture or photo under it. This will allow you to trace the image while copying it. At the pen itself, one end is for drawing, the other is for erasing. The device and principle of operation of all tablets are almost the same.

Successful work!

In today's world, computers are increasingly penetrating our lives. Many areas are already simply unthinkable without the use of a PC: complex mathematical calculations, design, modeling, Internet communications, etc. Finally, it came to drawing!

Now not only artists, but also simple amateurs can easily try to draw some kind of “masterpiece” using special programs. That's about these special programs for drawing on a computer and I would like to talk in this article.

*I note that only free programs will be considered.

1. Paint is the default program…

It is with Paint that I would like to start a review of drawing programs, because. it is included in the OS Windows XP, 7, 8, Vista, etc., which means you don’t need to download anything to start drawing!

To open it, go to the menu " start/programs/standard", and then click on the "Paint" icon.

The program itself is extremely simple and even a complete novice who has recently turned on a PC can understand it.

Of the main functions: resizing images, cutting out a certain part of the image, the ability to draw with a pencil, brush, fill an area with a selected color, etc.

For those who are not professionally engaged in images, for those who sometimes need to correct something in pictures, the program's capabilities are more than enough. That is why I recommend starting your acquaintance with drawing on a PC with it!

2. Gimp is a powerful graph. editor

Gimp is a powerful graphics editor that can work with graphics tablets* (see below) and many other input devices.

Main functions:

Improve photos, make them brighter, enhance color reproduction;

Easily and quickly remove unnecessary elements from photos;

Cutting website layouts;

Drawing pictures with graphics tablets;

Own file storage format ".xcf", which is able to store texts, textures, layers, etc.;

Convenient ability to work with the clipboard - you can instantly insert a picture into the program and start editing it;

Gimp will allow you to archive images almost on the fly;

Ability to open ".psd" format files;

Creating your own plugins (if you have programming skills, of course).

3. MyPaint - artistic drawing

Website: http://mypaint.intilinux.com/?page_id=6

MyPaint is a graphics editor aimed at beginner artists. The program has a simple interface, coupled with unlimited canvas sizes. There is also an excellent set of brushes, thanks to which, using this program, you can draw pictures on your computer, just like on a canvas!

The program captivates with its simplicity, realism - the pictures come out from under the pen almost like the best hits on the walls of professionals.

In the program, you can choose canvases, for example, wagons, walls, buses, on which to work your creative miracles in the future.

The panel provides a choice of a huge number of colors - more than 100 pieces! It is possible to make smudges, change the distance to the surface, use markers, etc. In general, a whole arsenal of graffiti artist!

5. Artweaver - replacement for Adobe Photoshop

A free graphics editor that claims to be Adobe Photoshop itself. This program simulates drawing with oil, paint, pencil, chalk, brush, etc.

It is possible to work with layers, convert images to various formats, compress, etc. Judging by the screenshot below, you can't even tell it from Adobe Photoshop!

Website: http://www.smoothdraw.com/

SmoothDraw is an excellent graphics editor, with big amount opportunities for processing and creating images. Basically, the program is focused on creating pictures from scratch, from a white and clean canvas.

In your arsenal will be a large number of design and art tools: brushes, pencils, pens, pens, etc.

The work with tablets is also not bad, coupled with user-friendly interface program - it can be safely recommended to most users.

7. PixBuilder Studio - mini photoshop

This program on the network, many users have already dubbed mini photoshop. It has most of the popular features and functionality paid program Adobe Photoshop: brightness and contrast editor, there are tools for cutting, transforming images, you can create complex shapes and objects.

A good implementation of several types of image blur, sharpening effects, etc.

It's probably not worth talking about such features as changing the size of the picture, rotations, reversals, etc., probably. In general, PixBuilder Studio is great program for drawing and editing on the computer.

8. Inkscape - analogue of Corel Draw (vector graphics)

This is a free vector image editor, similar to Corel Draw. This vector drawing program - ie. directed segments. Unlike bitmaps, vector images can be easily resized without losing quality! Typically, such a program is used in printing.

It's worth mentioning Flash here - it also uses vector graphics, which can significantly reduce the size of the video!

By the way, it is worth adding that the program has support for the Russian language!

9. Livebrush - painting with a brush

Website: http://www.livebrush.com/GetLivebrush.aspx

Very simple program for drawing with good image editing capabilities. One of the main features of this editor is that you will draw here brush! There are no other tools!

On the one hand, this limits, but on the other hand, the program allows you to implement a lot of things that in no other - you will not do this!

A huge number of brushes, settings for them, strokes, etc. Moreover, you can create brushes yourself and download from the Internet.

By the way, the “brush” in livebrush means not “just a simple” line, but also models of complex geometric shapes ... In general, it is recommended for acquaintance with all fans of working with graphics.

10. Graphic tablets

A graphics tablet is a special device for drawing on a computer. Connects to a computer via standard USB. With the help of a pen, you can drive on an electronic sheet, and on the computer screen you immediately see your picture online. Great!

Who needs a tablet for what?

The tablet can be useful not only for professional designers, but also for ordinary schoolchildren and children. With it, you can edit photos and images, draw graffiti in in social networks, easily and quickly add manuscripts to graphic documents. In addition, when using a pen (tablet pen), the hand and wrist do not get tired during prolonged work, such as when using a mouse.

For professionals, this is the ability to edit photos: creating masks, retouching, editing and editing complex image contours (hair, eyes, etc.).

In general, you get used to the tablet very quickly, and if you often work with graphics, the device becomes simply indispensable! Recommended to all graphic lovers.

This concludes the review of the programs. Good luck and beautiful drawings!