Are you looking for the drawing software ideal for your projectsdigital art ? These applications are available in French, which makes it easy for French speakers to use them. Whether you are a pro illustrator, an art student, or a fan of digital painting, this list of the 12 best drawing software free and paid will guide you. With customizable brushes, a graphics tablet compatibility, and options for all levels, these illustration applications meet all needs.
Comparison of Design Software
Software
Price
Free/Paid
Rating
Krita
€0
Free
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
GIMP
€0
Free
★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Inkscape
€0
Free
★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
SketchBook
€0
Free
★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
MediBang Paint
€0 (in-app purchases)
Free
★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Artweaver
€0 (Plus: €47)
Free/Paid
★★★☆☆ (3.9/5)
Paint Tool SAI
≈ €45 (single license)
Paid
★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Clip Studio Paint
€49.99 (license) • subscription available
Paid
★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Affinity Designer
€69.99 (single license)
Paid
★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Procreate
€14.99 (single license)
Paid (iPad)
★★★★★ (4.9/5)
Adobe Photoshop
€23.99/month
Paid
★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Adobe Illustrator
€23.99/month
Paid
★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Adobe Fresco
Free or €11.99/month
Free/Paid
★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Top 12 Design Software to Unleash Your Creativity
1. Krita: Free Design Software for Artists
Krita is a free drawing app acclaimed for its realistic brushes And his intuitive interface. Perfect for the digital painting And theanimation, it seduces beginners and pros.
For whom? Budget artists and animators.
prix : Free.
Key features : Resource library, comic book creation, export in PSD format.
Pros :
Completely free with a support community active.
Customizable brushes for a natural look.
Tablet compatible for a smooth drawing.
Available in French, making it easy to use for French speakers.
Cons :
Less suitable for vector drawing.
Sometimes slow performance on old PCs.
Krita is a gem for artists looking for a powerful free tool that rivals paid software for digital painting. Its interface may intimidate novices, and it lacks vector-based features, but its community and updates make it a reliable choice.
2. Adobe Photoshop: The Leader in Digital Design
Adobe Photoshop is the reference for photo editing And the digital drawing from the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with image editing tools advanced and a synergy between software Adobe. Another application in the Adobe suite, Adobe Fresco, is ideal for digital drawing and painting, offering a realistic experience of creating illustrations through expressive and innovative tools.
For whom? Experienced illustrators and designers.
prix : Starting at €23.99/month.
Key features : Vector drawing, Cloud Features, realistic brushes.
Pros :
Versatility for illustration and photo editing.
Tablet compatibility optimal.
Regular updates with new features.
Cons :
Expensive subscription.
Steep learning curve for beginners.
Photoshop is a must for pros thanks to its versatility and advanced tools, but its price and complexity can put off hobbyists. It excels at mixed projects (drawing and picture), but open source alternatives like GIMP are sufficient for simpler needs.
3. SketchBook: Easy for Beginners
SketchBook (Autodesk) is a free drawing app With a clear interface And customizable brushes, ideal for mobile and novice artists.
For whom? Everyone: Beginners and pros looking for a simple tool.
prix : Free.
Key features : Exporting images easy, multiplatform software, tablet compatible and various devices.
Pros :
Free and lightweight, perfect for small configs.
Intuitive interface for a quick start and easy handling.
Great with graphics tablets.
Cons :
Fewer advanced features than Photoshop.
Not ideal for animation or vector drawing.
SketchBook is a great entry point for beginners because it's simple and free, but its limited features make it less suitable for complex projects. Sa tablet compatibility makes it a solid choice for drawing on the go.
4. MediBang Paint: Manga Specialist
MediBang Paint is a free drawing app focused on comic book creation And the digital drawing, with online collaboration tools and Cloud Features.
For whom? Manga fans and collaborative artists. BA- prix : Free (optional in-app purchases).
Key features : Resource library, tablet compatible, logo creation.
Pros :
Free with specific tools for BD.
Online collaboration for team projects.
Cloud features to save easily.
Available in French, making it easy to use for French speakers.
Cons :
Interface sometimes cluttered.
In-app purchases for premium features.
MediBang Paint is perfect for manga creators and teams thanks to its collaborative tools, but its interface can confuse novices. Free, it offers a good balance, but paid options can be frustrating for full use.
5. GIMP: Free Photoshop Alternative
GIMP is a free drawing app versatile for photo editing and illustration, supported by a support community active.
Available in French, which makes it easy to use for French speakers.
Cons :
Interface less intuitive.
Less suitable for animation or vector drawing.
GIMP is a robust alternative to Photoshop for artists on a budget, but its outdated interface requires time to adapt. It is suitable for various projects (illustration, picture), but lacks fluidity for specialized tasks such as animation.
6. Inkscape: Vector Design Expert
Inkscape is a vector software free, perfect for logo creations and vector illustrations, with a intuitive interface for designers.
For whom? Vector designers and illustrators.
prix : Free.
Key features : Vector drawing, software performance high, multiplatform software. Inkscape is also great for designing logos and vector graphics.
Pros :
Free and powerful for vector drawing.
Support community active.
Compatible with graphics tablets.
Cons :
Less suitable for digital painting.
Learning curve for vectorial.
Inkscape is a must-have choice for vector drawing free, ideal for evolving logos or graphics. Its interface requires learning, and it is not designed for digital painting, limiting its use for certain artists.
7. Affinity Designer: Pro and Affordable
Affinity Designer is a drawing application affordable, competing with Illustrator for vector drawing and digital painting.
For whom? Pro artists without an Adobe budget.
prix : €69.99 (single purchase).
Key features : Realistic brushes, operating system compatibility (Windows, MacOS, iPad), digital art creation, ideal for graphic design and illustration creation.
Pros :
Unique purchase, economical in the long term.
Versatile for Vectorial and digital painting.
Intuitive interface and fast.
Cons :
No Cloud Features like Adobe.
Fewer tutorials than Photoshop.
Affinity Designer offers great value for professionals, with versatile tools for Vectorial and illustration. Its one-time purchase is appealing, but the lack of cloud and community resources can limit users who are used to Adobe.
8. Artweaver: Compact and Accessible
Artweaver is a free drawing software (paid version available) focused on digital painting, with a clear interface for beginners.
For whom? Amateurs and artists in apprenticeship.
prix : Free (Plus version at €47).
Key features : Customizable brushes, tablet compatible, exporting images.
Pros :
Free and lightweight for modest configs.
Intuitive interface for novices, offering easy handling.
Tablet compatible for simple drawing.
Cons :
Limited features in the free version.
Less powerful than Krita or Photoshop.
Artweaver is a good option for beginners thanks to its simplicity, but its limited features in the free version make it less competitive with Krita. It's suitable for lightweight projects, but pros will look for more robust tools.
9. Procreate: Mobile Drawing on iPad
Procreate is a drawing software paid exclusive to iOS, loved for its tablet compatibility And its customizable brushes, perfect for mobile artists.
For whom? iPad users and professional illustrators.
prix : €14.99 (one-time purchase).
Key features : Animation, digital art creation, clear interface. Compatible with a variety of iOS devices including iPads and iPhones
Pros :
Affordable price for a pro tool.
Realistic brushes with Apple Pencil.
Ideal for digital drawing in mobility.
Cons :
Exclusive to iOS, not for Windows/Android.
Less suitable for vector drawing.
Procreate is a must for iPad users, offering a smooth and pro drawing experience at a low price. Its iOS exclusivity limits its accessibility, and it lacks vector features, but it excels for digital painting.
10. Clip Studio Paint: All-in-one for Comics and Animation
Clip Studio Paint is a drawing software Payer specializing in illustration, comic book creation, and animation, with a resource library fleshed out.
For whom? Professional illustrators and manga creators.
prix : Starting at €49.99 (single purchase) or subscription.
Key features : Online collaboration, realistic brushes, exporting images. Great for comic book and animation design
Pros :
Perfect for Comic strips and animation.
Customizable brushes and support community.
Tablet compatible for precision.
Cons :
Dense interface for novices.
Less intuitive mobile version.
Clip Studio Paint is a favorite choice for manga creators and animators thanks to its specialized tools. Its interface may intimidate newbies, but its value for money and versatility make it a serious competitor to Photoshop.
11. Paint Tool SAI: Simplicity for Digital Painting
Paint Tool SAI is a drawing software lightweight, appreciated for its simplicity and realistic brushes, a favorite for digital painting.
For whom? Illustrators looking for a lightweight tool.
prix : Around €45 (single purchase).
Key features : Customizable brushes, tablet compatible, exporting images.
Pros :
Intuitive interface and software performance fast, offering easy handling.
Realistic brushes for smooth rendering.
Unique, economical purchase.
Cons :
No Cloud Features nor online collaboration.
Less versatile for photo editing or animation.
Paint Tool SAI is ideal for artists who focus on digital painting thanks to its lightness and ease of use. It lacks advanced features like animation or the cloud, which limits it for complex projects, but its unique price is an asset.
12. Adobe Illustrator: Vector Design Reference
Adobe Illustrator is the vector software leader for logo creations, vector illustrations, and graphic design, popular with professionals.
For whom? Professional designers and illustrators.
prix : Starting at €23.99/month.
Key features : Vector drawing, Cloud Features, synergy between software Adobe. Adobe Illustrator is ideal for creating logos and vector graphics.
Pros :
Leader for vector drawing and logo creations.
Advanced tools and tablet compatibility.
Abundant resources and tutorials.
Cons :
Expensive subscription.
Complex for beginners.
Illustrator is the reference for vector drawing, offering unparalleled tools for professional designers. Its high cost and complexity may discourage hobbyists, but its synergy with Adobe and its power make it a valid investment for graphic projects.
14. Adobe Fresco: Digital Paint for Tablets
Adobe Fresco is a drawing software focused on digital painting, with a limited free version and a paid version, designed for tablets (iOS, Windows) and integrating realistic brushes.
For whom? Mobile artists and tablet users.
prix : Free (limited version) or €11.99/month (premium).
Key features : Customizable brushes, tablet compatible, Cloud Features with Adobe.
Pros :
Realistic brushes simulating watercolor and oil.
Synergy with Photoshop and Illustrator via Cloud.
Free version to get started.
Cons :
Very limited free version.
Expensive premium subscription for all features.
Adobe Fresco excels at digital painting
Key Features to Look For
For a drawing software At the top, here is what to check:
Customizable brushes and realistic brushes for a natural look.
Tablet compatibility for drawing with precision. It is also crucial that the software is compatible with various devices like iOS and Android devices for maximum flexibility.
Export images in PSD or other formats for flexibility.
Resource library (textures, models) to save time.
Intuitive interface and smooth software performance. Specific features like inking and lettering can greatly improve the user experience and artistic creation.
Using Software with a Graphics Tablet
To get the most out of your graphics tablet :
Install the drivers : Make sure your tablet (Wacom, Huion, etc.) is recognized by the software. Also check compatibility with various devices such as tablets and smartphones for maximum flexibility.
Configure brushes : Adjusts the pressure sensitivity in Krita or Photoshop For realistic traits. Take advantage of specific features like inking and lettering to enrich your drawing experience.
Explore shortcuts : Customize the keys to speed up your workflow.
Practical : Follow the tutorials (links above) to master the tools.
With Procreate on iPad, use Apple Pencil for vector designs smooth and precise.
How do I choose the right drawing software?
The choice of a drawing software depends on your skills, needs, and budget:
Beginners: Opt for Krita or SketchBook (free, intuitive interfaces).
Pros: Photoshop, Affinity Designer, or Clip Studio Paint For advanced tools.
Manga/comic books: MediBang Paint or Clip Studio Paint For their specific tools.
Vector: Inkscape or Affinity Designer For the logo creations.
Tablet: Procreate (iPad) or Krita For a synergy with graphics tablets.
Each software offers different offers, including subscriptions and bundles, allowing you to choose the best plan according to your needs.
tip : Check it operating system compatibility (Windows, macOS, iOS) and test the free versions before buying.
Payment options generally include credit card and Paypal, ensuring a secure transaction on the software's official website.
What is drawing software?
A drawing application is a computer program that can help you create and visualize works of art on a computer.
Like video tools, they can be simple or very advanced. Design plays a crucial role in choosing drawing software because it determines how easy and effective you can create art. Paint is probably the first drawing software that most of us got familiar with.
However, there are much more efficient tools on the market today. Most of them are highly customizable, considering the breadth and variety of their uses. Specific features such as inking and lettering are often put forward to improve the user experience. In simple terms, drawing software allows you to materialize your ideas in digital form using a screen, keyboard, and mouse. The added benefit is that these tools allow you to draw, delete, and redraw with a single click, unlike traditional art.
Some great examples of these tools include AutoCAD and QCAD, both of which are widely used for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering creations. Besides engineers and students, these tools are widely used by professionals in the fields of design and fine arts, tattoo art, T-shirt design, as a hobby, etc.
Why Adopt Design Software?
With these drawing software, you can unleash your creative potential, whether forillustration, of the digital painting, or logo creations.
Free options like Krita or Inkscape are perfect for getting started, while Photoshop or Procreate offer advanced tools for pros. The importance of design in choosing drawing software should not be underestimated, as it facilitates graphic creation. Thanks to the tablet compatibility And to support communities, you will never be alone. So, choose your creation tool, follow the tutorials, and get started withdigital art !
Paid options like Photoshop or Procreate offer specific features such as inking and lettering, which greatly improve the user experience and artistic creation.
Conclusion
In the end, we all have different software requirements and budgets. We can therefore say that your choice of drawing software will vary from the others.
In summary, if you are on a tight budget, you can opt for an option like Adobe Spark or MyPaint.
If you want a complete tool for animation and graphic creation, Adobe Photoshop is a great option.
Additionally, if you want extensive customization with a range of brush and color options, you can choose Krita. And for vector graphics, Corel Painter by CorelDRAW is a great choice.
Be sure to carefully assess your goals, requirements, and budget before making your final decision.
Other recommended reading: Do you not only want to be great at drawing software but also at other types of editing? Here is my list of the best photo editing software And of video editing of the moment.
Stephen MESNILDREY
I help entrepreneurs and solopreneurs to Grow online, without headaches.
No marketing blah, no magic formulas, just advice that works truly 🦾
I tested, struggled and found a lot of solutions.
Now I am sharing everything to avoid the same mistakes for you and move forward faster 🌶️
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