by Getting started with digital drawing can seem complicated at first. With so many tablets, digital pens, and drawing apps available, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert or own expensive equipment to start digital drawing. There are plenty of beginner-friendly apps, including free options, that allow you to practice, experiment with different styles, and discover what type of digital art you enjoy.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best digital drawing apps for beginners, what each one offers, and who they are best suited for.
What do you need to start digital drawing?
Before downloading a drawing app, it’s worth knowing that you don’t need professional equipment to get started.
You can begin with:
- An iPad or tablet.
- A digital stylus, such as an Apple Pencil or a compatible pen.
- A drawing app.
- Plenty of practice.
You can also draw on a computer using a graphics tablet. However, if you’re just starting out, a tablet with a screen can feel more natural because you can draw directly onto the display.
The most important thing isn’t necessarily which app you choose, but finding a tool that feels comfortable for you.
1. Procreate
If you have an iPad, Procreate is one of the most popular digital drawing apps available.
Although it includes many advanced features, you can absolutely use it as a beginner. It offers a huge variety of brushes, layers, drawing assistance, stabilization tools, and many other features for creating digital illustrations.
One of its biggest advantages is that you can start with very simple drawings and gradually explore more advanced tools as you improve.
Procreate is particularly useful for:
- Digital illustration.
- Digital Lettering.
- Kawaii art.
- Portraits.
- Concept art.
- Character design.
- Sketching.
Is Procreate good for beginners? Yes. It can feel overwhelming at first because there are so many options, but there are also countless tutorials and resources available to help you learn.
2. ibisPaint
If you’re looking for a drawing app with a simple interface and lots of features, ibisPaint is another excellent option.
It’s available on mobile devices and tablets and offers a free version, although some features may require additional payment.
The app includes a wide variety of brushes, layers, coloring tools, and other features for creating digital artwork.
It’s also particularly popular among people who enjoy drawing manga and anime characters.
That makes it a great choice if you want to start experimenting with digital art without making a big investment.
Best for: beginners, manga, anime, and character illustration.
3. Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco is designed specifically for digital drawing and painting.
One of its most interesting features is the combination of different types of brushes that can recreate effects similar to traditional materials such as watercolor and oil paint.
If you’re coming from traditional drawing and want to experiment with digital painting, this can be a particularly interesting option.
You can work with layers and use different brush types to create illustrations from scratch.
4. Krita
If you’re drawing on a computer and looking for a free option, Krita is definitely worth considering.
Krita is a digital painting and illustration program with a large number of tools. Although it can feel more advanced than some of the other options on this list, that’s also one of its biggest strengths.
You can use brushes, layers, stabilizers, selection tools, and many other features to create detailed digital illustrations.
It’s particularly useful if you have a computer and a graphics tablet.
5. Freenotes
Although it is actually a note-taking app, it has lots of interesting tools that can be used for drawing and creating some amazing sketches. Experiment with all the pen and marker options to take your first steps. It is a really interesting option that you could try on your tablet or phone, whether you use Android or Apple.
You can get the Freenotes PRO version with the code: IPADH to unlock many more features.
One of its best-known features is the infinite canvas, which allows you to work without being limited to a traditional drawing space. It can be particularly useful for people who want to combine drawing and brainstorming, create project sketches, or experiment with different designs.
