Macs have always been the first choice for graphic design and digital art professionals. And it is that the performance, reliability and speed of Apple computers are ideal for creating and editing images. That is why macOS users have a wide selection of drawing and digital creation programs. To the popular Photoshop, also available for Windows, many other applications must be included. Do you know all of them?
In today’s article we are going to show you a selection of the best drawing applications and programs for Mac. All the apps that we are going to show you are free, so regardless of your budget, you can start drawing right now. We hope you like it!
1. Tayasui Sketches
We start our selection with Tayasui Sketches, a free application with which you can turn your Mac or iPad into a real sketchbook. It has more than 20 brushes and tools with which to give shape to all your ideas. And best of all, the process is really easy! The Tayasui Sketches interface is as intuitive as taking a blank canvas and starting to draw.
Although Tayasui Sketches is a free app, it also offers a paid Pro version. It includes unlimited layers for your drawings, more tips for your brushes and an editor for your brushes as well as the possibility of painting with watercolours, mixing colors and many other improvements.
2. Krita
Krita is an excellent free drawing program that, as stated on its website, has been created by artists to offer quality software that is accessible to everyone. This tool is the perfect ally for any digital illustrator, as it includes all the necessary tools to create sketches, illustrations, and comics of all kinds. In addition to this, as it is an open source program, you can add improvements until it meets your needs.
Among the main features of Krita we find its many brushes, the ability to add layers and masks as well as its advanced color management. It is, therefore, an excellent option for any creative professional who cannot afford the high price of Photoshop.
3. Paint S
Paint S is the free version of Paint Pro, offering all the basic tools of this excellent drawing program for Mac. Paint S is a very good option for anyone who wants to get started in the world of digital drawing and become familiar with its tools. From the application you will be able to create sketches, edit your images, add texts and change the dimensions of any drawing or photograph that you are working on.
Paint S is excellent for trying out the base Paint Pro options and thus knowing if you are interested in upgrading to the paid version. As a final point, it is interesting to note that Paint S is compatible with a large number of files, allowing you to import, edit and export images in JPEG, PNG, BMP or TIFF formats.
4. Pinta
Pinta is a powerful free and open source application designed so that all users can easily draw and manipulate images. This multiplatform program stands out for its intuitive interface, perfect both for new users and for those who have already mastered digital illustration programs.
Paint has all the basic drawing tools, although it also includes some advanced ones, such as the ability to add layers and effects to any photo. From the application you can also clone images, insert figures and give free rein to your ideas to create the perfect composition. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a complete, free and easy-to-use app.
5. FireAlpaca
Are you looking for an alternative to Paint for Mac? You will love FireAlpaca! This interesting drawing program has an aesthetic very similar to the well-known Windows program, offering a simple app but full of possibilities. And it is that although at first glance it seems like a program with few tools, FireAlpaca is an excellent ally to create digital designs and illustrations.
One of the strengths of FireAlpaca is its ease of use. Its clear interface, in addition to being present in more than 10 languages (including Spanish) make this a perfect program for both beginners and illustration professionals. And it’s free!
6. Inkscape
inkscape is a powerful editor specialized in vector drawing with support for most digital graphic files, a palette of tools for drawing and adding shapes and lines, and the possibility of retouching each element you add individually. Although it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, inkscape is an app that, due to its many possibilities, is an essential tool for anyone looking for a good alternative to Photoshop for Mac.
As we have already explained, inkscape is a vector graphics editor, but it has many other possibilities. In fact, many professionals use this program to create not only graphics and logos of all kinds, but also to create and edit all kinds of complex illustrations. Highly recommended for everyone who doesn’t get scared easily by their learning curve.
7. Autodesk Sketchbook
As its name suggests, Autodesk Sketchbook will turn your Mac or iPad into a real sketchbook. This free app was born under the idea that a good idea or illustration can arise at any time and that to capture it quickly, there is no better tool than Sketchbook.
Sketchbook stands out for being an intuitive app and very easy to use, making it ideal for anyone who wants to start in the world of illustration. But do not be fooled by it, because it is a really complex software. In fact, the Autodesk app incorporates hundreds of brushes, divided into pencils, markers, airbrushes and much more. Ideal for those looking for an illustration tool that resembles drawing naturally on paper or canvas.
8. Paintbrush
Are you looking for a simple and fast program to doodle from your Mac? You will love Paintbrush! It is a very basic but practical drawing tool for drawing. Its tools palette is identical to that of Paint for Windows and MacPaint. For the rest, it supports most formats to work with a blank canvas or decorate your photos or drawings.
Paintbrush offers basic tools such as the airbrush, brush, liner or paint bucket as well as allowing you to add text to your drawings. In short, it is the best option if you always wanted to have Paint on your Mac.
9. Tux Paint
If you have children at home, it’s already taking time to download Tux Paint. This free drawing program for Mac is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 to bring out that artist in them. To help them will be Tux, the famous Linux penguin, who will provide them with a blank canvas and a wide range of tools so that they can get to work.
Don’t be fooled by appearances, although Tux Paint looks like a simple program, it is a really useful tool for drawing. It has an attractive interface, all the basic drawing tools you may need, fun sound effects and of course, all kinds of effects to bring your drawings to life. It is the perfect program for the little ones in the house!
10. MacPaintX
MacPaintX is a really simple but useful free application. It has everything you need to be able to draw comfortably from your Mac from the classic paint bucket to brushes, an eraser or a magnifying glass. Although it is not a tool designed to make large illustrations, it is really comfortable to take quick notes or sketch an idea.
Although it is a very basic application, MacPaintX is perfect for someone looking for an easy-to-use drawing program. Of course, if you want to touch up an image or photograph, we recommend that you opt for other programs on the list.
Bring out your most creative side with your Mac
We hope you liked our selection of the best free drawing applications for Mac. And remember, if we have helped you, do not forget to share this article with your friends through social networks.
