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This is the digital age where creative artists are using computer software to bring their art to life. So the question “what are the best drawing apps for Mac?” couldn’t have come at a better time.
Whether it be drawing or sculpture on PC or Mac, there are many good tools, both free and paid, available in the digital world.
But with all the available tools comes the need to choose the right one as an artist. This is because, in the long run, you wouldn’t want to go through the task of switching from one tool to another.
Of course, it’s not completely a bad idea to switch sometimes. In fact, artists should be flexible and open-minded. However, it’s better to invest your time learning the right tool that’ll serve your need.
So, to guide you through the process of choosing the right drawing app for your Mac, we have put together the 15 best drawing apps for Mac both free and paid in 2023.
Keep reading to check them out.
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15 Best Drawing Apps for Mac in 2023
1. Krita
Krita is the first on our list of free drawing apps for mac. And guess what? It’s my favorite! Krita is a great free drawing program.
Of course, you can use other great programs like photoshop to unleash your creativity. However, you have to pay for them. But Krita is completely open source and free! So you can download it for Mac or windows.
In addition, Krita brings all the professional tools to your disposal. This is why Krita is used by designers all over the world to create concept art, comics, illustrations, and many more!
So whether you’re a professional or amateur artist looking for affordable painting software, Krita is here to serve you.
Main Features
- HDR Features
- Color Palette
- Transform Tools
- Mirroring Tools
- Brush Engines/Types
- Layer Management
- PSD Support
- OpenGL Enhanced
- Selections
- Training Resources
- Drawing Assistants
| PROS | CONS | |
| Open source and free | Less suited for photo manipulation and other forms of image editing. | |
| Offers professional features | ||
Great for drawing comics | ||
Price: free
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2. Inscape
Inscape is another open-source, free, and powerful drawing program for creators. It is a vector-based drawing software.
The Inscape software works with scalable vector graphics files. It is also similar to Adobe illustrator with similar functionality and tools.
So whether you are a designer, an illustrator, a web designer, or just someone who needs to create some vector imagery, Inkscape is a great free tool that you don’t want to miss!
Main Features
- Object creation
- Object manipulation
- Color Selector
- Node editing
- Path conversion
- Multi-line text support
- Anti-aliased display
- Support for almost all the major file formats, and more
| PROS | CONS |
Open source and free | Export images only in PNG |
Great for illustration and vector imagery | |
Extensive extension support | |
Price: free
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3. myPaint
Next on our list of free drawing apps for mac is myPaint. myPaint is an app that allows you to draw and paint stuff.
So it is great for painters with a focus on painting rather than image manipulation or post-processing.
It is also an excellent open-source drawing app for mac that is free. So if you want to create art without breaking the bank, myPaint is what you need.
This is also good for those who have a spot for natural media painting. myPaint offers you different brushes, strokes, and pencils with great performance.
myPaint was released back in 2014. However, regular updates and improvements have stopped since May 2020. But you can still download it to your mac and have a good project!
Main Features of myPaint
- Pressure-sensitive graphics tablet support
- Dynamic brush library
- Layer management.
- Simple interface
- Gamut masking color wheel
- “Unlimited” canvas size
- Symmetry Modes
- Python 3 support
- Integrated bug reporting
- Supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and similar devices
Price: free
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4. FireAlpaca
You don’t need an expensive or very fancy program to paint digital art. With FireAlpaca, you can create high-quality digital art.
FireAlpaca also has simple features and functions that make illustrating easy.
Some more powerful apps like Illustrator and Corel Painter with tons of features usually require a capable PC or Mac to run.
However, FireAlpaca is light on resources, so even if you have an older PC, you can also make use of this app.
Main Features of FireAlpaca
- 3D perspective
- Comic Template
- Light performance
- Perspective view
- Original brush
- Concentration lines
| PROS | CONS |
| Totally free and open source | Offer fewer features |
| Available in 10 languages | |
| User-friendly interface | |
| 3D Perspective | |
Price: free
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5. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is another drawing app for mac for free. It is a great tool for digital artists at their beginner levels.
However, MediBang comes in two packages – Medibang Pro and Madibang Premium. While Medibang Pro is completely free you might have to spend a few dollars to get the features that come with the premium package.
It has a lot of similar functions to more advanced programs. If you’re a manga or comics creator, then you might want to check out MediBang Paint.
The app offers over 800 tones/ backgrounds, brushes, over 50 brushes, 20 fonts style, and many more.
As we mentioned earlier, the real catch is that MediBang is a simple and powerful tool for beginners. So if you’re just getting started with your comics or manga-creating journey, this tool will help you learn and become better!
Main Features of MediBang Paint
- Screen configuration (initial state)
- Color window
- foreground color and background color.
- The Brush Preview window
- Brush Control window
- The Brush window
- Brush Edit Window
- Navigator window
| PROS | CONS | |
| Free to use | Paid premium package | |
| Great for comic creators | ||
| Feature-packed drawing app | ||
| Drag and drop support | ||
Price: free
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6. Autodesk SketchBook
This is a free and complete tool for creating amazing sketches and drawings. Sketchbook is available for both windows and mac operating systems and for free.
You can also use Sketchbook on your smartphone devices. You can use Sketchbook for product sketches and detailed drawings.
So whether you’re a beginner or professional looking for a free tool with simple UI to put down your ideas and concepts, Autodesk Sketchbook got you covered.
Main Features of Autodesk SketchBook
- Inks
- , Pencils, and Markets
- Ellipse guides
- Cross-platform
- 100 mpx canvas
- Camera scanning
- Copic Color Library
- Distraction-free interface
- 190+ customizable brushes
- A single subscription for all platforms
- 16-sector Radial Symmetry technology
- PSD compatible on all devices
- JPG, PNG, BMP, and TIFF support
- Predictive stroke technology
- Line art import with transparent background
| PROS | CONS | |
| Free to use | Paid individual and enterprise subscription package | |
| All devices are PSD compatible | ||
| Smooth and intuitive interface. | ||
Price: free
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7. CorelDRAW Suite
CorelDRAW Suite has long been one of the best drawing software packages, and it unquestionably deserves a spot in this amazing lineup.
One of the cool things about CorelDRAW is its extensive set of professional tools that make drawing or painting an enjoyable experience.
Of course, mastering those pro tools doesn’t come easy for everyone but once you get past that, you’ll fall in love with this program.
Main Features of CorelDRAW Suite
- Top-notch vector design
- AI-powered LiveSketch
- precision photo editing
| PROS | CONS |
| Vector design | Quite expensive |
| Best for professionals | |
| AI-powered LiveSketch | |
| Wide range of tools | |
Pricing: $198/year or $499 for the full version
Free trial: available
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8. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is one of the best industry-standard drawing apps for both mac and windows.
So it’s okay to call it the actual drawing tool that most designers have heard of and often use.
Adobe Photoshop is also another of our favorites because the program offers a high degree of control over the strokes, smoothness of the brushes, and an excellent preset panel.
Creators and designers all over the world use Adobe Photoshop to create packaging, banners, websites, logos, icons, flyers, and more.
Finally, If you are looking for something mainstream and powerful, look no further than Adobe Photoshop.
Main Features of Adobe Photoshop
- Available on multiple platforms
- Compatible with different types of image format
- Professional Color Grading support
- Advanced layer management
- Professional Plug-Ins, Filters, Textures, and Overlays
- Merging images and graphics
- Supports Video Clips Animation Layers and many more
| PROS | CONS |
| Create and edit images for both print and web | Too expensive for the individual user |
| You can control all kinds of image manipulation | Animation Timeline needs to be a little bit smoother |
| Good for Editing and special effects | |
| Allow images for all output methods | |
Pricing; $20.99/ month
Free trial: available
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9. Affinity Designer
This is an incredible new vector design program from serif. Affinity designer offers rock-solid tools, gives you pixel-perfect control, and a flexible workspace. It even won an Apple design award back in 2015.
If you’re a creative professional who wants to design industry-standard vector designs with pixel-perfect precision, then Affinity Designer could be your best bet.
Affinity Designer can be used to create concept art, print projects, logos, icons, UI designs, mock-ups, and more.
Main Features of Affinity Designer
- Available for Mac, iPad, and Windows
- Supports pan and zoom at the framerate of 60fps
- Offers unlimited artboards
- Supports almost all major formats from Adobe products such as Ai, PSD, SVG, etc.
| PROS | CONS | |
| Offers 2D Drawing and CAD Tools | A bit more difficult to learn than other photo editors | |
| Good Design Management | ||
| Excellent Document Storage | ||
Price: $49.99
Free trial: available
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10. Corel Painter 2023
Corel painter offers brush variety, natural media simulation, ease of use, and other important factors.
The Corel Painter 2023 is also one of the best drawing apps for mac. It is another great tool for designers, illustrators, and digital artists across the world.
You can use it to paint amazing pictures of people, clothes, and hair. It also offers amazing pencils as well.
Main Features of Corel Painter
- Offers a wide range of traditional artists’ materials and tools.
- With the aid of a graphics tablet or computer mouse, you can reproduce the effect of physical painting and drawing media such as watercolor, oil, chalk, charcoal, and colored pencil.
| PROS | CONS | |||
| Easy and dynamic user interface | Quite expensive | |||
| In-built wide range of brushes and tools | ||||
| Work on Windows OS as well as Mac OS | ||||
| Great drawing app for professionals | ||||
Price: $229 for users who had purchased a license for any previous version and $429 for new users, $199/ year subscription.
Free trial: available
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11. Adobe Illustrator
Here comes another drawing app for creative people from the Adobe family. It is also one of the best drawing apps for mac but it’s not free.
As an industry-standard software, hundreds of thousands of designers and artists use Illustrator CC to create everything from web icons and product packaging to book illustrations and billboards.
Main Features of Adobe Illustrator
- Real-time drawing and editing
- Enhanced free transform tools
- Cut, copy, and paste artboards between documents
| PROS | CONS | |
| Clean lines and scalability | Steep learning curve | |
| Ease to edit | ||
| Flexibility | ||
| Great app for vector design | ||
Price: $20.99/month
Free trial: Available
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12. Rebelle 5
Another best drawing app for mac on our list is Rebelle however it is also not free. Rebelle 5 was launched as a project to find out if it was possible to create a paint program with the most natural painting tools.
It also offers the feature-laden features that you can find in Corel Painter 2023. One of the outstanding features of Rebelle 5 is real-life color mixing that can make all the difference in your digital art.
However, Rebelle 5 aims at traditional painters and CG artists who want to take a dive into digital art with the skill set that they already possess. So it is not for everyone. If you are one of those, definitely check this app out.
Rebelle offers two categories; standard and pro.
Main Features of Rebelle 5
- Simulation of fluid media
- Express Oils
- Improved Oils & Acrylics
| PROS | CONS |
| Real-world color pigment mixing | The Standard edition lacks some new features |
| Superb oils and watercolor sim | Can slow down on older hardware |
| Affordable and feature-rich | |
Price: $89.99
Free Trial: available
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13. ArtRage
Next on our list of best drawing apps for mac is ArtRage but it’s not a free one. ArtRage is a great option if you want a variety of realistic painting tools to create amazing artwork.
The software has checked off the most important boxes to make drawing a pleasurable experience for both adults and children, from neatly designed pencils to oil painting brushes and fascinating watercolors.
It also allows you to fine-tune all of your favorite tools for greater flexibility.
In terms of the user interface, I believe ArtRage has kept things simple, so getting a feel for the tools should be simple. In addition, there are many helpful tutorials and a large online community for getting much-needed inspiration and tips for this app.
Main Features of ArtRage
- Painting Tools: Oils, Watercolour, and Palette Knives let you smear paint, blend colors, and easily create natural textures.
- Custom Brush Paint with Depth
- Layers and Groups
- References & Tracing Images
| PROS | CONS |
| Great for oil paintings | Not for beginners |
| Support Watercolor | |
| Easy to use | |
| Simple interface | |
Pricing: $79
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14. SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3D modeling and rendering software. With it, you can easily create 2D and 3D models.
It offers creators a large database and objects. In addition, you can use SketchUp to model from scratch. Sketchup can be useful in architecture, interior design, video game creation, 3D printing, and more.
So SketchUp is for people who are more inclined toward creating awesome 3D designs. It is quite flexible when it comes to modeling.
One more good thing about SketchUp is that it enables you to start with simple forms and then combine them with complex objects.
In addition, SketchUp allows you to easily share your creativity with your friends and collaborate with them.
In terms of pricing, SketchUp provides a free basic version so you can get started right away. However, if you want to unlock all of the pro tools, you’ll have to pay $119/$299 depending on which features you want to unlock
Main Features of SketchUp
- Textures
- Lighting effects
- 3D models
- 2D models
- Layer manager
- Animations
| PROS | CONS |
| Great for 3D designs | Very expensive |
| Loads of extensions available | |
| Support Collaboration | |
| Modern UI, Easy to use | |
| Free version available | |
Pricing: $119/ $299
Free trial: available
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15. Blender
Finally on our list of free drawing apps for mac is Blender! Most people would rather see Blender as that open source software for 3D modeling, rendering, animation, and post-production.
Well so you know, you can use Blender for 2D animation too! That is to say, Blender allows you to draw much as you would in any other traditional 2D animation software.
With its grease pencil object, you can draw in the 3D space. So it is an excellent tool for creating concept art.
And the fact that it is free and blender version 10.9 and later are supported for macOS, got this powerful piece of software on our list of drawing apps for mac free.
Some Blender Drawing Features
- Fill
- SVG Exporter
- Greece pencil tools
- Sculpting tool
| PROS | CONS |
| Storyboard tool feature | Might not be easy for beginners to learn |
| Traditional 2D animation | |
| Motion graphics |
Price: free
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How to Choose the Best Drawing Software
Now that you’ve seen all the fantastic drawing apps for mac on our list, you’re probably wondering “how do I choose the best drawing app!?
Well, here is our take. If you’re just getting started as an artist, it’s okay to lean towards whatever offers a few complexities and focus on mastering the fundamental techniques.
As a result, a drawing app with a simple interface combined with easy-to-use tools is okay. So, if you’re just starting to sketch your ideas, it might be wise to go with an app that’s lightweight and designed to make drawing quite easier.
On the other hand, if you’re already a pro in this field, then you probably already know what kind of tools work best for you and what can give your creative wings a boost.
However, take this piece of advice from us: it is wise to be open-minded, try new things and make conclusions based on your own experience.
Conclusion
From powerful free drawing apps like Krita to industry standard paid apps like Adobe Photoshop, digital artists around the world can only be limited by their skill levels and the extent of their imagination.
Frequently Asked Questions on Drawing Apps For Mac
Is there a draw app on Mac?
No, there are no Adobe-branded drawing apps for Mac desktop computers. Illustrator is the closest thing to a desktop equivalent. Smaller devices, on the other hand, have a variety of Adobe Photoshop products that allow you to manipulate images.
Does Mac Have a free drawing program?
Krita. Krita is a professional drawing app developed by digital artists who wanted to make their tools available to the general public. As a result, even if you are just beginning to master the skills of digital sketching, this app is an excellent choice.
How can I draw on my Mac?
To use the drawing tools in macOS Preview, go to View > Show Markup Toolbar and then click on the crayon symbol on the far right. You can then doodle and draw in Preview with different colored pens. You can also adjust the thickness of the lines you draw, but not much else.
Is procreate free?
Yes, it’s free, and procreates is an outstanding app, however.
Is Autodesk SketchBook Pro free?
Yes, there’s s fully featured version of SketchBook that is now FREE for everyone!
How good is Krita?
Krita is a very good free drawing app for mac and pc While there are some bugs, they are outweighed by the quality of what Krita provides.
Is there a draw app on Mac?
No, there are no Adobe-branded drawing apps for Mac desktop computers. Illustrator is the closest thing to a desktop equivalent. Smaller devices, on the other hand, have a variety of Adobe Photoshop products that allow you to manipulate images.
Does Mac Have a free drawing program?
Krita. Krita is a professional drawing app developed by digital artists who wanted to make their tools available to the general public. As a result, even if you are just beginning to master the skills of digital sketching, this app is an excellent choice.
How can I draw on my Mac?
To use the drawing tools in macOS Preview, go to View > Show Markup Toolbar and then click on the crayon symbol on the far right. You can then doodle and draw in Preview with different colored pens. You can also adjust the thickness of the lines you draw, but not much else.
Is procreate free?
Yes, it’s free, and procreates is an outstanding app, however.
Is Autodesk SketchBook Pro free?
Yes, there’s s fully featured version of SketchBook that is now FREE for everyone!
How good is Krita?
Krita is a very good free drawing app for mac and pc While there are some bugs, they are outweighed by the quality of what Krita provides.
References
- filmora.wondershare.com – Best Drawing Software for Mac [Free and Paid]
- beebom.com – 20 Best Drawing Programs for Windows PC and Mac (Free and Paid)
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