Are you a creative individual looking for the perfect drawing software to enhance your artistic abilities? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will present to you 12 unbelievable drawing software options that are set to revolutionize the way artists and designers bring their ideas to life in 2023. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, these cutting-edge software programs offer a wide range of features and tools to cater to your unique needs. Get ready to explore a world of endless possibilities as we delve into the realm of digital art with these top-notch drawing software options.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
The Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet is the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers. It offers superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery-free technology that feels like pen on paper. The tablet can be used with any software program for digital creativity, including drawing, painting, photo/video editing, design, and education. With every purchase, Wacom provides software and online training. The tablet is compatible with Chromebook, Mac, Android, and Windows. It comes in a small size and has 4 customizable ExpressKeys. Although the pen nib wear could be improved, the tablet delivers excellent performance without any lag and provides a seamless, user-friendly experience. Overall, the Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet is a valuable investment for artists of all levels.
Key Features
- Enjoy industry leading tablet performance with Wacom's EMR technology
- Compatible with all software programs for digital creativity
- Preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Includes software and online training
- Global leader in drawing tablet and displays
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Dimension: 7.87Lx6.30Wx0.35H
- Size: Small
Pros
- Superior control and precision
- Includes software and online training
- Compatible with various devices
- No lag or latency
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Pen nib wear
- No erase tip on pen
- Not compatible with other pens
- No shortcut for 'Erase mode' on quick keys
The Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet is a top choice for professional graphic designers and artists. It offers industry-leading tablet performance, precise control, and seamless user experience. With its compatibility with various devices and software programs, it provides versatile options for digital creativity. The inclusion of software and online training enhances its value. While it may have some drawbacks like pen nib wear and lack of certain features, the overall performance and functionality outweigh these limitations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, this tablet is a valuable tool for unleashing your creativity and bringing your vision to life. Invest in the Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet and elevate your digital artwork to the next level.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a beginner-friendly digital painting software that provides a wide range of brushes and powerful AI presets to turn photos into stunning art. With an uncomplicated interface, unlimited layers, and helpful tutorials, users can easily create and customize their artwork. The software also offers convenient color selection options and compatibility with tablets and stylus pressure control. Although some users have experienced issues with stability and brush packs, overall, Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a versatile software for digital painting.
Key Features
- Over 170 brushes including realistic pencils, acrylic, and watercolors
- Powerful AI presets for turning photos into stunning art
- Uncomplicated interface with document control and unlimited layers
- Convenient color selection options with the color wheel and mixer palette
- Incredible speed and performance with tablet compatibility and Apple Sidecar support
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.25Lx1.25Wx7.50H
Pros
- Wide variety of brushes and powerful AI presets
- Uncomplicated interface with helpful tutorials
- Convenient color selection options
- Tablet compatibility and stylus pressure control
Cons
- Some stability issues and flakiness
- Issues with certain brush packs
- Confusing brush renaming
- Limited customer support
Overall, Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a versatile software that offers a wide range of brushes, powerful AI presets, and an uncomplicated interface suitable for beginners. While it may have some stability issues and a learning curve, it provides a great platform for digital painting and photo art. The program’s intuitive features and tablet compatibility make it a valuable tool for artists of all skill levels. However, some users have experienced issues with brush packs and customer support. Despite its flaws, Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a good choice for those looking to explore digital art.
Overall Score: 8.2/10
The DRAWings PRO XII 12 Embroidery Digitizing and Much More Software is a versatile and user-friendly program compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. With this software, you can effortlessly create stunning embroidery designs and save them in various file formats. It features an advanced photo-realistic embroidery algorithm called PaintStitch, which allows you to transform any photo into an embroidery design. The stitch editor gives you complete freedom to adjust and modify every stitch of your design. Additionally, the software includes a unique floral creation feature that dynamically generates floral designs to enhance your designs. Despite lacking detailed specifications, the customer reviews praise the ease of use, excellent customer service, and comprehensive features of the software. However, some users mention the absence of a physical manual and compatibility issues with the latest version of Mac OS. Overall, the DRAWings PRO XII 12 Embroidery Digitizing Software is highly recommended for embroidery enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Key Features
- Compatible with both Mac and the latest Windows versions
- Flawless automated embroidery design digitizing
- Save designs in various file formats
- Transform photos into embroidery designs with Paint Stitch
- Complete stitch editor for easy modification
- Dynamic floral creation for unique designs
Specifications
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fantastic customer service
- Creates impressive embroidery designs
- Versatile for other craft projects
- Includes helpful tutorials
Cons
- Lacks a physical manual
- Compatibility issues with the latest version of Mac OS
The DRAWings PRO XII 12 Embroidery Digitizing Software is an exceptional tool for embroidery enthusiasts and professionals. With its compatibility with both Mac and Windows, user-friendly interface, and advanced features like automatic design digitizing and photo-realistic embroidery algorithm, this software offers endless creative possibilities. The comprehensive stitch editor and dynamic floral creation feature further elevate the design process. While the absence of a physical manual and compatibility issues with the latest Mac OS version are minor drawbacks, the outstanding customer service and ample tutorials compensate for these limitations. Overall, those seeking an effortless and versatile embroidery digitizing software will find great value in the DRAWings PRO XII 12.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a beginner digital painting software that offers a wide range of features and tools to unleash your artistic creativity. With over 170 brushes, including realistic pencils, acrylics, watercolors, and unique digital brushes, you can create stunning artwork. The powerful AI presets, auto-painting, tracing, and creative effects allow you to transform photos into beautiful art effortlessly. The uncomplicated interface provides document control, unlimited layers, adjustment and symmetry tools, built-in layouts, and helpful tutorials. Select colors easily with the color wheel or blend your own with the mixer palette. Experience outstanding speed and performance, with tablet compatibility and stylus pressure control. As an Amazon exclusive, you also receive a free beginner brush pack bundle containing 55 additional brushes for various artistic styles. Overall, Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a versatile and user-friendly software for digital painting.
Key Features
- Over 170 brushes including pencils, acrylics, watercolors, and more
- Powerful AI presets, auto-painting, tracing, and creative effects
- Uncomplicated interface with document control and unlimited layers
- Convenient color selection with color wheel and mixer palette
- Incredible speed and performance with tablet compatibility and stylus control
- Free beginner brush pack bundle with 55 additional brushes
Specifications
Pros
- Wide range of brushes for various artistic styles
- Powerful AI presets and creative effects
- User-friendly interface with helpful tutorials
- Easy color selection and blending
- Great speed and performance with tablet compatibility
- Bonus brush pack bundle included
Cons
- Some customers received the wrong product or invalid serial numbers
- Expensive upgrades
- Limited content in the program
- Lack of customer support
Corel Painter Essentials 8 is a recommended digital painting software for beginners and artists looking for a versatile and user-friendly tool. With its extensive range of brushes, powerful AI presets, and uncomplicated interface, it offers endless possibilities for creating stunning artwork. The inclusion of a bonus brush pack bundle adds value to the package. However, some customers have reported issues with receiving the wrong product or facing difficulties with customer support. Additionally, the cost of upgrades and limited content within the program could be a drawback for some users. Overall, Corel Painter Essentials 8 provides a solid foundation for digital painting and is worth considering for aspiring artists.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
CorelCAD 2021 Education Edition is a powerful CAD software designed for architecture, engineering, construction, and manufacturing professionals. It offers a collection of affordable tools for 2D drafting, 3D design, and 3D printing. With professional 2D drafting tools, you can create, edit, and annotate technical designs with precision. The intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools allow you to transform your project sketches into 3D printing and other output quickly. CorelCAD 2021 is compatible with AutoCAD .DWG file format, making it easy to adjust to any working environment and collaborate effortlessly. Powered by a sophisticated CAD engine, it delivers advanced performance and efficiency. *Please note that this version is for educational use only and not for commercial purposes.
Key Features
- Academic Eligibility for schools, students, and non-profit organizations
- Powerful 2D drafting tools for technical designs
- Intuitive 3D modeling and editing tools
- Full Auto CAD .DWG file format compatibility
- Advanced performance with a sophisticated CAD engine
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.31Lx0.55Wx7.56H
Pros
- Affordable alternative to Auto CAD
- Compatible with Auto CAD
- Great value for drawing and engineering modeling
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Old technology interface
- Activation code registration issues
CorelCAD 2021 Education Edition is a cost-effective CAD software that provides powerful tools for 2D drafting, 3D design, and 3D printing. While the interface may be a bit outdated and the learning curve steep, it offers compatibility with AutoCAD and a strong CAD engine for advanced performance. It is an excellent option for students, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations looking for an affordable alternative to AutoCAD. However, there have been some customer complaints regarding activation code registration issues, so it is worth considering this aspect before making a purchase.
Overall Score: 6/10
Inkscape is a powerful illustration software that allows users to create stunning vector drawings. With sophisticated drawing tools and precise editing capabilities, it offers a range of features for professional designers. Users can manipulate paths with ease using the node tool, edit typography directly on the canvas, and ensure W3C compliancy by manipulating the underlying SVG code. Inkscape is not a toy or game, but rather a tool that requires prior experience or a dedicated effort to learn. While some users reported difficulties, others found value for money. It's worth noting that Inkscape is available for free online, offering continuous upgrades and flexibility. Whether you're designing guitar bodies or exploring new artistic possibilities, Inkscape has the potential to enhance your creative process.
Key Features
- Sophisticated drawing tools
- Node tool for precision editing
- On-canvas text editing
- XML editor for W3C compliancy
Specifications
Pros
- Powerful and versatile drawing capabilities
- Direct manipulation of underlying SVG code
- Free online version with continuous upgrades
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Reports of potential viruses in the download
Inkscape is a robust illustration software offering a range of powerful tools for designers. While it may have a steep learning curve, experienced users can leverage its capabilities to create stunning vector drawings. Additionally, the availability of a free online version with continuous upgrades makes it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget. However, caution should be exercised when downloading the software, as some users reported potential virus issues. Overall, Inkscape is a valuable tool for professionals and creative enthusiasts looking to explore the world of vector drawing.
Overall Score: 6.5/10
Corel Painter 2021 Education Edition is the ultimate digital art software that allows you to sketch, paint, illustrate, and create stunning photo-art. With over 900 diverse brushes, including traditional brushes like chalks and watercolors, as well as exclusive media like Particles and Pattern Pens, you have unlimited artistic possibilities. Transform your favorite photos and drawings into breathtaking paintings with the help of powerful Auto-Painting and cloning tools. The software offers increased flexibility and customization with full drawing tablet compatibility, customizable workspace, and the ability to create your own brushes and palette. It also provides access to a wealth of learning resources such as helpful hints, free webinars, and video tutorials.
Key Features
- Academic eligibility for accredited schools, students, and organizations
- Over 900 diverse brushes including exclusive media
- Transform photos and drawings into paintings with Auto-Painting tools
- Increased flexibility and customization with drawing tablet compatibility
- Access to built-in learning resources
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Wide range of brushes and exclusive media for realistic digital art
- Powerful Auto-Painting and cloning tools for transforming images
- Customizable workspace and full drawing tablet compatibility
Cons
- Some users reported difficulties connecting to the internet and opening the program
Corel Painter 2021 Education Edition is a feature-rich digital painting software that offers an extensive collection of brushes and tools for creating realistic art. It provides a great deal of flexibility and customization options, making it suitable for artists of all skill levels. The ability to transform photos and drawings into paintings with the help of powerful Auto-Painting tools is a standout feature. However, some users have reported issues with connectivity and program opening. Overall, if you’re an student or an educational institution looking for a comprehensive digital art software, Corel Painter 2021 Education Edition is worth considering.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Clip Studio Paint Pro is a powerful and versatile software for digital artists, illustrators, and comic creators. It offers a wide range of features and tools to help enhance your workflow and bring your artistic visions to life. With the ability to create original sketches using a mouse or pen tablet, and a variety of powerful coloring tools, you can easily create illustrations, paintings, manga, and comics. The software also provides access to over 10,000 free assets to help you get started quickly, and offers a $5 credit towards Clip Studio Assets. It is compatible with both Microsoft Windows and MacOS.
Key Features
- Create original sketches using mouse or pen tablet
- Powerful coloring tools for illustration, painting, manga, and comics
- Assortment of powerful art tools to maximize workflow
- Access to over 10,000 free assets
- $5 credit towards Clip Studio Assets
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.30Lx0.60Wx7.60H
Pros
- Affordable alternative to Adobe software
- No subscription required
- Wide range of features and tools
- Great for digital art, illustration, and photo editing
Cons
- UI may be difficult to navigate for non-Adobe users
- Instructions can be confusing
- Activation requires online registration
Clip Studio Paint Pro is a highly recommended software for digital artists, illustrators, and comic creators. It offers a wide range of features and tools to bring your artistic visions to life. With its affordable pricing and no subscription requirement, it is a great alternative to Adobe software. The software may have a learning curve for non-Adobe users, but its powerful capabilities and versatility make it worth the effort. The customizable interface and stable performance add to its appeal. Overall, Clip Studio Paint Pro is a must-have tool for anyone serious about digital art and illustration.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Drawing Pad is an easy-to-use finger paint app that allows you to create art. With a simpler interface than other design apps like ibis paint, clip studio paint, procreate, concepts, and art set, this app is perfect for beginners. It features full screen mode, where you can draw and paint with any color using multiple brushes. You can also use the eraser to rub out mistakes and undo/redo your actions. The app allows you to share and edit your artwork, making it convenient and fast. With 2 color palettes to choose from, you have all the tools you need to express your creativity.
Key Features
- Full screen mode to draw and paint
- Use any color
- Multiple brushes
- Use the eraser to rub out
- Undo and redo
- Share your pictures
- Edit your pictures artwork
- Fast and easy to use
- 2 color palettes
Specifications
Pros
- Great drawing app for beginners
- Zoom in functionality works great for small details
- Easy to learn and use
- Convenient for quick sketches
- Option to share and edit artwork
Cons
- No zoom in feature
- Some lag experienced
- Difficulty in controlling drawing placement
- Limited brush options
Drawing Pad is a great finger paint app for beginners who want to explore their artistic side. While it lacks certain features like zooming and a wide range of brushes, it makes up for it with its user-friendly interface and ability to easily share and edit artwork. The app has received positive ratings from users and provides a fun and convenient platform for creating digital art. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a simple drawing app, Drawing Pad is worth a try.
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Creating Digital Animations: Animate Stories with Scratch! (Dummies Junior) is a helpful book for kids and adults who want to learn how to create digital animations using Scratch software. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this book provides step-by-step instructions and ideas to help you get started and improve your skills in Scratch. The book is well-organized and accessible, making it suitable for older children and even keyboard shy adults. It covers various aspects of animation creation, including drawing figures, recording sounds, and putting together a program. While the book can be a bit challenging for younger children without adult assistance, it serves as a great resource for parents and educators to support and guide children in learning animation through Scratch.
Key Features
- Step-by-step instructions for creating digital animations with Scratch
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Includes ideas and tips to improve animation skills
- Well-organized and accessible
- Covers drawing figures, recording sounds, and program creation
Specifications
- Dimension: 5.50Lx0.30Wx8.50H
Pros
- Clear and simple instructions
- Helpful for parents to understand Scratch
- Great for older children learning Scratch in school
- Provides a basic grasp of animation concepts
- Encourages creativity and experimentation
Cons
- May be boring for younger children without adult assistance
- Scratch programs can only be run within Scratch
- Some confusion between child-oriented and adult-oriented content
Creating Digital Animations: Animate Stories with Scratch! (Dummies Junior) is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning animation through Scratch. The book offers clear and simple instructions to guide both kids and adults in creating digital animations. It serves as a helpful tool for parents and educators to support children in their animation journey. While it can be a bit challenging for younger children, the book provides a basic grasp of animation concepts and encourages creativity and experimentation. Overall, this book is a worthwhile investment for those looking to explore the exciting world of digital animation with Scratch.
Overall Score: 9.2/10
The Skillmatics Card Game – Guess in 10 Animal Planet is a quick and fun family game that challenges players to guess the animal on the game card by asking smart questions. With features like clue cards and bonus questions, players can strategize their way to victory. This award-winning game is perfect for family game night and can be enjoyed by all ages 6 and up. It makes a great gift and can be played anytime, anywhere. The game builds key skills such as communication, decision making, problem solving, and creative thinking.
Key Features
- Quick game of smart questions
- Strategize your way to victory
- Award-winning fun for the family
- Perfect gift for all ages
- Play it anytime, anywhere
- Builds key skills
Specifications
- Color: Multicolor
- Dimension: 7.60Lx6.10Wx1.73H
Pros
- Entertaining and educational for kids
- Fun for the whole family
- Well-made and beautifully illustrated
- Portable and travel-friendly
- Builds key skills
Cons
- Could have more interesting and accurate facts
- Some clues and facts are misleading
The Skillmatics Card Game – Guess in 10 Animal Planet is a fantastic game that combines fun with learning. It’s perfect for family game nights and provides entertainment for all ages. The game’s smart question format encourages critical thinking and communication skills. The portable and travel-friendly design allows for gameplay anywhere, making it an excellent choice for road trips and gatherings. While the game offers educational value, there are some inaccuracies in the animal facts provided. However, overall, this game is a great addition to any collection and offers hours of interactive fun.
Overall Score: 8/10
Adobe Illustrator: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced users of Adobe Illustrator. This comprehensive book offers clear and concise instructions on the basics of Illustrator and serves as a convenient reference guide for finding any function or tool in the program. With its efficient layout and detailed explanations, it saves users time and provides a solid foundation for improving their vector skills. The book includes step-by-step exercises and projects that allow readers to practice and learn Illustrator in a hands-on manner. While some users found the instructions lacking in clarity and depth, overall, it is praised for its ability to enhance Illustrator knowledge and proficiency. This guidebook is an excellent choice for anyone looking to master Adobe Illustrator.
Key Features
- Comprehensive course on Adobe Illustrator
- Efficient resource for finding any function or tool
- Step-by-step exercises and projects for hands-on learning
Specifications
- N/A
Pros
- Valuable compendium for Illustrator basics and references
- Clear and concise explanations
- Good resource for beginners and experienced users
- Step-by-step exercises for hands-on learning
Cons
- Some instructions lack clarity and depth
- Limited lesson content in terms of illustration styles
Adobe Illustrator: A Complete Course and Compendium of Features is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their Adobe Illustrator skills. Despite some shortcomings in instruction clarity and limited lesson variety, the book provides a comprehensive course on Illustrator basics and serves as a useful reference guide. With step-by-step exercises and projects, readers can apply their knowledge immediately, making it a valuable tool for hands-on learning. While it may not cover all possible illustration styles, it offers a solid foundation for users to build upon. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guidebook can help you become proficient in Adobe Illustrator.
Buyer's Guide: Drawing Software
- Understand Your Needs
- Before diving into the world of drawing software, it's essential to understand your needs and goals. Are you a professional artist, a hobbyist, or a beginner? Do you want to create digital illustrations, edit photographs, or design graphics? Knowing your specific requirements will help narrow down your options.
- Consider the Learning Curve
- Different drawing software tools have varying learning curves. Some are simple and intuitive, while others are more complex with advanced features. Consider your comfort level and patience for learning new software. If you're a beginner, it's advisable to start with user-friendly applications to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Compatibility and Operating System
- Ensure that the drawing software you choose is compatible with your operating system, whether it's Windows, Mac, or Linux. Some software might be limited to certain platforms, and it's crucial to verify this before making a purchase.
- Pricing and Budget
- Drawing software comes in various price ranges. Free options are available, but they often have limited features. Paid software typically offers more advanced tools and functionalities. Decide on your budget and explore options that align with it. It's worth considering a trial or demo version before committing to a paid software to see if it fits your needs.
- Features and Tools
- Different drawing software tools offer a range of features and tools. Some common features to consider are layers, brushes, filters, blending modes, and option for vector or raster-based drawing. Determine which features are essential for your specific needs and ensure that the software you choose provides them.
- Community Support and Tutorials
- Being part of a supportive community can be beneficial when using drawing software. Look for software with an active user community, as this increases the chances of finding online tutorials, forums, and resources to help you learn and grow. Online communities also serve as a platform for sharing your work and receiving feedback from fellow artists.
- Performance and System Requirements
- Drawing software can be resource-intensive, especially when working with large files and complex projects. Check the minimum system requirements of the software you are interested in and ensure that your computer meets or exceeds them. This will contribute to a smoother experience and prevent frustrating lags or crashes.
- Workflow and Integration
- Consider your workflow and how the drawing software fits into it. Some software allows seamless integration with other creative tools, such as graphic tablets, scanners, or specific file formats. If you have specific hardware or software requirements, ensure compatibility before making a decision.
- Updates and Customer Support
- Regular updates are crucial for software, providing bug fixes, improvements, and new features. Check the update history of the software to ensure it is actively developed and maintained. Additionally, look for reliable customer support from the software provider to assist you in case of any technical issues or queries.
- Try Before Buying
- Whenever possible, try out the drawing software before making a purchase. Many software providers offer trial versions or demos that allow you to explore the features and assess the user experience. Testing the software firsthand ensures that it meets your expectations and aligns with your creative process.
Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Unbelievable Drawing Software for 2023
Yes, many drawing software tools are compatible with touch screens. However, not all touch screen devices offer the same precision and pressure sensitivity as graphic tablets or dedicated drawing displays.
Vector-based drawing software creates images using mathematical equations, resulting in infinitely scalable graphics without any loss of quality. Raster-based drawing, on the other hand, uses a grid of pixels to create images. It is essential to choose software that aligns with the type of drawing you wish to create.
Most drawing software tools allow exporting drawings to various file formats such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, PDF, or SVG. However, the availability of specific file formats may vary between software. Confirm that the software you choose supports the formats you need.
The system requirements for drawing software vary depending on the complexity of the software and the size of the projects you plan to work on. While some basic drawing software can run on modest hardware, more advanced tools may require a powerful computer to run smoothly.
Drawing software provides a digital counterpart to traditional art supplies and offers unique advantages. However, it is important to note that traditional art supplies have their charm and cannot be entirely replaced. Drawing software allows for experimentation and creativity, but it’s a matter of personal preference whether to use it exclusively or alongside traditional methods.