The Most Popular Drawing Software, Ranked

Choose the drawing software you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 26, 2024 06:48
Artists often face the challenge of choosing the right tools to bring their visions to life. With a myriad of drawing software available, each promising unique features and capabilities, deciding which one fits best can be daunting. Creating a ranked list based on user preferences helps clarify which software meets the needs of various artists, from beginners to seasoned professionals. This interactive list not only reflects current user opinions but also dynamically changes with new votes. By participating, users contribute to a broader community resource that benefits all by highlighting the most effective tools. Your input ensures that the rankings stay relevant and valuable, guiding newcomers and experienced artists alike in making informed decisions.

What Is the Most Popular Drawing Software?

  1. 2
    16
    points

    Clip Studio Paint

    Clip Studio Paint is a software application for digital painting and drawing, designed for creating comics, manga, and illustration.
    • Developer: Celsys
    • Initial Release: 2001
  2. 3
    13
    points

    Procreate

    Procreate is a raster graphics editor app for digital painting developed by Savage Interactive for iOS and iPadOS.
    • Developer: Savage Interactive
    • Initial Release: 2011
  3. 4
    12
    points
    PaintTool SAI

    PaintTool SAI

    PaintTool SAI is a lightweight raster graphics editor and painting software for Microsoft Windows developed and published by Systemax Software.
    • Developer: Systemax Software
    • Initial Release: 2008
  4. 5
    9
    points
    GIMP

    GIMP

    GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for image retouching and editing, free-form drawing, converting between different image formats, and more specialized tasks.
    • Developer: The GIMP Development Team
    • Initial Release: 1996
  5. 6
    6
    points
    Krita

    Krita

    Krita is a free and open-source raster graphics editor designed primarily for digital painting and 2D animation.
    • Developer: Krita Foundation
    • Initial Release: 2005
  6. 7
    0
    points
    Affinity Designer

    Affinity Designer

    Affinity Designer is a vector graphics editor developed by Serif for macOS, iPadOS, and Microsoft Windows.
    • Developer: Serif
    • Initial Release: 2014
  7. 8
    0
    points
    Autodesk SketchBook

    Autodesk SketchBook

    Autodesk SketchBook is a raster graphics software intended for expressive drawing and concept sketching.
    • Developer: Autodesk
    • Initial Release: 2009
  8. 9
    0
    points
    CorelDRAW

    CorelDRAW

    CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor developed and marketed by Corel Corporation.
    • Developer: Corel Corporation
    • Initial Release: 1989
  9. 10
    0
    points
    Adobe Illustrator

    Adobe Illustrator

    Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editor and design program developed and marketed by Adobe Inc.
    • Developer: Adobe Inc.
    • Initial Release: 1987

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular drawing software. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or program is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2584 views
  • 115 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each program once every 24 hours. The rank of each program is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Drawing Software

Adobe Photoshop
Rank #1 for the most popular drawing software: Adobe Photoshop (Source)
Drawing software has become a vital tool for artists and designers. It offers a range of features that make creating digital art easier and more efficient. These programs provide various brushes, pencils, and other tools that mimic traditional mediums. Users can experiment with colors, textures, and effects without the mess of physical materials.

One key feature of drawing software is the use of layers. Layers allow artists to separate different elements of their work. This makes it simple to edit specific parts without affecting others. For example, an artist can work on the background separately from the main subject. This adds flexibility and control to the creative process.

Another important aspect is the ability to undo and redo actions. This feature lets artists correct mistakes quickly. It encourages experimentation and reduces the fear of making errors. The software often includes a history panel, showing a timeline of changes. Artists can revert to any previous state of their work.

Many drawing programs also support vector graphics. Vector graphics use mathematical equations to create images. This allows for infinite scaling without loss of quality. Artists can create crisp, clean lines that remain sharp at any size. This is especially useful for logos, icons, and other designs that need to be resized frequently.

Drawing software often includes a variety of filters and effects. These tools can enhance the artwork or create unique looks. Artists can apply textures, adjust lighting, and add shadows with ease. Some programs even offer advanced features like 3D modeling and animation.

Collaboration is another benefit of using drawing software. Many programs allow multiple users to work on the same project. This is useful for teams of artists or designers working on large projects. They can share files, provide feedback, and make changes in real time.

The software also integrates with other tools and platforms. Artists can import and export files in various formats. This ensures compatibility with other programs and devices. Some drawing software even offers cloud storage. This allows users to access their work from any location.

Digital drawing tools have transformed the way artists work. They offer convenience, flexibility, and a wide range of features. Traditional artists may find the transition challenging at first. However, the benefits of digital tools often outweigh the learning curve.

Many artists appreciate the ability to work on the go. Drawing software can be installed on tablets and smartphones. This allows for creativity anytime, anywhere. Artists can sketch ideas quickly and refine them later on a desktop.

Drawing software continues to evolve. Developers constantly add new features and improvements. This ensures that artists have the best tools available. As technology advances, the possibilities for digital art expand. Artists can push the boundaries of their creativity and produce stunning works of art.

In conclusion, drawing software provides powerful tools for artists and designers. It offers flexibility, control, and a range of features that enhance the creative process. Whether you are a professional artist or a hobbyist, digital drawing tools can help you bring your ideas to life.

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