Free programs for drawing on your computer. Drawing on a computer - necessary programs and devices

Many people are mistaken that normal drawing on a computer requires powerful processor. For optimal functioning, a processor frequency of 1.5-2 GHz will be enough for you. The choice between manufacturing companies is not fundamental; the amount of your funds is the decisive factor.

Main parameter of your hardware for creating illustrations - quantity RAM . Working applications, such as Photoshop, Painter, OpenCanvas, or even 3D graphics applications, require large amounts of RAM.

If your goal is to create complex, multi-layered sketches, then you need to purchase as much RAM as possible for your computer (you can work more or less optimally if you have from one gigabyte free RAM).

Video card You won’t need any of the latest current lines either. The manufacturer also does not play a special role, only your personal preferences. Among people involved in computer illustration, design, etc. there is an opinion that best video cards The Matrox company creates this for this purpose, but this, of course, is entirely subjective.

Drawing equipment

Next, we should move on to one of the most important aspects of this type of artistic art - the main equipment. It's worth starting with scanner, it performs one of the key roles, namely, it transfers the picture depicted on paper into digital form.

Let me give you a simple example: you have drawn a tree and you need to move this tree to the forest. You scan the illustration, do a little stylization to match the overall image of the picture and transfer it as a separate layer to it, everything is ready, now your tree is in the right place.

The next essential part of being a proper graphic artist or designer is tablet. Such equipment is created most often of two types - graphic And drafting. Let's talk a little more about this.

Graphics tablet– has a small work area, creates a point rougher than the drawing one and reacts to the force of pressure on the pen, which greatly facilitates the work. Using professional software by type Adobe Photoshop, it is more convenient to handle chiaroscuro and brushes on such a tablet.

Drawing tablet– created for CAD programs such as AutoCAD, 3DMAXStudio, etc. Such a gadget does not feel pressure on the pen; the dot is either there or it is not. It is often distinguished by very pleasant and high resolution and positioning accuracy.

In the case we are talking about, it is more suitable graphics tablet. Of course, it is better to buy more expensive ones, since they have a wider range of capabilities compared to cheap ones, but an ordinary one can also cope with its functions.

Another important, but not mandatory gadget is source uninterruptible power supply . None of us are protected from power outages, and we don’t want to lose our many hours of work. That is why it would be better to buy yourself such an assistant, so as not to grieve over the lost hours later.

How to draw with a mouse

You can realize your creative urges without special gadgets, using only with the mouse. This option is quite economical and simple, but then the task becomes hundreds of times more complicated, the lines become less even, and the operating time increases significantly.

This option only takes place if you set yourself the task of fulfilling simple drawings, or you are unable to purchase the required equipment. Or you just need to correct the scanned drawings.

As you can already understand, you cannot become a good artist on a computer with only a mouse, except in rare cases. People involved in graphics usually say: “You can draw with a mouse, but you don’t need to.”

But for working with a tablet, it is also useful, here are the requirements for it standard– it should fit well in the hand and be comfortable; it would be nice to have a third button on the side, but this, one might say, is already redundant.

Drawing apps

There are many specialized software packages, from the simplest ones, such as standard Paint in Windows, as well as complex ones like Adobe Photoshop. We will tell you about several of the most popular ones.

Painter– one of the most functional. All known and required on at the moment It imitates materials for art quite simply, which allows you to expand the range of its capabilities. Is paid.

Adobe Photoshop– software created more for editing and processing photographs than for artistic art. But it has a huge storehouse of functions and materials. It has a huge number of filters, brushes and other add-ons. Also paid.

Corel Draw – vector editor, less functional than the last two reviewed, but it is free and has normal, without excess, functionality.

Open Canvas– an editor similar to the leading programs in its field, but greatly simplified. It is recommended to start your acquaintance with computer drawing right here. Quite a lot inferior“flagship” in its field, but still has good functions and is completely free.

Computer graphics kits

Minimum set– mouse, computer, scanner, piece of paper, pencil and graphic editor.

A very labor-intensive set, but it allows you to create relatively high-quality work. A sketch is created on paper, scanned, and processed. The end result, with enough diligence, is good work.

Comfortable set– mouse, scanner, computer, good graphics/vector editor and drawing kit.

Using a vector editor, any curved lines can be drawn correctly. Also, with normal ability to use drawing packages, you can create quite good works. Mostly relevant only for vector editors.

Nice set – normal computer, a high-quality mouse (can be a trackball) with a mouse pad, a scanner, a graphics tablet and paid programs(at least one, preferably Photoshop)

With such a set you can get enough high level, limited only by your skill.

Earlier I wrote that various actions on a computer are performed by using the corresponding programs. So you already know that writing text is done in a program - text editor, the simplest of which is called Notepad. You can even draw on a computer using a program - a graphic editor. A text document with a name is text file. Similar to this graphic document, for example, a photograph, drawing or drawing is a graphic file.
Work with this type of documents is carried out in graphic editor.

There are different graphic editors, just like text editors. One of famous programs- graphic editor Photoshop with great potential. This program is paid, again far from cheap, sometimes it can be installed on a computer when you purchase it and, of course, is included in the price. There are other free graphic editors that are not inferior in capabilities to the Photoshop editor.

The most simple program- the graphic editor supplied with the Windows operating system and installed on your computer is called Paint. For all its simplicity graphic editor Paint knows how to do many useful, interesting and beautiful things. Having mastered this editor, you will later be able to easily use other “cooler” graphic editors.

Using a graphic editor Paint you can view photos, copy them, cut out part of the photo, inscribe, and also create your own multi-colored drawing or a painting (if you have artistic abilities), arrange a personal greeting card, draw a plan for a garden plot, etc.

Place the cursor on the "Start" button in the lower left corner of the monitor screen, move the cursor higher until the inscription "All programs", the inscription will be highlighted in blue.
A column with a list of programs will appear on the right. Move the cursor to the right in this column and select the inscription “Standard” from the list; the inscription will be highlighted in blue.
Another column with a list will appear on the right.
Move the cursor to the right in this column and select the inscription " Paint", the inscription will be highlighted in blue. Click on this inscription.

Attention!

This tutorial was previously written for previous version Paint programs included in operating system Windows XP. Currently in the operating room Windows system 10 includes a new version of the Paint graphic editor. Interface ( appearance) editor has changed, the layout of the panels and some inscriptions have changed. The principle of operation of the program remains the same.
I will show some changes for Windows 10 here in red text, accompanied by new pictures. Read everything else from the previous text.

A window will open, at the top of which there is the inscription “Unnamed - Paint”. To expand this window to full screen, top line select "View", select "Zoom" from the drop-down menu, click "Large". A large white field appeared in front of us - a space for work. When you zoomed in, not the entire field fit on the screen; scroll engines appeared at the bottom and right. By clicking on them with the left button and holding, you can drag the sliders one to the right, the other down to view the entire image. If this seems inconvenient to you, return the previous scale.

A window will open, at the top of which there is the inscription “Untitled – Paint”. In order to expand this window to full screen, select “View” in the top line, select “Zoom” in the drop-down menu, and click “Enlarge”.
When you zoomed in, not the entire field fit on the screen; scroll engines appeared at the bottom and right. By clicking on them with the left button and holding, you can drag the sliders one to the right, the other down to view the entire image. If this seems inconvenient to you, return the previous scale.
Next, click “Home”.

In the left top corner you see toolbar, and at the bottom left is a color palette. Your cursor on the white field has taken the shape of a pencil, and the button with the image of a pencil is pressed on the toolbar.
Select any color from the palette by clicking the mouse and move the cursor across the field. The pencil will draw a line with the selected color.

A color palette appeared at the top right, the “Tools” panel appeared at the top left, and the cursor took the shape of a cross.
Click on the pencil in “Tools”.
Select any color from the palette by clicking the mouse and move the cursor across the field. The pencil will draw a line with the selected color.
Choose a brush instead of a pencil, change the color from the palette.

Select a brush instead of a pencil, change the color from the palette, select the brush size at the bottom of the toolbar (try different ones), move the brush across the field.

Below the pencil there is a button with a spray icon. Click on it and change the color. Briefly click on the white field, another time click and hold longer.
Depending on the duration, the spray will be less or more filled. The spot size is also selectable at the bottom of the toolbar.

Click on the arrow in the “Brushes” tool, a panel with different options will open, one of them is “Sprayer”.
Briefly click on the white field, another time click and hold longer.
Depending on the duration, the spray will be less or more filled.

If you select one of the lines in the Thickness panel, it will determine the size of the spray spot.
The thickness of the brush is also selected.

In the "Shapes" panel, select the "Line", "Rectangle" buttons, at the bottom of the toolbar, set the line thickness in the "Thickness" panel. To draw a line, place the cursor, click and, without releasing, drag further. To view an enlarged picture, click on the magnifying glass on the toolbar and click on the image. At the top of the toolbar there is an "Eraser" button, click on it, then drag along the drawn lines to erase them. You can also select the eraser size in the Weight panel by selecting the line thickness.

To draw a rectangle, place the cursor, click and, without releasing, drag along the diagonal of the rectangle. Using the "Ellipse" button you can draw both an ellipse and a circle, practice.
There is also a "Rectangle with rounded corners" button. When you hover over the buttons, read the tooltips. The polygon is drawn like this. Click the Polygon button. Place the cursor on the field, click and, without releasing, drag to the next corner of the future polygon, release, click again in the same place and drag to another corner, etc.
The resulting closed polygon (any closed contour) can be filled inside with color. Click on the Fill paint can in the toolbar, having previously selected a color, and click inside the outline.
There is also a "Curve" button. Select it. Place the cursor, click and, without releasing, drag, for example, vertically from top to bottom, release, you get a vertical straight line. Move the cursor to the line, for example, in the middle, click and, without releasing, drag, for example, to the left. Let go, you get a concave blue line.

It's time to save our experimental drawing. Click "File, Save As" double click open the "My Documents" folder, there is a "My Pictures" folder in it, open it.
Place the cursor in the "File name" line and enter the name, for example, "Figure_1", do not put quotation marks, do not put a space, put an underscore instead of a space (at the top of the keyboard when pressing simultaneously with your left hand Shift keys) or a dash.
Click "Save". The file name “drawing_1.bmp” will appear at the top above the white work field; the computer has added a dot and the extension “bmp”, which is used for this drawing file in this graphic editor.

To view an enlarged picture, click on the magnifying glass on the toolbar and at the bottom of the panel, click on the desired magnification scale. At the top of the toolbar there is an "Eraser" button, click on it, then drag along the drawn lines to erase them. You can also select the eraser size at the bottom of the panel. After you have erased something, click “Edit, Undo” in the top line, everything will appear again. Thus the program allows you to cancel three recent actions .

You can delete everything drawn in another way. Click Edit, Select All, then click "Del" key on the keyboard. Try it, then return the drawing using the "Edit, Undo" method. Click “Edit, Select All” again, the cursor changes to a cross. Place a cross on the picture, click left button mouse and, without releasing, drag the entire picture to the free field. To remove the selection (the dotted line around the picture), click on the free field outside the dotted line.

After you have erased something, click the “Undo” arrow in the top line, everything will appear again. Thus, the program allows you to undo the last three actions.

You can delete everything drawn in another way. In the top line, open the “Select” arrow and select “Select All”.

You can return the drawing using the “Return” arrow.

To remove one of the shapes, open the “Select” button at the top and select “Rectangular Area”.

To delete one of the shapes, click the “Selection” rectangle on the toolbar, place the cursor in the upper left corner above the shape and drag it to the lower right corner, release. The figure is highlighted with a dotted line, press the "Del" key. Undo the last two actions: deleting and moving the picture. Save the document: "File, Save".
Now click the "View, View Picture" button. In order to return previous state, left-click on the picture field.

It's time to save our experimental drawing. Click "File, Save As". IN previous version It was possible to select only the BMP format. IN new version Paint editor, other saving formats have appeared, with other extensions. You can use any of them, there are some differences that are not significant for you. Most used JPEG format, providing a small file size.

Windows 10 doesn't have the same My Pictures folder, so click Pictures and create new folder"Drawings", open it by double clicking and save the drawing.

If you have artistic abilities and skills, you can draw a portrait of yourself, or an animal, or a flower, and then use it as an avatar, for example in a real-time communication program. To create your own avatar (if you don’t have a photo on your computer), you can draw some geometric pattern or symbol.

Highlight your pattern with rectangular selection, click "Edit, Copy to file", your "My Pictures" folder will open, give the file a name, for example "avatar_1", click "Save".
The system will add a dot and the letters "bmp" to the name. You already know that these letters are called extensions and are used so that the computer understands in which program it should open this file. The "bmp" extension corresponds to the Paint graphics editor.
The file "avatar_1.bmp" is in the folder. To see how it turned out, click "File, Open", click on the avatar image, then "Open". Read how to insert an avatar in lesson No. 10.

Select your pattern using a rectangular selection, click on the “Crop” button at the top, then: File, Save As, Image As JPG format, your “Pictures” folder will open, give the file a name, for example “avatar_1”, click “Save”. The system will add a dot and the letters "jpg" to the name.

If you want to draw a picture or draw a sketch of the layout of your garden plot, but in the process of work you are afraid that you will spoil everything that has already been drawn, I recommend that from time to time you save intermediate versions of the work under different names, for example, “plan_1, plan_2, plan_3” etc. The final result of the site plan can be called "plan_done", and after reviewing, when you are sure that the sketch is complete and correct, delete all intermediate options.
To delete an unnecessary intermediate file, go to the “My Documents, My Pictures” folder, select the file, click on it, then press the “Del” key.

Drawing on a computer is a very exciting and interesting activity. In order to immerse yourself in the process as much as possible and not be distracted by various little things, it is best to use a graphics tablet. If you don’t have such a gadget, but you want to draw, then you can get by with a mouse. This tool has its own characteristics that interfere with the quality of your work. We'll talk about how to use a mouse for drawing in this article.

As we already said, the mouse has some features. For example, with its help it is almost impossible to draw a smooth line if it is not an arbitrary stroke, but a drawing of a contour. This is what makes our work difficult. There's only one thing left to do: use some tools graphics programs. Consider different options We will use the example of the most popular drawing software. However, most of the techniques can be transferred to other programs.

Actually, we will engage in a little deception, since in its pure form it can only be called “drawing” with some stretch.

Shapes and selections

These tools will help you draw the correct geometric shapes, for example, the character's eyes, various spots and highlights. There is one trick that allows you to deform the created ellipse without resorting to transformation tools. You can read about the figures in the article below.

Selection tools also help you create correct geometric objects.

Lines

Using Photoshop, you can create lines of any configuration, both straight and curved. Mouse in in this case we will use quite a bit.

Stroke a path

Since we cannot draw a smooth contour line manually, we can use the tool "Feather" to create a base.

By using "Pera" we can already simulate real brush pressure, which on the canvas will look like a stroke made on a tablet.

First, let's set up the brush. Select this tool and press the key F5.
Here we put a checkmark next to the property "Shape Dynamics" and click on this item, opening the settings in the right block. Under the parameter "Size Fluctuation" select from the drop-down list "Pen pressure".
Click on the item "Brush Mark Shape" in the header of the list. Here we set the required size.
Now let's take "Feather" and create an outline. Click RMB and select the item indicated in the screenshot.
In the dialog box that opens, check the box next to "Simulate pressure" and choose "Brush". Click OK.
As you can see, the stroke is very similar to manual drawing.

Training

In order to increase your level of proficiency with the mouse as a drawing tool, you can use ready-made contours. They can be downloaded on the Internet by entering search engine corresponding request. Another option is to draw an outline on paper, then scan it and upload it into Photoshop. Thus, by tracing finished lines with the mouse, you can learn more even and precise movements.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are techniques to smooth out negative influence mouse on the drawing process. It should be understood that this is only a temporary measure. If you plan to do serious work, you will still have to purchase a tablet.

Probably, everyone who has ever entered the simplest graphic editors, for example, the built-in Paint, has tried to draw simple ideas with the mouse. Most likely, he either abandoned the work, or the image turned out to be unsuccessful. And the point is not at all that the person draws poorly. The problem is that the computer mouse they are using to draw is not entirely adapted for creating illustrations. The mouse is not able to accurately convey the movements of the hand that are transmitted to paper through a pen or other tool. Then the question arises: “How to learn to draw on a computer with a mouse?” You can learn, but you need to find your own approach to such a computer device.

Graphics tablet and computer mouse

Nowadays, a graphics tablet is not nonsense at all. It appeared in hardware stores quite a long time ago and has become a favorite of many artists, designers, architects and those who simply like to draw. But, however, many are not ready to pay money for a device that they may stop using in the future due to loss of interest or inspiration. To test their abilities, aspiring artists think about how to draw with a mouse on a computer. Sometimes there are cases when a person masters the art of drawing with a mouse so well that he no longer wants to switch to a graphics tablet.

Programs that are best for drawing

In fact, any editor is quite suitable, even Paint. To draw on a computer with a mouse, like some professionals who are great with it, you need to decide in what format you will work. Either it will be raster graphics, or vector graphics. For the first case, Adobe Photoshop is suitable, and for the second, you can use programs such as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. The main difference- the graphics themselves and the format in which the programs will function, and the tools are the same everywhere.

How to learn to draw with a mouse on a computer?

The main tool for the user will be the “Brush” with all its settings and subtleties. In addition to this tool, you will need the “Eraser”, “Fill” and the “Zoom in/Zoom out” modes. In order to learn how to draw with a mouse on a computer, you need to have patience and desire, since this process is quite labor-intensive.

The most important problem will be the rotation of lines when drawing. For example, if you want a smooth curve, you might end up with an angular bevel. This can be corrected by greatly enlarging the area to render each pixel better and more accurately. Therefore, it is worth working on an enlarged scale so that the lines appear smooth and precise.

Try to use the "Line" and "Curve" tools to make a more precise construction of the image. If you need to draw a long line, then on an enlarged scale, make individual strokes instead of a continuous command with the mouse.

Small subtleties and nuances

It is worth paying attention to working with layers. This is very convenient when drawing with the mouse, since when painting the user will not be able to go beyond the edges of the layer. If desired, you can remove unnecessary layers and avoid unnecessary work with the eraser.

If it is difficult for a beginner to learn how to draw on a computer with a mouse, like some artists, then you can draw an image on paper, then photograph/scan and upload it to a graphics editor, and then draw on top of the drawn image. In the same way, you can load any picture into the program and draw based on it.

There are some accessories for computer mouse, which can make your drawing process easier. They can be ordered in online stores. Watch video courses with topics similar to this one: “Learning to draw with a mouse on a computer.” Thanks to them, you can quickly learn how to use a mouse and, in general, improve your creativity.

Greetings everyone!

If earlier, to draw a picture, you needed a brush, an easel, paints, etc., but now you can create without leaving the computer! Moreover, I would like to note that paintings created in some editor on a computer also cause great delight (as if it were a painting on canvas)!

I will add that many people mistakenly believe that drawing a picture on a computer is easier than on canvas. Moving your cursor (or even drawing with a graphics tablet) is no easier or faster!

Actually, this article is dedicated to tools - to draw a picture, you need special programs for drawing (note: graphic editors). These will be discussed below (by the way, I’ll add that I chose free programs that support all popular Windows: 7, 8, 10 (32|64 bits)) . So...

By the way!I have another article on drawing on my blog. There is a special sites that allow you to create paintings online, meet other artists, find general ideas. For more information, see this article:

List of the best programs. Let's start drawing?

Before moving on to the programs, I would like to focus on one thing important issue- on type computer graphics. In general, there are two main types - vector and raster graphics.

Raster drawing is a canvas on which there are many multi-colored dots (pixels). Together, all these points look to the human eye like some kind of picture (or photo).

Vector drawing consists of entities: line, segment, square, ellipse, etc., which are all interconnected. All these entities also form a wide variety of pictures.

Main advantage vector drawing before a raster image - this is the ability to transform it as you like (for example, enlarge it) without losing quality. The computer, in fact, only needs to recalculate your picture according to the mat. formulas.

Raster graphics are convenient for creating high-quality photos and digital drawings. The most popular raster formats JPEG images and PNG. It is raster graphics that are most popular in our time (and that is why in my article the main focus is on programs for working with it).

Vector editors in the article: Gravit, DrawPlus, Inkscape.

Raster editors in the article: Paint, Gimp, ArtWeaver and others...

Paint

Raster editor

Basic program in Windows

How to start: find it in the START menu, or press the Win+R buttons, enter the mspaint command in the open line and press Enter.

A very simple graphic editor, designed not even for drawing, but for easily editing pictures (add an inscription, an arrow, erase something, cut out one piece of the picture and paste it into another, save the screenshot taken, etc.).

Professionally, of course, you can hardly draw anything in Paint, but if we are talking about some very simple drawings, then the program can be used. At least, if you are just at the very beginning of your journey, then why not try? ☺

Gimp

Raster editor (partly vector)

The GNU Image Manipulation Program (or GIMP for short) is a very powerful, free and multi-purpose graphics editor. This editor is very multifunctional: it can be used for drawing, or as a program for retouching digital photos, as a program for processing a package of pictures and publishing them (+ converting one format to another).

In addition, there are very interesting opportunities for creating step-by-step commands (scripts) that will automate routine tasks(and the scripts can be truly complex)!

Main advantages:

drawing pictures and posters;
support for graphics tablets (Wacom, Genius, etc.);
draw web designs for sites, edit ready-made layouts from Photoshop;
you can refresh your old photos, make them more juicy and vibrant;
or poster;
remove from photos extra elements (bad shot may be successful!);
a huge collection of plugins for GIMP will allow you to solve a wide variety of problems different tasks;
The program supports Windows, Mac, Linux operating systems.

ArtWeaver

Raster editor (some analogue of Photoshop)

This program replicates many of the tools of such a popular editor as Adobe Photoshop. For editing ready-made pictures and drawing new ones, there are a bunch of ready-made brushes of all types and sizes, different modes, imitation pencil, ink pen, oil brush, etc.

Main advantages:

support for all popular graphic formats: GIF, JPEG, PCX, TGA, TIFF, PNG (including PSD and AWD);
a huge number of tools for editing pictures: gradients, selections, filling, etc.;
plugin support;
availability convenient tools for drawing: brushes, pencils, etc.;
graphics tablet support (BIG plus for those who like to draw);
many different filters: spot, blur, mosaic, mask, etc.;
working with text layers;
the ability to sequentially cancel your actions.
support for all popular versions of Windows.

MyPaint

Raster editor

MyPaint - painted portrait of a girl

A popular raster graphics editor designed more for digital artists (those who like to draw). It is an unlimited canvas (sheet) and a relatively simple interface on GTK+, without distracting the artist from the creative process - drawing.

Unlike Gimp, MyPaint has much less graph functionality. editor, but for your attention a huge dimensionless canvas; a large number of brushes, for a variety of tasks and for different functions(there are a lot of brushes, see screenshot above).

MyPaint is a tool for painting with brushes on your PC screen almost as if you were doing it on a real canvas. In addition to brushes, there are: crayons, charcoal, pencils, etc. It's hard to resist if you have a craving for drawing...

Main features:

the program is specifically designed for drawing, so it has fewer options for editing existing pictures (i.e., there are no functions such as selection, scaling, etc.);
a huge set of brushes that you can customize for yourself: create and change groups, blur, mix colors, etc.;
the program supports graphics tablet;
the boundless canvas is very convenient in the drawing process - nothing is holding you back while creating;
support for layers: copying, pasting, adjusting transparency, etc.;
Windows, Mac OS, Linux supported.

SmoothDraw

Raster

A free program for painting and those who like to draw by hand on a computer. The program's interface is very simple, designed so that any artist who has just started can immediately start creating without wasting time studying.

I would like to immediately note that the program has a lot of brushes (pen, brush, airbrush, pencil, etc.), there are tools for retouching, working with layers, you can change the brightness, contrast, colors of pictures, add some effects .

Program features:

many types of brushes for drawing: pencil, chalk, pen, airbrush, brush, spray, etc.;
works with tablet PCs, supports graphics tablets;
works with the following formats images: PNG, BMP, JPEG, JPG, TGA, JIF, GIF and TIFF;
there are tools for photo retouching;
working with layers;
possibility of color correction;
Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10.

Note! For SmoothDraw to work, you must have NET Framework no lower than version v2.0.

Paint.NET

Raster

Paint.NET - free editor pictures and photos for Windows. The main difference from other programs is that it uses an intuitive and innovative interface with support for layers, dimensionless canvas, special effects, useful and powerful tools editing (analogues of which are only available in paid products).

Active and growing online support will help in solving non-standard problems. In addition, quite a lot of instructions have been written for the program, additional ones. plugins to expand capabilities.

Peculiarities:

free to distribute and use;
user-friendly interface (somewhat similar to Photoshop);
you can work with many documents at the same time;
support for working with layers;
large number instructions;
the program is optimized to work with 2 and 4 core modern processors;
Supported by all popular Windows: XP, 7, 8, 10.

Livebrush

Raster

Livebrush(translated from English as “live brush”) is a powerful graphic editor that allows you to paint with brushes. Moreover, I would like to immediately note that the “drawing tool” is not a simple one, with its help you can create quite interesting pictures, decorate the art with beautiful strokes and lines, etc.

While working, you can select and adjust the brush so that as you move it, the line under the brush will change its thickness, color, transparency, tip rotation, depending on your speed of mouse movement, the speed of pressing, etc.

By the way, those who have a graphics tablet will be able to fully experience the benefits of Livebrush, because it also understands the force of pressure and its inclination.

There are many brushes in the program set different forms: from simple lines to patterned Gothic ornaments. By the way, you can correct any pattern yourself by switching to editing with a pencil.

In addition, you can draw the pattern yourself and save it as a template. You can import ready-made sets of brushes, projects, and decorations into the program. By the way, they can be found in huge quantities on official forum programs.

In general, my verdict is that the program is very convenient, interesting, and deserves the attention of all drawing lovers!

Inkscape

Vector editor (one of the few)

Free analogues: Gravit, DrawPlus

Paid analogues: Corel DRAW and Adobe Illustrator

Inkscape is a free vector editor, one of the few that can partially replace such monsters as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. The application has quite standard interface: color palette, menu, tools. The program supports all major graphic formats: SVG, PDF, AI, PS, EPS, CorelDRAW.

By the way, Inkscape also has tools from the raster editor - for example, it supports various types mixing. Besides drawing some geometric shapes, the program supports extensive work with text: you can write text along curved lines. It looks very cool and unusual.

The application has a fairly large number of filters, extensions, etc. All this is available at the office. program website.

Gravit

Vector editor (online version)

Gravit- quite an interesting vector editor. Of course, it cannot replace Adobe Illustrator, but it can compete with the previous program (Inkscape).

The tools include all the most basic things: pens, lines, intersection and cutting of shapes from each other, alignment, layers, fonts, etc. Works can be exported to SVG format, in several raster. You can also open works made in Adobe Illustrator in the program.

What is somewhat surprising is that Gravit looks like real program, while working in a browser window, and without using Flash. Among the main shortcomings I would highlight the lack of Russian language.

By the way, in Gravit the choice of canvas is implemented quite interestingly: you can choose standard formats of sheets, business cards, postcards, and create covers of popular social networks, phone screens and other gadgets.

Overall, an interesting editor that deserves attention.

DrawPlus

Vector

A very flexible and powerful graphic editor that allows its users to create high-quality illustrations. This program will allow you to fully explore your drawing capabilities.

DrawPlus has many tools that will allow you to easily and quickly create a variety of shapes, strokes, and lines. Each of the elements can be combined with others and gradually the whole complex will become a rather complex, but beautiful illustration.

By the way, DrawPlus has a 3D module - it will allow you to turn your creativity into real 3D design elements. You can apply a wide variety of effects when creating logos, isometric projections, and flowcharts.

You can import a huge number of formats into the program: PDF, AI, SVG, SVGZ, EPS, PS, SMF, etc. Own format for projects - DPP.

Graffiti Studio

Website: http://www.vandalsquad.com

Raster graphics

One of the most best programs for drawing graffiti, looks as realistic as possible!

To start drawing: you need to choose a piece of canvas (carriage, walls, bus), and, in fact, start creating (there are just heaps of ready-made options to choose from!). The artist has a large palette of colors (more than 100 pieces), several types of caps (skinny, regular and fat), and a marker. The distance to the surface is changed manually, it is possible to make drips. In general, for fans of such graphics there is a huge scope!

Those who don’t believe that you can create real masterpieces in the program, I recommend checking out the official website and having a look. best works- the look will change a lot!

PixBuilder Studio

Raster editor

Powerful processing and editing program graphic images and photographs. In addition to editing, it is quite possible to draw and create (although there are fewer tools for this than in previous similar programs).

PixBuilder Studio has quite interesting tools that allow you to finely work with color, brightness, contrast, and layers. In addition, there are built-in effects (for example, dithering (when processing digital signals represents the mixing of pseudo-random noise with a specially selected spectrum into the primary signal) ), blur, sharpening, etc.

Peculiarities:

support for popular raster formats: BMP, PNG, JPG, GIF, TIFF, etc.;
there is the opportunity and tools for drawing (though very limited);
Great opportunities for editing finished photos and pictures;
ability to work with layers;
professional work with color: adjusting balance, brightness, contrast, etc.;
setting up hot keys;
the presence of ready-made effects (you just need to apply them);
preview (to evaluate the result);
support for popular Windows OS: 7, 8, 10.

Krita

Raster editor

An excellent and convenient raster graphics editor for artists (by the way, at the time of writing this review, the program is free even for commercial use). Krita runs on both Windows and Linux.

As for the most important thing: there is a good brush movement stabilizer, layers, masks, dynamic brushes, animation, a large number of blending modes, paper and pastel imitation, “infinite” canvas, etc.

By the way, there is even portable version a program that can be launched from a regular flash drive on any PC. The program has also been translated into Russian.

PS: the article will be updated...

Thank you in advance for tips and advice in the comments!