Ranking updated
Best drawing apps in 2026
On iPad, Procreate is the paid app built for Apple Pencil, and Adobe Fresco is a free alternative for iPad and iPhone. On Android and iPhone, ibis Paint X and Sketchbook are free to start. On a computer, Krita is free and open source. Full breakdown below.
How we picked: a drawing app should feel like a pen on paper, with good brushes, layers and support for a stylus. We checked each developer’s own description for what is free, what is paid or by subscription, and which devices it runs on, from phone to tablet to computer.
Best drawing app for a tablet
On iPad, Procreate is made for iPad and Apple Pencil, with hundreds of brushes and a layer system; it is a paid app. Adobe Fresco calls itself a free, professional drawing and painting app, built for iPad and iPhone with Apple Pencil Pro support and unlimited layers. On an Android tablet, ibis Paint X, Sketchbook and Krita all run.
Free drawing program for PC
Krita describes itself as a professional free and open source painting program, made by artists. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and also on Android tablets; iPad and iPhone are not supported.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price | Device |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProcreateApp Store | painting on iPad with Apple Pencil | iOS (iPad) | paid app | tablet |
| Adobe FrescoApp Store | a free pro app on iPad | iOS (iPad, iPhone) | free | tablet, phone |
| ibis Paint XApp StoreGoogle Play | drawing and animation on a phone | iOS, Android | free; subscription for extras | phone, tablet |
| SketchbookApp StoreGoogle Play | clean sketching without distractions | iOS, Android | free; Premium Bundle unlocks more | phone, tablet |
| Krita | free painting on a computer | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | free, open source | computer, Android tablet |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free drawing app?
On iPad and iPhone, Adobe Fresco is free. On Android and iPhone, ibis Paint X and Sketchbook are free to start. On a computer, Krita is free and open source.
Is Procreate on Android?
No. Procreate is an iPad app built for Apple Pencil. On Android tablets, look at ibis Paint X, Sketchbook or Krita.