If you’re an artist, you know that the tools of your trade are some of the most important aspects of your craft. You can’t truly express yourself on a canvas if your paints are low-quality or your brushes are shedding. It’s equally important to have the right tools when you’re creating digital art. But what software should you use to make sure you’re really able to bring your vision to life?
It depends on what kind of art experience you’re going for. Are you looking for a virtual easel and oil paints, or do you want to create something that looks like it was drawn with colored pencils? Do you want to go with a traditional setup, or be more abstract?
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of the best apps for painting, so no matter what style of art you’re trying to create, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Best Apps For Painting
The following painting apps for Android are aimed at professionals and amateurs alike. While you don’t need a stylus, it’s recommended if you want to use these apps to their full potential.
Once you have done that, check out the best drawing apps for Android.
Before You Start: Get Ready for Digital Painting and Drawing on Android
Drawing on a tablet is not like working with a pen and paper, and varies considerably from using a paintbrush. Unsurprisingly, using a mouse is also completely different.
Before selecting a digital paint app for Android, you should check:
Does the phone or table have multiple touch point support?
Is it able to detect when your palm is resting on the display?
While most Android painting apps will let you use your fingers, a stylus is a smart option. Some Android tablets ship with a stylus. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7 has an S-Pen, a larger version of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20’s stylus.
A good all-around option is the KEKOW Active Stylus Pen compatible with all Android phones and tablets.
If your budget is smaller, consider the MEKO Universal Stylus. This uses a disc stylus nib for improved accuracy. While it doesn’t look as impressive as other styli, it is a great entry-level option.
Once you’re ready to draw, check these best Android drawing apps.
- The Best Drawing and Painting App for Android: ibis Paint X
If you are looking for an application on Android phone that allows you to create digital paintings, ibis Paint X is the place to start.
Featuring stroke stabilization, rulers, and clipping masks, this is a superb tool for artists keen on illustration.
Ibis Paint X features over 300 brushes along with unlimited layers, each with individual parameters. When you’re done, you can share your creations from this Android painting app online with other users.
Two premium options are available: remove ads and a Prime membership. Membership adds advanced features such as new fonts and filters, so it’s worth considering. You should also check out the ibis Paint X YouTube channel for tutorial videos.
Download: ibis Paint X (Free, in-app purchases available)
- Adobe Illustrator Draw
Well-known creative productivity software developer Adobe offers a free sketching app called Adobe Illustrator Draw. This portable version of the popular vector graphics application provides a simple interface, intuitive gesture mechanics, and comprehensive feature list.
With easy-to-use brush tools for vector art-based illustration, resulting images are crisp and clear. For flexible productivity, you can seamlessly transfer sketches or finished products into the main Adobe Illustrator to continue working. From layering to sketching to painting, this Android drawing app has it all.
Download: Adobe Illustrator Draw (Free)
- ArtFlow
With everything ArtFlow has to offer, you won’t believe it’s free. Packing multiple brushes and in-app features available at the click of an icon, Artflow is one of the best Android sketch apps. Use it to just play around, or create serious art.
The free option only allows you to save art as either a JPEG or PNG. The Pro version, however, allow PSD format exports, so you can continue working on your desktop.
Download: ArtFlow (Free, premium version available)
- MediBang Paint
Want to learn how to make digital art on your phone? MediBang Paint is one of the best drawing apps for Android, with a UI that feels familiar thanks to similarity to the Adobe suite.
Because this app is both free and feature-packed, you’ll find plenty of online resources to help you start.
Download: MediBang Paint (Free, in-app purchase available)
- Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is an instant fan favorite. It’s so simple: all you see by default is a handful of tools (brush, smudge, brush size, color, and brush opacity).
All additional tools are one button away, and Infinite Painter makes great use of that single button. It’s minimal, but packs enough features in its free version to create truly impressive, professional work.
That’s why Infinite Painter is one of the best Android drawing apps.
Download: Infinite Painter (Free, premium version available)
- SketchBook
SketchBook is developed by design software giant Autodesk (creator of AutoCAD, among others). This Android painting app gives you useful tools and features to design whatever your imagination creates.
A one point, Sketchbook was a premium app, but in recent years Autodesk has made the app free. This includes both the desktop and mobile versions of Sketchbook, so you can work using whatever medium suits your expertise.
Download: SketchBook (Free)
- PaperColor
If you want to do digital art on your phone PaperColor gives you everything you need to get started. Instead of a minimal UI, this app lays the pens and brushes out in front of you. It’s as close to an easel and canvas as you can get from an Android paint app.
PaperColor also features a fantastic portfolio display and one of the widest and intuitive brush selections of any drawing app. Purchase the VIP version, and you’ll have access to all the fantastic tools PaperColor has to offer.
Download: PaperColor (Free, premium version available)
- Pixel Studio
Want a painting app on Android that is less high definition? You might be interested in pixel art, which is where Pixel Studio comes in. This is an Android art app that lets you create 8-bit and 16-bit style pixel artwork, from single items to characters, and backgrounds.
Pixel Studio lives up to its name, too. It isn’t just for the creation of static art. Pixel Studio features animation tools, and even the option to add music or sound FX in loops. Animations can be output as GIFs, while static art can be saved in standard formats and exported to other art packages.
Download: Pixel Studio (Free, premium version available)
- Krita
Queen Elizabeth II, in Krita
One of the biggest names in open-source creativity software, Krita is free to use and currently in beta on Android. The first version of Krita was developed for Linux, but it has since been released on Windows, macOS, and Chrome, with Android next on the list.
An app for anyone who wants to develop their digital painting skills, the Android version of Krita is essentially identical to the desktop release. All the same menus are tools are available, in the same locations. This means that Krita is more suited to a stylus or mouse than a finger.
However, Krita can be used to create outstanding digital art.
Download: Krita (Free)
- Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector
If your artistic skills aren’t as good as you would like, this is the app you need. Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector helps you to “trace” images on your phone to a surface below using augmented reality (AR) technology.
Simply position the phone above your paper, launch the app, select the image, and start drawing, looking at the display as you go. Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector will aid your drawing, as you look “through” the source image.
For some, this will be considered a bit of a cheat. Nevertheless, it remains a stunning app that intelligently uses AR for creative purposes.
Download: Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector (PAID)
- Bamboo Paper
For a more basic approach to drawing and painting on Android, give Bamboo Paper a try. Developed by Wacom (who know a thing or two about digital art) Bamboo Paper is a lightweight app as suited to taking written notes as it is to digital art.
You can use the app for all manner of design work, and styluses are supported too. With a choice of pens, palettes, and textures available (and more via in-app purchase), Bamboo Paper could be your introduction to digital art on a phone or tablet as it is just so simple to use.
With a Wacom ID you can also unlock the Inkspace sync feature and ensure your sketches and notes are available on any device.
Download: Bamboo Paper (Free, in-app purchases)
A Great Selection of Free and Paid Painting Apps for Android
If you’ve had a hankering for drawing or sketching in the past, now you have no excuse. You can seriously develop your drawing capabilities anywhere you go with these best painting apps for Android.
In summary, the Android painting and drawing apps you should check out are:
Ibis Paint X
Adobe Illustrator Draw
ArtFlow
MediBang Paint
Infinite Painter
Sketchbook
PaperColor
Pixel Studio
Krita
Da Vinci Eye: AR Art Projector
Bamboo Paper
These will all work on Android phones and tablets, although for the best results you should use an Android-compatible stylus. And if you find an Android tablet isn’t suitable for your artistic purposes, consider a dedicated drawing tablet.
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This won’t affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
paint app for android
Drawing has always been a fun hobby and profession. Back in the day, people needed a piece of paper and a pencil to draw. Nowadays, that’s not the only way of doing it. Having the best drawing app for Android on your phone or tablet will allow you to draw wherever the inspiration hits.
There are many apps to choose from. Some of them will come with the basics and are designed for beginners. Others offer hundreds of tools for professional artists.
Whether you are looking for a drawing app to kill some time or for professional purposes, we are here to help. Along with paid ones, you will find the best free Android drawing apps that adjust to your needs.
best drawing apps for android: A person drawing an illustration on a tablet with a stylus at a desk
10 Best Drawing and Painting Apps for Android
Drawing apps are an excellent tool for people dedicated to this style of art. The following list covers the best drawing and painting apps for Android available.
- Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is our top pick for the best drawing app Android can offer.
This app comes with over 160 brushes and allows you to create your own. It offers the opportunity to tailor the existing brushes and adapt them to your needs.
The app’s drawing tools are designed to resemble painting over real paper textures. This feature allows the users to paint realistically using a digital device. It is practical if you prefer traditional painting, but you cannot transport your canvas everywhere.
Infinite Painter comes with several useful tools. You can paint in layers, use Photoshop blend modes, or even draw 3D cityscapes with perspective guides.
Infinite Painter features a user-friendly interface. All tools and workflows are organized well. You will be able to use this software easily, even if you are not familiar with these apps.
This app is free. But many features are only available through in-app purchases.
best drawing apps for android: Screenshot of Infinite Painter app for Android
© Infinite Painter
- Simple Draw Pro: Sketchbook
Simple Draw is one of the best apps for beginners. It is also a good option for kids, as it is easy to use.
This paid app comes with different paint and pen sizes. It allows you to set different background colours or use a photo as the background.
Simple Draw allows you to share your sketches easily through social networks or messages. It supports JPG, PNG, or SVG vectors.
This app is not suitable for advanced digital arts. It doesn’t come with airbrushes, masks, or layers. Still, it is a good app if you are looking to have some fun drawing doodles.
Screenshot of Simple Draw Pro drawing app for Android
© Simple Draw Pro
- Sketchbook
Sketchbook is one of those all-in-one drawing apps that are worth a try. The app allows everything from simple sketches to professional artwork.
This award-winning app offers customizable tools, which are great for artists and professional illustrators. Sketchbook features different brush types, layers, and blend modes. All brushes are fully customizable.
This drawing app also offers guides and rulers that provide precision for a professional job. Its interface is elegant and simple. And it doesn’t come with ads!
The app offers the perfect place to focus on your work.
Sketchbook is a free app, and it is compatible with Android 5.0.
Screenshot of Sketchbook drawing app for Android
© Sketchbook
- ArtFlow
Artflow is one of the best drawing apps available for download. It comes with over 100 brushes and tools. And it supports pressure-sensitive pens and pressure simulation. These features will make your painting experience more realistic.
This drawing app comes with some useful features such as Smudge, Fill, and Eraser tools. It features layer clipping and selection masks as well.
ArtFlow’s interface is intuitive and accessible. Although the app is meant for advanced users, its interface makes it easy to use for everyone.
The app supports PNG, JPG and PSD formats.
Artflow is a paid app. But it offers a free version with only 20 basic tools and 3 layers.
Screenshot of Arftflow drawing app for Android
© Artflow
- ArtRage
ArtRage is a paid app that offers a realistic painting experience. It features textures and painting effects that resemble physical paint.
ArtRage is one of the best drawing apps for Android. It features advanced tools that will let you measure how much paint you have used or how wet the paint is. Thanks to these tools, you can create realistic effects with watercolour and oil brushes.
It also offers layers, Photoshop blending modes, a Fill tool, and other great features.
ArtRage comes in a desktop version as well, which is compatible with the app for Android. The software allows you to export your paintings in PNG and JPG files.
Screenshot of ArtRage drawing app for android
© ArtRage
- dotpict
Dotpict is one of the most singular drawing apps for Android. It is designed to create pixelated drawings.
The app is very easy to use. You just need to pick a colour from the palette placed at the bottom of the screen and start drawing. After you have finished, you can share your art with other users or export your drawing in PNG format.
You can also look for inspiration in the app’s gallery, where other users post their art.
Screenshot of dotpict drawing app for Android
© dotpict
- Tayasui Sketches Lite
Tayasui is another one of the best drawing apps for Android devices. It comes with many tools perfect for digital artists.
Although it is sophisticated, it is also straightforward to use thanks to its user-friendly interface.
Tayasui is one of the best drawing apps you can find for creating realistic art. The app features several brushes, unlimited layers, patterns, and gradients. It comes with a feature to mix colours and get the perfect shade.
Tayasui is one of the best Android apps for those artists that wish to bring their art with them everywhere they go.
Screenshot of drawing app Tayasui Sketches Lite for android
© Tayasui Sketches Lite
- Adobe Illustrator Draw
Adobe Illustrator Draw is a great drawing app for illustrators, graphic designers, and artists. It offers hundreds of professional tools to create vector artwork.
One of the advantages of this painting app is that it allows you to send your drawings in editable format to Photoshop, Illustrator, Capture One, or Photoshop Sketch. This feature will let you edit the picture on your desktop.
The app allows you to zoom up to 64x so that you can add fine details. It comes with five pen tips and works with layers.
Adobe Illustrator Draw is a free mobile app available for Android devices.
Screenshot of drawing app for android Adobe Illustrator Draw
© Adobe Illustrator Draw
- Ibis Paint X
Ibis Paint X is one of the most versatile drawing apps for Android. It features many functional tools like layers, filters, fonts, blending modes, clipping masks and more.
This app comes with over 2000 brushes. It offers airbrushes, pencils, oil brushes, crayons, charcoal brushes and digital pens, among other professional brushes.
This app allows you to record your drawing process and share it with other users. It offers tutorial videos on its YouTube channel that will help you take full advantage of the software.
Ibis Paint X offers a limited free version and a full paid version with monthly and yearly plans.
Screenshot of Ibis Paint X drawing app for android
© Ibis Paint X
- InspirARTion
Our last recommendation for the best drawing apps for Android is InspirARTion. This app is not as popular as the rest on our list, but it’s still a great option. It features a symmetry mode, a large variety of colours, and several brushes and templates.
This drawing app is perfect if you draw as a hobby, as it is easy to use and it’s completely free.
Screenshot of InspirARTion drawing app for android
© InspirARTion
Conclusion
Drawing apps are an excellent alternative for artists and drawing enthusiasts alike. They offer tools that make digital art resemble realistic drawings and paintings. They also allow you to draw and paint with many types of pens, brushes, and techniques. And you don’t have to bring your actual drawing kit with you!
We hope that our list has helped you find the best drawing app for your Android device!
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