Top 10 Digital Illustration Tools for Creative Artists
Selecting the right digital illustration tools can be a difficult task due to the numerous options available. It can be overwhelming for both beginners and experienced artists looking to upgrade their tools.
The main challenge in choosing digital art software lies in determining its adaptability to one’s specific artistic style, budget, hardware, and personal comfort.
If you’re uncertain about where to begin, this article will guide you through some of the top software options for digital art to help you make the right choice.
Digital Illustration Tools List
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator is indeed a powerhouse when it comes to illustrations and vector graphics. Its reputation as one of the best vector graphics editing programs is well-deserved, and it’s widely used by professionals and artists for a variety of design tasks.
Adobe Illustrator is exceptional for creating vector graphics, which are essential for logos, icons, infographics, and complex illustrations. Its precision and scalability make it an excellent choice for designers, particularly in the realms of branding and visual communication.
Being awarded the title of the best vector graphics editing program by PC Magazine in 2018 speaks to its quality and impact in the design industry. Adobe Illustrator has maintained its reputation for excellence over the years.
It offers several advanced features that make it stand out. “Collaborative editing” enables multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, which is a valuable feature for design teams. “Enhanced glyph snapping” ensures precise alignment and distribution of objects and text. Additionally, Adobe’s cloud storage integration allows for easy access to your work from various devices.
The fact that Adobe Illustrator can run on both Windows and Mac, as well as on the iPad, makes it accessible to a broad audience. This cross-platform compatibility is crucial for professionals who may need to switch between different devices.
Adobe offers a free 7-day trial version, allowing users to explore its features and functionality before committing to a subscription or purchase. This is a great way for newcomers to become familiar with the software.
Pros
Smooth Vector Drawing
Adobe Illustrator excels at creating smooth lines and curves, which are crucial for vector graphics.
Smartpen Tool
This feature simplifies the process of drawing with a mouse, making it accessible to those who may not have a graphics tablet.
Scalability
Vector graphics created in Illustrator are entirely scalable without loss of quality, which is a significant advantage in design work.
Diverse Applications
It can be used for a wide range of design tasks, from illustrations to branding, making it a versatile tool for designers.
Cons
Storage Space
Adobe Illustrator, like many design applications, can be resource-intensive and may require a considerable amount of storage space, which can be a concern for those with limited disk space.
Learning Curve
Illustrator’s extensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners, and it might take some time to get used to its interface and functionalities.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop has indeed maintained its status as one of the most popular and versatile software tools for digital artists and graphic designers. It is renowned for its versatility and power. It’s not only a photo editing application but also a comprehensive tool for creating digital artwork and graphic design. This makes it a top choice for professionals in various creative fields.
The layering tool in Adobe Photoshop is iconic. It allows for the creation of complex and dynamic compositions by stacking and organizing different elements. This is particularly useful for artists and designers who need to work with multiple visual elements.
Adobe Photoshop offers a wide range of brushes and other paint tools that cater to the diverse needs of digital artists. The variety of brushes, overlays, and textures contribute to its appeal, enabling artists to create unique and expressive visuals.
The software’s ability to work with unique textures and patterns is a significant advantage. This feature allows artists to explore various aesthetics and styles, making it a valuable tool for creative expression.
Adobe Photoshop works seamlessly with drawing pads and graphic tablets, enhancing the digital drawing and painting experience. This support for external input devices is crucial for artists who prefer hand-drawn digital art.
Whether you’re working on digital paintings, illustrations, or graphic designs, Adobe Photoshop excels at delivering high-quality visuals and graphics. Its extensive toolset and features enable artists to create stunning and detailed artwork.
Pros
Versatility
It is one of the most versatile tools for various creative tasks, including photo editing, digital painting, and graphic design.
Drawing Pad Compatibility
Artists can work efficiently with drawing pads and graphic tablets.
Wide Variety of Brushes and Textures
The software offers a rich selection of brushes, overlays, and textures to enhance artistic expression.
High-Quality Output
Adobe Photoshop is known for producing high-quality visuals and graphics, making it a top choice for professionals.
Cons
Learning Curve
Given its extensive feature set, Adobe Photoshop can have a steep learning curve, especially for beginners.
System Requirements
To run Adobe Photoshop smoothly, you need a computer with good specs, which might be a concern for users with older or less powerful machines.
Storage Space
Like other professional design applications, Photoshop can be resource-intensive and may require a significant amount of storage space.
Procreate
Procreate has gained immense popularity as one of the best digital illustration software for iPads and iPhones.
Pros
Wide Selection of Brushes
Procreate offers a vast selection of brushes, making it suitable for a variety of artistic styles and techniques. This versatility is highly appealing to artists who want to explore different textures and effects.
Affordable
Compared to some other professional illustration software, Procreate is quite affordable, with a one-time purchase cost, making it accessible to a wide range of artists.
Ease of Use
Procreate is known for its user-friendly interface, which makes it particularly suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. The intuitive design and layout of the tools contribute to a smooth drawing experience.
Zooming and Canvas Rotation
The ability to zoom in and out and rotate the canvas easily provides artists with flexibility and control over their work, enhancing the drawing and painting process.
File Format Support
Procreate supports a wide range of file formats, including JPEG, PNG, PDF, PSD (Photoshop file format), and TIFF. This ensures compatibility and ease of sharing or transferring work between different applications and platforms.
High-Quality Visuals and Graphics
Procreate is known for producing high-quality visuals and graphics, which is crucial for artists who want to create professional-level digital art.
Cons
Limited to iOS Devices
Procreate is exclusively available for iOS devices, which means it can only be used on iPads and has a limited version for iPhones. This limitation can be a drawback for those who prefer or use other platforms.
No Vector Support
Unlike some other illustration software, Procreate does not offer vector drawing capabilities. This might be a drawback for artists who require vector graphics for specific projects.
Apple Pencil Dependency
While Procreate works well with the Apple Pencil, it is optimized for this accessory. If you don’t have an Apple Pencil, you may not be able to fully utilize its potential, which can add to the cost for some users.
Corel Painter
Corel Painter is outstanding software for capturing various art mediums digitally, and it offers unique features that cater to artists and illustrators.
Pros
Medium Emulation
Corel Painter excels at replicating the feel and characteristics of traditional art mediums such as water colors, acrylics, and oils. This emulation allows digital artists to work with a wide range of styles and techniques, making it an excellent choice for those who want to transition from traditional to digital art.
Natural Media Emulation
One of its standout features is its impressive natural media emulation. This includes a wide array of brushes and tools that mimic real-world art supplies, offering an authentic and immersive artistic experience.
Multi-Platform Compatibility
Corel Painter is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, and tablet devices, making it versatile and accessible to a broader audience.
File Compatibility with Adobe Photoshop
Corel Painter’s ability to preserve file content when transferring to or from Adobe Photoshop is a significant advantage. This seamless compatibility allows artists to work in both applications, utilizing the strengths of each.
Custom Performance Optimization
The software optimizes its performance based on your system’s specifications, ensuring smooth and efficient operation, regardless of your hardware configuration.
Cons
Price
Corel Painter is priced at around $200 per year, which might be considered slightly expensive, especially for artists who are just starting or those on a tight budget.
User Experience (UX)
While Corel Painter is rich in features, some users have noted that its user interface and user experience could use some improvement. This may require a bit of a learning curve for newcomers.
Rebelle 4
Rebelle 4 stands out as exceptional software for replicating painting techniques and is particularly well-suited for those who aspire to create hyper-realistic digital art.
Pros
Realistic Art Emulation
Rebelle 4 is highly regarded for its ability to closely replicate real-world art mediums, such as oils, acrylics, and watercolors. This level of realism is ideal for artists who value the traditional painting experience in the digital realm.
Real-World Techniques
This software goes beyond mere medium emulation. It offers tools that replicate real-world art techniques, such as a palette knife, a blow tool, and a drop engine. These features enhance the authenticity and depth of the painting process, adding to the overall realism of the artwork.
Color Blending, Wet Diffusion, and Drying
Rebelle excels at simulating real-world phenomena like color blending, wet diffusion, and drying, which are typically not found in many other digital art software. These features contribute to the software’s authenticity and are invaluable for artists who aim to capture the nuances of traditional painting.
Large Selection of Brushes
Rebelle provides a broad range of brushes, further enhancing its flexibility and applicability for various painting styles and techniques.
Cons
Not Available for Mobile Devices
One limitation of Rebelle 4 is that it is not available for mobile devices. It is primarily designed for desktop use, which may restrict artists who prefer to work on tablets or other portable devices.
Clip Studio Paint Pro
Clip Studio Paint Pro is an excellent and affordable software choice for digital artists, particularly those focusing on concept art and illustrations.
Pros
Flexible and Versatile Drawing Tool
Clip Studio Paint Pro is known for its versatility. It’s highly flexible software that caters to a broad range of artistic styles and techniques. This adaptability makes it suitable for concept art, character illustrations, and even comics.
Customizable Brushes
The software offers thousands of customizable brushes, allowing artists to tailor their tools to match their unique art styles and needs. This extensive brush library is a valuable asset for creative expression.
Pen Pressure Sensitivity
Clip Studio Paint Pro supports 8,192 levels of pen pressure, especially when used with Wacom tablets. This level of sensitivity enhances the precision and control an artist has over their digital brushes, resulting in more expressive and detailed artwork.
Affordable Price
Clip Studio Paint Pro is remarkably affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of artists. The $25 price point is an attractive feature, particularly for artists who are budget-conscious.
Cons
Complex Interface
Some users may find the interface a bit complex, especially when exploring all the features and options. However, this complexity can be managed with time and practice as artists become more familiar with the software.
Unnecessary Options
While Clip Studio Paint Pro offers a wide array of features and options, some artists may find that it has more than they require. The presence of unnecessary options can be overwhelming, but it’s a matter of personal preference and specific needs.
Krita
Krita is indeed an excellent choice when it comes to free software for use with drawing pads. It offers a range of features that make it a compelling option for digital artists.
Pros
Outstanding Free-to-Use Tool
Krita is an open-source program, meaning it’s available for free, and it doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s a powerful digital drawing tool that offers a plethora of features without requiring any payment, which is a significant advantage for artists on a budget.
Compatibility with Drawing Pads
Krita is designed to work seamlessly with drawing pads and graphic tablets, making it an ideal choice for artists who prefer these input devices. It provides a smooth and natural drawing experience when used with such hardware.
User-Friendly
The software has an intuitive interface that’s relatively easy to use, making it suitable for artists at all levels of expertise, including beginners. It’s designed to be accessible and user-friendly.
Multi-Platform Support
Krita is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, which means it caters to a broad range of users, regardless of their preferred operating system.
Cons
Lack of Dedicated Customer Support Team
Krita is developed and maintained by a dynamic open-source community, which may not offer the same level of dedicated customer support as commercial software. However, the community is active and responsive, which can mitigate this issue to some extent.
Not Available on Mobile Devices
Krita is primarily a desktop application and is not available on mobile devices. This limitation can be a drawback for artists who prefer to work on tablets or smartphones.
CoreIDRAW
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a compelling alternative to Adobe Photoshop, particularly for those who require vector illustration, layout, photo editing, and design tools.
Pros
Comprehensive Software
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite offers a wide range of professional tools for various design and illustration needs, making it an all-in-one solution for artists and designers.
Efficient Layout Tools
This software is known for its efficient layout tools, which are valuable for designers creating print materials, digital graphics, and more. These tools simplify the design process and enhance productivity.
Training Resources
CorelDRAW provides training videos to help users learn and make the most of its features. This resource can be valuable for both beginners and experienced users.
Performance
Users often appreciate the software’s performance, as it provides a responsive and smooth working experience.
Cons
No Mac Version
One significant limitation is the absence of a Mac version. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is primarily available for Windows, which may restrict Mac users from accessing its features.
Usability
Some users find the software less easy to navigate than they’d like. The user interface may take some time to get used to, especially for those accustomed to other design software.
MediBang Paint Pro
MediBang Paint Pro is excellent free software for digital painting and manga creation. It offers a range of features that cater to artists working on comics and manga, and it’s particularly accessible for those with limited system specifications.
Pros
Free-to-Use
MediBang Paint Pro is entirely free, making it an attractive option for artists on a budget or those looking to explore digital painting and manga creation without financial constraints.
Variety of Brushes
With over 50 brush options, the software provides a diverse set of tools for artists to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Comic Page Management
This feature is invaluable for comic and manga artists. It simplifies the process of managing comic pages and panel creation and offers pre-made tones and backgrounds for convenience.
User-Friendly Interface
MediBang Paint Pro has a user-friendly and straightforward interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced artists.
Cons
Account Creation
While the software is free, some features require users to create a MediBang account. While this is a minor inconvenience, it’s essential to be aware of it when using the software.
ArtRage Vitae
ArtRage is indeed an excellent choice for digital artists looking for software that seamlessly supports both mobile and desktop platforms. It offers a range of features that mimic real-world counterparts, making it a versatile tool for artists.
Pros
Collaborative Workflow Tools
ArtRage provides collaborative workflow tools, allowing artists to work together efficiently. This feature can be valuable for creative teams and artists who require a collaborative environment.
Painting Features
The software excels in painting features, including customizable brushes and tools that can closely replicate the characteristics of traditional art mediums. This allows for a realistic and immersive painting experience.
Support for Both Desktop and Mobile
ArtRage is available for Windows and Mac desktops and has mobile app versions for both iOS and Android. The availability of the software on multiple platforms makes it highly accessible to a wide range of users.
Custom Brushes
The inclusion of custom brushes enhances the flexibility and creative potential of the software. Artists can tailor their tools to match their unique artistic styles.
Rich Feature Set
ArtRage includes several features such as canvas texture tools, multiple views, symmetric painting, photo and file import/export, touch gesture controls, and floating canvas spaces for paint mixing, which contribute to a comprehensive and versatile toolset.
Support and Community
The software offers support options through manuals and tutorials on its website. Additionally, it has an active online community where artists can seek advice, share suggestions, and exchange tips and tricks.
Cons
Slower Operation
One drawback to be aware of is that ArtRage may have a slower operational process compared to some other digital art software. This can impact the speed and efficiency of your workflow, particularly when working on complex or resource-intensive projects.
Final Thoughts
The first crucial step in your journey as a digital artist is selecting the right software for your artwork.
It’s vital to choose the software that suits your artistic needs, regardless of your background or level of expertise. However, before you make a decision, there are several factors to consider, such as your personal preferences and specific requirements. With the information covered in this article, you should now be well-equipped to make an informed choice.
