The 4 Best Free Drawing Apps For MacOS - MakeUseOf

If you're searching for a free drawing app for Mac, you've come to the right place. We've filtered out the trash and listed only the most formidable sketching solutions, including a Microsoft Paint (MS) alternative.

So, without further ado, let's take a look at the best free drawing apps for macOS. Try them all out and see what works best for you.

1. GIMP

Most of the applications listed here are versatile pieces of software, and GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) is no different. Whether you're drawing, editing images, or looking for a free Photoshop alternative, GIMP has the goods.

While the application may seem complex at a glance, the user interface is intuitive, and performing basic tasks is generally straightforward. If, however, you need to execute more advanced functions, the answers aren't always obvious. Thankfully, plenty of tutorials exist online, and once you become familiar with the app, GIMP becomes a powerful drawing and editing tool.

The best features of GIMP are:

• Great for drawing, graphic design, image editing, and more
• Huge amount of features, from basic to more advanced
• Installable plugins for deeper customization
• Loads of online tutorials to help you master the app
• Cross-platform support (GIMP is also one of the best drawing apps for Windows and Linux)

GIMP is the ideal choice if you require versatility and functionality in your drawing software and don't mind taking the time to learn a complex application.

Download: GIMP (Free)

2. Krita

Krita is another versatile app that rivals others in functionality and surpasses many similar apps in intuitiveness. The interface is clean and user-friendly, which makes learning advanced functions simple. You can even use Krita to create animations. If you find yourself scratching your head trying to perform an action, there are plenty of tutorials online to answer your questions.

While Krita does have image manipulation tools, the developers primarily market the software as a drawing app, which means they pay special attention to artists' tools. You can use one of our top free image editing tools if you need to edit more.

The best features of Krita are:

• Intuitive and functional user interface
• Loads of professional brushes
• Plenty of useful artist tools
• Customizable layout
• Cross-platform support

Krita is perfect if you require a functional, versatile, and intuitive drawing app for your Mac. If you're stuck deciding between the first two apps in the list, we have an article that compares GIMP and Krita to find out which is the best Photoshop alternative.

Download: Krita (Free)

3. MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint is one of the slickest free drawing apps on the market. The application provides a range of useful artist tools and a cloud storage option, which makes cross-platform use easy.

While not as feature-packed as some other apps, MediBang Paint is intuitive, and the developers are constantly adding new tutorials to the main site to help you master the software. If you want an app that's slick and simple, MediBang Paint is worth considering.

The best features of MediBang Paint are:

• Loads of artist tools
• Slick and intuitive user interface
• Plenty of online tutorials
• Free 3GB of cloud storage
• Cross-platform support, including iOS, iPadOS, and Android

MediBang Paint is perfect if you need to access your work anywhere and prefer a simplified drawing experience. Unlike other free drawing apps for Mac on this list, MediBang Paint offers subscription plans if you need more functionality and cloud storage space.

Download: MediBang Paint (Free, subscription available)

4. Paintbrush

Paintbrush for macOS is the ideal MS Paint alternative. The software is the epitome of simplicity, making it viable for only the most basic functions. While it's not ideal for serious sketchers, Paintbrush provides a solution for anyone who needs to perform simple tasks quickly.

The best features of Paintbrush are:

• Simple and intuitive
• Lightweight and responsive
• Includes the basic features you'd expect
• Good MS Paint alternative

Even the most basic apps have a place and purpose, and Paintbrush is a handy tool when used appropriately.

Download: Paintbrush (Free)

Experiment to Find the Best Mac Drawing App

Not all apps are created equal, and not all artists have the same needs. GIMP and Krita are versatile pieces of software but come with steeper learning curves, whereas MediBang Paint provides a simpler solution with less functionality. Additionally, if simplification is your goal, Paintbrush is the ideal MS Paint alternative.

All the drawing apps we listed here for the Mac are free to download and use, so you can experiment with each one and find the right software for you.