The Best Free Clip Studio Paint AlternativesTop Digital Painting Tools & Image Editors like Clip Studio Paint

The best free alternative to Clip Studio Paint is Krita, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to Clip Studio Paint and loads of them is free so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free alternatives to Clip Studio Paint are GIMP, Inkscape, MediBang Paint and Photopea.

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Clip Studio Paint alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools but may also be Image Editors or Photo Editors. Other popular filters includes Android Tablet + Free. Filter by these or use the filter bar below if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Clip Studio Paint.

Clip Studio Paint

119

Digital Painting Tool
Paid • Proprietary

Clip Studio Paint, previously Manga Studio or ComicStudio in Japan, is a family of software applications for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows used for the digital creation of comics and manga.

More about Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint alternatives page was last updated Aug 21, 2024

Krita
Krita is a professional Free and open source (FOSS) painting program. It is made by artists that want to see affordable art tools for everyone within concept art, texture and matte painters, illustrations and comics.
148 Krita alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Digital Painting Tool
- Image Editor
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android Tablet
- Epic Games Store
- PortableApps.com
- Steam
+3
Top Krita Features
1. Digital Drawing
2. Digital Painting
3. Blending brushes
4. Keyframe Animation
5. Drawing 2D
6. Advanced brush settings
7. Lightweight
8. Drawing Tablet Support
9. Digital-painting focused
10. Color blending
11. Sketching
12. Support for Layers
Show all NaN Krita features ▾
Krita VS Clip Studio Paint
Is Krita a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about Krita as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

Guest
a great software for poor artist but very powerfull to drew . i'm like it
Top positive comment •Jun 4, 2018
6
Guest
It has a full list of features, and it's free!
Top positive comment •Mar 16, 2018
4
Guest
I have been using Krita for 4 years and just jumped to Photoshop . The features are very similar to Photoshop so It really made me feel right at home after I jumped from it. Best alternative to Photoshop.
Positive comment •Dec 16, 2020
0
Guest
Completely free and very powerful
Positive comment •Oct 27, 2020
0
Guest
I really like the fact that it includes animation, even though it's so much cheaper than clip studio paint!
Positive comment •Jan 26, 2019
1
Show more comments
5 of 6 comments
- Almost everyone thinks Krita is a great Clip Studio Paint alternative.
- Krita is the most popular Windows, Mac, Linux & Android Tablet alternative to Clip Studio Paint.
- Krita is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Clip Studio Paint.
- Krita is Free and Open SourceClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary

GIMP
GIMP is a free program for such photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. Essentially it's the closest thing to Photoshop you can get for free.
202 GIMP alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Digital Painting Tool
- Image Editor
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
- Haiku
- Flatpak
- AmigaOS
+5
Top GIMP Features
1. Support for Layers
2. Customizable
3. Photo effects
4. Digital Painting
5. DRM Free
6. Ad-free
7. Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
8. High-resolution images
9. Retouch photos
10. Open PSD files
11. Image Processing
12. Dark Mode
Show all NaN GIMP features ▾
GIMP VS Clip Studio Paint
Is GIMP a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about GIMP as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

sedeti
Gimp is for another purpose lol
Negative comment •Jul 2, 2023
0
SoftOlive
GIMP is for photo editing, it's not a drawing app.
Negative comment •Aug 21, 2024
0
Guest
Lack of important options and optimization for drawing, and really poorly and ugly UI
Negative comment •Aug 14, 2022
-1
- Some users think GIMP is a great Clip Studio Paint alternative, some don't.
- GIMP is Free and Open SourceClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary
- GIMP is CustomizableClip Studio Paint is not according to our users

Inkscape
Inkscape is an Open Source vector graphics editor, with capabilities similar to Illustrator, CorelDraw, or Xara X, using the W3C standard Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) file format.
137 Inkscape alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Vector Graphic App
- Digital Painting Tool
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- BSD
- Snapcraft
- Flathub
- PortableApps.com
+1
Top Inkscape Features
1. Support for Layers
2. Vectorize raster images
3. Support for SVG
4. Live Path Effects
5. Digital Painting
6. Support for Keyboard Shortcuts
7. Works Offline
8. Ad-free
9. Customizable
10. Export to SVG
11. Edit PDF
12. Scalable
Show all NaN Inkscape features ▾
Inkscape VS Clip Studio Paint
Is Inkscape a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about Inkscape as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

lauraess1
Inkscape is primarily a a Vector Graphics Editor, not predominantly bitmap like Clip Studio Paint. While CSP does have "Vector Brushes" and uses a selection of vector objects to create speech and thought balloons, these are really ways of applying brush tips and shapes in a rescaleable way, and a full set of vector manipulation is not available.

Inkscape is more an Alternative to Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator, NOT Clip Studio Paint.
Top negative comment •Jun 29, 2018
13
SoftOlive
Inkscape is okay for graphic design, but it's not an app that can be compared to or used as an alternative to Clip Studio Paint, more like something that you can use alongside it. It (Inkscape) primarily focuses on vector art as opposed to bitmap, which I believe is what's most common in apps like Clip Studio Paint. Inkscape can still make good art though.
Comment •Aug 21, 2024
0
Guest
I just tried drawing on Inkscape with my stylus, but it continued (connected) to my previous strokes instead of creating new ones. I believe that for clear neat drawings this should be good (icons, simple illustrations) but real drawings (think of eyebrows) are difficult to create on it.
Negative comment •May 17, 2023
0
Guest
Inkscape does vector. Clip Studio does bitmap.
Negative comment •Nov 16, 2019
-1
Guest
Inkscape is an Open Source Vector Graphics Editor as the description implies. However, Clip Studio Paint main focus is bitmap. Inkscape is similar to Illustrator, Corel Draw and other vector graphics editors and is a good software on it's category, but it doesn't possess the same features for bitmap drawing as Clip Studio Paint, Paint Tool Sai or even Photoshop
Negative comment •Sep 5, 2019
0
Show more comments
5 of 7 comments
- This alternative is disputed. Inkscape is a legitimate Clip Studio Paint alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
- Inkscape is Free and Open SourceClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary
- Inkscape is CustomizableClip Studio Paint is not according to our users

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MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a lightweight software for illustration and making comic books on Windows and Mac OS.
75 MediBang Paint alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
- Digital Painting Tool
- Image Editor
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
+4
Top MediBang Paint Features
1. Multi-choice brushes
2. Pressure Sensitivity
3. Digital-painting focused
4. Color blending
5. Pen Stabilization
6. Keyframe Animation
7. Dark Mode
8. Support for Layers
9. Drawing Tablet Support
10. Custom Brushes
11. Lightweight
12. Category Filters
Show all NaN MediBang Paint features ▾
MediBang Paint VS Clip Studio Paint
Is MediBang Paint a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about MediBang Paint as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

Milla Palacio
Not only is it free, they do share a lot of common functionality. Of course, MediBang Paint isn't as feature-rich, but it's still good for anime- and manga-style art.
Positive comment •Nov 16, 2019
2
SoftOlive
It's an amazing tool for art, just like Clip Studio Paint. VERY good for not just manga, anime, etc art styles, but other art styles.
Positive comment •Aug 21, 2024
0
Guest
It has all the things that I needed that Clip Studio Paint also had! LOVE IT!??
Positive comment •Jun 11, 2017
4
Oscar Reyes
Except for the apparent lack of blur brushes, this program is perfect. Less bothersome than Keira and Gimp. A definitive must.
Positive comment •Aug 5, 2020
-2
- Almost everyone thinks MediBang Paint is a great Clip Studio Paint alternative.
- MediBang Paint is the most popular Android, iPhone & iPad alternative to Clip Studio Paint.
- MediBang Paint is Freemium and ProprietaryClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary

Photopea
Online photo editor, which can work with PSD, XCF and Sketch files (Photoshop, Gimp and Sketch App). Convert between PSD, XCF, JPG, PNG and many other formats.
107 Photopea alternatives
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
- Digital Painting Tool
- Image Editor
Platforms
- Online
+2
Top Photopea Features
1. Web-Based
2. Open PSD files
3. Support for Layers
4. Vectorize raster images
5. Digital Painting
6. Photoshop-like
7. Sketch to PSD
8. RAW Photo Editors
9. Dark Mode
10. Ad-free
11. Colorize Photo
12. No registration required
Show all NaN Photopea features ▾
Photopea VS Clip Studio Paint
Is Photopea a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?

MyPaint
MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.
128 MyPaint alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application type
- Digital Painting Tool
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- PortableApps.com
+2
Top MyPaint Features
1. Digital Painting
2. Sketching
3. Support for Layers
4. Infinite canvas
5. Distraction-free
6. Portable
7. Drawing Tablet Support
8. Fullscreen support
9. Ad-free
10. No registration required
11. Custom Brushes
12. Color blending
Show all NaN MyPaint features ▾
MyPaint VS Clip Studio Paint
Is MyPaint a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

Guest
not made for drawing manga
Negative comment •Apr 2, 2018
0
- Most users think MyPaint is a great Clip Studio Paint alternative.
- MyPaint is Free and Open SourceClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary

Microsoft Paint
Paint (formerly Paintbrush) is a simple, ultra-basic graphics painting program that is included with almost all versions of Microsoft Windows. It opens and saves files as Windows bitmap (24-bit, 256 color, 16 color, and monochrome, all with the .
128 Microsoft Paint alternatives
License model
- Free • Proprietary
Application types
- Image Editor
- Digital Painting Tool
Platforms
- Windows
+4
Top Microsoft Paint Features
1. Bundled with Windows
2. Ad-free
3. Dark Mode
4. Remove Image Background
5. Lightweight
6. Support for Layers
7. No registration required
8. Text to Image Generation
9. Works Offline
10. Minimalistic
11. Pixel Art
Show all NaN Microsoft Paint features ▾
Microsoft Paint VS Clip Studio Paint
Is Microsoft Paint a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about Microsoft Paint as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

Guest
Well, it's like comparing a car and pair of Rollerblade. Both can take you where you want to go, but it will be harder to go too far using the latter. It's unfair to the Clip Studio Paint to even compare it to Microsoft Paint
Negative comment •Sep 5, 2019
3
Guest
Microsoft paint is a very basic tool without much functionality
Negative comment •Jul 12, 2018
4
Guest
It's the best for shitposts excluding photoshopped stuff.
Positive comment •Jun 5, 2019
0
- This alternative is disputed. Microsoft Paint is a legitimate Clip Studio Paint alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.
- Microsoft Paint is Free and ProprietaryClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary

OpenToonz
OpenToonz is an animation program that is a free software version of Toonz, the animation software used by Studio Ghibli, amongst others.
39 OpenToonz alternatives
License model
- Free • Open Source
Application types
- Animation Maker
- Vector Graphic App
Platforms
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
+4
Top OpenToonz Features
1. Pen Stabilization
2. Keyframe Animation
3. Custom Brushes
4. No registration required
5. Privacy focused
6. Support for scripting
7. Works Offline
8. Drawing Tablet Support
9. Dark Mode
10. Ad-free
11. No Tracking
12. Automated Tweening
Show all NaN OpenToonz features ▾
OpenToonz VS Clip Studio Paint
Is OpenToonz a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?
Comments about OpenToonz as an Alternative to Clip Studio Paint

SoftOlive
Opentoonz is very confusing for use, and primarily focuses on animation rather than art. Clip Studio Paint and Opentoonz is almost completely incomparable to Clip Studio, aside from the fact that they both can make art.
Negative comment •Aug 21, 2024
0
- OpenToonz is Free and Open SourceClip Studio Paint is Paid and Proprietary
- OpenToonz is Privacy focusedClip Studio Paint is not according to our users

ibis Paint X
ibis Paint is an easy yet powerful drawing app made with tools for sketching manga right at your fingertips.
47 ibis Paint X alternatives
+3
License model
- Freemium • Proprietary
Application types
- Digital Painting Tool
- Image Editor
Platforms
- Windows
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- HUAWEI AppGallery
- iPad
Top ibis Paint X Features
1. Color blending
2. Extract Drawing
3. Text tool
4. Pressure Sensitivity
5. Custom Brushes
6. Realtime magic wand tool
7. Support for Layers
8. Texture for brushes
9. Blur Filter
10. Brush Stabilizers
11. Pen Stabilization
12. Gradients
Show all NaN ibis Paint X features ▾
ibis Paint X VS Clip Studio Paint
Is ibis Paint X a good alternative to Clip Studio Paint?