The Best Krita AlternativesTop Digital Painting Tools & Image Editors like Krita

Krita is described as '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' and is a leading digital painting tool in the photos & graphics category. There are more than 100 alternatives to Krita for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iPad, Android and iPhone apps. The best Krita alternative is GIMP, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like Krita are Inkscape, Adobe Photoshop, Paint.NET and SketchBook.

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Krita alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools but may also be Image Editors or Photo Editors.  Other popular filters includes iPad + 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 Krita.
Krita iconKrita
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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.

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Krita alternatives page was last updated Sep 14, 2024
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  1. GIMP icon
    GIMP icon

    GIMP

     4589 likes
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    GIMP delivers powerful functionalities for photo retouching, image composition, and format conversion. As a versatile tool, it serves as both a simple paint program and a high-end retouching suite, and offers batch processing for mass image tasks in an accessible open-source platform.

    205 GIMP alternatives
    yes

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    GIMP 2.99.18 on Windows, non-default theme.
    GIMP screenshot 2
    +5
    GIMP screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Customizable
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions

    Features

    1.  Support for Layers
    2.  Photo effects
    3.  Digital Painting
    4.  DRM Free
    5.  Ad-free
    6.  High-resolution images
    7.  Retouch photos
    8.  Open PSD files
    9.  Image Processing
    10.  Dark Mode
    11.  Color to Alpha
    12.  Works Offline
    13.  Select by Color
    14.  Portable
    15.  Built-in Color picker
    16.  Image Masking
    17.  Batch image manipulation
    18.  No registration required
    19.  Color correction
    GIMP iconKrita Icon

    GIMP VS Krita

    Is GIMP a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about GIMP as an Alternative to Krita
     
       
    Comment summary: Krita is widely recognized for digital painting and illustrations, whereas GIMP is mainly utilized for photo editing. Users frequently emphasize that these applications serve distinct purposes, with Krita excelling in drawing and art, and GIMP focusing on image manipulation and photo retouching. Although some indicate GIMP can be used for drawing, it is generally not considered a direct competitor to Krita for digital art creation.
    Paul

    Lots of people use GIMP for photo editing, and it's not the best alternative to Krita for digital drawing/painting but you can definitely use GIMP for drawing and painting and not only to edit photos.

    Top positive comment •Apr 8, 2020
    2
    Tobin

    GIMP is a great application, but not comparable to Krita, because it is not centered around drawing.

    Top negative comment •Jan 29, 2022
    2
    cel

    Different intended purpose: GIMP for general image editing, Krita for digital painting and animation.

    Negative comment •Apr 27, 2023
    0
    Show more comments
    3 of 14 comments
    Krita Icon
    GIMP icon

    • Some users think GIMP is a great Krita alternative, some don't.

    • GIMP is the most popular Windows, Mac & Linux alternative to Krita.

    • GIMP is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Krita.

    • GIMP is Free and Open SourceKrita is also Free and Open Source
    • GIMP is CustomizableKrita is not according to our users
  2. Inkscape icon
    Inkscape icon

    Inkscape

     2201 likes
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    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
    Inkscape screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    Inkscape screenshot 1
    Inkscape screenshot 2
    +1
    Inkscape screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Customizable

    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.  Export to SVG
    10.  Edit PDF
    11.  Scalable
    12.  High-resolution images
    13.  Symbols
    14.  Visual Editing
    15.  Dark Mode
    16.  Vector-like
    17.  No registration required
    18.  Curve Manipulation
    Inkscape iconKrita Icon

    Inkscape VS Krita

    Is Inkscape a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about Inkscape as an Alternative to Krita
     
    Tobin

    Inkscape isn't meant for bitmap drawing, it's based around vector editing, and is made more for graphic design purposes.

    Negative comment •May 29, 2023
    1
    Guest

    Vector editors have nothing to do with raster editors.

    Negative comment •Dec 5, 2022
    2
    Krita Icon
    Inkscape icon

    • Some users think Inkscape is a great Krita alternative, some don't.

    • Inkscape is Free and Open SourceKrita is also Free and Open Source
    • Inkscape is CustomizableKrita is not according to our users
  4. Adobe Photoshop icon
    Adobe Photoshop icon

    Adobe Photoshop

     2390 likes
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    Comprehensive raster graphics editor offering advanced photo and image editing features. Supports multiple layers, masks, alpha compositing, various color models, and has limited vector graphics, 3D, and video capabilities. Extensible via plug-ins.

    235 Adobe Photoshop alternatives
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    • iPad
    • Wine
    • ReactOS
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 1
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 2
    +8
    Adobe Photoshop screenshot 3

    Top Adobe Photoshop Features

    1.  Digital Painting
    2.  RAW Photo Editors
    3.  Color correction
    4.  Photo effects
    5.  Advanced brush settings
    6.  Image Processing
    7.  Raster graphics
    8.  Support for Layers
    9.  Color Picker
    10.  Intuitive Interface
    11.  Resizing dpi
    12.  Hardware Accelerated
    13.  Support for CMYK Mode
    14.  Non Destructive Editing
    15.  Open PSD files
    16.  Works Offline
    17.  Drawing Tablet Support
    18.  Drawing 2D
    19.  Custom Brushes
    20.  Adjusting DPI
    Adobe Photoshop iconKrita Icon

    Adobe Photoshop VS Krita

    Is Adobe Photoshop a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about Adobe Photoshop as an Alternative to Krita
     
    Guest

    Photoshop is more focused on image editing and photo manipulation. Krita is for digital drawing.

    Negative comment •Mar 25, 2019
    5
    RemovedUser

    Photoshop has many great drawing tools and a frame-by-frame animation tool like krita

    Positive comment •Jun 15, 2019
    2
    shaundre no

    Photoshop is a great photo manipulation tool and it has some of the better digital l drawing/painting tools but its animation tools are... lacking, unintuitive and easily becomes very laggy/slow. krita has a massive one up on photoshop in the animation department. even with the features that krita has over photoshop its hard to use and super laggy even at the lightest use of filter layers however. I will stick to krita cause screw adobe.

    Positive comment •Feb 16, 2023
    0
    Krita Icon
    Adobe Photoshop icon

    • Most users think Adobe Photoshop is a great Krita alternative.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular Web-based & iPad alternative to Krita.

    • Adobe Photoshop is the most popular commercial alternative to Krita.

    • Adobe Photoshop is Paid and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Affinity Photo icon

    Affinity Photo

    Real-time image editing software supporting extensive colour spaces, unlimited layers, non-destructive edits, and a streamlined workspace for complex tasks on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    https://affinity.serif.com
    Learn More
  6. Paint.NET icon
    Paint.NET icon

    Paint.NET

     1618 likes
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    Paint.net is a free and very capable image editing software for Windows. Great alternative to Photoshop for people that do not need all the stuff PS offers.

    170 Paint.NET alternatives
    Paint.NET screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • .NET Framework

    Properties

    1.  Lightweight
    2.  Extensible by Plugins/Extensions
    3.  Minimalistic

    Features

    1.  Support for Layers
    2.  User friendly
    3.  Dark Mode
    4.  Support for image plugins
    5.  Transparency
    6.  History Panel
    7.  Export to PNG
    8.  Ad-free
    9.  Portable
    10.  Works Offline
    11.  No registration required
    12.  Intuitive Interface
    13.  Scan to JPEG
    14.  WEBP Support
    15.  Consistent UI
    Paint.NET iconKrita Icon

    Paint.NET VS Krita

    Is Paint.NET a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about Paint.NET as an Alternative to Krita
     
    lian00

    It’s an image editing software. Not a digital painting software as Krita.

    Positive comment •Nov 28, 2021
    0
    RemovedUser

    If you are fine with using proprietary software this program is just right!

    Positive comment •Aug 29, 2023
    0
    wajeeh

    The best FREE image editor nowaday.

    Positive comment •Mar 24, 2020
    -4
    Krita Icon
    Paint.NET icon

    • Most users think Paint.NET is a great Krita alternative.

    • Paint.NET is Free and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
    • Paint.NET is Lightweight and MinimalisticKrita is not according to our users
  7. SketchBook icon
    SketchBook icon

    SketchBook

     142 likes
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    Sketchbook drawing software features an artist-friendly, gesture-based user interface that is so fast and intuitive even new users can be productive within minutes.

    80 SketchBook alternatives
    Android (1)

    License model

    • Freemium • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Android (2)
    Android (3)
    +9
    Android (4)

    Top SketchBook Features

    1.  Texture for brushes
    2.  Pressure Sensitivity
    3.  Multi-choice brushes
    4.  Drawing Board
    5.  Support for Layers
    6.  Drawing Tablet Support
    7.  RAW Photo Editors
    8.  Sketching
    9.  Photo Synchronization
    10.  Advanced brush settings
    11.  Color blending
    12.  Open PSD files
    13.  Storyboard
    SketchBook iconKrita Icon

    SketchBook VS Krita

    Is SketchBook a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about SketchBook as an Alternative to Krita
     
    Guest

    Plethora of brushes with premium look and feel which makes it intuitive and easy to use.

    Positive comment •Mar 21, 2017
    6
    Krita Icon
    SketchBook icon

    • Most users think SketchBook is a great Krita alternative.

    • SketchBook is the most popular Android, iPhone & Android Tablet alternative to Krita.

    • SketchBook is Freemium and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  8. Affinity Photo icon
    Affinity Photo icon

    Affinity Photo

     528 likes
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    Real-time image editing software supporting extensive colour spaces, unlimited layers, non-destructive edits, and a streamlined workspace for complex tasks on Windows, Mac, and iPad.

    95 Affinity Photo alternatives
    Affinity Photo screenshot 1

    License model

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • iPad
    Affinity Photo screenshot 1
    Affinity Photo screenshot 2
    +7
    Affinity Photo screenshot 3

    Properties

    1.  Optimal performance
    2.  Lightweight

    Features

    1.  No Subscription
    2.  Non Destructive Editing
    3.  RAW Photo Editors
    4.  Open PSD files
    5.  Digital Painting
    6.  Support for Layers
    7.  Color management
    8.  Photo effects
    9.  Regulation layers
    10.  Photoshop Plugins Support
    11.  No Coding Required
    12.  Dark Mode
    13.  Ad-free
    14.  Works Offline
    15.  Batch processing
    16.  Custom Brushes
    17.  Image Processing
    18.  High-resolution images
    19.  Filters
    Affinity Photo iconKrita Icon

    Affinity Photo VS Krita

    Is Affinity Photo a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about Affinity Photo as an Alternative to Krita
     
    lian00

    Affinity Photo has some tools for digital painting but as it’s not the main goal of the sofware (more photo editing), interface and selection tools are not suited for digital artists.

    Negative comment •Nov 28, 2021
    0
    Krita Icon
    Affinity Photo icon

    • Almost everyone thinks Affinity Photo is a great Krita alternative.

    • Affinity Photo is Paid and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
    • Affinity Photo is LightweightKrita is not according to our users
  10. MyPaint icon
    MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     370 likes
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    MyPaint is a fast, distraction-free, and easy painting tool for digital artists. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.

    129 MyPaint alternatives
    MyPaint screenshot 1

    License model

    • Free • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
    MyPaint screenshot 2
    +2
    The 0.9.0 interface

    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
    MyPaint iconKrita Icon

    MyPaint VS Krita

    Is MyPaint a good alternative to Krita?
     
    Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to Krita
     
    Thelle Christensen

    Both programmes aims for simplicity/usability

    Positive comment •Jan 24, 2017
    2
    Krita Icon
    MyPaint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MyPaint is a great Krita alternative.

    • MyPaint is Free and Open SourceKrita is also Free and Open Source
7 of 151 Krita alternatives