The Best Free Krita AlternativesTop Digital Painting Tools and other similar apps like Krita

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

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Krita alternatives are mainly Digital Painting Tools, but if you're looking for Image Editors or Photo Editors you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Online, iPad, Free, Open Source, iPad + Free, Mac and Android. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Krita.
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Alternatives list

  1. GIMP icon

    GIMP

     4720 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.

    190 GIMP alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • Snapcraft
    • Flathub
    • PortableApps.com
    • Haiku
    • Flatpak
    • AmigaOS
    yes
     
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    97
    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.
    Top Positive Comment
    Paul
    2

    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 Negative Comment
    Guest
    13

    Krita is for digital illustrations. GIMP is for photo editing.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    cel
    Negative
    0

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

    Show more comments
    3 of 14 comments
    Krita Icon
    GIMP icon

    • Most users think GIMP is a great Krita alternative.

    • 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
  2. Paint.NET icon

    Paint.NET

     1649 likes
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    Free Windows image editor with support for layers, plugins, and special effects. Offers intuitive interface, works offline, ad-free, and portable, consuming fewer resources.

    165 Paint.NET alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • .NET Framework
    Paint.NET screenshot 1
     
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    26
    Comments about Paint.NET as an Alternative to Krita
    lian00
    Positive
    1

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

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    wajeeh
    Positive
    -5

    The best FREE image editor nowaday.

    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 MinimalisticKrita is not according to our users
  4. SketchBook icon

    SketchBook

     155 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.

    79 SketchBook alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    Android (1)
     
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    55
    Comments about SketchBook as an Alternative to Krita
    Guest
    Positive
    6

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

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krita Icon
    SketchBook icon

    • Most users think SketchBook is a great Krita alternative.

    • SketchBook is Freemium and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  5. Ad
    Screenshot
    Adobe Fresco icon
    Adobe Fresco

    Unlock creativity with a massive brush collection and real-time effects. Blend oils, paint with vibrant watercolors, and enjoy vector and raster brushes on stylus-ready devices. Ideal for artists of all levels.

    https://www.adobe.com
    Learn More
  6. MyPaint icon

    MyPaint

     387 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.

    126 MyPaint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • PortableApps.com
    MyPaint screenshot 1
     
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    31
    Comments about MyPaint as an Alternative to Krita
    Thelle Christensen
    Positive
    2

    Both programmes aims for simplicity/usability

    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. Affinity icon

    Affinity

     48 likes
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    Unified design solution merging advanced photo, vector, and layout tools for seamless workflow, non-destructive editing, RAW support, batch processing, AI enhancements, GPU acceleration, file compatibility, cloud asset integration, and tailored workspace options.

    65 Affinity alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    Affinity screenshot 1
     
  8. Photopea icon

    Photopea

     332 likes
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    Browser-based image editing supports PSD, XCF, Sketch formats, advanced layers, vector tools, RAW photo support, and exports in 40+ formats. Fully client-side with AI background removal, content-aware tools, and privacy as files never leave your device.

    111 Photopea alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Online
    • Software as a Service (SaaS)
    Photopea screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Photopea as an Alternative to Krita
    shaundre no
    Positive
    1

    photopea is a great alternative to photoshop but not at all for krita.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krita Icon
    Photopea icon

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

    • Photopea is the most popular SaaS alternative to Krita.

    • Photopea is Freemium and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  10. MediBang Paint icon

    MediBang Paint

     117 likes
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    MediBang Paint is a lightweight software for illustration and making comic books on Windows and Mac OS.

    75 MediBang Paint alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Steam
    Great for anime or comics
     
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    39
    Comments about MediBang Paint as an Alternative to Krita
    lian00
    Positive
    1

    Default brushes in MediBang cannot be compared to Krita’s engine. MediBang may be a nice tool for manga creation but it cannot compete relative to digital painting with Krita.

    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Everything looks the same.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krita Icon
    MediBang Paint icon

    • Almost everyone thinks MediBang Paint is a great Krita alternative.

    • MediBang Paint is Freemium and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  11. FireAlpaca icon

    FireAlpaca

     89 likes
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    FireAlpaca is the image editor that can be used readily and easily. We made it possible to provide the completely free download, in order for our products to be experienced by more users from all over the world. It is available for both Mac and Windows users!

    123 FireAlpaca alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    FireAlpaca screenshot 1
     
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    1
    15
    Comments about FireAlpaca as an Alternative to Krita
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    Because it's easier to use

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krita Icon
    FireAlpaca icon

    • Almost everyone thinks FireAlpaca is a great Krita alternative.

    • FireAlpaca is Free and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  12. ibis Paint X icon

    ibis Paint X

     41 likes
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    ibis Paint is an easy yet powerful drawing app made with tools for sketching manga right at your fingertips.

    56 ibis Paint X alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once or Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • HUAWEI AppGallery
    • iPad
    ibis Paint X screenshot 1
    ibis Paint X screenshot 2
    ibis Paint X screenshot 3
     
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    19
    Comments about ibis Paint X as an Alternative to Krita
    Barrett
    Positive
    0

    I know it's proprietary, but unlike Krita, it has instant support for pen pressure on Android tablets like the Tab S6 Lite. You can also remove internet permissions on LineageOS, so for me, it checks all the boxes.

    RemovedUser
    Positive
    0

    A very popular painting program, mainly on mobile. Awesome if you want a free* digital art program for iOS and Android.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Guest
    Positive
    -1

    It has many brushes and options. It's good for beginners and pros.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Krita Icon
    ibis Paint X icon

    • Almost everyone thinks ibis Paint X is a great Krita alternative.

    • ibis Paint X is Freemium and ProprietaryKrita is Free and Open Source
  13. Fossify Paint icon

    Fossify Paint

     14 likes
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    Privacy-centric digital drawing tool perfect for all skill levels. Create, customize, and share art with adjustable brushes, canvas colors, and versatile format support via PNG, JPG, and SVG without compromising your privacy—fully open-source.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Android
    • F-Droid
    • Android Tablet
    Fossify Paint screenshot 1
    Fossify Paint screenshot 2
    Fossify Paint screenshot 3
     
  15. enve icon

    enve

     37 likes
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    Enve is a free and open-source 2D animation app. It can create both vector and raster animations and even use sound and video files. It has been created with flexibility and expandability in mind.

    56 enve alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    Official Enve Screenshot
     
12 of 100 Krita alternatives