In 2020, the world of digital art has continued to flourish, particularly for iPad users. With an array of drawing apps available, artists—whether novices or professionals—are finding incredible tools right at their fingertips. This article will delve into the best free drawing apps for iPad in 2020, highlighting their features, advantages, and drawbacks. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped to choose the right drawing software that suits your artistic needs.
1. Procreate Pocket
While not entirely free, Procreate Pocket often finds its place at the top of discussions due to its exceptional features and affordable price (usually around $5). It is important to note that many users consider the small investment worthwhile due to the plethora of tools it provides, making it ideal for serious artists.
Features:
- Extensive brush library
- Customizable brush settings
- Layer management
- High-resolution canvases
Advantages:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong community support
- Regular updates
Drawbacks:
- Limited exporting options in the free version
- Requires in-app purchases for additional brushes
Download: Procreate Pocket
2. Autodesk SketchBook
Autodesk SketchBook stands out as a powerful free drawing app for iPad, offering a professional-grade experience. With its intuitive interface, it allows users to create stunning artwork effortlessly.
Features:
- Comprehensive brush set
- Layer support with blending modes
- Drawing guides and rulers
- Various tools for sketching and painting
Advantages:
- Easy to navigate
- Syncs across multiple devices
- Regular updates and improvements
Drawbacks:
- Occasionally slow on older iPads
- Limited image export options
Download: Autodesk SketchBook
3. Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco made its mark by providing a natural drawing experience that is perfect for both illustrators and painters. Although it offers a subscription service, the free version includes numerous helpful features that appeal to beginners.
Features:
- Brush engine with raster and vector brushes
- Live brushes that mimic real-life materials
- Layer capabilities
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
Advantages:
- User-friendly for beginners and advanced users alike
- Frequent updates with new features
- Syncs with other Adobe software
Drawbacks:
- Requires an Adobe account
- Some features are locked behind a subscription
Download: Adobe Fresco
4. MediBang Paint
A favorite among comic artists, MediBang Paint offers a multitude of features tailored for digital illustration. This free app is packed with tools that allow for efficient comic creation, painting, and more.
Features:
- Variety of brushes and tones
- Cloud storage for easy access across devices
- Pre-designed backgrounds and materials
- Collaboration features with other users
Advantages:
- Simple and clean interface
- Good community support with tutorials
- Regular updates and new features
Drawbacks:
- Ads in the free version might be distracting
- Can lag on older iPad models
Download: MediBang Paint
5. ArtSet 4
ArtSet 4 is designed to mimic a real-life art studio, giving users a tactile experience. While it offers in-app purchases, many of its fundamental features remain accessible at no cost.
Features:
- Realistic brushes, pastels, and colors
- Layer options for complex artworks
- Undo and redo functionalities
- Minimalist design for distraction-free creativity
Advantages:
- Authentic drawing experience
- Ideal for traditional artists transitioning to digital
- Simple and elegant UI
Drawbacks:
- Limited tools compared to more advanced apps
- Can take time to master the interface
Download: ArtSet 4
6. Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches boasts stunning visuals and an intuitive interface, making it popular among digital artists. The app’s unique features provide a more traditional drawing experience.
Features:
- Variety of brushes and tools
- Layer support
- Realistic ink bleed and watercolor effects
- Cloud sync features
Advantages:
- Beautifully designed with a clean layout
- Support for multiple formats
- Engaging community with challenges
Drawbacks:
- Some advanced features locked behind a paywall
- Can be less stable during heavy use
Download: Tayasui Sketches
7. Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is a powerful yet simple drawing app that offers an impressive range of features tailored for various styles of art. Its free version is quite robust, giving users plenty of tools to explore.
Features:
- Over 160 brushes
- Layer management with blending modes
- Perspective guides and shapes
- Export to Photoshop and other formats
Advantages:
- Highly customizable brushes
- Beginner-friendly with tutorials available
- Versatile for multiple art styles
Drawbacks:
- Performance can lag with complex files
- Limited social sharing features
Download: Infinite Painter
8. Concepts
Concepts is a versatile sketching app that is especially popular among designers and architects due to its unique infinite canvas feature. It operates on a vector-based system, allowing for precision and scalability.
Features:
- Infinite canvas capabilities
- Protractor and ruler tools
- Infinite zoom for detailed work
- Custom brush creation
Advantages:
- Ideal for technical drawing and design work
- Flexible with export options
- Engaging user interface
Drawbacks:
- Some features and brushes require in-app purchases
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Download: Concepts
9. ArtFlow
ArtFlow is designed specifically for digital painting and provides an excellent suite for both beginners and experts. Its extensive brush library makes it a go-to for many artists.
Features:
- Various brush types and customization
- Layer support
- Import and export to multiple formats
- Pressure sensitivity support for devices
Advantages:
- User-friendly and intuitive design
- High-quality output for professional use
- Engaging community features
Drawbacks:
- The free version has limited features
- Soft performance on older devices
Download: ArtFlow
10. Paper by WeTransfer
Paper by WeTransfer is a creative sketching app that encourages users to explore their artistic side. It’s particularly recommended for quick sketches, taking notes, or brainstorming ideas.
Features:
- Simple and clean interface
- Various paper types and brush tools
- Built-in photo and video options for inspiration
- Ability to easily share sketches
Advantages:
- Extremely user-friendly for all ages
- Ideal for note-taking and sketching simultaneously
- Fast and responsive
Drawbacks:
- Limited advanced features for serious artists
- Some features require in-app purchases
Download: Paper by WeTransfer
Conclusion
Choosing the right drawing app for your iPad largely depends on your artistic needs and preferences. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a beginner looking to explore digital art, there are numerous free options available in 2020 that cater to a variety of styles and techniques.
From the professional-grade experience offered by Autodesk SketchBook to the user-friendly designs of Tayasui Sketches and Paper by WeTransfer, the possibilities are endless. Most importantly, we encourage you to download a few and experiment with their features to find the perfect fit for your creative journey.
Note
Be sure to regularly check for updates as many of these apps continuously enhance their functionality and features based on user feedback. Enjoy your artistic exploration!