The 20 best drawing apps on Android, iPhone

1. Happy Color®

Paint by number templates, Diverse art style options, Relaxing and therapeutic

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($9.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

Happy Color® is a mobile drawing app that offers a surprisingly engaging experience, even for those who might initially dismiss it as "just clicking on numbers." The app boasts a vast array of images, allowing users to color in everything from nature scenes to intricate portraits, all while enjoying the freedom to choose their own coloring order. While some users have reported minor glitches, the app's overall focus on relaxation and creative exploration shines through. The diverse representation of people in the artwork and the satisfying animation at the end of each coloring session add layers of depth and delight, making Happy Color® a truly unique and enjoyable drawing experience.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Happy Color is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves coloring! It's a perfect blend of relaxation and creativity, offering beautiful designs to color with ease. The app is so user-friendly, even beginners can create stunning artwork in minutes. With tons of themes to choose from and new designs added regularly, you'll never run out of things to color in Happy Color!

✨ Read more: app for coloring

2. ibis Paint X

Extensive brush and material library, Recording and sharing drawing process

Cost:

Free (Free), ibis Paint X Premium ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• 47,000+ customizable brushes
• 21,000+ digital assets
• Smooth drawing with OpenGL

ibis Paint X is a powerhouse drawing app on mobile, beloved for its vast array of features and professional-level functionality. Users rave about its intuitive interface, even with its ever-expanding toolset, which includes everything from importing images to layering and blending techniques. While some users have reported occasional glitches with newer features like vector layers or text boxes, the general consensus remains overwhelmingly positive: ibis Paint X is a top-tier choice for digital artists of all skill levels, offering a free and affordable option for unleashing creative potential.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I'm a huge fan of ibis Paint X for drawing on my phone! It's packed with tons of customizable brushes, tools, and effects, letting me get really creative. Plus, it's super smooth and responsive, making it feel like I'm drawing on real paper. If you're looking for an app that gives you the power of a desktop drawing program right in your pocket, this is the one!

✨ Read more: app for designing clothes

3. Pixel Art

Color by number for easy art, Thousands of images to explore

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Color by Number
• Relaxing and meditative
• Over 20,000 images

Pixel Art, a popular mobile drawing app, has long been a favorite for its simple yet engaging gameplay. Users rave about its ability to provide a relaxing and meditative experience through its color-by-number mechanic. However, recent updates have sparked frustration among long-time players. The introduction of a new color selection method, requiring precise clicks instead of swiping, has significantly hampered the enjoyment of larger pictures, a core feature of the app. Additionally, the frequency and placement of ads have become more intrusive, turning the once calming experience into an irritating one. Users are pleading for developers to address these issues, hoping to regain the relaxing and enjoyable drawing experience that Pixel Art once offered.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I absolutely adore Pixel Art! It's a fantastic app for drawing, especially if you're a beginner or just looking for a relaxing way to create art. The paint-by-number feature makes it super easy to follow along and achieve beautiful results. Plus, there are tons of gorgeous images to choose from, so you can find something that suits your mood and style.

✨ Read more: app ideas

4. PENUP

Live drawing lessons, Photo-based drawing aid, Social sharing platform

Download:

Android

Application information

• Tags:
• Drawing Made Easy
• Share Your Creations
• Learn from Others

PENUP is a mobile drawing app that offers a range of tools and features to spark creativity. While users appreciate the ability to save with transparent backgrounds and the option to copy and paste, recent updates have left some feeling disappointed. The blending brush relocation and the loss of functionality in the smudging tool have been met with frustration, as have the changes to the brush and color palette interface. While the coloring feature remains a strong point, the overall user experience has been diminished by these changes, prompting some to explore alternative sketching apps.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

PENUP is a fantastic drawing app that really shines in its community aspect. You can share your artwork with others, get feedback, and even participate in challenges! Plus, its user-friendly interface and tons of helpful tools make it perfect for beginners and pros alike.

✨ Read more: app design

5. Sketchbook

Natural drawing experience, Highly customizable brushes, Professional-grade feature set

Cost:

Free (Free), Sketchbook Pro ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Natural drawing experience
• Professional-grade features
• Highly customizable brushes

Sketchbook is a fantastic drawing app that's incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners. It offers a wide range of brushes and tools to help you create everything from quick sketches to detailed artwork. Users praise its lack of intrusive ads, making for a smooth and focused drawing experience. While some glitches have been reported, like occasional layering issues or problems with image editing after deleting saved files, the developers are actively addressing these concerns. Overall, Sketchbook offers a powerful and intuitive drawing experience that's a great choice for both casual and serious artists.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Sketchbook is my go-to app for drawing because it feels so natural and responsive. I love that it has tons of customizable brushes that feel just like the real thing, and layers make it super easy to build up complex drawings. Plus, it's free and packed with features, so you can get started right away and take your art to the next level.

✨ Read more: app to take notes on ipad

6. Coloring Games

Paint by numbers mode, Free drawing and doodling, Multiple coloring book themes

Download:

Android

Application information

• Tags:
• Fun Coloring Games
• Easy to Understand Interface
• Drawing and Painting Tools

"Coloring Games" is a delightful drawing app designed specifically for toddlers and young children. It's packed with colorful tools and engaging features that make creating art a joy, as evidenced by the enthusiastic praise from parents. This ad-free app is a treasure trove of creative activities, offering various coloring options including paint by numbers, color by numbers, and free-form doodling. Parents appreciate the app's intuitive interface, which allows even toddlers to navigate and explore independently, while features like collectible stickers and stamps provide extra motivation for little artists.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Coloring Games is a fantastic choice for young artists! It's packed with fun, colorful tools that make drawing easy and engaging. The app is super user-friendly, even for little ones, with multiple modes for painting, doodling, and even learning about colors. It's not just a coloring app, it's a fun way to encourage creativity and exploration.

7. Picsart Color

Layers for complex artworks, Color mixer for unique hues, Symmetric drawing for precision

Cost:

Free (Free), Picsart Gold ($7.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Infinite Canvas
• Customizable Brushes
• Layer Management

Picsart Color is a powerful drawing app that lets you create stunning illustrations, from intricate mandalas to breathtaking fantasy worlds. It's praised for its intuitive interface and features like symmetrical drawing, customizable color palettes, and a wide array of brushes. However, users have reported frustrating crashes that can result in lost work, particularly when using larger canvas sizes or complex designs. While these crashes are infrequent, they can be devastating for users who've invested hours in their creations. Despite these issues, the app's overall functionality and creative potential make it a compelling choice for artists of all levels.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Picsart Color is my go-to app for drawing because it's packed with awesome features that make creating art a breeze. I love the layers, color mixer, and customizable brushes that let me express my creativity in so many ways. Whether I'm sketching a quick doodle or crafting a detailed masterpiece, Picsart Color has everything I need to bring my ideas to life!

8. FlipaClip

Frame-by-frame animation creation, Intuitive drawing and editing tools

Cost:

Free (Free), FlipaClip Pro ($19.99 / year)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Frame-by-frame animation
• Intuitive User Interface
• Powerful drawing tools

FlipaClip is a popular drawing app that lets users create animations with ease. While praised for its intuitive interface and powerful features, users have expressed frustration with occasional bugs that can cause lost progress and frustration. These bugs, ranging from app crashes to sudden grey-outs that erase drawings, have become a recurring issue, even for long-time users. Despite these glitches, FlipaClip remains a favorite for its potential to bring creative ideas to life, with users eagerly suggesting features like the ability to copy and paste specific drawing elements between frames to streamline their workflow.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

FlipaClip is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to dive into the world of animation! It's packed with features that make drawing and animating super easy, even for beginners. The app lets you create frame-by-frame animations with intuitive tools like onion skinning and layers, so you can bring your characters and stories to life with smooth movement. Plus, it's a lot of fun to use, and you can even add sound effects and music to your creations - what more could you ask for?

9. Drawing Games

Coloring book for kids, Glow paint and draw, Paint by numbers game

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Educational activities
• Learning Through Play
• Fun and engaging

"Drawing Games" is a vibrant and engaging drawing app that's perfect for kids of all ages. This free app, praised for its lack of intrusive ads, provides hours of creative fun with features like coloring books, glow paint, and connect-the-dots activities. One parent raved about how it helped their daughter stay entertained during the pandemic, praising its educational value and calling it "the best game EVER!" While users are eager for more features like additional drawings and number-based activities, they consistently highlight the app's captivating glow-in-the-dark element and its ability to keep kids engaged for years.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Drawing Games is a fantastic app for anyone who loves to draw! It's packed with fun features like connect the dots, glow painting, and a coloring book, making it perfect for kids of all ages. I particularly love the variety of drawing tools and the intuitive interface, which makes it easy for everyone to create beautiful artwork.

10. Infinite Painter

Realistic brush to canvas interaction, Hundreds of customizable brush settings

Cost:

Free (Free), Infinite Painter Pro ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Natural brush feel
• Customizable workspace
• Layer-based editing

Infinite Painter is a powerful drawing app for Android that boasts a wide array of features and tools, making it a favorite among artists. While some users appreciate the extensive functionality, others find the interface a bit cumbersome, particularly when it comes to using the eyedropper. The app also has some reported bugs, such as crashes when using the undo button or when trying to customize color palettes. While these issues might deter some users, many still consider Infinite Painter to be the best painting software available on Android, especially when considering the depth of features offered in the paid version.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Infinite Painter is a must-have for serious artists! It's packed with powerful features like realistic brushes, customizable settings, and real-time effects, making it perfect for both sketching and detailed artwork. Plus, its intuitive interface makes it a joy to use, letting you focus on your creativity. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Infinite Painter is an incredible app for drawing that will help you take your artwork to the next level.

11. AR Drawing

Trace projected images on paper, Learn to draw in 3 days, Create stunning drawings & paintings

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• AR-assisted tracing
• Beginner-friendly tutorials
• Diverse tracing templates

AR Drawing is a mobile drawing app that promises to help you learn how to draw in just three days. It utilizes augmented reality technology to project images onto any surface, allowing you to trace and color them. While the app boasts a wide variety of tracing templates, ranging from animals to anime characters, some users have reported frustration with its frequent ads and occasional glitches. Despite these issues, many users recognize its potential and appreciate the ability to create beautiful artwork on their phones.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I absolutely love AR Drawing! It's super easy to use and the augmented reality feature is a game-changer for learning to draw. It lets me trace projected images onto paper, making it a fun and effective way to practice my skills. I've been using it regularly and my drawings have definitely improved!

12. Clip Studio Paint

Powerful brush engine, Extensive tool set, 3D model posing

Cost:

Free Plan (Free), Monthly Plan ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• 3D model posing
• 10,000 layers
• Liquify tool

Clip Studio Paint, a popular drawing app beloved by many on PC, unfortunately falls short on mobile. While it boasts professional-grade features and a wealth of brushes, users on Android devices report significant issues with pen pressure detection, which is a critical element for digital artists. Further frustrations arise from the lack of a tool change button and the inability to switch to a vector eraser, making the interface feel clunky and less intuitive compared to its desktop counterpart. Despite a subscription model that unlocks more features, the app's performance on mobile seems to be inconsistent, with reports of flickering issues and even a lack of pen pressure responsiveness after the trial period.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Clip Studio Paint is a powerhouse for artists on the go! It packs features you'd expect from a desktop program, like robust brushes, layers, and even 3D model posing, all in a mobile app. If you're serious about creating beautiful art on your phone or tablet, Clip Studio Paint should be at the top of your list.

13. Tayasui Sketches

Realistic brushes, stunning effects, Intuitive interface, easy to use

Cost:

Free (Free), Sketches Pro ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Realistic brushes
• Layers support
• Import photos

Tayasui Sketches is a beautiful and intuitive drawing app that boasts incredibly realistic tools, making it a joy to use for both casual and professional artists. While the app's clean layout and charming brushes are a definite draw, the limited free features are a major drawback. Many essential tools, such as layers and customizable brush sizes, are locked behind a paywall, which unfortunately diminishes the overall experience. Although the watercolor and blending brushes are praised for their quality, the lack of flexibility with brush customization and the occasional app crashes on certain devices leave users wanting more.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Sketches is the app for you if you want a truly beautiful and intuitive drawing experience. Its ultra-realistic brushes and layers feel like working with real tools, and its minimalist design lets you focus on your art. Plus, it's super easy to use, so even if you're a beginner, you can create stunning pieces in no time.

14. Concepts

Infinite canvas for limitless ideas, Vector-based for scalable, editable strokes

Cost:

Free (Free), Concepts Pro ($7.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Vector-based
• Infinite Canvas
• Nudge, Slice and Select tools

Concepts is a powerful drawing app that's been a game-changer for many users, particularly those seeking a flexible, customizable, and infinite canvas for their creative endeavors. Its feature-rich design and intuitive interface, including a wealth of tools and customization options, make it a go-to choice for mind mapping, note-taking, and even digital journaling. While some users have reported initial hiccups with settings or scrolling smoothness, these issues seem to be resolved with proper app configuration and updates, leaving many, like one user who described themselves as "extremely picky," highly satisfied. Concepts offers an unparalleled level of control and creative freedom for those who embrace its vast potential, making it a truly inspiring tool for drawing and artistic exploration.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Concepts is a game-changer for digital artists! Its infinite canvas lets you draw without limits, and the vector-based tools mean you can edit anything with ease. Plus, it's super smooth and responsive, making it feel like you're drawing on paper – I can't imagine using another app for my illustrations!

15. Kids Coloring & Drawing Games

160 coloring pages for toddlers, 10 themes with various doodles

Cost:

Free (Free), No Ads ($2.99)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Free coloring pages
• Simple and easy to use
• 10 different themes

"Kids Coloring & Drawing Games" is a delightful drawing app that has captured the hearts of toddlers everywhere. This app, created by Bimi Boo, offers a vibrant world of coloring pages featuring adorable animals, dinosaurs, dolls, and more. Parents rave about the app's ability to engage young minds, fostering creativity, color recognition, and fine motor skills. The app's intuitive interface is a breeze for little fingers to navigate, with a variety of coloring tools to explore. While some users have reported occasional glitches, the overall experience remains positive, making "Kids Coloring & Drawing Games" a popular choice for parents seeking fun and educational entertainment for their little artists.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

This app is perfect for little artists! It's packed with 160 fun coloring pages, covering themes like animals, dinosaurs, and even holidays. The simple interface makes it easy for kids to use, and the variety of drawing tools lets them express their creativity. Plus, it's ad-free, so your kids can focus on coloring without interruptions.

16. Crayola Create & Play

Unlimited coloring and drawing pages, Create pixel art with various themes

Cost:

Free (Free), Crayola Create & Play Premium ($7.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• 30+ Art Activities
• Unlimited Coloring Pages
• Imagination Development

Crayola Create & Play is a vibrant and engaging drawing app designed to spark creativity in young minds. While users praise its vast collection of colorful content and engaging activities, some have experienced frustrating technical hiccups, like connection errors and inconsistent color mixing. The app's layout and features can vary unexpectedly between users, even with the same account and device, leading to confusion and a desire for more consistency. Despite these concerns, the app remains a popular choice for parents seeking a fun and educational drawing experience for their children.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

Crayola Create & Play is a fantastic choice for little artists! It's packed with fun, engaging activities like coloring pages, pixel art, and creative games that encourage exploration and imagination. The app is super easy to use, with simple controls and a bright, colorful interface that keeps kids entertained for hours.

17. HiPaint

Intuitive user interface, Professional drawing tools, Extensive brush library

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Professional digital painting
• Easy-to-use drawing app
• User-Friendly Interface

HiPaint, formerly known as Huion Sketch, is a powerful drawing app for Android devices that aims to capture the essence of professional drawing tools. While users praise the app's intuitive interface and impressive free custom brush selection, some have noted frustrations with lag, particularly when using larger brushes or the liquify tool. The app's performance on mobile devices is also a point of contention, with some users finding the layout cumbersome and experiencing issues with undo functionality during animation. Despite these shortcomings, HiPaint's dedication to providing a user-friendly, Procreate-inspired experience has earned it a loyal following among Android artists.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

HiPaint is my go-to app for drawing because it's incredibly intuitive and packed with powerful tools. I love that it's easy to switch between brushes and colors, and the interface is so clean and uncluttered that I can truly focus on my art. Plus, it's incredibly versatile - I've used it to create everything from quick sketches to detailed illustrations, and it always delivers stunning results.

18. DrawNote

Infinite Canvas, Limitless Creativity, Intuitive Drawing and Sketching

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Infinite Canvas
• All-in-One Note Taking
• Handwriting & Sketching

DrawNote is a powerful mobile drawing app that truly shines in its ability to seamlessly combine text and images, making it perfect for journaling, sketching, and creative note-taking. Users praise its clean and simple interface, which, while being easy to navigate, also boasts a surprisingly robust set of tools. With its flexible layout, you can even add handwritten notes, mind maps, and even incorporate audio recordings right into your drawings. The developers understand the value of privacy, offering a generous free version and a very affordable lifetime subscription for those seeking even more features. Whether you're a gardener documenting your adventures or an artist seeking a fresh canvas, DrawNote is a remarkably versatile and enjoyable drawing app.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

DrawNote is a fantastic choice for your drawing needs! It's packed with powerful tools, including a flexible infinite canvas, making it perfect for sketching, mind mapping, and even creating full-fledged artwork. What sets it apart is its ability to seamlessly integrate notes, lists, and even audio recordings, making it a true all-in-one solution for creative expression and organization. Trust me, once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

19. ibis Paint

47000+ brushes for various styles, Record drawing process as video

Cost:

Free (Free), ibis Paint X ($4.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• 400 Million Downloads
• 47,000+ Brushes
• 21,000+ Materials

ibis Paint is a powerful drawing app that boasts desktop-level brush control, making it a favorite among artists on the go. While users appreciate its intuitive interface and vast selection of brushes, some have expressed frustration with the premium features, finding the price point to be a bit steep considering the limited unlocked content. Additionally, a common complaint arises from the app's tendency to register finger touches even when using a stylus, leading to unintended marks on the canvas. Despite these minor drawbacks, many users remain loyal to ibis Paint, praising its smooth performance and the ability to capture their creative process with recording functionality.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

I'm a huge fan of ibis Paint! It's packed with features that make it a powerhouse for drawing on your phone. The sheer number of brushes, materials, and tools is incredible, and the interface is so intuitive that even beginners can create amazing artwork. Plus, the recording feature is a game-changer for learning and sharing your process, which is something I really love. If you're looking for an app that can handle anything you throw at it, ibis Paint is the way to go!

20. BeeArtist

Step-by-step drawing instructions, Develop fine motor skills

Cost:

Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)

Download:

Android iOS

Application information

• Tags:
• Educational
• Step-by-Step Drawing
• Animated Strokes

BeeArtist is a delightful drawing app that has captured the hearts of kids and parents alike. This app isn't just about mindless doodling; it actively teaches young artists how to create depth and dimension in their drawings. Parents have raved about how it's helped their children, even toddlers, develop their fine motor skills and understand the basics of drawing. One parent, an artist herself, even admitted to wishing she had access to this app during her own childhood! The app's encouraging messages like "You can do better!" and the satisfying achievement of earning a star for successfully following the lines make learning fun and engaging for little ones.

Pros & Cons

Why we chose it?

BeeArtist is a fantastic choice for young artists! It's packed with fun, engaging activities that help kids learn to draw, from following step-by-step instructions to creating their own freehand masterpieces. It's perfect for boosting fine motor skills and igniting creativity in kids of all ages.