The 20 Best Drawing Apps for Mobile

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, finding the right digital drawing app is essential. This list of the 20 best drawing apps for mobile covers a wide range of options, from simple sketching tools to powerful vector graphics software. We've curated the best apps for 2D design and digital drawing, featuring favorites like Sketchbook, ibis Paint X, and Infinite Painter – each offering a diverse set of features and user-friendly interfaces to unleash your creativity.

Top app for 2d drawing

1. Sketchbook

Download:

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

I've tried tons of drawing apps, but Sketchbook is the one that really clicked for me. It's got this super intuitive interface that feels super natural, kind of like drawing on paper. What I really love is that it has a ton of professional-grade tools, like realistic brushes and customizable layers. The app has over 145 million downloads and tons of positive reviews, so I know I'm not the only one who thinks it's awesome. Sketchbook is definitely the best drawing app for anyone serious about their art, and it's totally free!

Sketchbook - Professional-grade tools, Natural drawing experience

Key Features:

  • Natural drawing experience with customizable tools
  • Professional-grade features for artists and illustrators
  • Elegant interface for a distraction-free workflow

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2. ibis Paint X

Download:

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

ibis Paint X is a powerhouse drawing app on mobile that blew me away with its sheer number of features. Unlike other apps, it offers over 47,000 brushes, 21,000 materials, and tons of other tools like blending modes, filters, and even screen tones – you'll be spoilt for choice! I've tried a bunch of drawing apps, and ibis Paint X stands out for its versatility and professional-level tools, making it perfect for both casual doodlers and serious artists. It's no wonder it's been downloaded over 400 million times – ibis Paint X is the real deal!

ibis Paint X - 47000+ brushes, Recording function, 84 filters

Key Features:

  • Over 47,000 brushes for creative expression
  • Record your art process as a video
  • Extensive library of materials and tools

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3. Infinite Painter

Download:

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

Want to unleash your inner artist on the go? Look no further than Infinite Painter, the mobile drawing app that puts professional-level tools at your fingertips. This app is packed with features that make it stand out from the crowd, like over 100 customizable brush settings and the ability to convert brushstrokes into editable shapes. Plus, with over 800,000 5-star reviews on the Play Store, Infinite Painter is clearly a favorite amongst both casual and serious artists. It's intuitive design and powerful tools mean you can sketch, paint, and create amazing artwork, anywhere, anytime.

Infinite Painter - Realistic brush to canvas interaction, Convert brush strokes into editable shapes

Key Features:

  • Hundreds of customizable brushes
  • Realistic brush to canvas interaction
  • Convert brush strokes into editable shapes

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4. AR Drawing

Download:

Cost: Free (Free), AR Drawing Premium ($2.99/month)

AR Drawing is a mobile app that uses augmented reality to project images onto real-world surfaces, allowing users to trace and color them. It boasts a library of over 1000 tracing templates, ranging from animals to cars to anime characters, making it a fun and accessible way to learn to draw. With its user-friendly interface, AR Drawing has garnered over 10 million downloads and boasts a 4.7-star rating on the Play Store, demonstrating its popularity. While the app is free, it does contain in-app purchases for additional templates and features. However, even with the free version, users can enjoy a robust drawing experience with plenty of creative potential.

AR Drawing - Trace projected picture, Lots of tracing templates

Key Features:

  • Trace projected pictures on paper
  • Use phone camera to draw
  • Save drawings and share with friends

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5. FlipaClip

Download:

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

FlipaClip is a powerful drawing app available on mobile devices that empowers users to create animations with ease. The app boasts an intuitive interface and a wealth of tools, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced animators. FlipaClip allows users to draw frame-by-frame, add sound effects, and even import their own music, fostering creative freedom and expression. With over 60 million downloads and a 4.5-star rating on the Play Store, FlipaClip has become a popular choice for animation enthusiasts. However, while the app offers numerous features, some users may find its free version limited, prompting them to consider the paid subscription for enhanced functionality.

FlipaClip - Frame-by-frame animation, Intuitive user interface

Key Features:

  • Intuitive animation tools for all skill levels
  • Layers, onion skinning, and frame-by-frame animation
  • Export to GIF, video, or share on social media

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Other drawing app

The most important factors when choosing a drawing app

  1. Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.
  2. Drawing Tools and Features: The app should offer a variety of tools, brushes, and effects to meet your creative needs.
  3. Performance: The app should be responsive and smooth, without lag or crashes.
  4. Compatibility and Export Options: The app should support various file formats and allow you to export your artwork in different resolutions.