What are the best tablet painting apps?
Top picks by device
On iPad, Procreate is the app most artists mention first. It has a strong brush library, a smooth canvas, and layer tools that handle large paintings well. Most people buy it as a one-time purchase, but check the App Store for current pricing.
On Android tablets, Ibis Paint and MediBang Paint are common starting points because both have free versions. Krita is a free, open-source option that works well on Windows and on some Chromebook setups, though it has more menus than mobile-first apps.
- Procreate: iPad only, deep brush control
- Ibis Paint: free with optional extras and a large brush library
- MediBang Paint: free, with comic and manga tools
- Krita: free and strong for painting on a desktop
What to check before you commit
Painting apps depend heavily on pressure sensitivity, so make sure the app supports your stylus. Try the free version or a trial first and paint a short piece with the brushes you plan to use. Look at how the app handles big canvases, since large files can slow down older tablets.
Also check the export options. You want to save layered project files and flat images in common formats so you can move work between apps later. A painting that you cannot reopen for edits is hard to improve.
- Confirm stylus pressure support
- Test a large canvas on your own device
- Check layer limits in the free version
- Look for export to layered and flat formats
Common mistakes
- Choosing an app only from its screenshots instead of checking your own stylus and tablet.
- Buying a paid app before checking whether a free version covers your needs.
- Painting on a very large canvas on an older tablet and then wondering why it lags.
