With the introduction of information technology in our lives, it became possible to transfer traditionally manually performed operations to machines, without really influencing the process. These include drawing programs. Their use does not imply that everyone will be able to create a masterpiece. This work is comparable in complexity and complexity to hand drawing.
Paint
Until recently, Windows had a built-in program for drawing Paint. It was a very simple graphic editor, mainly intended for editing pictures with the possibility of creating them. The resulting images cannot be classified as professional, but they can be used for entertainment, for example, children.
Starting with the 10th version of this OS, the development corporation has created a new version of this editor, adapting it to touch control. At its core, he remained the same simple editor, the only major enough innovation is the addition of the ability to create 3D figures, which can be viewed in a special HoloLens helmet.
Paint.Net
Unlike its very simple “namesake” previously discussed, this computer drawing program has many different tools. Its capabilities are slightly wider than the previously described application. These include:
- support for a large number of graphic formats;
- the ability to correct shades and brightness;
- work can be done with different layers;
- a variety of tools can be used to process pictures and photos;
- there is a journal in which the history of actions is recorded;
- in addition to creating pictures, this program for drawing in Russian has the ability to edit vector images;
- sections in the created file can be cloned.
Tuxpaint
This drawing program is designed for various OS. It is also a simple graphical editor that is not used by professionals. But those who subsequently intend to become such can begin work with it. There is a button “Magic”, which includes various effects and some sketches. However, you can save the results only in jpg or png formats. The program has the following advantages:
- its code is open, and the application itself is free;
- there are various brushes that can be selected for a specific drawing;
- for every action performed there are clues;
- You can create your own stamps and configure drawing tools;
- about 60 effects, thanks to which pictures can be presented in the form of a slide show.
Gimp
This drawing program is free in Russian. Unlike previously reviewed applications, it is a fairly powerful graphics editor. It can be used in all three of the most popular desktop OS: Windows, Mac, GNU / Linux. It is intended for drawing and more. With it, you can process batch images, retouch photos, applying various effects to them. The application allows you to create your own scripts, thanks to which automation of those tasks that are common for a particular user can occur.
Main advantages:
- support for drawing posters and paintings;
- a drawing program on a graphics tablet may be used;
- with it, you can edit ready-made layouts from Photoshop, draw designs for websites;
- Pictures can be added contrast, brightness, sharpness, blur, apply other tools;
- You can create a collage;
- there is a tool “Eraser”, which can be used to remove an unwanted part after performing many drawing steps, when it’s already too late to apply the cancellation;
- includes many plug-ins for solving various problems.
Inkscape
This program is in some ways an analogue of paid monsters such as Corel Draw and Adobe Illustrator. It supports the main formats in which image files are saved. It is mainly intended for working with vector graphics, although it can perform mixing, which is inherent in the raster variety. In addition to drawing, the program allows you to insert text into pictures that can be written directly along curves. The application is equipped with extensions and filters available on the official website of this program.
Adobe Photoshop
This program has become so popular that editing photos began to mean slang "otfotoshopit". Initially, the application was created to work with raster applications. This program can also be used for drawing art now.
It contains an extensive list of tools designed to work with graphics, including various effects. It works in almost all graphic tablets. With this application, you can stylize a photo under art or create a picture from scratch. Like most serious programs, it has plugins and additional tools that can be downloaded from the Internet. Many of them, like the application itself, are paid.
Artrage
Using this graphic program for drawing pictures, you can create using ink, watercolors, oil. Brush patterns can be downloaded from the global network, and then customized to the needs of a particular user. There are stickers, tracing paper, stencils, which can also be adapted for a specific user.
You can work with layers here, but unlike previous editors, this one is completely free.
Adobe illustrator
This program is designed to work with vector graphics. It is one of the most powerful and, as the manufacturing company loves, paid. With its help, you can create images of varying complexity. There is an interface in Russian.
Its main features:
- high-precision work when using a pixel grid;
- the ability to create 3D effects;
- build various graphs;
- pronounced effects at any resolution;
- support for basic graphic formats;
- there are tools and brushes that are not in Photoshop.
Gravit
This program works in a browser, and the installation of a flash plug-in is not necessary. It does not reach the Illustrator in terms of functionality, but for a free application it has quite acceptable functionality. There are various lines, feathers, layers, fonts, carving of figures and their intersection with each other, and many other features. With its help, you can open the files that were created in Illustrator.
The main disadvantage for Russian-speaking users is the lack of an interface in their usual language.
When using this editor, the canvas can be not only standard (in the form of postcards, business cards, sheets), but also allowing you to create covers for telephone displays, the most popular social networks.
PixBuilder Studio
This program is powerful enough for creating pictures and editing photos. The application has several tools that allow you to work with layers, contrast, color, brightness. The most interesting effect is dithering. With its help, a pseudo-random noise with a selected spectrum is mixed into the primary digital signal.
Features of this app:
- The most common raster formats are supported;
- You can draw using the existing set of tools (it is small, but present);
- much more features for editing images and photos;
- it is possible to work with different layers;
- You can adjust the brightness, contrast, balance and other color characteristics;
- There is a built-in set of effects;
- All changes made or a created picture can be viewed using the “Preview” function.
Graffiti Studio for street artists
In this program, drawing is done on truck trailers or train cars. The user selects tools, including spray cans and background. The set of the latter and the parameters is quite small, but for those who love graffiti, they may be enough.
The positive qualities include the following:
- a large palette of colors, allowing you to make the choice of the one you need;
- various backgrounds that come with the program;
- quite simple, intuitive interface.
Using a regular tablet for drawing
Using it to make complex images will be quite difficult, but you can make quick sketches or sketches. To implement this process, you need a stylus and related software.
Like a computer, there are paid and free apps for these gadgets. You can create sketches in the latter, having a small number of brushes and basically one layer. In addition, there are programs that are not much simpler than Photoshop, which includes various tools, such as layers, brush transparency, and pressure adjustment.
The most popular drawing program for tablets running Android is Sketchbook Pro. Here you can work with layers, cancel actions that were mistaken, there are a variety of brushes. However, some functions and tools can be purchased.
For iPad, there is an application such as Paper, with which you can perform simple sketches. For more complex actions, the same program can be used here with which they perform similar actions on a computer - ArtRage.
Search and installation of applications for the tablet should be performed in the store that is intended for it: for Android - PlayMarket, for "apple" platforms - AppStore.
Graphics tablet and programs for it
Modern artists prefer not to use brushes and easels, but special devices. They are called graphic tablets. A pen pen comes with them. Its active area has increased accuracy and sensitivity. Drawing is carried out using the above pen, not leaving marks on the surface. The tablet connects to the PC, and everything that the artist does is displayed on the monitor of the latter. There is a built-in program for drawing on a graphic tablet, but professionals usually use those that have great features and are installed on a computer. In other words, this device is used instead of the mouse as a manipulator.
Finally
There are many drawing programs. They can be free, in which case their functionality is usually limited, and paid, suitable for professional artists. They can be used not only on a computer, but also on other devices, including tablets. Professional artists prefer to draw not with a mouse, but using a graphic variety - pen-pens.