Android has become a fertile ground for creativity and artistic expression as the digital landscape continues to evolve. Gone are the days when professional-grade art could only be produced with physical tools and materials.
Introduction to Creative Apps on Android
Today, many art apps are available at the fingertips of novice creators and seasoned artists. Below, we’ll delve into some of the top art apps on the Android platform that allow users to unleash their creativity wherever they go.
Top Ten Drawing Apps for Android
A YouTube video of the top 10 drawing apps follows, with a mix of free and paid options. The list includes:
- Artflow
- Infinite Painter
- Ibis Paint X
- Autodesk Sketchbook
- Concepts
- Medibang
- Huion Sketch
- Superbrush
- Clover Paint
- Adobe Sketch/Adobe Illustrator Draw
The author, Brad Colbow, briefly describes each app and invites viewers to check out his website for more information and discounts on his courses. He also shares his social media handles and links to his other content.
Please Note: Adobe Fresco Replaces Adobe Illustrator Draw
Adobe Photoshop Sketch and Illustrator Draw were discontinued for iOS and Android on July 19th, 2021. They are no longer available for download for iOS and Android.
Existing users can continue using the apps until January 10, 2022. For a seamless and interruption-free experience, migrate to Fresco, which contains the features from Sketch and Draw and allows you to continue working on your artwork.
Anyone can enjoy Adobe Fresco for free and create beautiful artwork with powerful tools. Everyone can now enjoy free access to thousands of previously premium, game-changing brushes in Fresco. The free plan limits cloud storage to 5 GB. You can upgrade to a premium plan to access premium Adobe Fonts and get 100GB of storage.
Concepts
Concepts (#6) is a subscription-based app with a cool animated color picker. However, it is criticized for its brush sensitivity and lack of streamlining, making it unsuitable for the presenter’s style. While the free version offers some functionality, full access requires payment.
Yes, Concepts is available and actively supported on the Android platform. The app offers a versatile digital sketching and design experience for Android users and is continually developed and updated.
Availability and Requirements
- Concepts can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
- The app requires Android 8 (API level 26) or higher.
- It is compatible with devices that support OpenGL ES 3.1.
- The app requires approximately 100MB of disk space.
Features and Support
Concepts for Android includes many powerful features:
- Infinite canvas for unrestricted sketching
- Vector-based strokes for high-quality output
- Pressure, tilt, velocity, and azimuth support for stylus input
- Live smoothing for fluid drawing experience
- Import and export capabilities (including PDF, JPG, PNG, and PSD formats)
- Basic shapes library and customizable brushes
Recent Developments
The Android version of Concepts is actively maintained:
- The current version as of November 2024 is 2024.11.
- Recent updates have introduced features such as:
- Hide Everything mode for a cleaner interface
- Info buttons for quick access to relevant manual sections
- Search and shape recognition powered by on-device machine learning
- Objects Market with over 700 customizable design elements
Cross-Platform Integration
Concepts offers cross-platform support:
- Users can sync their subscriptions between Android, Windows, and iOS devices.
- The app uses a .concepts file format, which is compatible across Windows, Android, and ChromeOS platforms.
While some features may differ between iOS and Android versions, the developers are actively working on bringing the Android version to parity with its iOS counterpart. The app’s roadmap indicates ongoing development and feature additions specifically for the Android platform.
Ibis Paint X
ibis Paint X (#5) is free (with ads), noted for its clean brush lines, good brush stabilizer, and suitability for inking comic art. Importing local line art proved difficult for the presenter, but in-app purchases are optional, temporarily allowing ad-viewing to unlock brushes.
Yes, ibis Paint X is still available and actively supported on Android. According to the most recent information, the app continues to receive updates and improvements for Android users.
Availability and Support
- Google Play Store: ibis Paint X can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.
- Regular Updates: The app receives frequent updates, with the latest version released on November 5, 2024.
- Android Compatibility: ibis Paint X requires Android 4.1 or higher with OpenGL ES 2.0 and multi-touch support.
Key Features
ibis Paint X offers a comprehensive set of tools for digital artists on Android:
- Over 142 types of brushes, including various pen styles and airbrushes[1].
- Extensive layer functionality with blending modes and editing options[1].
- Manga-specific features like frame dividers and screen tones[1].
- Advanced color selection and management tools[1].
- Recording and sharing of drawing processes[1].
Recent Developments
While specific Android version details aren’t provided in the search results, the iOS version information suggests ongoing development across platforms:
- Recent updates have introduced AI filters, vector layers, and improved organizational tools.
- The app has been downloaded over 400 million times across all platforms, indicating its continued popularity and support.
Community and Resources
ibis Paint X maintains an active community and provides resources for users:
- Official YouTube channel with tutorial videos and updates.
- Regular material contests where winning entries are added to the app’s tools.
- Social features allow users to share artwork and learn from others.
Given the app’s ongoing updates, active community engagement, and continuous feature additions, ibis Paint X remains a well-supported and evolving platform for digital artists on Android devices.
Infinite Painter: A Universe of Brushes
Infinite Painter (#2) boasts one of the most comprehensive brush libraries available on mobile, surpassing even some desktop applications. With natural brush simulation, artists can achieve realistic-looking paintings that rival the look and feel of traditional media.
With an intuitive user interface and the ability to import and export PSD layers, Infinite Painter is an excellent middle ground for those transitioning from traditional to digital art.
Availability and Requirements
- Infinite Painter can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
- The app requires Android 7.0 or higher for the latest version.
- It is also available as an APK download from various third-party sources.
Features
Infinite Painter offers a comprehensive set of tools for digital art creation:
- Over 160 customizable brushes, including paintbrushes, pencils, and marker.
- Layer support with blending modes and editing options.
- Advanced features like perspective guides and symmetry tools.
- Export options include JPG, PNG, and even PSD for Photoshop compatibility.
- Customizable interface that can be hidden with a single tap.
Versions and Updates
- The current Android version is 6.3, as of the most recent information available2.
- The app receives regular updates, with version 6.2.4 introducing features like shape detection, editable shapes, and a new selection workspace.
ArtFlow: An Intuitive Canvas for All
ArtFlow (#1) is suitable for artists of all skill levels. It offers over 80 brushes, a smudge tool, and a color adjustment feature. The app is user-friendly and performs fluidly. You can record the screen and share your process.
Artists can work in HD and even 4K, and the app also supports using a stylus for more precise work. ArtFlow is available in free and paid versions, allowing users to test its capabilities before committing.
ArtFlow (#1) is the top choice; also free to download but recommended to purchase for full functionality. It is compared favorably to Procreate on iPad, offering the most needed features without unnecessary complexity. The only drawback noted is the less-than-ideal hand gesture implementation compared to other apps.
The presenter concludes by acknowledging that while these apps lack the complete feature set of desktop equivalents, they provide a good mobile drawing experience for Android tablets
Sketchbook by Autodesk: Professional Tools for Free
Sketchbook by Autodesk is renowned for its professional-level features, including a full complement of brushes, layers, and drawing aids like rulers and guides.
Autodesk Sketchbook (#4) is free (account login required) and described as a robust app with a smooth transition for desktop users. It’s praised for its traditional media replication, perspective grid, text tool, and layer options. The presenter prefers the tablet version over the desktop version.
Sketchbook stands out because all its features are accessible for free, making it especially appealing for budding digital artists.
The interface is seamless, hiding away all tools and settings until you need them, providing a distraction-free canvas that’s as limitless as your imagination.
MediBang Paint: The Social Art App
MediBang Paint differentiates itself by offering a robust drawing app and integrating a social community where artists can share their creations and collaborate.
MediBang Paint (#3) is a completely free app, compared favorably to Sketchbook due to its toolset and lack of intrusive ads. Its desktop-like interface is appealing, though the presenter finds some interface elements obstructive.
The app includes everything from brushes to pre-made backgrounds and comic book fonts, tailoring to manga and comic artists. It’s a solid choice for those who thrive on community engagement and seeking feedback on their work.
Conclusion: Android Art Apps for Every Creator
Whether you are a hobbyist looking to scribble and play or a professional artist seeking a mobile solution for your creative needs, Android’s art apps offer something for everyone.
From vector art to traditional-style painting, these apps provide essential tools for bringing your artistic vision to life. With technology at your fingertips, exploring your creativity has never been so easy and accessible.
Remember that while the apps mentioned here are among the best for Android users, the perfect app for you might not have the most features, but the one that suits your workflow and style. Experiment with different apps, find your creative niche, and let your art flourish.
