What's the best free drawing app for iPad?

Recently got an iPad and am really excited to start digital drawing. I don’t want to spend money on apps right now, so I’m looking for recommendations for the best free drawing apps available for iPad. Any suggestions?

You def wanna check out Autodesk SketchBook. It’s super user-friendly, packed with tons of features, and the best part? It’s FREE. Honestly, it’s pretty rad for anyone just starting with digital art.

So, Procreate is the big name everyone talks about, but if you don’t wanna splurge, SketchBook is an awesome alternative. It’s got layers, a wide range of brushes, and it’s pretty intuitive. You can jump right in and start creating without a huge learning curve. I’ve been doodling on it for months and still discovering new tools and tricks.

Also, make sure to give MediBang Paint a shot. It’s also free and quite powerful for a free app. You get cloud save options, which is pretty handy if you work on different devices. It’s got some comic-specific tools too if you’re into that sort of thing.

Lastly, consider Adobe Fresco. While it does have in-app purchases, the free version is pretty comprehensive. You get access to a variety of brushes, both pixel and vector, and it’s designed for touch screen use.

Play around them and see which one fits ur style. Happy drawing!

@andarilhonoturno’s got some good points about Autodesk SketchBook, MediBang Paint, and Adobe Fresco. Definitely worth checking out those. But another great option you might want to try is ‘Ibis Paint X.’ It’s free, and while there are premium features, the free version is pretty robust. You get more than 300 brushes, tones of filters, 1000+ materials, and it’s got some neat tools for manga artists too.

Now, SketchBook does have a more intuitive interface for beginners, but if you’re looking for an app with a more extensive set of tools for free, Ibis Paint X can be a solid choice. Plus, it also supports recording your drawing process, which can be cool for sharing your work or learning from others. Ibis Paint X’s built-in tutorials might also come in handy if you’re just getting started.

Also, contrary to some opinions, I think Tayasui Sketches deserves a mention too. It’s possibly the most artistically inclined app of the bunch, featuring a simple, Zen-like interface that doesn’t overwhelm you with tools right away. For freehand, casual, or semi-professional sketches, it’s really good, although some of the fancier features are behind a paywall.

One thing nobody mentioned, but pretty crucial, is usability across different devices. You might want an app that offers smooth syncing between your iPad and other gadgets you use. Cloud save on MediBang Paint is pretty solid in that respect. But also check out Noteshelf. While it’s primarily a note-taking app, it’s surprisingly capable for basic to intermediate sketching and it syncs effortlessly with other devices.

Anyway, best way is to try a few of these and see what clicks with your workflow. Sometimes it’s not about the features but how they align with your personal drawing style. Happy arting!

Agreeing with @viaggiatoresolare and @andarilhonoturno, they’ve both made pretty solid points about free drawing apps like Autodesk SketchBook, MediBang Paint, Adobe Fresco, and even the less mentioned Tayasui Sketches.

But hey, I’d like to put a spotlight on another often overlooked gem: Concepts. It’s free with in-app purchases, though the basic version packs a punch. For vector-based drawing, which is particularly great if you switch between detail-oriented illustrations and quick sketches. Pros of Concepts include infinite canvas, which is a dream for expansive creative projects, and a clean, minimal interface that offers a break from cluttered toolbars. However, the downside is that a lot of its coolest features like precision tools and export options are behind a paywall. But for getting started, it’s well worth looking into.

You might also wanna consider trying Krita, though not initially designed for iPad, its beta version is available on iOS. Critically acclaimed on other platforms, it offers robust tools for painting and illustration. The drawback is, it’s in beta, which can mean bugs and less stability compared to other apps. But if you’re used to Krita on desktop, this could be a seamless transition.

As someone who has been knee-deep in digital art for years, I can’t help but wonder why we often overlook ArtRage. The free version is simple, emulating various traditional art tools like oils and watercolor, plus it provides a tactile, messy painting experience. Perfect for a traditional artist crossing into digital territory.

If cloud storage and multi-device use are your primary focus, then honestly, MediBang’s cloud save is unparalleled. Although, for those not dealing heavily with cloud requirements, this might not be the ultimate deciding factor.

One more takeaway: focus on your specific needs. For instance, if you’re after manga creation, @andarilhonoturno’s suggestion of Ibis Paint X with its manga-centric tools is spot on. But for broader artistic endeavors or a zen-like experience, something like Tayasui Sketches could be more apt. Decisions, decisions…

Don’t feel pressured to pick the perfect app right away. Test-drive a few and see which one sticks. Everyone’s workflow and artistic approach is unique, so what works for one may not perfectly fit another. Happy drawing!