Krita

Overview

Krita is a free, open-source program for digital painting and artwork creation. It is a strong fit for illustrators, comic and concept artists, and painters working on matte art, textures, or digital visual effects. Its breadth of painting and animation tools is compelling, though the lack of iPad and iPhone support rules it out for some mobile workflows.

The project began in the KDE community in 1998, and the Krita Foundation is an independent nonprofit created by the community in 2012. Krita can be used offline without registration, which suits artists who want a standalone desktop tool rather than a connected service.

Readers comparing art tools can browse Digital Painting Software and Graphic Design Software.

Key features

• Brushes: More than 100 preloaded brushes and over nine brush engines give artists both a ready-made selection and ways to customize brush behavior. That range is useful for varied painting styles without relying on external brush packs; for additional collections, see Digital Brush Libraries.
• 2D animation: Audio support, onion skinning, timelines that can hold thousands of frames, and export to video or still images make Krita useful for animation as well as static art.
• Color management and HDR: LCMS supports ICC color management, while OpenColorIO supports EXR workflows. HDR painting and OpenEXR support broaden its fit for production-oriented work.
• File compatibility: Krita can load and save PSD files, and uses SVG for vector graphics. This helps when exchanging work with PSD-based workflows, though SVG is the stated vector format.
• Extensions: C++ and Python plugins can extend the program, and its Python API supports custom widgets and extensions. Distributed Krita plugins must use the GNU GPL, although creators may charge for downloads.
• Commercial use and privacy: The GPL permits commercial artwork, and the maker says users retain ownership of their creations. Registration and internet access are not required; the optional startup news feature downloads news without tracking.

Pricing

Krita — free: The free and open-source plan has no subscription or trial. It is the straightforward choice for individuals who want the full program without a recurring software fee. The maker also sells editions through Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Mac App Store; those purchases support development and include automatic updates.

The free option is not described with a seat limit or usage quota. Store editions are the paid route for users who want automatic updates through a store, rather than a separate subscription tier.

Platforms

Krita supports Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The download page gives Windows 8.1 or higher, macOS 10.15, and Linux as supported systems; iPads and iPhones are not supported. Android builds are linked through Google Play and as individual APKs.

Minimum memory is 4 GB of RAM, with 16 GB recommended. Graphics support requires OpenGL 3.0 or higher or Direct3D 11. These requirements are worth checking before choosing Krita for an older machine or a mobile workflow.

Who it's for

Krita is best suited to artists who want a free desktop painting program with customizable brushes, animation, color-management options, and extensibility. It can serve comic artists, illustrators, concept artists, matte and texture painters, and digital VFX artists, including those producing commercial work.

It is less suitable for people who need an iPad or iPhone app, or who want user support through the foundation email: the foundation directs questions to the Krita Artists forum and says its email is not for user support.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with no subscription or trial; useful breadth across painting, 2D animation, HDR, and PSD exchange; offline use without registration; plugins can be written in C++ or Python.
• Cons: No iPad or iPhone support; 16 GB of RAM is recommended, which may be a consideration on lower-memory systems; distributed plugins must follow the GNU GPL, which constrains plugin creators' licensing choices.

Alternatives

• Drawpile is another free, GPLv3 option, with Android, iOS, web, desktop, API, and self-hosted platform support; choose it if those platform options better fit your needs.
• ibisPaint offers Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows versions, plus a free plan with unlimited usage time, 64MB of cloud storage, and advertisements; consider it if iOS support is essential.
• Sketchbook has a free mobile application with brushes, layers, guides, rulers, and stroke tools, alongside macOS and Windows support; it may suit someone prioritizing those listed mobile drawing tools.
• FireAlpaca is free on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with customizable brushes, layered artwork, animation tools, and CMYK display; consider it if that feature set better matches your workflow.
• MyPaint is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows if you want another desktop painting program.
• Artweaver is a freemium option for macOS and Windows.
• Infinite Painter is a freemium Android and iOS option; its free plan is limited to three layers at device resolution and selected tools and features.
• KolourPaint is a free desktop application for Linux and macOS if you want a different desktop option.

Verdict

Krita is an excellent choice for artists who want a capable, extensible painting and animation program without a subscription, especially when offline use and commercial artwork matter. Look elsewhere if you need iPad or iPhone support, or if your device falls short of its memory and graphics requirements.