MyPaint

What MyPaint is

MyPaint is a free tool for painting and sketching artwork from scratch, available for Linux, macOS and Windows. Its community-led project develops a raster painting tool, with code built over many years by volunteer developers and artists. A configurable in-house brush engine includes standard brushes that can emulate charcoal, pencils, ink and paint. Users can also create expressive custom brushes with unconventional responses. The software supports layers, pressure sensitivity and stroke stabilization, while its color management is basic. Fullscreen mode reduces interface clutter, with tools available when needed. The official site links to version 2.0.1 downloads through Flathub, MacPorts and an installer. Documentation includes user manuals, FAQs, backend documentation and contributor guides. The project also links to community forums, Mastodon, DeviantArt, YouTube and Discord. The listed MyPaint plan costs nothing; a free trial is not offered.

Who it suits

MyPaint suits people looking for a free desktop tool to paint or sketch from scratch. Its brush customization and pressure sensitivity may suit artists who want to shape how brushes respond.

Limits

MyPaint's color management is basic. The software is free, and no free trial is offered.

Getting started

1. Visit the MyPaint website.
2. Choose a download route for your platform: Flathub, MacPorts or the installer.
3. Install MyPaint on Linux, macOS or Windows.
4. Use the brush engine to select standard brushes or create custom brushes.
5. Consult the user manuals or FAQs if you need guidance.

Verdict

MyPaint offers a free painting and sketching tool with customizable brushes and support for major desktop platforms. Its basic color management is worth considering if color controls are important to your work.