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 0.00 USD per free; a free trial is not offered.
Who it is for
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.
What is good
- Configurable brush engine includes several familiar brush styles.
- Users can create custom brushes.
- Supports layers, pressure sensitivity and stroke stabilization.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Documentation includes manuals, FAQs and contributor guides.
What to know first
- Color management is described as basic.
- The official site links to version 2.0.1 downloads.
- No free trial is offered.
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.
MyPaint plans and pricing
All plansCompared on graphic design software
- Free plan
- Yes
