Best Drawing Apps for Mac: Simple, Cool, Powerful Tools for Creatives
For creatives looking to express themselves digitally, Mac offers a diverse array of drawing apps that cater to various needs and skill levels. Here are eight simple yet cool drawing apps for Mac that you might find incredibly useful.
1. Preview's Markup
Preview's Markup is a built-in tool on macOS that can handle basic drawing and annotation tasks. It is available across all Apple devices and is technically more of an annotation app, but it can also be used for drawing. To access Markup, open an image in Preview and find the Markup Toolbar icon at the top of the pane. This toolbar offers tools like Shapes, Text, Sign, and more, making it perfect for quick sketches and annotations.
2. FireAlpaca
FireAlpaca is a free drawing app that offers a balance of power and simplicity. Despite its dated interface, it provides a familiar navigation experience, especially for users accustomed to Adobe or Affinity products. One of its standout features is the ability to select different brush shapes, which is not commonly found in free and simple drawing apps.
3. Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches is known for its uncluttered and focused design, making it ideal for basic drawings and sketches. The app features a panel of brushes on the left and color swatches on the right, allowing for quality drawing with minimal distractions. You can also choose from several digital papers, adding a unique touch to your work.
4. Paintbrush
Paintbrush is a veteran drawing app for Mac that offers a simple and straightforward drawing experience. It is similar to the classic Microsoft Paint and provides a great "freehand" experience. While it lacks high levels of complexity, it is perfect for occasional users who need to pick up a digital pencil quickly.
5. Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source drawing app that excels in creating professional vectors. It offers a simple design layout with multiple features, including multi-line text support, standard image file formats, and anti-aliased display. However, it is known for its cluttered UI and performance issues with large files.
6. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a versatile drawing app that supports cross-platform use, allowing you to start a drawing on one device and finish it on another. It features a wide range of brushes and blending models, along with free cloud storage. However, some tools available on the desktop version may not be present on mobile devices.
7. Krita
Krita is a free and open-source drawing program that is highly regarded by professional designers. It offers customizable UI, pop-up palettes, brush stabilizers, and the ability to create custom brushes. Krita is ideal for creating unique illustrations, comics, and other artworks, although it lacks comprehensive documentation and has poor touch controls.
8. diagrams.net (Draw.io)
diagrams.net, formerly known as Draw.io, is a free and open-source web app that also has a macOS desktop version. It is excellent for creating diagrams and basic drawings, offering cross-platform support and the ability to export to PDF and vector formats. This app is particularly useful for those who need to create quick diagrams and shapes without the complexity of more advanced drawing tools.
Additional Tips and Tools
- Excalidraw: A free and browser-based drawing app that is user-friendly and great for quick sketches and diagrams.
- Figma: While primarily a design tool, Figma can also be used for basic drawing and is free for personal use. It allows real-time collaboration, making it a good option for working with others.
- Gravit Designer: A cross-platform app that is free to download and use, ideal for creating beautiful mockups and designs.
Each of these apps offers unique features and benefits, ensuring that you can find the perfect tool to suit your drawing needs on Mac.