Are you searching for the best free drawing apps for your iPad? We’ve thoroughly tested and compared dozens of free art applications to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best drawing apps that won’t cost you a dime. Perfect for both beginners and professional digital artists looking for free alternatives to premium drawing software.

Table of Contents

• Adobe Fresco
• SketchBook
• Krita
• MediBang
• Ibis Paint X
• Frequently Asked Questions: Free Drawing Apps for iPad

Best Free Drawing Apps: Top Picks for 2025

1. Adobe Fresco (Best Free Drawing App Overall)

Adobe’s free drawing app stands out as the best option for most digital artists. This free drawing tool offers:

• Professional-grade drawing tools at no cost
• Best-in-class free brush collection
• Advanced layer management for complex drawing projects
• Free cloud storage for your digital drawings
• Regular updates with new free drawing features

Why it’s the best free drawing app: Adobe Fresco combines professional features with an intuitive interface, making it our top pick for the best free iPad drawing experience.

2. Autodesk SketchBook (Best Free Technical Drawing App)

This completely free drawing powerhouse delivers:

• The best free technical drawing tools
• Professional-grade perspective guides
• Unlimited layers in the free version
• Best-in-class precision tools for technical drawing
• Free export options in multiple formats

What makes it the best: The best free technical drawing features available on iPad.

3. Krita (Best Free Digital Painting App)

Now available free on iPad, Krita offers:

• Best free brush engine for digital painting
• Professional drawing tools at no cost
• Advanced free color management
• Best animation tools in a free drawing app
• Complete layer support for free

Why artists love this free app: Best professional-grade drawing features in a free package.

4. MediBang Paint (Best Free Comic Drawing App)

A free drawing powerhouse featuring:

• Best free comic creation tools
• Extensive free brush library
• Cloud storage in the free version
• Best community resources for free
• Regular updates to free features

Best for: Comic artists seeking free professional tools.

5. Ibis Paint X (Best Free Anime Drawing App)

The best free option for anime artists includes:

• Over 400 free drawing brushes
• Best free recording feature for drawing tutorials
• Active drawing community
• Frequent free updates
• Best manga-style drawing tools

Choosing the Best Free Drawing App for Your Needs

Finding the best free drawing app depends on your specific needs:

• Best for beginners: Adobe Fresco (free version)
• Best for technical drawing: Autodesk SketchBook
• Best for digital painting: Krita
• Best for comic drawing: MediBang Paint
• Best for anime drawing: Ibis Paint X

Drawing App Comparison: Free Features

These best free drawing apps prove you don’t need to spend money to create professional artwork on your iPad. Each free app offers unique drawing features that rival paid alternatives. Whether you’re starting your drawing journey or looking to expand your digital art toolkit, these free drawing applications provide everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions: Free Drawing Apps for iPad

1. What’s the best free drawing app for beginners?

Adobe Fresco’s free version is the best drawing app for beginners because it offers:

• An intuitive, user-friendly interface
• Basic tools that are easy to understand
• Helpful tutorials and guided learning
• Simple layer management
• A clean workspace that won’t overwhelm new artists

2. Can I create professional art with free drawing apps?

Yes, you absolutely can create professional-quality art with free drawing apps! Many professional artists use free apps like Autodesk SketchBook and Krita for commercial work. These free drawing apps offer:

• Professional-grade brush engines
• Full layer support
• High-resolution canvas options
• Industry-standard file formats
• Advanced color management tools

3. Do these free drawing apps work on all iPad models?

Most free drawing apps work on iPads running iOS 14 or later, but performance varies:

• Newer iPads (2020 and later): All apps run smoothly with full features
• Older iPads: Most apps work but may have limited features
• iPad Mini: All apps work but may need interface scaling
• Basic iPad: Works with all apps but may experience slower performance with large canvases

4. Are there any hidden costs in these free drawing apps?

While these apps are genuinely free, some have optional premium features:

• Adobe Fresco: Additional brushes and advanced features in premium version
• Ibis Paint X: Ad-free experience and extra brushes available for purchase
• MediBang: Cloud storage limits for free users
• Autodesk SketchBook: Completely free with no hidden costs
• Krita: Fully free and open-source with no premium version

5. Which free drawing app uses the least storage space?

Here’s a breakdown of initial storage requirements:

• Autodesk SketchBook: ~200MB (smallest)
• Ibis Paint X: ~250MB
• MediBang: ~300MB
• Adobe Fresco: ~400MB
• Krita: ~500MB (largest)

Note: Actual storage needs may increase with saved artwork and additional brushes.