Introducing the best drawing software, as recommended by Japanese professionals!
At Anime Art Academy, our students often ask for advice on what software to use for the best results in their digital drawings.
Because there are so many great programs out there, and so many that look the same from the outside, it’s difficult to know which one is right for you.
We didn’t want to leave our students lost and confused in a sea of unknown products… so we asked our pro artists for their personal recommendations!
We’ve listed them up here, with pros, cons, and other advice that will make choosing the right software a breeze!
(Please note that we haven’t been sponsored by any of the following software providers – this is just our honest opinion!)
1. PaintTool SAI
URL: https://www.systemax.jp/en/
Price ¥5,500 (Approx. 48 USD)
Up until recently, this was the number one most popular digital illustration software among Japanese artists.
The biggest selling point is how easy it makes linework – it’s gives you the most clean and beautiful linework out of all the software we’re introducing today!
Recommended for…
Artists who want a simple program that’s easy to learn
Artists who have a lower spec PC, but still want some great digital drawing tools
Pros
Cons
2. CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO
URL: https://www.clipstudio.net/en/
Price: 49.99 USD
With an impressive array of brushes, tools and functions, you might say there’s nothing this software can’t do!
Clip Studio recently overtook SAI, and is now without a doubt the reigning champion of the illustration software industry in Japan.
This is also most of our Anime Art Academy lecturers’ software of choice, so you’ll see it used in many of our lectures.
If you’re in the market for a premium drawing software, you can’t really go wrong with Clip Studio!
Recommended for…
Not just illustrators, but anyone who wants to create manga and animation too
Anyone who wants to get started using the same tools as many Japanese professionals
Pros
Cons
3. Krita
Price: Free
Looking at all the great tools, and the well-designed UI, it’s hard to believe this software is totally free!
There are plenty of tools available, but it’s also very user-friendly, and suitable for beginners.
It can get laggy at times, and you do get the occasional bug.
Recommended for…
Artists who aren’t ready to commit to a paid drawing software yet, but want to try out some professional quality tools and features.
Pros
Cons
4. FireAlpaca
URL: https://firealpaca.com/en/
Price: Free
A simple program with all the right tools to start off with digital illustration!
Great for beginners, especially those looking to write and draw their own manga.
Recommended for…
Artists who have just made the move to digital colouring, and want some free software to start out with.
Pros
Cons
5. Painter 2022
URL: https://www.painterartist.com/en/
Price: 429 USD
This pricier software comes with some tools that allow artists to achieve beautiful results that look just like traditional, analogue art
Recommended for…
Artists who want their digital art to look more “realistic”, like analogue art
Artists want to start out using the same software as many professionals use
Pros
Cons
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