Krita

Overview

Krita is a free, open-source program for digital painting, illustration and 2D animation. It suits artists who want a capable desktop painting tool without a subscription, particularly those working with brushes, layered artwork or production color formats. Its breadth is compelling, but people choosing a device should check platform support: Krita does not support iPad or iPhone.

The project began in the KDE community in 1998, and the Krita Foundation is an independent nonprofit created by the community in 2012. Krita is also a practical choice for offline work: registration is not required, and the program can be installed and used without an internet connection. Its optional startup news feature downloads news without tracking.

For a wider comparison, browse Digital Painting Software and Graphic Design Software.

Key features

• Brushes: More than 100 preloaded brushes and over nine brush engines give artists both a ready-made toolkit and ways to customize brush behavior. That range is useful for varied painting workflows without making users start from a blank brush set.
• 2D animation: Audio support, onion skinning and timelines with thousands of frames make Krita suitable for animation work as well as still images. Export to video or still images provides practical options for finished work.
• Color and HDR: LCMS supports ICC color management, while OpenColorIO supports EXR workflows; Krita also supports HDR painting and OpenEXR. These capabilities matter to artists working with color-managed production material, beyond basic illustration.
• File compatibility: Krita can load and save PSD files and uses SVG for vector artwork. PSD support helps when collaborating around that format, while SVG provides a route for vector elements.
• Extensions: C++ and Python plugins can extend the program, and its Python API supports custom widgets and extensions. The GPL requires distributed Krita plugins to use the GNU GPL, although creators may charge for downloads.
• Commercial work: The GPL permits commercial artwork, and the maker says artists retain sole ownership of what they create with Krita. That makes the free license compatible with paid creative work.

Krita also advertises template-library and presentation-design capabilities, but its strongest, most specific case is as a digital painting and animation application.

Pricing

Krita costs nothing. The free and open-source plan has no subscription or trial; it is the full option described here, rather than a time-limited evaluation. There are no paid feature tiers or seat and usage quotas attached to this plan.

Paid editions are also sold through the Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store and Mac App Store. They provide automatic updates, and store proceeds support Krita development. Choosing a store edition is therefore a way to support the project and receive updates through that store, while the free download avoids a purchase.

Platforms

Krita supports Android, Linux, macOS and Windows, with desktop and mobile apps. The download page specifies Windows 8.1 or higher, macOS 10.15, and Linux. Android users can get the app through Google Play or individual APK builds. iPads and iPhones are not supported, so iOS users should choose another drawing app.

The minimum RAM requirement is 4 GB, with 16 GB recommended. Graphics support requires OpenGL 3.0 or higher or Direct3D 11. The recommended memory figure is worth considering for demanding art workflows, even though the minimum is lower.

Who it's for

Krita is a strong fit for comic artists, illustrators, concept artists, matte and texture painters, and digital VFX artists—the groups the maker says use it. Its brush customization, animation timeline, color-management options and PSD compatibility serve distinct needs across those workflows. It is less suitable for anyone who requires iPad or iPhone support, or whose device falls below the stated system requirements.

Users who need help are directed to the Krita Artists forum; the foundation's email is not a user-support channel.

Pros and cons

• Pro — No subscription or trial clock: The free, open-source plan costs nothing and has no subscription or trial, making it usable without recurring payment.
• Pro — Broad painting and animation toolkit: Over 100 brushes, more than nine brush engines, and animation tools with audio, onion skinning and thousands of frames support both illustration and motion work.
• Pro — Useful production compatibility: PSD import and export, SVG vectors, ICC and EXR color management, HDR painting and OpenEXR cover several professional art workflows.
• Con — No iOS support: Krita is not an option for iPad or iPhone users, despite having an Android app.
• Con — Hardware floor to respect: At least 4 GB RAM and OpenGL 3.0 or Direct3D 11 graphics support are required; 16 GB RAM is recommended.
• Con — Plugin sharing has a license condition: Distributed Krita plugins must use the GNU GPL, which may not suit developers who want to distribute plugins under another license.

Alternatives

For more choices, see Digital Brush Libraries.

• ibisPaint is the better direction for someone who needs iOS support: it also runs on Android, macOS and Windows, and its free version includes unlimited usage time with 64MB cloud storage and advertisements. Its Premium Membership is 4.49 U.
• Sketchbook is another cross-platform freemium option for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Its free mobile app includes brushes, layers, guides, rulers and stroke tools.
• Drawpile is worth considering if official community servers or a broader platform range are the priority: it is free and open source under GPLv3, with servers available free, and supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, API and self-hosted use.
• Clip Studio Paint is a paid alternative with a free trial and Android, iOS, macOS, web and Windows support. Its PRO annual/monthly plan is $0.99 a month, billed monthly.
• Infinite Painter is an Android- and iOS-only option with a free tier limited to three layers at device resolution and selected tools and features; its Pro plan is a one-time purchase.
• FireAlpaca is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows, with customizable brushes, layered artwork, animation tools and CMYK display.
• Paintstorm Studio is a paid option with a free trial for iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows; its Windows/macOS/Linux perpetual license is $25 a month for one PC with perpetual updates.
• MyPaint is another free option for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Verdict

Choose Krita if you want a free, subscription-free painting program with serious brush customization, animation tools and production-oriented color and file support. Its main reason to look elsewhere is platform fit: iPad and iPhone users need another app, and artists should confirm their hardware meets Krita's requirements before committing to it.