ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook, or ArtFlow, is a freemium graphic design app for bringing your drawings from imagination to life on a digital canvas. From layers to brushes, this program boasts all the tools you need for any artistic endeavor. It also supports stylus pens with pressure sensitivity, allowing you to create lines of varying thickness and replicate the experience of the traditional pen-and-paper method.

When downloaded, ArtFlow will only be available in its unlicensed or free version. This means all paid features are inaccessible until you purchase its premium license. Alternatively, you can give ibis Paint X a try.

Hone your digital art skills

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned digital artist, ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook is the perfect app for drawing at home and on the go. The toolbar is user-friendly and doesn’t overwhelm you with a plethora of tools. Although the learning curve is smaller, it can take a bit of getting used to — especially if this is your first art program, or your first time delving into digital art.

In this app, you can import an image, experiment and adjust pre-set brushes, fill a canvas with your favorite color, play around with the color wheel, and more. The layers enable you to work on certain elements of your drawing, such as lineart, shading, and lighting, without completely altering your draft. If you’re a paid user, the ability to create custom brushes adds a layer of creativity to your artwork.

Speaking of which, a premium license is needed to get the full experience. While you can go by its unlicensed version, bear in mind that you can only create three layers and use only 20 tools. In addition, this version is limited to six undos and doesn’t support PSD export. Some users also report crashes and non-working tools, affecting the app’s usability.

Premium license is a must

ArtFlow: Paint Draw Sketchbook is, overall, a great alternative digital art program — but only if you invest in its premium license. With its premium version, the canvas becomes your oyster. You have access to more tools and enjoy all the other perks that come with paying for the full program. Despite that, the app has a less steep learning curve for newcomers.