For decades, Microsoft Paint was the go-to canvas for simple computer graphics. But Linux users know the frustration of lacking this basic tool. Thankfully, open source innovation has provided outstanding Paint alternatives tailored for the Linux platform.
In this guide, we’ll explore the expanding universe of Linux paint software. Both simple doodling apps and professional-grade editors await. Grab your stylus and let’s create!
What to Look For in Linux Paint Tools
Seeking Paint replacements is about more than reproducing what you had on Windows or macOS. The Linux ecosystem enables unique digital art creation apps unfettered by proprietary restrictions.
When choosing a Linux-native painting program, key features include:
Usability – Intuitive and responsive tools allow you to translate creative visions on the canvas instead of fighting against software. Customizable interfaces help streamline unique workflows.
Functionality – Need natural media brushes or advanced layering? Special effects or shape libraries? The range of creative features determines suitable applications for amateurs to experts.
File Format Support – Software should handle common graphic file types without compromising quality or editing capabilities.
Community – Open source paint tools see constant improvement through user feedback and development contributions. An engaged community indicates accessible help resources and future innovation.
Now let’s highlight standout Linux painting programs capable of unleashing even professional-grade creativity.
Top Linux Paint Software
GIMP – Powerful Raster Graphics
The GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) offers one of the most robust creative toolsets on Linux. Alongside fundamental paint features, GIMP provides layer-based editing, transformations, selections, filters and more.
With high bit depth support up to 32 bit/channel, non-destructive editing workflows become possible. GIMP handles massive images while remaining responsive thanks to its tile-based memory management system.
Those seeking to customize their experience can access over 500 plugins expanding functionality from basic tweaks to advanced features like facial recognition and 3D imaging. GIMP even enables scripting image operations with Scheme, Python and more.
For artists requiring Photoshop-caliber tools on Linux, GIMP delivers professional-grade raster graphics capabilities. Its expansive toolbox empowers creators across photography, design, illustration and beyond.
Krita – Natural Media Painting
Where GIMP offers a complete raster editor, Krita focuses specifically on painting. Its robust brush engines, canvases and color management transform Linux into an artist’s studio.
Krita’s real-world painting simulation shines through innovative tools like the Color Smudge brush for mixing and smearing colors directly on the canvas. Brush stabilizers, custom palettes and wraparound painting enhance the natural media experience.
Budding comic artists and animators will appreciate Krita’s onion skinning and frame-by-frame playback for bringing artwork to life. There’s also a touch-ready mobile version for painting on the go.
For Linux users dedicated to mastering digital painting, Krita delivers all the tools needed to translate natural talent into stunning digital artwork. The expansive toolset outshines basic Paint replacements.
MyPaint – Natural Brush Focus
MyPaint focuses on one thing only: delivering a pure brush-based painting experience. It streamlines creative flow with a simple toolbox keeping just essential utilities like layers and selections out of the way.
At MyPaint‘s core lies its brush engine carefully coded for high precision input response. Painterly capabilities like textures, wet edges, smearing and blending all reproduce real world behavior.
For artists who work traditionally with pencils, inks and paints, MyPaint’s unfettered access to realistic brush dynamics makes digital painting incredibly intuitive. Simple yet immensely capable.
Inkscape – Premium Vector Graphics
While raster editors focus on pixel manipulation, vector graphic programs like Inkscape represent images through mathematical curves, shapes and paths. This underlying data foundation enables infinite scaling and crisp edges at any size.
As the premier open source vector editor on Linux, Inkscape provides Bezier pen tools, shape and text flow, boolean operations, transformations, gradients and filter effects. Support for SVG, PDF and AI formats effortlessly bridges digital and print graphics workflows.
From logos and icons to diagrams, charts and illustrations, Inkscape empowers vector art creation from scratch. Intuitive handling of curves brings precision, while snapping and alignment helpers speed up complex designs.
Gravit Designer – Browser-Based Vector Art
Sometimes you just need quick, lightweight vector illustration without the full might of Inkscape. This is where Gravit Designer comes in: providing fast vector graphics through the browser.
The Gravit drawing toolkit retains many standard features – Bezier pens, type tools, shape editing, boolean operations, etc. – without the desktop installation. Support for major bitmap formats allows images to easily integrate with vector elements.
With collaborative editing baked-in, Gravit Designer makes an excellent casual design and brainstorming utility. And completed projects can export to SVG, PDF, PNG and more for use anywhere.
Pinta – Friendly Raster Editing
If GIMP seems too imposing for casual pixel art and paintings, check out Pinta. Its streamlined toolbox and simple interface lower the barrier for basic image editing and drawing needs on Linux.
Despite its simplicity, Pinta retains handy features like unlimited layers, filters and effects, basic photo enhancement tools and flexible selections. Recent versions added gradient fill, hue/saturation adjustment and more.
Integrated add-on repositories make expanding Pinta’s tools easy through extensions like palette organizers, animation assistants and non-destructive adjustments. Friendly and customizable!
Drawpile – Online Collaborative Canvas
For artists who collaborate with others in shared creative spaces, Drawpile enables multi-user painting in real time. It connects artists across the internet to draw simultaneously on an infinite virtual canvas.
Drawpile’s simple interface holds everything needed for live collaboration: brushes, layers, selections and the ability to view remote artists’ cursors. Built-in chat and recorded sessions allow meaningful creative interaction.
Letting multiple creators contribute simultaneously fosters fresh ideas and happy accidents. Drawpile breaks creative barriers by liberating art from single-user applications. The future of digital painting is social and shared.
Make Your Pick for Creative Freedom
This selection shows just a sample of the thriving open source paint software ecosystem growing on Linux. From simple doodling apps to advanced editors rivaling proprietary offerings, Linux delivers graphical creative freedom.
The best match depends on weighing factors like learning curves, specialization needs and work styles. Fortunately with Linux, installing multiple paint tools to test workflows is freely done. And thanks to open development most apps listed above continue improving through user feedback and suggestions.
Let us know if your favorite Linux drawing and painting programs were missed! The digital canvas keeps expanding.
