Corel Painter Alternative

[KeithPratt]

Does anyone have any recommendations for an alternative to Corel Painter? I'm looking for something lightweight to jot out some sketches using my tablet. Not entirely sure of what features Painter has but I'm sure I wouldn't use most of them. Decent tablet function is desired and some different brushes would be nice, but that's pretty much it. In fact I'd prefer it if its feature set was limited, not bloated with loads of stuff I'll never use.

[LeviG]

theres a thread literally 4 links down (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770402) :rolleyes:

[KeithPratt]

theres a thread literally 4 links down (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=770402) :rolleyes:

No need to get catty. I've seen the thread and apps you've pointed out, but I'd like to hear a little more opinion from anyone using any particular application if they're willing to furnish me with it. Rather than jump on a thread that looks to be petering out and has a confusing title, I thought I'd start my own. Acceptable?

[LeviG]

I personally don't see the need or point of starting a thread which is basically identical to the other one, even with a slightly incorrect title.

[chrono1081]

Id say try the free demo of painter. I have no artistic ability at all but LOVE painter.

There is also painter essentials which is much cheaper and may be what your looking for. Corel also has just a sketch program but I forget what its called : / (I cant look it up their site is blocked at work for who knows what reason).

All have free demos Id say give those a try. I assume you have a tablet because if not you will definitely need one.

[opeter]

Painter alternatives:

- ArtRage (Pro/Deluxe)
- Autodesk/Alias SketchBook Pro
- Microsoft Expression Design (formerly Fractal Design/Creature House Expression) - Windows only
- Artweaver (for Windows only)
- OpenCanvas (Windows only)
- Zeus Draw (vector)
- Photoshop (if you use the right brushes, you can have the similar results as it would be drawn with Painter, yet, there will be still some difference)

[jessica.]

I used Painter forever ago and never got into it. I think it was about 7 years or more back that I started to use Photoshop for more than just my photography and light design. PS works well for painting but I've seen way amazing work done in Painter. Even so, I couldn't resist a great Amazon deal on Autodesk's Sketchbook Pro. I suggest downloading a trial of that if it's available.


What is it about Painter you do not like? You did not say "free" so I almost may have assumed (wrong) that you have it and hate it. Are you using a tablet? If not, Sketchbook may not be great for you because it is making good use of that tablet.

[KeithPratt]

Thanks for the advice everyone. And that includes you, LeviG.

It's not that I dislike Painter, I'm just interested in the alternatives. I used Painter as my benchmark because it was the only sketching/painting software I was familiar with. Wanted to know if people had a particular favourite app.