Unlocking the endless possibilities of digital creativity, digital art is on the rise as artists embrace technology to create beautiful masterpieces, intricate illustrations, or experimental designs. Whether you’re a professional illustrator or graphic designer looking to take your skills to the next level, or a hobbyist just getting into the digital cherry-picking stage, finding the right software is a great way to streamline your work process and boost the quality of your work.
This guide covers the best software for digital artists in 2025, covering features, pricing, and functionality. We will also discuss the features various tools offer so that you can determine which tool is best for your task.
Why Picking the Right Digital Art Software Matters
Think of digital art software as your online canvas, set of brushes, and creative toolbox . The software you choose and the features it provides become part of your creativity process and allow you to see your ideas.
The right tool will maximize your workflow, save time, and relentlessly keep up with your creative impulses. The right software can help you bring your art to the next level, whether it be painting, detailed character designs, or sleek logos.
So let’s take a look at the very best picks of 2025!
Best Digital Art Software for 2025
1. Adobe Photoshop (The Industry Standard)
Adobe Photoshop is still king among high-end digital artists. Its capabilities are the gold standard in versatility, enabling professionals armed for everything from photographic touch-ups to labor-intensive concept art.
Key Features:
- Many brush libraries, customization at all levels.
- Non-destructive editing with multiple layers.
- Integration with Illustrator, After Effects, and other tools in the Adobe Suite
- A few examples of AI-powered tools are auto-selection and content-aware fill.
- Design flexibility by using brilliant object support.
Price:
- Monthly Subscription: $20.99 (standalone app) or $54.99 as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.
Pros:
- Unmatched in its professional-grade features.
- Extensive customization options.
- Widely regarded as the industry standard.
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Subscription costs can add up over time.
Best suited for: Advanced artists who require the most control and versatility in their creations.
2. Procreate (iPad Artists’ Dream Tool)
Procreate remains a favorite among iPad and mobile illustrators. Its streamlined interface and wide range of features make it an essential toolkit for creating digital art on your tablet.
Key Features:
- A large selection of brushes with options for customisation
- Intuitively pan and zoom for precise detailing.
- A time-lapse of your creative process
- Best Apple Pencil compatibility
Price:
- One-Time Purchase: $12.99 on the Apple App Store.
Pros:
- No subscription fees.
- Super easy to use, even for newer artists.
- It is a touchscreen tablet that is perfectly optimized.
Cons:
- Limited to iOS devices.
- Does not have the most advanced features offered by desktop software.
Best for: Illustrators and hobbyists looking for a portable and intuitive way to create art.
3. Clip Studio Paint (A Haven for Comic Creators)
Known for its tailor-made tools for comic and manga artists, Clip Studio Paint remains an unbeatable choice for creating detailed panels, characters, and animations.
Key Features:
- Tools for laying out comic panels and adding screen tone
- Comprehensive vector functionalities for linework perfection.
- Short animations for small loops or sequences
- Thousands of free and premium brushes are available online in the community library.
Price:
- One-Time License: $49.99 (Pro version); $219 (EX version with animation tools).
- Monthly Subscription Plan: $4.49–$8.99 based on features selected.
Pros:
- Unrivaled tools for comic creation.
- Affordable alternative to other professional tools.
- Active community creating and sharing resources.
Cons:
- UI looks dated compared to modern rivals.
- Slight learning curve for beginners transitioning from more straightforward tools.
Best For: Comic book artists, manga illustrators, and animators.
4. Krita (Best Free Option for Beginners)
Krita also shows that “free” software doesn’t have to mean endless compromise. It features robust painting and sketching tools, designed by digital artists for digital artists.
Key Features:
- Anti-aliasing for smooth, clean lines.
- Layer and masking support for advanced projects.
- Regular open-source updates driven by the art community.
- Wide selection of brushes tailored for painting.
Price:
- Free
Pros:
- Open-source and completely free.
- Ideal for entry-level work.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cons:
- Less advanced compared to premium software.
- Limited tools for professional, commercial-level projects.
Perfect For: Beginners and budget-conscious artists exploring digital painting.
5. Corel Painter (For Fine Artists Transitioning to Digital)
Corel Painter is well suited to recreate the textures and effects of traditional media and is the ideal digital tool for painters transitioning to digital.
Key Features:
- Over 900 brushes tailored for simulating traditional media like oils, watercolors, and pencils.
- Texture controls to mimic canvas surfaces.
- Built-in AI tools for automating repetitive design elements.
- Customizable workspace and toolbars.
Price:
- Subscription Plan: $199/year.
- One-Time Purchase: $424.
Pros:
- Highly versatile for acceptable art applications.
- Natural, tactile brush feel compared to other tools.
- Ideal for creating complex and textured compositions.
Cons:
- Expensive, especially for new users.
- It can feel overwhelming for beginners.
Perfect For: Professional artists replicating traditional techniques digitally.
Selecting the Right Digital Art Software
When deciding which software is best for you, it all comes down to a few things. Here’s what to consider as you make your decision:
Purpose
Are you producing intricate character designs, comic pages, or logo graphics? Different artistic aspirational goals demand different toolkits.
Skill Level
If you’re a beginner, start with something user-friendly like Procreate or Krita. More advanced users may want the power and versatility of Adobe Photoshop or Corel Painter.
Budget
Budget-conscious shoppers will use free options such as Krita or affordable alternatives such as Clip Studio Paint, while higher-end software such as Corel Painter is great for professionals.
Hardware Compatibility
Make sure that the system you decide on is compatible with your device. For example, Procreate runs exclusively on iPad and the Apple Pencil, while Corel Painter and Photoshop are desktop programs.
Features
Does the software include basic features such as reasonable brush control, layer support, or animation tools? Prioritize must-have features, keeping your artistic style and future in mind.
Where Your Creative Journey Begins
Whether you’re getting started or are an experienced pro, 2025 brings many high-quality tools for digital artists. From Procreate’s buttery tablet experience to Adobe Photoshop’s unmatched versatility, there’s a tool out there ideally suited to your creative taste.
Explore the options above to discover which software brings your artistic vision to life. Experiment at your own pace, and feel free to use free versions or trials before you buy.
For more expert reviews, tips, and resources, visit FiveElements to stay ahead in your creative journey.
