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Head-to-head · Sketching Software

Sketchbook vs Drawpile

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score Sketchbook #6 in Sketching Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Sketchbook
Drawpile #8 in Sketching Software 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Drawpile

Sketchbook leads on 0 checks, Drawpile on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSketchbook · 8.7/10
  • Free planboth

Sketchbook scores higher on our rubric for sketching software: 8.7 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

Sketchbook is the better fit for artists wanting free sketching across devices. Drawpile is the better fit for free collaborative sketching with desktop flexibility.

  • Sketchbook fits best

    Artists wanting free sketching across devices

  • Drawpile fits best

    Free collaborative sketching with desktop flexibility

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Side by side

Feature Sketchbook 8.7/10 Visit ↗ Drawpile 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.7 7.9
Ranking #6 in Sketching Software #8 in Sketching Software
Best for Artists wanting free sketching across devices Free collaborative sketching with desktop flexibility
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price — Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop, Mobile Desktop, Mobile, Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Features Sketchbook 1/4 · Drawpile 1/4
Pressure sensitivity ✓ ✓
Layer support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cloud sync Not checked yet Not checked yet
Vector drawing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Export formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Free mobile app includes brushes, layers, guides, rulers, and stroke tools
  • Brush customization, stylus pressure, and stroke-smoothing tools
  • Desktop version adds Flipbook 2D animation and symmetry tools
  • Real-time collaborative sessions, with options to use public servers or self-host
  • Over 200 brushes, pressure support, layers and stroke stabilization
  • Animation tools and OpenRaster and PSD export support
Cons
  • Custom brush creation and advanced color management are in the Premium Bundle
  • Layer grouping, masking, and additional export options require the Premium Bundle
  • Mac and Windows desktop apps are separate from the free mobile application
  • Its broad painting toolkit may be more than casual sketching needs
  • iPad and iPhone access is through a browser, not a native app
  • Community and documentation are the listed support channels
Our verdict

Sketchbook is a digital drawing, painting, and sketching application for artists, illustrators, and hobbyists who want to work across desktop and mobile devices. The free mobile application includes brushes, layers, guides, rulers, and…

Read the review →

Drawpile is a free, open-source digital painting and drawing application for artists who want offline tools or real-time collaboration. Its solo and shared-canvas features suit individual artists and small groups, while desktop apps and…

Read the review →
  1. SketchbookSketching Software 8.7Free plan
  2. DrawpileSketching Software 7.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Sketchbook — where it wins

    • Free mobile app includes brushes, layers, guides, rulers, and stroke tools
    • Brush customization, stylus pressure, and stroke-smoothing tools
    • Desktop version adds Flipbook 2D animation and symmetry tools

    Where it doesn't

    • Custom brush creation and advanced color management are in the Premium Bundle
    • Layer grouping, masking, and additional export options require the Premium Bundle
    • Mac and Windows desktop apps are separate from the free mobile application

  • Drawpile — where it wins

    • Real-time collaborative sessions, with options to use public servers or self-host
    • Over 200 brushes, pressure support, layers and stroke stabilization
    • Animation tools and OpenRaster and PSD export support

    Where it doesn't

    • Its broad painting toolkit may be more than casual sketching needs
    • iPad and iPhone access is through a browser, not a native app
    • Community and documentation are the listed support channels

More comparisons

All sketching software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update