Milton
Milton: A focused open-source sketching tool with persistent work and unlimited undo. Ranked #52 of 57 in Free Drawing Software by our editors (4.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for sketchers who prefer an infinite canvas.
At a glance
- Editor score4.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSketchers who prefer an infinite canvas
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Drawing modesVector-based infinite-canvas painting and sketching
- Facts checked3 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Draw and paint on an effectively infinite canvas
- Work persists automatically, with unlimited undo
- Adjust brush size and transparency; use pressure-to-opacity
Where it doesn't
- Not designed as an image editor or vector graphics editor
- Linux and macOS builds may require compiling from source
- Linux and macOS are not officially supported
Our verdict on Milton
Milton is an open-source desktop paint program for drawing, sketching, and painting on an effectively infinite canvas. Its vector-based strokes aim for a raster-like painting feel, making it a focused option for solo sketchers who want room to work without a fixed page boundary. It is not intended to replace an image editor or vector graphics editor, so artists who need those workflows should look elsewhere.
The drawing tools include brushes, an eraser, a line tool, adjustable brush size and transparency, and pressure-to-opacity control. The project describes work as persisting automatically, without a manual save button, and offers unlimited undo. Projects use Milton’s native .mlt format. This combination suits exploratory sketching and painting where a large working surface and the ability to revise strokes matter more than broader editing features or a range of formats.
Milton is free and open source, with desktop builds for Windows, Linux, and macOS listed among its platforms. There is an important platform caveat: Windows binaries are available, while Linux and macOS builds may require compiling from source and are not officially supported according to the project README. Community support is the listed support channel. Choose Milton if an infinite canvas and direct sketching tools are the priority, particularly on Windows; consider another drawing app if you need image editing, vector-graphics editing, or officially supported Linux or macOS builds.
Your product? Our editors can test Milton in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Milton pricing
Milton fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platforms | Windows; Linux; macOS |
| Drawing modes | Vector-based infinite-canvas painting and sketching |
| Layer support | Not verified |
| Pen pressure support | Yes |
| Custom brushes | Not verified |
| Supported file formats | Native .mlt project format |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 3 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to Milton
- KritaA capable free painting program with animation tools for desktop and Android.9.4
- Adobe FrescoFresco combines pixel, live, and vector brushes with animation and Adobe app exchange.9.3
- ibisPaintA cross-device drawing app with customizable brushes, layers, and CMYK export options.9.2
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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