SpeedyPainter review
A capable free painting workspace for Windows artists who want process recording.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SpeedyPainter is free digital painting software for Windows artists who want a lightweight desktop workspace with process recording. Its brush engine supports customizable properties and imported PNG or ABR brush sets, while pressure-sensitive sizing and opacity support compatible input devices. Multiple editable layers, reference viewing, selections, gradients, color picking, canvas rotation, and common image exports cover a broad range of painting tasks. The software is aimed at artists who prefer a focused desktop application rather than a cross-platform workspace.
Its feature depth is strongest around drawing workflow and process capture. Artists can record and replay their work, then export the drawing process as video. Mirror and radial symmetry tools support repeated forms, while the perspective-grid overlay helps structure scenes. Reference images follow canvas movements, and layers include visibility, ordering, and opacity controls. Projects retain editable layers in SPF format, with PNG, JPG, BMP, and TIF available for exported images.
SpeedyPainter is distributed in two free editions. The Windows Installer provides guided installation, automatic file associations, and the complete feature set without a subscription. The Portable Edition is a standalone ZIP archive that runs from any folder, requires no installation, and also includes the complete feature set. Both editions are limited to Windows, with the current site specifying Windows 7 or newer and OpenGL 3.0 support. Choose SpeedyPainter for free Windows-based painting with recording, symmetry, perspective, and layered editing; artists needing another operating system should choose a different tool.
SpeedyPainter pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Custom and imported PNG or ABR brushes with pressure-sensitive controls
- Layers, references, symmetry, perspective grids, and canvas tools
- Records drawing processes for replay and video export
- Where it doesn't
- Available only for Windows
- Requires Windows 7 or newer with OpenGL 3.0 support
- Editable projects use the SpeedyPainter SPF format
SpeedyPainter fact sheet, pricing and score →
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