Krita
Free professional digital painting program for artists.
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Use it free
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Self-host it
Run the open-source version on your own infrastructure.
What is Krita?
Krita is a free and open-source digital painting application designed for artists seeking professional-grade tools to create artwork from scratch. Built on the KDE and Qt frameworks, it provides a cross-platform solution for 2D digital art creation, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project operates under the GNU General Public License version 3.0, ensuring transparency and community-driven development. Artists, illustrators, concept artists, and game developers use Krita to overcome the limitations of traditional art mediums by offering features like pressure-sensitive brush support, layered editing, and advanced color management. It addresses the need for affordable, high-quality art software by providing a alternative to proprietary tools, enabling users to produce commercial-grade work without cost barriers.
How it works
Krita is a digital painting application developed by a community of artists and programmers, focusing on providing a comprehensive toolset for 2D art creation. It is designed for users who require advanced features like brush customization, layer blending, and vector graphics support while maintaining a free and open-source model. The primary purpose of Krita is to serve as a professional-grade alternative to commercial digital art software. It caters to creators who need tools for concept art, illustration, animation, and graphic design, offering a balance between functionality and accessibility. Krita supports pressure-sensitive brushes, customizable brush engines, and non-destructive editing through layers and masks. It includes tools for vector graphics, pattern creation, and color management, making it suitable for detailed illustration and texture art. The application also provides a timeline for animation and supports GPU-accelerated rendering via OpenGL.
How to use it
- 1Download Krita from its official website or package repositories, selecting the appropriate version for your operating system. 2. Install the application using the provided installer or package manager. 3. Launch Krita and create a new document, adjusting canvas size and resolution. 4. Use the brush tool to paint, leveraging layer management for organizing artwork. 5. Save your work in common formats like PNG, JPEG, or SVG. Practical tips include using keyboard shortcuts for quick actions, such as Ctrl+Z for undo, and exploring the brush settings to customize texture and opacity. For advanced users, installing plugins from the KDE repository can add features like vector tools or animation support.
What it can do
- digital painting
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://github.com/KDE/krita
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Limited native support for Apple iPad and iPhone devices
- Requires OpenGL-compatible GPU for optimal performance
- System requirements (4GB RAM minimum) may strain older hardware
- No built-in export options for video or 3D formats
- Learning curve for advanced features like vector tools
Understanding the result
Free professional digital painting program for artists.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (KDE/krita)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with KDE/krita. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Krita and who uses it?
Krita is a free and open-source digital painting application used by artists, illustrators, concept artists, and game developers. It provides tools for creating 2D artwork, animations, and graphic designs. Its open-source nature makes it accessible to both hobbyists and professionals seeking affordable alternatives to proprietary software.
How does Krita handle brush customization?
Krita’s brush engine allows users to create and edit brushes with parameters like texture, spacing, and flow. Artists can import custom brush files (.kra) or use built-in presets for different media types, such as watercolor or ink. The software supports pressure-sensitive input from graphics tablets, enabling dynamic brush behavior based on stylus pressure and tilt.
How do I create a custom brush in Krita?
To create a custom brush, open the 'Brushes' panel, click 'New Brush,' and select 'Create from Image.' Load an image file (e.g., a texture map) and adjust settings like spacing and shape. Save the brush as a .kra file, which can be imported into future projects. Use the 'Brush Settings' dialog to fine-tune parameters like opacity and flow for different effects.
How does Krita compare to Photoshop or GIMP?
Krita focuses on digital painting with advanced brush tools and layer management, while Photoshop excels in photo editing and compositing. GIMP offers a broader range of image manipulation tools but lacks Krita’s specialized painting features. Krita’s open-source model and cross-platform support distinguish it from proprietary alternatives, though it may lack some enterprise-grade plugins available in Photoshop.
How do I troubleshoot Krita crashing on startup?
If Krita crashes, check for incompatible GPU drivers or outdated OpenGL versions. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements (4GB RAM, OpenGL 3.3). Disable experimental features in the settings or try a nightly build if using a stable release. Reinstalling the application or clearing the configuration folder (located in ~/.config/krita on Linux) may resolve persistent issues.