6 Simple Drawing Applications for Mac | Tips & Tricks

On Sep 5, 2018

Mac has long been referred to as the “Creative's workshop.” The idea that most graphic designers, interior designers, video animators, and architects are more drawn towards Mac may hold water to an extent. Mac attracts creatives for either of two reasons – as the traditional tool they've always used or its perceived high performance standards. Speaking of tradition, the first version of Photoshop was built exclusively for Macintosh users, giving Mac the first mover advantage.

And while the PC versus Mac might present an interesting discourse, I will be walking the safe lines, and a list of simple drawing apps for Mac is all we are talking about today.

1. Markup Feature in Preview

Before going ahead and downloading a bunch of apps you've never heard of, you should try out macOS's secret paint feature, hidden right there in the trusty Mac Preview app.

When you open an image in Preview, click the icon next to the search bar at the top-right to open the ‘Markup Toolbar,' which you'll quickly find does a whole lot more than just marking up.

This toolbar pretty much functions like a basic paint program, allowing you to draw, scribble, make shapes and annotate the image you're previewing. There are even some mildly more advanced functions, like Smart Lasso, which lets you accurately pick out shapes in your image.

It's simple stuff, but it does the job when it comes to everyday tasks.

2. Sketch

This Mac drawing software holds all the aces when it comes to versatility. Sketch can be used to create professional artwork, draw and design websites and so much more. Sketch is a vector-based application with several features such as a toolbar, canvas, editable shapes and so much more. I have found Sketch a bit irregular, as it may require a little background knowledge and experience in basic designing. It's nevertheless a user-friendly tool even for newbies. You can blob, warp, and twirl your way into anything.

3. Paint Brush

Paint Brush is a painting and illustrating application for Mac. Paint Brush is quite similar to Microsoft Paint on Windows in terms of functionality and build. Paint Brush offers some of the best freehand art experience in the game. It does not come with the complexity or spec requirements of other third-party applications, but if you need to get a few illustrations made up for occasional doodling, this drawing application tool is all you need to save the day.

4. Made with Mischief

Made with Mischief is a unique, simple drawing app for Mac. This application is as easy and simple as you could ever imagine. After installation you are welcomed by a blank screen and can start drawing right away, creating the nostalgic experience of pen and paper.

Made with Mischief is neither vector-based nor pixel-based and works best on a desktop. Made with Mischief has other exciting features like allowing you to create and customize your set of brushes and pen tools. Made with Mischief is a pretty good application for beginners as it lets you draw without limiting your canvas size.

5. DrawBerry

DrawBerry is a free vector-drawing software designed for macOS that can be downloaded from any developer or reputable site. You can use the Bezier Curve Pen tool for sketching and illustrations.

The DrawBerry software spots a modern and professional look, but while exploring its recesses, it begins to reveal its perceived weaknesses such as a lack of reflect and shear tools, scaling, update support and more. But these worries can be referred to as beyond the basics, and if you are looking to build your fundamental skills in Vector Drawing, then DrawBerry is yours.

6. ArtBoard

ArtBoard is a simple Mac drawing application that enables you to create minimalist and elaborate artwork for professional and personal purposes. ArtBoard offers so much in tools, features, usability components and flexibility. You can use any of its numerous backgrounds and layouts.

ArtBoard lets you work in layers, enabling you to work on different aspects of your drawings simultaneously. One of the most remarkable features of ArtBoard is the option of drag and drop which allows you to incorporate images straight from import. Although its lack of distortion tools and shortcomings in image conversion between vector and raster is noticeable, ArtBoard remains a top drawing tool for Mac.

Conclusion

There are certainly many simple drawing apps for Mac out there – free and paid alike. I wrote this list based on a cursory focus on the applications' imitation of real-life drawing experience, availability of tools, simplicity, flexibility, and interface. I will not have the final word on this and earnestly look forward to your suggestions. Which of these drawing applications do you use? Kindly share your thoughts below.

This article was first published in September 2017 and was updated in June 2018.