Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Krita

krita.org

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroid
Visit krita.org
Spec score 8.6 #6 of 46 in Digital Painting Software

What it is

Krita is free, open-source software for digital painting and artwork creation, with tools for illustration and 2D animation. Its brush collection includes more than 100 preloaded options and over nine engines for customizing brushes. Animation tools support audio, onion skinning, extensive timeline frames, and export to video or still images. For color workflows, Krita supports ICC management through LCMS, OpenColorIO for EXR, HDR painting, and OpenEXR. It can open and save PSD files and uses SVG for vector work. C++ and Python plugins can extend the application; plugins distributed for Krita must use the GNU GPL, though creators may charge for downloads. Krita lists Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, but not iPads or iPhones. The maker says no registration or internet connection is required for use. The listed minimum RAM is 4 GB, with 16 GB recommended. Krita is free and open source, with no subscriptions or trials.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Krita is a free, open-source digital painting program for creating professional artwork.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Free plan
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Privacy
The maker says no registration is needed and Krita can be installed and used without an internet connection; its optional startup news feature downloads news without tracking.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Support
The Krita Foundation directs users with questions to the Krita Artists forum and says its foundation email is not for user support.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Headquarters
Deventer, NetherlandsRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Founded
1998Read 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Android
The download page links to Google Play and individual Android APK builds.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Animation
Its 2D animation tools support audio, onion skinning, thousands of timeline frames, and export to video or still images.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Artists served
The maker says Krita is used by comic artists, illustrators, concept artists, matte and texture painters, and people in the digital VFX industry.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Brushes
Krita includes more than 100 preloaded brushes and over nine brush engines for customizing brushes.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Color and HDR
Krita supports color management through LCMS for ICC and OpenColorIO for EXR, as well as HDR painting and OpenEXR.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Commercial use
The GPL permits commercial artwork, and the maker says users retain sole ownership of what they create with Krita.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Desktop app
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Extensions
Krita can be extended with C++ or Python plugins, and its Python API supports custom widgets and extensions.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
File compatibility
Krita can load and save PSD files and uses SVG for its vector format.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Illustration tools
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Maker and origin
The Krita Foundation is an independent nonprofit public organization created by the Krita community in 2012; the project began in the KDE community in 1998.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Mobile app
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Paid store editions
Paid editions are offered through Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, and Mac App Store; the maker says store proceeds support Krita development and store editions get automatic updates.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Plugin license
Distributed Krita plugins must be shared under the GNU GPL, though creators may charge for downloads.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Presentation design
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Requirements
The listed minimum RAM is 4 GB, with 16 GB recommended, and the listed graphics requirement is OpenGL 3.0 or higher or Direct3D 11.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Supported systems
The download page lists Windows 8.1 or higher, macOS 10.15, and Linux, and says iPads and iPhones are not supported.Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org
Template library
YesRead 23 Sep 2026 · krita.org

Plans and prices

Krita Free Free and open source · no subscriptions or trials Read 29 Sep 2026 · krita.org

Every Krita plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • More than 100 preloaded brushes
  • Over nine brush engines for customization
  • 2D animation supports audio and onion skinning
  • Loads and saves PSD files
  • No registration or internet connection required

Limits

  • iPads and iPhones are not supported
  • Minimum listed RAM is 4 GB
  • Distributed plugins must use the GNU GPL

Who it suits

Krita suits illustrators, comic and concept artists, matte and texture painters, and people working in digital VFX. It also fits users who want painting, animation, and plugin customization in one application.

Verdict

Krita combines digital painting, animation, and extensibility in a free, open-source application. Check its platform and hardware requirements if you plan to use it on a mobile device or lower-memory computer.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to KritaAll alternatives →