Best Free Painting Software For Mac

Have you ever wondered if Paint for Mac exists or not? Are you an ex- Windows user who recently shifted to Mac but misses Paint? If yes, this post is specially written to catch your interest and help you. You will find answers to all your questions along with some Paint alternatives for Mac in this post.

Paint for Mac Pro version is the realistic digital Mac paint program that is used to edit image, vector graphic design, free-form transformation, add filters, crop, alpha channel edit and more to. 10 Best Drawing Apps for Mac. We have compiled a list of 8 best drawing apps for Mac that you can get today. The list is ranked based on which app we think is the best, but you can choose whichever app suits your art style. Our list includes all the popular digital painting software, free download links as well as professional painting software, free download sources. Related: 23+ Best Note-Taking Management Software for Windows, Mac, Android 2021.

Here, I will explain to you about if Paint on Mac exists or not, and what are the best Paint alternatives that you can use on Mac to channel your inner artist. Paint is a popular drawing app that has been the favorite tool for Windows users for decades. Finding Paint on Mac would be nothing less than a bliss.

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2 8 Best Tools That Work Like Paint for Mac

Is Microsoft Paint for Mac Available?

The straight and short answer to this frequently asked question is NO. But, there are other options available that can help you to have a paint-esque experience on Mac. Microsoft Paint is a simple but fun drawing tool that has fans all over the world. When I was a kid, the first thing that I was intrigued to on my Windows PC was the Paint software. The same is the case with millions across the globe. Paint might not be an advanced tool but is a must-have utility for computers.

That’s why a lot of people search ‘Paint for Mac’ to use their favorite tool on their Mac computers. Earlier, Apple included a Paint-like application known as MacPaint on the original Macintosh, but the idea was scrapped with the newer releases. As Microsoft Paint is officially not available on Mac, so you have to look for other options for your drawing needs on the Mac.

8 Best Tools That Work Like Paint for Mac

As Paint is not available for Mac, you’ll need to find other apps that can help you to draw, sketch, and edit. So, here I’m listing the 8 Best Tools that work exactly like Paint. You may need to use different tools for different needs, but that’s what you can do if you want Paint for Mac.

1. Mac Preview App

Preview is the default built-in app on Mac to view Images and PDF files. But, the Preview also has the ability to be the Paint for Mac. It has a set of tools that can help you to view, edit, draw, and annotate images. You just have to drag the image you want to annotate on the Preview icon in the Dock. Or, right-click on the image, click on Open with and then select Preview.

The most used tools of the Preview app are zoom, rotate, and crop. But, it also offers some advanced tools that you can access by clicking on the Toolbox icon present on the left side of the search bar. This will open the Markup Toolbar that can help you annotate and edit pictures.

2. Paint 2

Paint 2 is the next name on our list. It has a very similar user interface to Microsoft Paint. Hence, it is able to provide you the nearest experience to the original Paint software. It has all the features including the spray can-like airbrush that are the highlights of Paint. Additionally, it has some advanced features like layers that can help you create unique designs. You can move the layers up and down, or use multiple layers to manipulate your creations.

One notable feature is the magic selectiontool which is really useful. This app is available for free but also has a paid version that comes with added advantages. If you are a graphic professional, you can go for the paid version. For casual users, the free version is enough.

3. Paintbrush

Paintbrush is another free painting app for Mac that you can use. It provides a user experience that is very similar to Paint. If you want to draw or edit on a white canvas, this tool is able to fulfill your needs. This app also has a spray-can airbrush that is the favorite of the Paint users. It is a simple tool that you can use to create basic images with light tools. You can export your creations in various formats including JPEG, PNG, etc.

However, if you are a power user who wants to create high-quality art, then you might become an instant fan of this app.

4. Paint X Lite

Paint X Lite is the next Paint alternative for Mac that has a free and a paid version. The free version is known as Paint X Lite and it offers all the basic features that Paint provided. Additionally, it offers some extra features that you’ll find really useful. Some common Paint-esque tools of this app are pencil, color picker, fill bucket, and text box. You can use it to create beautiful pieces of art.

The only limitation with the free version is that it puts a watermark on your image which says Created by Paint X. Apart from that, the app is great and simple to use.

5. GIMP

GIMP is an open-source app for Mac users that is available for free. It is a powerful app that has the ability to be an alternative to Paint as well as Photoshop. It has all the features that a graphic artist will ever need. The limits to create wonderful art on GIMP is how creative you could be. You’ll never be short of tools here. It even has beautiful filters, effects, and correction tools to customize your creations. You can also use layers to create animated GIFs.

The interface of the app is self-explanatory. But, the beginners may need some time before understanding it fully. It is like an evolved version of Paint for Mac.

6. Acorn

Acorn is one more very simple painting app for Mac. It has all the features that a Paint-fan finds on Mac drawing apps. But, it also offers some additional functions that may come really handy in certain situations. The user interface of the app is very similar to Paint and anyone can realize that at the first glance itself. It also supports layers so you can use them to edit your creations.

This app offers a 15-days free trial that you can use to try it out fully. And, if you find it worthy, you can purchase it for a price of $29.99.

7. Pixelmator

Pixelmator is one more tool that has the ability to be the Paint for Mac. It has a number of advanced features that make it even better than Paint. But, you can still find your favorite basic painting tools as well. The user interface is very simple and anyone can understand it very well. One useful feature of this app is the slice tool that lets you slice images and export them separately.

Pixelmator doesn’t have a free version, and this might be the only considerable limitation with it. You have to pay a one-time fee of $29.99 to purchase it.

8. Mischief

Mischief is the ultimate name on our list. It is an amazing drawing app for Mac that comes with all the basic set of tools that you’ll need. You can use it to create beautiful pieces of art. The user interface is very similar to MS Paint and you can easily use it without any trouble. This app is also available in a free and a paid version. The paid version costs $25 but the good thing is you’ll get a 15-days free trial before deciding to pay.

All in all, this app is a complete package if you need a Paint-like app on your Mac computer.

Final Thoughts

As Paint for Mac does not exist, these Paint alternatives can help you to create awesome digital arts. If you know more about such tools, let me know in the comments below. So, I can update the readers about them. Also, if you need any help with anything written in this post, you can convey the issue to me using the comment box.

Slowly and steadily MS Paint and Adobe Photoshop are being replaced by stronger and more popular freeware. Our list includes all the popular digital painting software, free download links as well as professional painting software, free download sources.

These help you either convert digital images into paintings or make your own paintings from scratch using the latest tools and techs.

1. PowerPaint

A sound replacement of MS Paint and other well known but cumbersome photo editing software programs, this one is a complete image editor with all the tools and presets required to edit photos, images and add loads of textures to them too.

Compatible with almost all current Windows OS versions.
Includes a separate Image Dropdown menu with a plethora of features.
Pre-set shapes, lines, banners and charts.
Tons of graph features.

2. Corel PaintShop Pro (32 Bit)

One of the few trail version software which come with complete feature sets of the real deal. This software is ideal for painting on and editing all photos and images with a touch of expertise.

Indulge in quick fixes using the Express Lab and the Smart carver or try out the tons of different tools and options to create professional grade photos.
Main set of tools include RAW Lab, Express Lab, Advanced Tools, Smart Carver and Integrated Tools.

3. Pint.NET

This is a free to use photo editing software which supports multiple layers.

Advanced settings to turn your images into oil paintings and sketches.
Work on several images side by side.
Record a history of changes and processes for easy removal of effects and edits.
Easy shortcuts for functions.
One touch optimizing and retouching of all images using a bunch of free and integrated tools.

4. EZ Paint

This is an extremely easy to use software which is a free alternative to MS Paint. It comes with more tools and options as well.

Easy drawing of line, arcs, curves and accompanying editing tools.
Has more than 30 custom built-in shapes.
Aimed at regular users who require something more than paint but less complicated than Adobe Photoshop or Corel Draw.
Compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

5. Tux Paint

A very popular paint software which has been sought after by all young image editors, graphic designers and digital painters. The interface is extremely child-friendly and hence is very well suited for all budding talents.

Colorful and simple interface with minimal commands.
The bunch of features include Tux Paint Stamps, magic designs, colors, effects and a variety of brushes.
Includes over 100 brand new stamps.
Includes autosave and recover features.

6. Fresh paint for Windows 8

This is a free app for all windows users who want to add a touch of hand drawn painting to all their photos and images. This can edit BMP, JPEG and TIFF images without any trouble whatsoever.

Perfect for Windows 8 users and ideal for touchscreen devices.
Blend and mix colors to create new shades.
Realistic painting effects.
Fun graphical interface well suited for all age groups.

Drawing Apps For Macbook

7. Tux Paint Stamps 2009-06-28

The Tux Paint Stamps are ideal for the creative souls who also love fun in art. This adds an easy charm of pop-art to your creations.

Free and easy installation.
A huge collection of free, cool stamps.
Easy to access and implement.
Compatible with Tux Paint Software (and other versions).
Compatible with Windows 7, Windows 2000, Windows Vista and Windows 8.

8. Mario Paint Composer

This software comes with an air of creativity and freedom of exploration. This one is ideal for all the new and daring painters and designers who are looking for a lot more than MS Paint.

This is an extremely fun way to “paint” music using symbols like flowers, automobiles, airplanes and cute hearts.
Ideal for kids and teachers who want to add some fun to their classes.
Authentic SNES experience.