If you have previously used Photoshop, you will easily switch to this software. It does wonders when it comes to using natural media and creating lifelike paintings, being malleable enough so that users can create a convenient working environment. ArtRage is better suited for mimicking traditional mediums like oil paint.ĪrtRage is a cross-platform program with instruments for realistic digital painting. However, OpenCanvas is suitable for all styles, being reminiscent of Clip Studio Paint but with more advanced tools on board. Namely, they both contain basic drawing tools and have a UI that is easy to master. I don't really want a Photoshop replacement - I just want something really good to use with the Bamboo, but compatibility with Adobe stuff would make later processing easier.Comparing ArtRage vs OpenCanvas, I figured out that these programs have several things in common. Because I don't read Japanese it's impossible for me to even find a download for a legal trial! Anyone know anything about that? Is it a contender? Which would you suggest, or should I just get both?Īlso, just now doing a 'paint tool sai compare open canvas' search on Goggle I found a reference to something called Illust Studio. Both can load and sad to Photoshop formats, they'd also work well with my webcomics as well. That being the case it's important that it be legal, which is one reason I'm buying them (there are so many cracks and ripped downloads out there).

Whichever I pick is going to be installed on all my home desktops and my uni laptop (which the university gave me for my masters), where I'll probably use it to do stuff in-between researching at the uni library.

I was just going to go with PTS, but came across a reference to Open Canvas (which I had thought was defunct) and gave it a try, with this result:Īnd OC has some other features which caught my eye, like better Swatch management and the ability to import/export Adobe swatches.

Initially I tested PTS with stuff like the image below (of the 2nd Doctor):Īpart from general drawing, I want something that gives crisp and clean line-art that I can later do a live trace on in Illustrator (in which colours and other details will be added in) and Paint Tool SAI seemed pretty good with that. I already have a student version of Adobe CS5 (including Photoshop and Illustrator) but I've found both programs to be much easier and more fun to use with the Bamboo.

I'm looking at buying an extra drawing program to use with my Bamboo, and so far narrowed the choice to either Paint Tool Sai or Open Canvas.

Artrage 6 review