The following is a list of (mostly) free drawing and design tools, software and apps available online. It is by no means exhaustive! I will add to it as I come across new things (or at least things that are new to me)… and I’ll try to delete anything that gets out of date.
Links, prices and features last checked August 2026.
Quick Picks
| I want to… | Try… |
|---|---|
| Sketch or paint using a computer or tablet | Sketchbook |
| Create logos or scalable vector graphics | Inkscape |
| Design rooms, furniture or buildings in 3D | SketchUp Free |
| Create collaborative flowcharts and mind maps | Creately |
| Paint or illustrate digitally | Krita |
| Make diagrams without creating an account | diagrams.net |
| Try simple 3D design for the first time | Tinkercad |
| Create advanced 3D models or animations | Blender |
Sketchbook
Sketchbook is a versatile drawing, sketching and painting app with a clean interface that stays out of the way while you work. It includes customisable pencils, markers and brushes, together with layers, blend modes, rulers, symmetry tools and colour fills. It works particularly well with a compatible stylus, responding to pressure and tilt to provide a more natural drawing experience.
Best for: Natural-feeling sketching and painting using a mouse, touchscreen or stylus
Cost: Mobile app is free with an optional one-off Premium Bundle; Sketchbook Pro for desktop is a paid purchase
Works on: Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
Worth knowing: The Autodesk name is no longer used, and the desktop and mobile versions have different pricing. Pressure-sensitive tools work best with a compatible stylus.
Inkscape
Inkscape is a totally free, open-source vector (scalable graphics that won’t blur when you resize them) graphics programme. It can be used to create or edit images such as illustrations, diagrams, charts and logos. It is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Best for: Creating logos, illustrations, diagrams and scalable vector graphics
Cost: Free and open source
Works on: Windows, macOS and Linux
Worth knowing: Inkscape is a powerful alternative to commercial vector-design software, but its extensive collection of tools can take time to learn.
Sketchup Free
Sketchup is a 3D drawing and modelling programme. It can be used for architectural or interior design, or even film and video game design. Sketchup has a free version, but it is browser-based, requires an account and is only for personal, non-commercial use. It does not include support.
Best for: Creating 3D models of rooms, buildings, furniture and other objects
Cost: Free browser version for personal, non-commercial use; paid plans provide professional and desktop features
Works on: Computers and Chromebooks with a supported modern web browser
Worth knowing: The free version requires an account, runs in a browser and cannot be used commercially. Free users do not receive technical support.
Creately
Creately is a web-based diagram tool, that allows you to create many diagrams types including Flowcharts, Venn diagrams, story boards etc. Its free plan currently includes three workspaces.
Best for: Collaborative flowcharts, mind maps, organisation charts and process diagrams
Cost: Free plan with three workspaces; paid plans provide additional features and capacity
Works on: Any device with a modern web browser
Worth knowing: Creately offers an extensive collection of templates and real-time collaboration, but its free plan is more restricted than diagrams.net.
Krita
Krita is a free, professional, open source painting programme….for amazing people who are far more artistic than me! It features an intuitive user interface, and the docks and panels can be moved and customised. You can then save your changes as your own workspace. You can also create your own shortcuts for your most commonly used tools. It now also supports Android and ChromeOS tablets, although the Android edition remains a beta.
Best for: Digital painting, illustration, concept art, comics and animation
Cost: Free and open source
Works on: Windows, macOS, Linux and Android or ChromeOS tablets
Worth knowing: Krita is designed primarily for creating artwork rather than technical diagrams or quick photo edits. The Android version is still described as a beta and is intended for tablets rather than phones.
diagrams.net
diagrams.net, also known as draw.io, is a free, open-source tool for creating flowcharts, organisation charts, network diagrams, mind maps and many other types of diagram. It can be used online without creating an account or downloaded as a desktop application.
Best for: Creating flowcharts, organisation charts and technical diagrams for free
Cost: Free and open source
Works on: Web browsers, Windows, macOS and Linux
Worth knowing: No account is required, and diagrams can be saved locally or to supported cloud-storage services. The downloadable desktop application can be used offline.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, beginner-friendly web application from Autodesk for creating simple 3D models. It also includes tools for experimenting with electronic circuits and block-based coding, making it particularly useful for education and first-time designers.
Best for: Beginners learning 3D design, electronics or preparing simple models for 3D printing
Cost: Free; an Autodesk account is required
Works on: Any device with a supported modern web browser
Worth knowing: Tinkercad is considerably easier to learn than SketchUp or Blender, but it provides fewer advanced modelling and rendering controls.
Blender
Blender is a professional-quality, open-source 3D creation suite. It can be used for modelling, sculpting, animation, visual effects, rendering and video production. Its extensive capabilities make it suitable for everything from simple objects to complete animated films.
Best for: Advanced 3D modelling, sculpting, animation and rendering
Cost: Free and open source
Works on: Windows, macOS and Linux
Worth knowing: Blender is exceptionally powerful but has a steep learning curve. Some advanced modelling and rendering work also requires a reasonably capable computer.
Go to…
Note: please read the disclaimer before downloading/using any of these drawing or design tools.