Official desktop version
$0
one-time
Free and open-source Krita download for Windows, macOS, and Linux under the GNU GPL v3 license.
Check current pricing →K
Krita
Krita is free, open-source software for digital painting, illustration, image editing, comics, and 2D animation.
Digital Painting SoftwareGraphics SoftwareRaster Graphics Editor
Editorial overview
Aggregated Overview
Krita provides extensive painting, layer, animation, color-management, HDR, PSD, vector, and scripting features. It is free and open source, while G2 reviews indicate positive sentiment alongside some interface and learning-curve concerns.
This profile combines documented product information and independent evidence where available. It is not a hands-on test unless TechZella explicitly identifies one.
Krita Decision Snapshot
A quick way to understand who this product may suit, where its limits matter, and which facts are most relevant before you compare alternatives.
Platforms
Android, API, Linux, macOS, SteamOS, Windows
TechZella assessment
8.8/10
Overview
Krita is a free and open-source graphics application focused on digital painting, illustration, comics, concept art, and 2D animation. The project began in 1999 as KImageShop within the KDE ecosystem and later became Krita.
The first public release appeared with KOffice 1.4 in 2004 or 2005, depending on whether the preview or official release is counted. The independent Stichting Krita Foundation was created in 2012 to support Krita development and services.
Krita runs as a desktop application on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Android builds are available, while iPad and iPhone versions are not supported. The software can be used for commercial artwork, studio production, education, and research.
Krita Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source for commercial and noncommercial use.
- Strong brush, layer, illustration, and comic-making tools.
- Includes frame animation and audio support.
- Supports HDR, OpenEXR, ICC, OpenColorIO, and PSD workflows.
- Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and selected Android devices.
- Python scripting supports automation and custom plugins.
Cons
- The application has a broad feature set that can challenge beginners.
- PSD compatibility does not ensure perfect transfer of every Photoshop feature.
- Animation tools may not replace dedicated animation production suites.
- No supported iPadOS or iOS version is available.
- Commercial support is less structured than support for proprietary enterprise products.
Krita Pricing & Plans
Store editions
Paid
one-time
Paid editions are available through selected app stores. Prices vary by platform and region, and store income supports Krita development.
Check current pricing →Pricing may change. Verify current plans on the vendor's website.
Krita Competitors & Alternatives
Compare similar products directly, then see which alternatives may make more sense when your requirements differ.
Direct competitors
These products address broadly similar requirements. The descriptions focus on documented reasons a buyer might compare them with Krita.
Krita Features
Digital Painting
- More than 100 bundled brushes
- Multiple customizable brush engines
- Brush stabilizers
- Drawing assistants
- Layer, mask, group, vector, and filter workflows
- Customizable dockers, themes, workspaces, and shortcuts
Illustration and Comics
- Vector shape tools
- SVG-based vector workflows
- Text tools
- Comic panel and speech bubble resources
- Wrap-around mode for seamless textures and patterns
2D Animation
- Timeline-based frame animation
- Onion skinning
- Audio support
- Playback and timeline scrubbing
- Tweening for opacity and position
- Video and still-image export
Color and File Support
- ICC color management
- OpenColorIO support
- OpenEXR workflows
- HDR and scene-referred painting
- PSD import and export
- GPU-assisted canvas operations
Automation and Extensibility
- Python scripting API
- PyQt-based plugins
- Scripter console
- Custom dockers and exporters
- User-installed resource and plugin bundles
Krita Specifications
| Product type | Desktop graphics software |
|---|---|
| License | GNU GPL v3 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Supported stores | Microsoft Store, Steam, Epic Games Store, Mac App Store |
| API | Python scripting API with PyQt |
| Integrations | No native third-party integrations verified; plugins and file-format interoperability are supported |
| Free trial | Not applicable; official version is free |
| Commercial use | Permitted |
| Minimum RAM | 4 GB |
| Recommended RAM | 16 GB |
| Minimum graphics support | OpenGL 3.0 or Direct3D 11 |
| Primary file format | KRA |
| Additional formats | PSD, SVG, OpenRaster, TIFF, PNG, JPEG, OpenEXR and others |
Our evidence-based assessment
TechZella Score
A proprietary editorial score based on product capabilities, usability, value, performance, support and user sentiment evidence.
8.8/10Moderate confidence
Krita provides extensive painting, layer, animation, color-management, HDR, PSD, vector, and scripting features. It is free and open source, while G2 reviews indicate positive sentiment alongside some interface and learning-curve concerns.
Methodology v1.0. The assessment weighs feature coverage (25%), ease of use (15%), value for money (20%), performance (15%), support (10%) and user sentiment (15%), using researched product evidence and verified review evidence where available. It is a TechZella editorial assessment, not a direct user-review average.
Community feedback
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FAQ
Is Krita free?
Yes. The official desktop downloads are free and open source under the GNU GPL v3 license. Paid store editions support development and store-based updates.
Can Krita be used commercially?
Yes. The Krita Foundation states that artists, studios, game developers, scientists, and students can use Krita commercially. Artwork created with Krita remains the creator’s property.
Does Krita have an API?
Yes. Krita includes a Python scripting API that can automate tasks, access application objects, create dockers, and support custom plugins. It is not a cloud or REST API.
Does Krita offer a free trial?
No trial is needed for the official desktop version because it is permanently free. Store versions are paid downloads of the same open-source application.
Which operating systems does Krita support?
Official downloads support Windows, macOS, and Linux. Android builds are available through Google Play and APK downloads. Krita does not support iPadOS or iOS.
Does Krita integrate with Photoshop?
Krita can load and save PSD files, including several raster, layer, vector, text, and mask elements. The documentation warns that PSD is complex, so full compatibility with Photoshop features is not guaranteed.
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