Best for: 3D illustration
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
If you’re looking to get into 3D illustration, this is your tool. Blender is an open-source 3D creative suite with modelling, sculpting, texturing and rendering features, making it a solid contender among illustrators exploring 3D work.

Best for: All-in-one illustration workflow
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
This Adobe alternative from Canva combines raster and vector workflows in one place. Affinity is a popular choice for illustrators who value fluid, intuitive working and non-destructive editing, with a wide range of features for illustration, layout and image editing — all completely free.

Best for: Sketching and digital drawing
Cost: Free (one-off payment for premium features)
Platforms: Desktop, tablet
For sketching, drawing and digital painting, Sketchbook is a solid choice. It’s pressure-sensitive and comes with a strong selection of brushes and tools. The core software is completely free, with a one-off payment available if you want access to premium features.

Best for: Scalable illustration
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
Often praised as a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor optimised for high-resolution output. This makes it a strong option for professional illustration, with files that scale easily and convert smoothly between formats.

Best for: Comics and digital painting
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
Created by artists, Krita has become a go-to tool for digital artwork. With over 100 brushes and a range of comic-creation features, it’s particularly well suited to comic and graphic novel illustrators. Open-source and user-friendly.

Best for: Drawing and painting
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop, tablet
This free Adobe drawing and painting app is designed for use with a stylus and offers full pressure sensitivity alongside a wide range of brushes. A standout feature is its Live Brushes, which replicate the real-time effects of watercolour and oil painting.
