What Can You Draw on a Smartphone?

Dedicated drawing apps offer more than just simple brushes and filters - you can use layers, liquify, and 3D models, create webtoons and comics, or even animate. While some apps have limitations compared to their desktop counterparts, Clip Studio Paint offers all the features of fully-functioned desktop software in a single mobile app. Simply pick up your smartphone and install the Clip Studio Paint app to get drawing, painting, or creating illustrations in an instant.

Download: Clip Studio Paint for Android | iOS (Free for up to 3 months, subscription available)

How to Create an Illustration on Your Smartphone

Open the app, and tap Start to start drawing for an hour free per day, or tap Sign up to subscribe for an unlimited plan. On the home screen, tap one of the canvas size templates to create a new project. The canvas will open. Drag on the canvas with your finger or a stylus to draw.

Changing Tools

Double-tap the tool icons to open the tool selection area and pick a new brush. You can use pencils, watercolor brushes, oil brushes, and unique decoration brushes such as sparkles or patterns.

Use the sliders on the left to adjust the size and opacity of your chosen brush.

Changing the Brush Color

Use the color icons at the bottom left to change the drawing color.

In the color palette, pick a new color and tap OK.

You can also long press to switch to the eyedropper and pick colors from the canvas.

Using Layers

Layers are a feature of digital art that you can use for more complex drawings. For example, you can draw lines and color on separate layers for easier editing later. You can create your drawing on one layer, or tap the layers icon to add and manage layers in your drawing.

Exporting Your Drawing

To export your finished drawing to your photo gallery, simply tap the Save icon in the lower command bar. You can also share your work directly to social media from the Quick Access palette > Quick Share command.

How Much Is Clip Studio Paint?

While you’ll need to pay to access all of Clip Studio Paint’s features, the plans are very versatile and cater to most users. Also, you’ll get one hour free on your smartphone each day, or the first three months for free if you sign up for Clip Studio Paint. You can start enjoying Clip Studio Paint from $0.99 per month.