When it comes to digital creativity, having the right tools makes all the difference—and it gets even better when those tools are free. XPPen, a leading name in digital drawing tablets and pen displays, offers an incredible bonus to its users: 6 professional-level free drawing software, each tailored to different creative needs.
Whether you’re into animation, digital painting, comic art, or just starting to explore digital drawing, this selection of free drawing software gives you a serious head start. However, there’s a key detail to remember: you can only choose one software per product purchase, and once selected, it cannot be changed. So, which one fits your artistic goals best? Let’s explore your options.
1. Toon Boom – For Aspiring and Professional Animators
Works with: All XPPen pen tablets and pen displays
Offer: Fully-featured 45-day free trial of Harmony and Storyboard Pro
If you’re looking to break into the animation industry or simply want to explore character movement and scene design, Toon Boom is the go-to choice. Used by major studios worldwide, Toon Boom Harmony and Storyboard Pro form a complete animation production suite.
Thanks to XPPen’s partnership, users gain access to a 45-day free trial, allowing you to explore these professional tools with no strings attached.
Why Choose Toon Boom?
- Studio-grade animation and storyboard software
- Ideal for frame-by-frame and rig-based animation
- Free access gives you a risk-free way to explore advanced animation workflows
2. ArtRage 6 – Traditional Art Tools in a Digital Format
Works with: Deco Pro Series, Artist Series, Artist Pro Series, Innovator 16
Platform: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.10 or later
Looking for a drawing tool that feels like working with real paint and paper? ArtRage 6 is one of the best free drawing softwares for traditional artists moving into the digital space. From oil paints to watercolors, pencils to crayons, ArtRage 6 recreates real-world textures beautifully.
Pair it with high-end XPPen devices like the Artist Pro or Innovator series for a premium, realistic drawing experience.
Highlights:
- Rich, natural brush behavior
- Versatile tools for all skill levels
- Suitable for both kids and professionals
3. ibis Paint X – Mobile-Friendly and Feature-Rich
Works with: XPPen Magic Drawing Pad
ibis Paint X is a massively popular mobile drawing app with over 280 million downloads worldwide. With more than 15,000 brushes, 1,000 fonts, and unique features like stroke stabilization and drawing process recording, it’s perfect for illustrators, manga artists, and hobbyists alike.
It’s optimized for the XPPen Magic Drawing Pad, making it an ideal choice for artists who prefer portability and flexibility.
Why Choose ibis Paint X?
- Mobile-optimized and intuitive
- Extensive brush and material library
- Great for manga, anime, and quick sketches
4. ArtRage Lite – The Perfect Starting Point for Beginners
Works with: Deco Series, Deco Fun Series
A lighter, more beginner-friendly version of ArtRage 6, ArtRage Lite is one of the best introductory free drawing softwares for new digital artists. It offers a simple layout, realistic brushes, and easy color mixing—ideal for casual artists and students.
If you’re using an entry-level XPPen tablet like the Deco Fun, ArtRage Lite is a natural match.
Features:
- Clean, easy-to-learn interface
- Mimics traditional painting tools
- Fun and forgiving for experimentation
5. openCanvas – A Smooth Transition from Paper to Screen
Works with: Deco Pro Series, Artist Series, Artist Pro Series, Innovator 16
Platform: Windows only
openCanvas is built for artists who are transitioning from sketchbooks to digital canvases. It supports analog-style brush strokes, a clean interface, and process recording via the Event function, making it an excellent tool for self-review or tutorials.
If you’re serious about building your skills and want reliable performance, this is one of the most underrated free drawing softwares XPPen offers.
Key Benefits:
- Analog feel with digital precision
- Replay your drawing process
- Strong tool for learning and improving techniques
6. Cartoon Animator 4 – Easy Yet Powerful 2D Animation
Works with:
Artist 12 Pro, Artist 13.3 Pro, Artist 15.6 Pro, Artist Pro 16TP, Artist Pro 16, Artist 22R Pro, Artist 22E Pro, Artist 22 Pro, Artist 24 Pro, Artist 10/12/16/22 (2nd Gen), Artist 24, Innovator 16
Offer: 12-month full version (Pipeline Version)
If you’re looking for a more beginner-friendly way to animate, Cartoon Animator 4 is a great place to start. This 2D animation software allows users to convert images into characters, apply facial expressions, audio lip-sync, and 2D visual effects—all with drag-and-drop ease.
Whether you’re producing content for YouTube or just experimenting with character design, Cartoon Animator 4 is a great all-in-one option.
Why Choose It?
- User-friendly animation software
- Real-time face and voice control
- 12-month full version included with eligible XPPen models
How to Redeem Your Free Drawing Software
Once you’ve purchased an eligible XPPen product, follow these steps to claim your free drawing software:
- Create or log into your XPPen account.
- Certify your purchase’s serial number.
- Select a software option, find the activation key of the software and visit the corresponding page to install it.
Important: You can only choose one software, and once it’s activated, the decision is final—so be sure to pick the one that fits your needs best.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawing storyboards, painting landscapes, animating characters, or just doodling for fun, XPPen’s software bundle adds immense value to your tablet purchase. These free drawing softwares are not just trialware—they’re powerful tools in their own right, covering a wide range of styles and skill levels.
From Toon Boom for professionals to ibis Paint X for casual mobile sketchers, this offer makes sure you’re equipped from the moment your pen touches the screen.