Corel Painter is one of the most powerful and versatile digital painting software tools available today. Known for its realism and extensive brush library, it’s a favorite among both amateur and professional digital artists. While the full version of Corel Painter offers an impressive suite of tools, many people wonder if there’s a free version available. In this article, we’ll explore whether Corel Painter is available for free, what types of free alternatives exist, and what features they offer. We’ll also dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you make an informed decision.

What Is Corel Painter?

Corel Painter is a professional digital art software that allows users to create artwork that mimics traditional mediums such as oils, watercolors, and pastels. With its extensive library of brushes and tools, it’s widely used by illustrators, concept artists, and graphic designers. The software is known for its ability to provide highly realistic results, making it a top choice for those seeking to recreate the look and feel of real-world painting techniques in a digital format.

Is There a Free Version of Corel Painter?

As of now, Corel Painter does not offer a completely free version of the software. However, there are some options that you can explore to experience Corel Painter’s features for free or at a discounted rate.

Free Trial Version of Corel Painter

Corel offers a free trial of Corel Painter, which allows you to explore the full range of features for a limited time, usually 30 days. This trial version is fully functional, meaning you can try all the brushes, tools, and other advanced features before committing to a paid subscription. It’s an excellent way to test whether Corel Painter suits your needs before purchasing the full version.

Corel Painter Essentials (Free Version)

Corel also offers Corel Painter Essentials, which is a more simplified version of the software. While it’s not entirely free, it is available at a lower price point compared to the full version of Corel Painter. Corel Painter Essentials provides essential features for digital painting and is a good entry point for beginners. While it lacks the advanced features and tools of the full version, it still offers a wide range of brushes, textures, and other tools for digital painting.

Types of Corel Painter Free Alternatives

If you are looking for completely free digital painting software that can offer a similar experience to Corel Painter, there are several alternatives worth considering. While these alternatives may not offer the full feature set of Corel Painter, they are still highly functional and can help you achieve impressive results.

1. Krita

Krita is a free, open-source digital painting software that’s widely popular among both amateur and professional artists. Krita offers a comprehensive set of tools, including brushes, textures, and blending modes, making it one of the best free alternatives to Corel Painter. It also supports various file formats, so you can easily export your work for print or web use.

2. MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint is another free alternative to Corel Painter that’s available for Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. It offers many painting and drawing tools, including a wide variety of brushes and digital pens. It also includes cloud integration, so you can work on your projects from any device, making it highly convenient for artists on the go.

3. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editing software that can also be used for digital painting. While it’s primarily known for photo manipulation, it offers many tools and features suitable for digital painting, such as custom brushes and layer styles. GIMP has a steep learning curve, but it’s a powerful tool for those willing to invest the time in learning it.

4. Paint.NET

Paint.NET is a free image and graphics editing software that can be used for basic digital painting. It’s simpler than Corel Painter and lacks some advanced features, but it’s easy to use and is a great option for beginners. Paint.NET supports layers and has a variety of effects and tools that can help with basic digital art creation.

Corel Painter Free vs. Paid Versions

The main difference between the free trial version or the paid alternatives like Corel Painter Essentials and the full version of Corel Painter is the feature set. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Free Trial Version: Full access to all features for a limited period (typically 30 days). This is ideal for testing the software before committing to the full version.
  • Corel Painter Essentials: Offers fewer tools and brushes than the full version of Corel Painter, but still a solid option for beginners or those with more basic needs.
  • Full Version: This provides complete access to the full range of brushes, tools, and advanced features like color blending, real-time brushes, and full customization options.

For users who need professional-grade tools, the full version of Corel Painter is worth the investment. However, if you’re just getting started, the free trial and Essentials version can still provide a lot of functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Corel Painter for free forever?

No, Corel Painter doesn’t offer a free version for permanent use. However, you can use a free trial to explore its features for a limited time (usually 30 days). After the trial ends, you’ll need to purchase a license to continue using the software.

2. What is the difference between Corel Painter Essentials and the full version?

Corel Painter Essentials is a more affordable, beginner-friendly version of Corel Painter. While it offers many essential tools for digital painting, it lacks the advanced features found in the full version, such as a larger brush library, enhanced customization options, and more complex painting techniques.

3. What are the best free alternatives to Corel Painter?

Some of the best free alternatives to Corel Painter include Krita, MediBang Paint, GIMP, and Paint.NET. These options provide various digital painting tools that can help you create professional-quality artwork, even if they don’t offer the same advanced features as Corel Painter.

4. Is Corel Painter worth the cost?

If you are a professional digital artist or someone looking for high-quality, realistic digital painting tools, Corel Painter is certainly worth the cost. It provides a wide range of features and tools that make it a top choice for digital painting. However, if you’re just starting out or are looking for something more budget-friendly, you might want to explore alternatives like Corel Painter Essentials or free software like Krita.

5. Can I use Corel Painter on a Mac?

Yes, Corel Painter is available for both Windows and macOS, so you can use it on your Mac without any issues. The software provides a seamless experience on both platforms, with all the same features and capabilities.

Conclusion

While Corel Painter is not available for free in its full version, there are several ways to experience the software, including through the free trial or the more affordable Corel Painter Essentials. If you’re looking for completely free alternatives, Krita, MediBang Paint, GIMP, and Paint.NET offer great features for digital painting without the price tag. By considering your needs and skill level, you can choose the right option for your digital painting journey.

This page was last edited on 4 June 2025, at 4:06 pm