Sketchbook
One of the most popular sketching apps for Android is the aptly named Sketchbook from Autodesk. This app has been a staple in the sketching community for nearly a decade, boasting a plethora of updates and features that cater to both novice and professional artists. Sketchbook offers a multitude of brushes and writing utensils, layers for blending, extensive customization options, and a minimal interface that lets you focus on your art rather than the app itself.
Sketchbook is free to try with a few premium in-app purchases available for those who want to unlock additional features.
Penup
Don’t let the developer fool you; Samsung’s Penup app is an excellent sketching app that’s available for more than just Samsung Galaxy devices. Initially launched to showcase Galaxy Note sketches, Penup has evolved into a quiet social media site for artists who enjoy sketching on their phones. The app is fully featured with numerous customization options, brush styles, and a built-in social sharing feature that allows you to share your work with the world and browse other artists' creations.
Best of all, Penup is completely free with no in-app purchases. It’s available on most Android devices and Windows, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Concepts
Concepts is a flexible app that allows you to dive into sketching and creating with a comprehensive suite of features. This app has carved out a niche across multiple industries, including professional settings, school systems, and casual users. The Concepts app offers an infinite drawing canvas, layer drawing, a variety of tools and brushes, professional color wheels, and basic export features.
While Concepts is free to use with many features, there are options for subscriptions or one-time purchases to access additional pro features and tools. This flexible pricing scheme, combined with its cross-platform availability, makes Concepts an excellent digital sketchbook for both beginners and professionals.
Microsoft Whiteboard
If you’re a creative type who loves to draw and sketch out ideas, Microsoft Whiteboard might be a tough sell. However, if you appreciate sketchbooks for their planning and productivity capabilities, Whiteboard is an excellent tool to add to your phone. The app allows you to create canvases for professional projects, weekend plans, thought boards, new product designs, and more.
You can draw on the canvas, attach sticky notes, make flow charts, add pictures and emojis, collaborate with other users, and more. While it’s significantly more featured than a standard sketching app, it’s perfect for those looking to organize their thoughts efficiently. Whiteboard is available for Microsoft Office 365 subscribers.
Infinite Painter
If you’re looking for something with a simple UI but a ton of features, Infinite Painter is an excellent choice. This app features hundreds of included brushes and tools, making it a versatile option for artists of all levels.