OpenCanvas : free software for digital art

By Kelly | January 7, 2008

OpenCanvas : Intro

“OpenCanvas” is digital art software by PortalGraphics. You can buy the latest version from their website, but the v1.1 beta is freeware. It’s immensely helpful if you’ve got a graphics tablet for drawing, but otherwise getting into digital art has never been cheaper!

OC v1.1 beta features:
1. Free!
2. Use layers with different modes
3. Various customizable tools
4. Connect online and draw with friends
5. Save and share animations of drawings

The downsides are that it’s pretty limited compared to a big software package like Photoshop, it has a few quirks and bugs, and requires Windows in order to run.

Using OC

First, download the program file here.

After opening the program, don’t freak out! It defaults to Japanese language and may look like gibberish. Choose the last option on the top bar, and select ‘English’.
Now things will become clearer, and you can start painting!

For a detailed explanation of all the tools and features, check this tutorial.

To see some examples of art made in OC 1.1, check the videos anthro horse demo and cute vixen demo.

Good luck and happy drawing!