KolourPaintLinux vs Autodesk SketchBookWindows

KolourPaint as a Linux alternative to Autodesk SketchBook

Updated October 30, 2026

Our verdict

KolourPaint is not a direct replacement for Autodesk SketchBook if you rely on expressive brushes or animation. It is a lightweight, basic raster editor for quick shapes, lines, and simple touch-ups. It lacks the advanced brush engines, layer compositing depth, and animation timeline that define SketchBook. Use it only if your workflow is strictly simple vector-like drawing or basic image editing. For serious concept art, illustration, or character design, KolourPaint will feel restrictive and insufficient. It serves a different, much simpler niche than the professional-grade tools SketchBook offers.

Feature parity25%

License: BSD-2-Clause and LGPL-2.0+ and GFDL-1.2
Price: Free
Latest version: 26.04.3 (July 2, 2026)
Rating: —

Install KolourPaint Website ↗

KolourPaint screenshot — Painting in KolourPaint

What works the same

Both are raster-based drawing applications.
Both offer basic freehand line and curve tools.
Both allow for simple shape drawing (lines, rectangles, ovals).
Both support standard raster image formats for saving work.

What is different

KolourPaint lacks expressive, pressure-sensitive brush engines found in SketchBook.
KolourPaint does not have the same depth of layer compositing features.
KolourPaint has no built-in basic animation capabilities.
SketchBook is designed for concept art and illustration workflows, while KolourPaint is for quick touch-ups.
KolourPaint has a simpler, more limited interface compared to SketchBook's toolset.

Opening your Autodesk SketchBook files

KolourPaint supports standard raster formats like PNG, JPEG, and BMP. Autodesk SketchBook typically saves in proprietary .skb or .sketchbook formats, which KolourPaint cannot open directly. You must export your SketchBook work as a PNG or JPEG from the Windows application before opening it in KolourPaint. There is no native import support for SketchBook project files.

Switching from Autodesk SketchBook to KolourPaint, step by step

Install KolourPaint via your distribution's package manager or Flathub.
Export your existing SketchBook projects as PNG or JPEG files on Windows.
Transfer these image files to your Linux system.
Open the PNG or JPEG files in KolourPaint to continue basic editing.
Adjust your workflow to use KolourPaint's limited shape and line tools.
Save your work in standard formats like PNG for compatibility.

Key features of KolourPaint

Drawing shapes: lines, rectangles, ovals, polygons
Curve and freehand line tools
Text insertion and editing
Color picker for precise sampling
Selection tools for moving and editing parts of an image
Rotation and monochrome effects
Support for standard raster image formats

How to install KolourPaint on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.kde.kolourpaint

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install kolourpaint

Debiansudo apt install kolourpaint

Fedorasudo dnf install kolourpaint

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S kolourpaint

openSUSEsudo zypper install kolourpaint

Frequently asked questions

Can I use pressure-sensitive tablets with KolourPaint?

KolourPaint supports basic input, but it lacks the advanced brush dynamics and pressure sensitivity settings that make tablet use effective in SketchBook. It is not ideal for detailed digital painting.

Does KolourPaint support layers?

KolourPaint has very limited layer support compared to dedicated raster editors. It is not designed for complex multi-layer compositing workflows typical in concept art.

Is KolourPaint free?

Yes, KolourPaint is free and open-source software, licensed under BSD, LGPL, and GFDL. There are no subscription fees or paid tiers.