MyPaintLinux vs Autodesk SketchBookWindows

MyPaint as a Linux alternative to Autodesk SketchBook

Updated October 30, 2026

Our verdict

MyPaint is a strong replacement for Autodesk SketchBook if your workflow centers on expressive sketching and concept art. It offers a distraction-free interface and a powerful, tablet-optimized brush engine that rivals SketchBook’s tools. However, it is not a drop-in swap if you rely on basic animation features, which MyPaint lacks entirely. For pure 2D illustration and quick ideation, it is excellent. If you need keyframe animation or complex compositing, you will need to look elsewhere or combine MyPaint with a dedicated animation tool.

Feature parity75%

License: GPL-2.0+
Price: Free
Latest version: 2.0.1 (May 29, 2020)
Rating: —

Install MyPaint Website ↗

What works the same

Raster-based drawing canvas with focus on expressive brush dynamics
Lightweight, distraction-free interface designed for quick idea capture
Support for pressure sensitivity and tilt on graphics tablets
Layer support for basic compositing and blending
Free and open-source alternative to paid desktop software

What is different

MyPaint lacks any animation capabilities, a core feature of SketchBook
MyPaint’s layer system is more basic, lacking advanced compositing tools
Autodesk SketchBook is now paid on desktop, while MyPaint is free
MyPaint is heavily optimized for tablet use, potentially less intuitive for mouse-only users

Opening your Autodesk SketchBook files

MyPaint does not natively open Autodesk SketchBook’s proprietary .SKB files. You will need to export your SketchBook work as PNG, JPEG, or PSD (if SketchBook supports it) and then import those into MyPaint. MyPaint exports to PNG, JPEG, and OpenRaster. There is no direct file format compatibility, so a conversion step is required.

Switching from Autodesk SketchBook to MyPaint, step by step

Export all existing SketchBook projects as PNG or JPEG files
Install MyPaint via your package manager or Flathub
Import your exported images into MyPaint to continue working
Configure your graphics tablet settings in MyPaint preferences for pressure and tilt
Browse the pre-installed brush packs to find styles that match your SketchBook workflow

Key features of MyPaint

Brush engine with hundreds of configurable parameters
Supports pressure sensitivity and tilt on graphics tablets
Simple, distraction‑free canvas‑only interface
Layer support with basic blending modes
Export to PNG, JPEG, OpenRaster and other common formats
Extensible via Python plugins
Pre‑installed brush packs from professional artists
Undo/redo history with unlimited steps

How to install MyPaint on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub org.mypaint.MyPaint

Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install mypaint

Debiansudo apt install mypaint

Fedorasudo dnf install mypaint

Arch / Manjarosudo pacman -S mypaint

openSUSEsudo zypper install mypaint

Frequently asked questions

Can I animate in MyPaint like in SketchBook?

No. MyPaint is a static raster painting program. It does not support keyframe animation, onion skinning, or timeline features. You would need a separate application for animation.

Does MyPaint work well with a mouse?

It works, but it is designed primarily for graphics tablets. The brush dynamics and pressure sensitivity features are less effective without a tablet, though basic drawing is possible.

Is MyPaint actively maintained?

The status is listed as active, but the latest release mentioned is from 2020. Check the official repository or Flathub for the most current build status before relying on it for critical work.