Best Sketches alternatives: apps like Sketches: Draw & Trace

9+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.2 avg rating
9 free apps
Updated November 2026

Sketches is great, but it's not the only option. Explore 9+ similar apps for iPhone and iPad, each reviewed and rated by real users. Find free alternatives, premium upgrades, and hidden gems.

Top Alternatives to Sketches

TraceArt#1

TraceArt by KENICHI YAMAMOTO

Easy Trace Photos and Images.
Editor's Choice
🎨 Graphics & Design
2.1(82 ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
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Transform your smartphone into a drawing tool. Trace photos and illustrations onto paper with adjustable outline thickness and screen brightness. Perfect for aspiring artists of all skill levels.

iPastels#2

iPastels by Norbyte

Paint.Create art.Draw a sketch
Strong Contender
🎨 Graphics & Design
4.7😊(2.2K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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iPastels screenshot 6

This app offers a realistic digital painting experience with lifelike pastel simulation and interactive textures. It allows for precise color blending and adjustable stroke sizes, catering to both beginners and experienced artists. Explore your creativity without the cost of traditional art supplies.

What We Love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🎨 Realistic pastel simulation
  • 💡 Useful for beginners and professionals
  • 🌈 Wide range of colors and shades
  • 🔍 Good blending and smudging tools
  • 🌐 Works on both computer and mobile
  • 🤩 Satisfying and relaxing to use

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
  • 🔒 Limited free features, need to pay for more
  • 🔍 Lack of zoom or detailed control
  • 🎨 Difficulty finding/reusing specific colors
  • 🔀 Confusing layer management
  • 🖱️ Challenging to use with mouse vs. stylus
Learn How to Draw Tutorials#3

Learn How to Draw Tutorials by Lidwien Veugen

Step by step drawing lessons
Worth Considering
🎨 Graphics & Design
4.4(1.6K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
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Master drawing with animated step-by-step lessons and an AR tracing viewer. Explore diverse categories from animals to fashion, or trace your own photos. Ideal for beginners and aspiring artists to enhance their skills.

More apps like Sketches

4
Tayasui Watercolor & Painting
Tayasui Watercolor & Painting
Tayasui Watercolor & Painting
Sketches: Art and Drawing
Free

This app offers a realistic watercolor painting experience with over 20 drawing tools, including wet and dry brushes. It features a tracing projector, precision tools for composition, and robust layer management. Projects are synced across devices for easy access and organization.

Realistic watercolor brushes (wet/dry)Over 20 drawing toolsTracing projector
🎨 Graphics & Design
(5.1K)
subscription
5
Doodle: Drawing Pad
Doodle: Drawing Pad
Doodle: Drawing Pad
Sketch, Paint, Art, Color
Free

Unleash your creativity with a simple yet powerful drawing app. Sketch, paint, and color your ideas on a blank canvas. Save, share, and enjoy a seamless drawing experience across multiple Apple devices.

Intuitive drawing tools and color selectionSketching and painting capabilitiesCross-device compatibility (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision Pro)
🎨 Graphics & Design
(46K)
freemium
6
Mental Canvas Draw
Mental Canvas Draw
Mental Canvas Draw
Drawing in a New Dimension
Free

Explore ideas and communicate concepts in a new dimension with this spatial drawing application. Create on infinite canvases, navigate your creations from any perspective, and easily edit and share your work. It's ideal for designers, artists, and storytellers.

Infinite spatial canvasesFreely navigate perspectivesUnlimited canvases and layers
🎨 Graphics & Design
(674)
free with in-app purchases
7
Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches
Digital Drawing: Draw & Paint
Free

This app offers a realistic and versatile digital drawing experience with a wide array of tools, including watercolor brushes and a brush editor. It supports layers, cloud sync, and pressure stylus input for enhanced creativity on mobile devices.

Realistic drawing toolsWatercolor wet brushesBrush editor
🎨 Graphics & Design
(55K)
freemium
8
NiBoard: Whiteboard Drawing
NiBoard: Whiteboard Drawing
NiBoard: Whiteboard Drawing
Simple Canvas & Sketchbook
Free

This app provides an infinite canvas for drawing, sketching, and taking notes. It offers a clean interface with Apple Pencil support, making it ideal for visual thinking and creative expression for users of all ages.

Infinite canvasFreehand drawingApple Pencil support
🎨 Graphics & Design
(492)
subscription
9
Drawing Pad -
Drawing Pad -
Drawing Pad -
Easy Sketch, Draw, Digital Art
Free

Unleash your creativity with a versatile drawing and sketching tool. Features include a kids' doodle mode, photo editing with magic brush effects, and a digital coloring book. Export your creations to physical products or share them on social media.

Kids Doodle modePhoto editing with magic brushDigital coloring book
🎨 Graphics & Design
(99K)
free with in-app purchases