SpeedyPainter is a lightweight, free, OpenGL-based painting application designed for Windows. It offers a simple and intuitive interface that’s perfect for both beginners and professionals. One of its key features is the support for Wacom digitizers, which allows users to vary the size and opacity of brush strokes according to the pressure applied with the pen. This makes SpeedyPainter an excellent choice for digital artists who rely on precision and natural brush control.
Key Features of SpeedyPainter:
- Reference View: SpeedyPainter provides a unique reference view that replicates the movements of the canvas. This means that while you work on a particular portion of the image, the reference view stays aligned with your canvas, allowing you to maintain focus on the specific area of your artwork.
- Video Export of Drawing Process: One of SpeedyPainter's standout features is its ability to export your drawing process into an AVI video file, which is perfect for creating time-lapse videos to share on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. The video export dialog even allows you to choose between various formats and codecs, with the Xvid codec recommended for optimal quality and file size balance.
- Multiple Layers: The program supports multiple layers, giving users flexibility in creating complex artwork. Layers can be managed independently, allowing for easier editing and adjustments.
- Pen Pressure Sensitivity: For users with Wacom-enabled tablets, such as the ASUS VivoTab Note 8, SpeedyPainter allows variation in stroke size and opacity based on pen pressure. To fully utilize these features, installing the Wacom feel driver is recommended.
- Replay and Import/Export of Drawing Process: You can replay your entire drawing process and even import or export it. This feature is useful for analyzing your workflow, teaching purposes, or sharing your creative process with others.
- Rich Brush Engine: SpeedyPainter offers a highly customizable brush engine, allowing you to tweak settings such as texture, color dynamics, scattering, size, and angle jitter. You can create detailed and dynamic strokes tailored to your artistic needs.
- Image Format Support: The software supports loading and saving of various image formats, including JPG, PNG, TIF, TGA, and DDS, making it versatile in handling different types of artwork files.
- Canvas Manipulation: SpeedyPainter offers tools to rotate the canvas or flip it horizontally, providing flexibility in adjusting your workspace. This is especially useful when working on symmetrical images or patterns.
- Selection Mask: The selection mask feature allows you to isolate and work on specific parts of the image without affecting the rest of the canvas.
- Image Cropping: SpeedyPainter provides a cropping tool that lets you resize and adjust the canvas area to your desired dimensions, which is helpful for refining compositions.
- Perspective Grid Overlay: For artists who want to maintain accurate proportions and perspective, SpeedyPainter offers a perspective grid overlay, aiding in drawing complex scenes or architectural designs.
- Brush Library: The brush library allows users to choose from a variety of pre-loaded brushes, import new brushes, and even define custom brushes for unique artistic effects.
- Mirror Tool: The mirror tool is an excellent feature for creating symmetrical designs, such as faces or mandala patterns. It allows horizontal mirroring and radial repetitions, perfect for achieving balance and symmetry in artwork.
Ideal for Artists and Hobbyists: SpeedyPainter is designed for artists looking for a free yet powerful painting software. Whether you want to create intricate digital art, replay your creative process, or produce time-lapse videos for social media, SpeedyPainter offers the essential tools and functionalities needed to bring your ideas to life.
With its extensive features, including multi-layer support, a customizable brush engine, and Wacom tablet integration, SpeedyPainter stands out as an efficient and capable tool for digital artists. Its lightweight nature, combined with powerful tools, makes it accessible to both novices and professionals looking for a reliable painting program.
If you're seeking an intuitive painting program that lets you record and export your creative process while offering rich customization options, SpeedyPainter is well worth exploring.
SpeedyPainter - Changelog:
- Fixed text size issues on high DPI monitors.
- Small interface improvements, slightly bigger font for improved readability.
- Improved cursor pointer visibility.
- New brush image 'snowflake_01' with corresponding brush preset 'snowflakes'.