MyPaint
MyPaint 2.0.1 is a lightweight open-source painting application for Windows and Linux, focused on graphics tablets, an infinite canvas, brushes, layers, compatibility modes and artwork backups.
What MyPaint does
MyPaint is a lightweight application for sketches, freehand painting and tablet practice. Its infinite canvas, adjustable brushes and layer workflow keep the focus on direct drawing rather than vector layout, photo retouching or a complete publishing pipeline.
Version and platform boundaries
Version 2.0.1 is represented here with Windows installer or portable packages and Linux AppImage. Check tablet drivers, system architecture, dependencies and brush-library compatibility before moving a working project or treating a nightly build as a production update.
Tablet input and artwork recovery
Pressure, tilt and shortcut mapping depend on the operating-system driver and application input settings. Keep artwork files, brush packs and configuration in separate backups. When opening an old piece or switching between v2 and compatibility modes, use a copy first so color and brush behavior can be compared.
Export and color boundaries
Large canvases and high-resolution brushes increase memory and temporary-file usage. Export a copy to the target format, compare dimensions, transparency and color, and retain the editable source when layers or future changes matter.
Maintenance note
Review date: 2026-08-23. The page was checked against MyPaint 2.0.1, Windows and Linux assets, tablet input, brush compatibility, v2 modes and artwork recovery.
Save to your cloud drive
Open the cloud drive to get the file directly, or save it for convenient access on another device.
Quark Cloud Drive
RecommendedSave MyPaint to this cloud drive
Baidu Netdisk
Save MyPaint to this cloud drive
MyPaint 2.0.1 installation and graphics-tablet drawing guide
Verify tablet recognition, pressure and canvas saving with a test file, then build a layered sketch and export a copy while preserving the original artwork and brush configuration.
Before you start
- Use the matching Windows installer or portable package or a Linux AppImage, and verify that the tablet driver is working.
- Prepare separate artwork, brush and export directories and never overwrite the only original.
- Record canvas size, display color setup and target output format before starting a longer piece.
Installation steps
- 01
Install and launch 2.0.1
Run the Windows EXE or extract the ZIP, or grant execute permission to the Linux AppImage. Check the language, user directory and writable settings path on first launch.
- 02
Test tablet input
Draw with a basic brush to check pressure, tilt and shortcut buttons. If the stroke does not change with pressure, inspect the system driver and input mode separately.
- 03
Create an artwork and brush backup
Save a test canvas and an original copy before changing brushes or layers, and keep the only brush pack out of a temporary directory.
Quick start
- 01
Build a separate sketch layer
Use a low-opacity sketch layer and a separate line layer, recording canvas size, zoom and rotation so later corrections do not overwrite the construction.
- 02
Paint in layers
Separate background, subject and details, use alpha locking or clipping deliberately and save stage copies after each major pass.
- 03
Export while keeping the source
Export a PNG or another target format from a copy, check transparency, resolution and color, then retain the editable MyPaint file and brush settings.
Usage tips
- Large canvases and high-resolution brushes can consume significant memory and temporary storage. Estimate the working size before a long session.
- Brush packs and older artwork may depend on a particular version. Keep a compatibility copy and record the imported brush list before upgrading.
- Color decisions for delivery should be checked in the target workflow rather than inferred from one monitor preview.
- A version change should be tested with the same tablet, sample brush and artwork copy before opening the only original.
Troubleshooting and uninstall
Why did colors change after saving the canvas?
Check whether v2 or compatibility mode, the color profile or export format changed, then compare copies. Keep the original and avoid repeated overwrite saves while investigating.
Why will the AppImage not start?
Check execute permission, architecture and required libraries, then try a matching distribution package. Keep the terminal error summary and test file for comparison.
- Back up artwork and brushesCopy source artwork, exports, brush packs and configuration notes, and open the backup in a separate profile to confirm it contains no temporary paths.
- Remove the application and optional settingsUninstall through Windows or remove the Linux AppImage and optional configuration. Keep artwork, brush backups and export directories outside the application folder.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of drawing is MyPaint best for?
It is suited to sketches, freehand painting, thick-brush work and graphics-tablet practice with an infinite canvas and adjustable brushes. Vector layout and full photo editing require other tools.
Why is tablet pressure not working?
Confirm that the operating system sees the tablet, then check its driver, pressure curve, input mode and application mapping with a simple brush before changing smoothing or tilt settings.
What is the difference between v2 and compatibility mode?
v2 uses newer color and brush behavior, while compatibility mode helps older projects and workflows. Open an old artwork copy first and compare before saving it in the new mode.