What it does
DrawPad is a Windows and Mac drawing editor that mixes brush strokes, vector shapes, text and layered images. It includes templates, guides and editable paths for illustrations and graphics. A free version is available for non-commercial use; commercial work requires a paid licence.
Combine drawing and layout
DrawPad places brush strokes, shapes and text on layers. Its rulers, grid and snapping help align a diagram or a small graphic, while pressure-sensitive input and Photoshop brush imports support hand-drawn work. Templates offer starting layouts for items such as banners and stationery.
The drawing tools include Bezier curves, curved text, a pixel brush and shape construction. Path operations and image vectorization are also listed in the Windows manual. Finished files can be exported in raster formats such as PNG and JPEG or vector-oriented formats including SVG, PDF and EPS.
Licence choice
The free download is expressly limited to non-commercial use. If the illustration is for a business, client or commercial product, use the paid edition. The website supplies separate Windows and Mac downloads; its online help and tutorials cover common drawing and image-sizing tasks.
Strengths
- Brush drawing, vector shapes and text share a layered document
- Guides and snapping help align graphic elements
- Exports include both raster images and SVG or PDF
Watch out for
- The free licence excludes commercial use
- The published manual is organized around the Windows application
Best for
- Non-commercial drawings with text and shapes
- Small graphic layouts mixing painted and vector elements
Sources
- DrawPad graphic design software (Oct 27, 2026)
- DrawPad Windows help manual contents (Oct 27, 2026)
- DrawPad support and drawing tutorials (Oct 27, 2026)