Whether you have the soul of an artist or simply want to improve your strokes, today use your mobile phone to trace drawings It's easier than ever thanks to Android apps. Now you can turn your phone into a portable light box or even a tool for projecting images and start drawing as if you were using a camera lucida. The tracing process no longer requires printers or acetates: all you need is a suitable app, a makeshift support (such as a glass or box), and a willingness to practice.
In this article we bring you a very complete selection and Thoroughly documented list of the best Android apps for tracing drawingsWhether on paper, walls, or any other surface, we'll explore popular options, advanced tools, and some lesser-known but powerful ones that will facilitate your creative process in an intuitive and fun way.
CalcaApp: Turn your phone into a tracing projector
One of the most specific and best-rated apps for tracing drawings on Android is CalcaApp, designed specifically for tracing images using a mobile phone. Unlike other more general-purpose tools, CalcaApp focuses on facilitating drawing through image projection.
Among its main features is the possibility of adjust the opacity of images, which allows you to see your drawing with ideal clarity before you start tracing. You can use images taken directly with the camera, from the gallery, screenshots, or even compositions with emojis and text using over 1600 different fonts. In other words, it's a very creative and versatile tool.
Regarding how to use it, the app recommends placing the phone on homemade supports such as glasses, jars, or boxes. If you prefer a wall-mounted finish, you can place the device vertically to project onto the wall. Remember: The app does not project images like a physical projector, but makes it easier to view on the screen so you can trace manually.
One of the most interesting features is its system for removing ads without paying: You accumulate points for every 10 minutes of drawing And thus, you can free the app from ads. It also offers suggestions such as accompanying the process with relaxing music and paying attention to lighting for a more fluid and engaging experience.
CalcaApp is ideal for those looking for a straightforward solution for tracing drawings. without complications and with specific tools for this artistic purpose.
SketchBook: a professional app for sketching and tracing
While SketchBook is not specifically designed for mapping or tracing, Its technical tools allow you to draw with precision from imported images. It is a widely used application by both amateurs and professional illustrators due to its intuitive interface and its wide range of brushes and layers.
It offers features such as Perspective guides, rulers, symmetry, and layout tools, in addition to the ability to import and work on images. This last feature is key for using it as a tracing tool: you can place an image, lower its opacity, and add a layer on top to draw on.
The best is that SketchBook is free And it doesn't require any subscriptions. It's also cross-platform, so you can start a sketch on your tablet and finish it on your computer.
PaperColor: ideal for tracing photos directly
Paper Color It's one of those apps that seem made for those who love simplicity. It stands out for being intuitive, lightweight, and perfect for Draw on imported photos or images directly from the app.
The most useful thing about this tool in the context of tracing is that allows you to import a photo and draw on it on a top layerThis feature is perfect for learning proportions, practicing portraits, or simply starting to get comfortable with your hand following visual references.
PaperColor includes different types of brushes, opacity adjustments, rulers, the option to hand-sign your artwork, and a system that mimics the feel of a real brush. It also stands out for its comprehensive free version, although unlocking all the features requires a small fee.
MediBang Paint: Perfect for comic book illustrators and precise tracing
If you are a fan of manga, comics or just like working with layers, MediBang Paint is one of the most powerful options for drawing and tracing from your Android phone. It's geared toward creating digital illustrations, with tools like brushes, layers, comic book fonts, and pre-designed backgrounds.
Its layered system allows you to easily work with a base image on which add lines, colors, or overlapping strokesPlus, it supports cloud storage, making it easy to resume your artwork from your computer or tablet.
A notable advantage of MediBang is its focus on visual efficiency: you can adjust the opacity of the base layer and work on a new one with all the tools active. It also offers a huge library of resources: More than 800 backgrounds, textures and fonts available.
Ibis Paint X: more than 1000 functions for the most demanding users
One of the most complete apps in terms of digital drawing functions is, without a doubt, Ibis PaintX. Although it is not focused solely on tracing, Its ability to handle layers and its wide variety of tools make it ideal to draw on imported images.
It features over 140 brushes, clipping masks, symmetry rulers, manga tools, filters, basic animation options, and even a time-lapse recording system. This allows for both tracing and continue learning by observing your progress step by step.
Plus, it has an active community where you can share your work or find inspiration. The free version includes occasional ads, but the ad blocker is available for a very low price.
ArtFlow: fluid drawing and high precision for tracing
Art Flow has been one of the most highly rated apps on Android for artistic drawing for years. With 80+ brushes, layer support, and a smooth interface, is perfect for those looking for an experience similar to drawing on paper but with all the advantages of the digital environment.
One of its advantages is its precise support for pressure-sensitive styluses (such as the Samsung S-Pen), which greatly improves the experience when tracing over an image. It also supports resolutions up to 4096x4096 pixels and PSD export for later editing drawings in Photoshop.
ArtFlow is free to download and allows you to unlock advanced features through a one-time in-app purchase.
Infinite Painter: Perspective Art Design and Advanced Tracing
Another great option is Infinite painter, aimed at artists and designers looking for a robust yet elegant app. It includes over 160 customizable brushes, the ability to create new ones, masks, blending modes, and perspective guides.
What makes it perfect for tracing is its layer system and clean interface. You can import images as a base, adjust transparency, and draw over them without losing visual quality. It also includes advanced tools for creating visual effects and making precise adjustments.
Infinite Painter has a free version, but to unlock its full arsenal you'll need to pay. Still, The free version already offers a lot of value for digital artists..
Sketchar: Trace with augmented reality step by step
Sketchar is a brilliant alternative if you want to take tracing to the next level. It uses your phone's camera to view the paper through the screen and trace what appears on it. Just like a digital camera lucida.
This app is specially designed for learn to draw through guided tracing: Step-by-step, with difficulty levels and multiple styles. You can start by drawing flowers, anime characters, or realistic portraits with the help of augmented reality.
In addition, Sketchar offers interactive lessons and a community where you can share your progress. It's ideal if you're looking for a educational and gamified experience of the dibujo.
DrawBy, ZEN Brush and other interesting options
In addition to all the applications mentioned above, it is also worth highlighting some more specific options:
- DrawBy: An app developed by a drawing school with step-by-step lessons for mastering complex techniques right from your phone. Useful for perfecting anatomical, architectural, and nature skills.
- Zen Brush: Focused on oriental drawing and calligraphy, it offers a distinct experience with brushes that mimic ink on rice paper. It's highly inspiring for more expressive and minimalist work.
- WeDraw: Designed for children or beginners, it allows you to trace famous characters such as Mario, Naruto or Sonic with basic steps.
- FlipaClip: an app more focused on animation, where you can also trace image by image to create realistic movements.
Thanks to the wide range of tracing apps on Android, today any user with a little interest can start improving their technique with visual aids. The most important thing is not the app itself, but rather being consistent, wanting to practice, and having visual support that helps you understand proportions, shapes, and lights..
Whether you are just starting out or are already comfortable with a pencil, tools like CalcaApp, SketchBook or MediBang Paint will allow you to enjoy the process of learning to draw moreThere are no more excuses: with your Android in hand and these apps, you can start tracing drawings, learn, make mistakes, and discover your artistic style from wherever you want and at your own pace.