OpenCanvas for Windows

By PGN
Trial version
User Rating

Used OpenCanvas for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffOctober 3, 2025

As a straightforward drawing program, OpenCanvas Plus 3.0 offers a top-notch brush tool that includes several effects, 22 layer options, and an extensive filter palate. The smoothness of the brush stroke is outstanding and while it works well using a mouse, the program responds best to a stylus and drawing tablet. One drawback is the interface, which has multiple tool windows that crowd the screen and complicate the creation process. The most useful feature is the event file function that offers users the ability to record drawing sessions for step-by-step replay. You also can master advance techniques by downloading and reviewing event files from other artists. If you're new to computer-assisted drawing or looking for a low-cost drawing program, try the 30-day free trial before you buy. But if you need an all-in-one graphics program, OpenCanvas Plus 3.0 will not meet your needs.

What’s new in version 4.5.09e

Version 5.5.18 fixed issues with eraser tool of a pen tablet gets activated while applying Free Transform, malfunction of the layer window preview when duplicating a layer with an image drawn outside the visible area, and saving a JPEG file with "Transparent" being checked did not retain an opaque area information.

OpenCanvas for Windows

By PGN
Trial version
User Rating

Used OpenCanvas for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Explore More

Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: July 29, 2013

Latest update: October 3, 2025

Version: 4.5.09e

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows ME
Windows 2000
Windows XP

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 107,500

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.8/5

10 User Votes

EXCELLENT DRAWING TOOL....
smendlovitzApril 28, 2013
Pros
SATISFIED SO FAR....
Cons
NONE.... .......
Summary
VERY INTUITIVE AND EASY TO USE....
Great little prog :)
desiraiJune 25, 2006
Pros
This is a miniature photoshop. As an artist, I can tell you this is a great program to create paintings and CGs with, especially if you are unable to acquire photoshop, paintshop pro, painter, etc. :). It can be used just like high-end digital imaging products.
Cons
LoL the only part of this program that REALLY gets on my nerves, is when using the crop tool. It ALWAYS leaves extra space around the image after cropping!! Grrr. :P
Summary
I like this software
lzq217December 11, 2005
Pros
all above
Cons
nothing
Summary
This program is great for editing and transforming pictures
matty_h90November 8, 2005
Pros
Well... it had so many graphics buttons to try, and you can zoom right in and still not see the pixels.
Cons
there are too may boxes at the beggining. but they are easy to close
Summary
Beatiful Program
peser_74March 16, 2005
Pros
Este programa es bastante bueno para los que cuentan con una tablilla digital, a los ilustradores les encanta, pero es dificil trabajar con solo el mause, y no se mantiene en un rango de colores pes si pulsas otro el anterior no se guarda...
Cons
No es un buen programa para hacer diseños graficos, solo para ilustrar...
Summary
Excellent drawing platform.
November 24, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
October 10, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Simple to use, and produces great results.
October 9, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Although I sometimes have problems with it crashing unexpectedly about once a month (save often!) this is most definitely my favorite drawing program. The brush engine is wonderful, creating smooth lines and really reacting well to tablet pressure. Although it may look confusing at first since it's so simple, it doesn't take long to figure it out. Once you do, you'll be glad of the simplicity. For those learning to draw/color, the single most useful feature of oC is the event file. On the portalgraphics website, event files drawn by other artists are available for download, which is extremely helpful for learning new techniques. The only thing I would complain about is it takes a bit of extra effort to resize pictures, select/move areas, and layers can't be grouped. These are pretty small issues though. oC is awesome.
A very good & cheap alternative for digital coloring
August 23, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
What I really like about OpenCanvas is its brush engine. It really suits my style... Furthermore, it has the ability to view 'event files' uploaded by other users to view how they did their work. Portalgraphics.net also contains some tutorial to help you start through. A very nice program for coloring.
Nice product
July 25, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
Very nice, but also very similar to photoshop... I use it on a regular basis, but can not afford to purchase it outright....prices are a bit much....but still cheaper than photoshop....at about $500....

Developer’s Description

By PGN

Record and replay your drawing procedure.

openCanvas is a Graphic Editor that has an analog-like quality and a simple or easy user interface. It is extensively suitable to beginners to advanced users. Addition to the basic performances, openCanvas has its unique "Event function" that records and replays a drawing procedure. If you use the "Event" function (to replay the drawing process), it is quite easy to find out how an illustration was created. openCanvas has a simple interface and realistic brush stroke, and various filters, layers, or tones.