best drawing software for microsoft surface pro

And don't worry about mixing and matching hardware the Surface Slim Pen works with older Surfaces. Thanks to most of the above apps having at least some sort of free version, you can give them a try with your pen essentially risk-free to see if they'll come in handy. This is especially useful for quickly filling out those annoying forms that you usually have to type information into. Write all over it, highlight the significant bits, and save it as a new file. Just open a PDF file, and you're given free rein over what you can do.

Even if you have zero artistic talent (like myself), the app is still fun and worth checking out.This fantastic PDF reader and editor is completely free, which is frankly surprising considering what you're getting here. Construct 3D objects and a full scene, throw in some stickers, and share the creation with others. You can use your pen to produce illustrations that are beyond the flat, two-dimensional surface you’re used to.

Microsoft’s Paint 3D app could pique your interests in the capabilities of the Windows 10 Creators Update. I’ve made it the default PDF viewer on my Surface, and you’re likely to appreciate it as well. It’s smart enough that you can simultaneously navigate with your finger on one hand and add some ink with the Surface Pen in your other hand. But far from bloatware, it’s a useful PDF application that makes it easy to annotate, highlight, and add other writing to your files.

If you have a Surface Book, Surface Pro 4, or Surface 3, then Drawboard PDF came installed on your device (otherwise it is $9.99 in the Windows Store). Going with a pro membership gets you additional art tools, templates, tools and cloud storage, but will set you back $30 per year. The app also works with the Surface Dial, giving you greater control over your artistic endeavors. Sketchbook is a professional-level drawing program that’s ideal for graphics pros or anyone who needs more power than a simple tool like Fresh Paint offers. When it comes to apps that are purpose-built for graphic artists and designers, you can count on Autodesk. The Windows Store app is free to try, or $3.99 for the full version.

Best drawing software for microsoft surface pro