Not too long ago, learning how to draw meant piles of sketchbooks, broken pencils, and endless eraser crumbs.

Fast forward to today, and the game has completely changed.

Art software has transformed not only how we draw, but how we learn to draw. It’s faster, more forgiving, and surprisingly fun. Even better? If you own an XPPen drawing tablet or pen display, you can actually claim one of six amazing drawing programs for free.

Yes, free.

Let’s explore how art software is reshaping artistic learning—and help you pick the best free program for your XPPen device.

Why Art Software Makes Learning Easier

Learning to draw digitally isn’t just convenient—it’s smarter.

• Undo button: Mistakes? Instantly gone.
• Built-in tools: Grids, rulers, brush stabilizers? All there.
• Process playback: Review what you drew, step by step.
• Layering: Sketch without fear of ruining your masterpiece.

Whether you’re a total beginner or upgrading your workflow, today’s digital tools flatten the learning curve and speed up your progress.

One Purchase, One Free Software

When you buy a qualifying XPPen product, you’ll get to choose one free drawing software license from six incredible programs.
But note: Once you choose and claim your activation code, you can’t change your selection.

So, choose wisely! Here’s what’s on offer:

1️⃣ ibis Paint X

Paired with: XPPen Magic Drawing Pad

If you’re always sketching on the go, this one’s for you.
ibis Paint X is a fan favorite with over 280 million downloads and features like:

• 15,000+ brushes and materials
• Stroke stabilization and symmetry rulers
• Time-lapse recording of your drawing

It’s perfect for mobile creatives and social-media-savvy illustrators.

2️⃣ Toon Boom (Harmony + Storyboard Pro)

Paired with: All XPPen pen tablets and pen displays

Ready to dip your toes into professional animation?

With this special offer, XPPen gives you a 45-day full-featured trial of both:

These are industry-standard tools—used by animation studios worldwide.
Whether you’re animating for fun or dreaming of a career in the field, this is a golden ticket.

• Harmony (for animation)
• Storyboard Pro (for pre-production)

3️⃣ ArtRage Lite

Paired with: Deco Series, Deco Fun Series

New to digital art but love the look of real paint?

ArtRage Lite mimics oils, pencils, crayons, and watercolors beautifully. It’s intuitive and ideal for:

• First-time digital painters
• Younger artists or students
• Anyone looking for a “traditional” digital feel

Pair it with a Deco tablet for a stress-free, beginner-friendly experience.

4️⃣ ArtRage 6

Paired with: Deco Pro Series, Artist Series, Artist Pro Series, Innovator 16

Love the feel of a real sketchbook—minus the mess?
ArtRage 6 is like an entire artist’s studio in one app:

• Realistic textures for oils, pencils, and watercolors
  
• Traditional-meets-digital workflow
  
• Powerful tools like layers, custom brushes, and stencils

Great for both casual doodlers and seasoned creatives looking for depth.

5️⃣ openCanvas 7

Paired with: Deco Pro Series, Artist Series, Artist Pro Series, Innovator 16
Note: Windows only. Not available on Mac.

If you’re transitioning from sketching on paper to drawing digitally, openCanvas offers a gentle, creative bridge.

Highlights:

• Smooth, analog-style brush strokes
  
• “Event” function to record and replay your drawing
  
• User-friendly layout to keep things focused
  

A reliable, no-fuss option for budding digital artists.

6️⃣ Cartoon Animator 4 (12-Month Full Version)

Paired with: Artist Pro Series, Artist Gen 2 series, Innovator 16

Got a passion for character animation or storytelling?
Cartoon Animator 4 lets you:

• Animate characters from static images
• Sync lip movement with audio
• Create parallax scenes and 2D visual effects

Best part? It integrates with Photoshop and other tools, making it a powerful 2D animation suite for all levels.

Final Thoughts: A New Way to Learn

The learning process isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing.

With the right art software, a beginner can create portfolio-worthy work in a matter of months. Mistakes are easier to fix. New styles are easier to explore. And with a tool like XPPen, you’re not just buying a device—you’re stepping into a whole new world of possibilities.

So if you’ve just bought an XPPen product (or are thinking about it), don’t forget to claim your free software—and let it help you learn, grow, and create with confidence.