PaintTool SAI

You draw digitally on Windows with brushes, layers and support for pressure sensitive input.

Version 1.2.5 · Paid · Windows

Looking for an alternative to PaintTool SAI?Compare GIMP, Krita.Compare alternatives

PaintTool SAI is focused on digital drawing and painting. You work with brushes and layers and, with appropriate hardware, can use pressure sensitive pen input. The program is mainly intended for illustration, not for managing a photo collection.

The stable 1.x line and the 2.x development line are different downloads. Check which version you choose and which features are included. SAI has been paid; a trial period allows you to test the operation and your drawing tablet before purchasing a license.

Which software suits you?

Compare PaintTool SAI with alternatives

For drawing, brush behaviour, tablet and pressure support and the way you work with layers are decisive. Try settings with your own tablet before transferring a large set of brushes. A photo editor can also draw, but is not always set up on the same drawing workflow.

Differences between PaintTool SAI and GIMP, Krita
Software	What can it do?	Platform and licence
PaintTool SAIYou are viewing this app	You draw on Windows with brushes, pen stabilization and an illustration-oriented interface. Check the version and support of your drawing tablet.	WindowsPaid
GIMPView this alternative	You edit photos and compositions with layers, masks and expandable tools in an open source editor. The interface and file exchange differ from Photoshop.	Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-3.0-only
KritaView this alternative	You draw and paint with extensive brush settings, layers and animation functions. The app specifically focuses on illustration and digital painting.	Windows, macOS, LinuxGPL-3.0-or-later

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You want to draw with a pen or drawing tablet and look for a painting-oriented Windows app.

Getting started

Download via SYSTEMAX and try the software with your tablet and driver. Buy a license only after the input and file output connect.

Privacy

Your drawings are being processed locally. You decide where to store or share projects and exports.

Good to know

The mentioned version is the stable 1.2.5 line. The separate SAI 2 download has a different development status.

Please note

Test pen and pressure support with your own tablet. A suitable driver is just as important as the drawing app.

Advantages

Focused on drawing and painting Layers and Brush Control Pressure sensitive input with appropriate hardware

Things to consider

Paid license Windows as a platform Version 1 and version 2 have different status and functions

Download PaintTool SAI

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Official download page

Provider’s website · www.systemax.jp

Download PaintTool SAI

Version history

1.2.5

You get the stable 1.2.5 edition of PaintTool SAI.

This download concerns the 1.x-line. Functions from SAI 2 do not automatically belong to this version; choose the right line before transferring an existing character project.

Report a new version

Our verdict

PaintTool SAI is especially worth looking at if drawing is your main goal. The tools are aimed at this, which makes you less distracted by photo management or page formatting. The combination with your own pen and tablet determines how pleasant it works.

Use the trial period to assess exactly that combination. Check pressure, flowing lines and storing layered projects. Also choose consciously between the stable 1.x release and the separate 2.x line; a comparison of functions is otherwise easily misleading. For general photocorrection another editor is more logical, but for illustration this targeted approach can fit well.