Are you passionate about anime drawing and want to take the leap to creating characters, scenes, and comics full of details? Are you looking for the best apps to draw anime step by step, whether from your Android phone or tablet, or even on paper? You've come to the right place. At Android Guides, we've prepared a extensive and up-to-date compilation with the most effective, highly rated, and useful apps for learning how to draw anime, both for beginners and experienced users looking to perfect their technique or experiment with advanced digital tools.
Below, we offer a comprehensive analysis of each app, integrating the best expert advice, industry news, unique features, and resources from industry leaders, so you can find the one that will truly help you improve as an anime and manga artist.
Why learn to draw anime with apps?
The art of anime and manga It is an increasingly popular and appreciated expression, not only by fans of Japanese animation, but also by those who wish explore new creative avenues. Learning to draw anime with apps has clear advantages:
- Access to step-by-step tutorials for all levels, from the most basic concepts (such as eye design, head sketches, anatomy, poses and clothing details) to advanced color and composition techniques.
- Practice at your own pace and from anywhere, using your mobile phone, tablet or even combining what you have learned to apply it on paper.
- Interactive tools and templates to practice proportions, perspectives, movements and expressions, without the need to invest in expensive materials.
- Community and supportMany apps include galleries, challenges, comments, and the ability to share your progress to receive feedback, motivating you to improve day after day.
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking for ways to perfect your digital art, the range of anime drawing apps is becoming increasingly comprehensive and specific.
What should you look for in an anime drawing app?
When choosing the ideal app to learn how to draw anime step by step, keep in mind the following key aspects:
- Variety of tutorials and levelsIdeally, the app should cover everything from basic sketching to advanced details, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
- Clear visual contentSome people learn better with step-by-step images than with videos. Apps that combine both formats offer a more comprehensive learning experience.
- Interactive features: Tests, exercises, progress tracking, and the ability to draw directly in the app or on paper, following the guidelines.
- Various templates and examples: The more characters, poses, and styles you include, the better.
- Compatibility and ease of use: An intuitive interface and resources that do not require extensive technical knowledge.
- Sharing and export options: Being able to save your creations or easily share them on social media or with friends is a motivating extra.
In addition, it is important that Not all apps on the market are really worth itMany are outdated or offer little or no useful content. That's why we've selected only those that, after a thorough and comparative analysis, They bring true quality.
Updated list of the best step-by-step anime drawing apps for Android
The following ranking was compiled by integrating our team's experience, user reviews, and the latest industry trends.
1. ARDraw – Anime Trace & Sketch: Draw anime with augmented reality
One of the great revolutions in learning to draw is the augmented reality (AR). ARDraw raises the bar for anime drawing apps by allowing you to project guides directly onto paper using your smartphone's camera.
- It works by selecting a model from the gallery or camera and projecting it onto paper, so you can easily trace it.
- Includes hundreds of templates and categories: eyes, bodies, manga, hairstyles, tattoos…
- Support for using a flashlight and maximum visibility in low-light environments.
- Save and share your drawings directly from the app.
- Does not need internet connection once the models have been downloaded.
It is an especially useful option for those who prefer to learn by hand and want to combine the use of technology with traditional drawing techniques. In addition, its interface is simple and suitable for all ages.
2. How to draw anime & color anime
This app is perfect for those who want Learn drawing and coloring techniques for anime and manga characters methodicallyIt features a huge catalog of characters inspired by well-known sagas such as Naruto, Pokémon, Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, among others.
- Lessons organized by difficulty: Ideal for both beginners and intermediate artists.
- Step-by-step guides in pictures, perfect for following on your mobile or on paper.
- Available offline, lightweight (just 7 MB) and without in-app purchases (although it does have ads).
Download it for free on the Play Store and start practicing with your favorite characters from scratch.
3. Drawing Anime: A Complete and Easy-to-Follow Guide
With over 80.000 positive reviews, this app focuses on Teach you anime character drawing techniques in a simple and orderly way.
- Specific tutorials for Draw a female nose, hair, eyes, facial expressions, and different body types (men, women and children).
- Sketches and step-by-step explanation of each part.
- Free download, with ads.
- Lightweight and functional even on older devices.
Although the interface hasn't been updated for some time, its methods and exercises are still very valid today.
4. WeDraw – Learn anime with practical examples
WeDraw is recommended by experts and communities like Xataka Basics thanks to its practical and progressive approach.
- Different levels and categories: Learn from scratch or perfect specific details.
- Includes models and characters from anime, manga, and classic cartoons (Mario, Sonic, Naruto…)
- Step-by-step progression: Each stroke is explained and visualized so you don't get lost at any point.
- No internet required; free download with ads.
Suitable for all ages and devices. It's one of the top-rated apps for improving your technique at home.
5. How to draw anime step by step
This application stands out for its detailed approach to anime character building: head, eyes, hair and basic and advanced anatomy.
- Guides in Spanish and well explained.
- Allows you to draw on paper or in the application itself.
- Lessons covering everything from basic anatomy to gender and age differences.
- Very low minimum Android requirements, making it accessible on almost any device.
- Outstanding rating from the community.
Ideal option for those looking for a progressive and structured learning route.
6. Draw anime step by step: your drawing workshop on your mobile
This app combines Tutorials, expert advice, and practical drawings to help you internalize all the elements that make anime unique..
- Content structured into categories: Beginner tips, animation and cartooning, manga sketching, comic book design, tricks for female eyes and faces, children's drawing, and more.
- Possibility to draw directly in the app or follow the steps on paper.
- Includes coloring exercises and advanced techniques.
- Options to remove ads and unlock all content.
One of the most comprehensive on the market, with thousands of tutorials available.
7. Draw Anime & Manga: Learn with images and visual tricks
This app, although it is in English, stands out for the clarity of your tutorial images, making it suitable for those who prefer to learn visually.
- More than 100 characters and examples of poses, anatomy and clothing to practice.
- Includes boys, girls, children and infants: each anatomy is treated individually.
- Ideal for drawing both in the app itself and on paper.
- Available for free, with no in-app purchases.
8. How to draw anime & manga: perfect your details
The perfect app if you already have some fluency and you want to focus on the perfection of details: feet, ears, hair, glasses, lips, arms, beards, mustaches, pets, weapons and much more.
- Tutorials for all levels, from basic to advanced.
- Allows you to easily save and share your drawings.
- Organization system by body parts and accessories.
- Ideal for comic projects and creating unique characters.
9. How to draw anime eyes: pay full attention to the details of the gaze
El eye He is one of the great protagonists of anime and this app focuses exclusively on teaching you how to master all of his variants.
- Hundreds of eye models, organized by difficulty.
- Step-by-step guides with highly detailed images.
- Perfect for specializing in a fundamental aspect of manga drawing.
- No purchases or permanent connection required.
10. Drawing anime manga tutorials: learn with videos and multimedia content
Recommended for both beginners and those looking to learn with videos and multimedia lessons: face, hands, legs, animals and objects.
- It includes video tutorials and video exercises, a highly valued aspect for those who wish to see the process in action.
- Internet connection required to access all videos.
- Completely free, with ads.
- Regularly updated with new content.
11. iDraw: Anime tutorials & How to draw anime
One of the most intuitive apps for learn to draw your favorite characters step by step or to start creating your own creations from scratch.
- Includes detailed tutorials by professionals.
- Diverse library of characters and styles.
- Easy-to-use interface and no technical complications.
- Free and lightweight download.
Other essential apps and resources to perfect your anime and manga drawing
- paintstorm studio: It stands out for its wide variety of brushes and tools for professional digital painting. Compatible with PSD files and Apple Pencil. Ideal for users who want to experiment with advanced illustration techniques, blending, textures, and effects.
- ibis Paint: It integrates more than 15.000 brushes, 5300 materials, and a streamlined interface. It allows you to record your drawing process and is perfect for both sketches and final artwork.
- Medi Bang Paint: Free and with features that match the desktop version. Thousands of backgrounds, brushes, comic speech bubbles, and a built-in community to share and receive advice.
- Procreate: One of the leading digital illustration platforms, with high-definition canvases, customizable brushes, and professional tools to bring your manga stories to life.
- Clip Studio PaintSpecializing in manga, comics, and webtoon, with a library of materials, templates, and advanced layer management. Ideal for full or collaborative projects.
- Adobe Cool: Noted for its variety of vector and pixel brushes, Creative Cloud integration, and professional export capabilities.
- Bot3D Editor - 3D Anime Editor: Tool to create poses and 3D animations of anime characters, very useful to understand anatomy in different positions and movements.
Key tips and techniques for learning how to draw anime
In addition to choosing a good app, follow these tips to progress quickly:
- Practice basic anatomy before diving into complex details. Correct proportions are the foundation of manga art.
- Spend time on the eyes and expressions: Anime is characterized by expressiveness and variety of perspectives.
- Don't be afraid of mistakesUse the undo function or correct it on paper as many times as necessary. Persistence makes all the difference.
- Share your progress in online communities or social networks: receiving feedback will motivate you and you'll discover new tricks and styles.
- Explore extra resources: Search for manuals, video tutorials, and templates; many of the apps included here integrate them into their gallery.
Apps or traditional drawing? Combine the best of both worlds
Most of the apps we have reviewed allow you to take advantage of the best of traditional and digital drawingIf you want to learn step by step, you can trace on paper following the guidelines or draw directly on the screen. Both methods complement each other and accelerate your progress.
Therefore, there's no need to choose between one or the other: alternate, experiment, and discover what best suits your pace and learning style.
How to start drawing anime if you are an absolute beginner?
- Choose a simple and guided appOptions like ARDraw, Draw Anime, or WeDraw are designed so that any user can learn from scratch.
- Practice simple sketches first: faces, eyes, hair and geometric shapes.
- Follow the method step by step and repeats the same pattern several times before moving forward.
- Dedicate a few minutes a day to practice: consistency is key to noticing progress.
Other recommendations: websites, free resources and community
- drawabox: Free website with lessons from scratch on anatomy and perspective, ideal as a complement to mobile apps.
- Sketchbook: Free practice app to experiment with different brushes and styles, without being tied to tutorials.
- Magma and other collaborative websites: Draw with other artists in real time, share ideas, and learn as a group.
- Zen Brush: Simulates Asian ink brushes, useful for practicing calligraphy and expressive strokes.
The world of anime and manga is constantly evolving, and digital tools have democratized access and learning, allowing anyone to delve into this art form and advance quickly thanks to tutorials, visual resources, and the support of a broad community.
No matter your level of experience or what device you have: there are apps to draw anime step by step Adapted to all needs, tastes, and styles. The secret is to choose the one that best suits your learning style, practice regularly, and, above all, enjoy the creative process. Your favorite character, that original manga, or that scene you've always imagined may be just a few strokes away. Take advantage of all these tools and become the anime artist you've always wanted to be!