Corel Painter vs Gravit Designer: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Corel Painter and Gravit Designer comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Corel Painter
Unleash your creativity with a versatile digital art studio for painting, illustration, and photo art.
Best for you if:
- • A comprehensive digital art studio for professional painting and illustration.
- • Offers realistic natural media brushes and AI-powered photo art tools.
Gravit Designer
Free vector design application
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.8/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • Gravit Designer is a free vector design application for web and desktop
- • It provides illustration tools, auto-layouts, and cross-platform compatibility
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Graphic Design | Graphic Design |
Rating | —/100 | 78/100 |
| Feature | Corel Painter | Gravit Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 78 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Graphic DesignImage Editing | Graphic DesignUI/UX Design |
Understanding the Differences
Both Corel Painter and Gravit Designer solve similar problems, but they approach them differently.Corel Painter positions itself as "unleash your creativity with a versatile digital art studio for painting, illustration, and photo art." while Gravit Designerfocuses on "free vector design application". These differences matter depending on what you're trying to accomplish.
When to Choose Corel Painter
Corel Painter makes sense if you're looking for a comprehensive paid solution.
When to Choose Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is worth considering if you need a flexible option with both free and paid tiers tool. Scoring 78/100, it edges ahead in our evaluation.
Who Should Use What?
Bootstrapped or small team?
Gravit Designer won't cost you anything to start, which is exactly what early-stage teams need.
We'd pick: Gravit Designer
Growing fast?
Your team doubled last quarter and you need tools that won't break when you add 50 more people. Gravit Designer is built for teams that are leveling up.
We'd pick: Gravit Designer
Enterprise with complex needs?
You need SSO, compliance certifications, and a support team that picks up the phone. Corel Painter is built for organizations like yours.
We'd pick: Corel Painter
Still not sure? Answer these 3 questions
How much can you spend?
Want to test first? Gravit Designer has a free tier to get you started.
Do you care what other users think?
Both have similar review counts. Read a few before you commit.
Expert opinion or crowd wisdom?
Our team rated Gravit Designer higher (78/100). But the community has upvoted Gravit Designer more (0 votes). Pick your source of truth.
Key Takeaways
What Gravit Designer Does Better
- Higher overall score (78/100)
- Our recommendation for most use cases
Consider Corel Painter If
- Its specific features better match your workflow
- You prefer its interface or design approach
The Bottom Line
If we had to pick one, we'd go with Gravit Designer (78/100). But the honest answer is that "better" depends on your situation. Gravit Designer scores higher in our analysis, but Corel Painter might be the right choice if its specific strengths align with what you need most. Take advantage of free trials to test both before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corel Painter or Gravit Designer better?
Based on our analysis, Gravit Designer scores higher with 78/100. Corel Painter ispaid while Gravit Designer is freemium. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. We recommend testing both with free trials if available.
Can I switch from Corel Painter to Gravit Designer easily?
Migration difficulty varies. Check if both tools support data export/import in compatible formats. Some tools offer migration assistance or have integration partners who can help with the transition.
Do Corel Painter and Gravit Designer offer free trials?
Most software in this category offers free trials or free tiers. Corel Painter is paid with potential trial.Gravit Designer is freemium with a free tier. Visit their websites for current trial offers.