The Windows SketchBook app previously locked many of its features behind a premium membership. However, it has dropped that paid tier completely, with its full functionality now being accessible within the app for free. Anyone can use this drawing app’s 190 customizable brushes, rulers, and unlimited layers without paying a dime or even signing up for an email list or account membership. Download For: The digital creations may look complex, but these drawings are surprisingly easy to make and only require you to drag your Surface Pen or mouse in various directions across the screen to render results. Those who prefer more control over their art can also draw freehand while the full spectrum of colors is available to choose from via the top toolbar. Impressively, you can export all creations in Spirality as still images, animated GIFs, and movie files. Every single feature is also completely free, with no in-app purchases required at all. Download For: The ability to quickly switch between traditional keyboard typing and drawing with a finger or Surface Pen makes OneNote one of the best note-taking apps for stylus fans. The various sorting and share options work well for those who want to collaborate with friends or colleagues. You probably won’t be making any high-quality artwork in OneNote, but if you’re just after an app for scribbling down some handwritten notes, it’s hard to beat. Download For: The pen size and color options are easy to access along the bottom of the Microsoft Whiteboard screen. They are also a large enough size for children to interact with without accidentally selecting the wrong function. Whiteboard has some additional line and chart tools and some solid import support for PDF files and images from the Bing search database. The app’s main claim to fame is seamless syncing between devices and an easy link sharing feature, allowing multiple people to work on the same digital workspace simultaneously across multiple Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Download For: Pixel creations can be saved locally as GIF or PNG files or exported to connected LED displays, tech, smart clothes, and accessories like LED goggles and masks. Many major third-party manufacturers of LED devices are supported, such as Adafruit, Sparkfun, and SiliconSquared, while drawing, editing, and exporting artwork straightforward and easy to understand. You’ll need to log into your Microsoft account to download Expressive Pixels. Download For: What sets Sketchable apart is its strong focus on educating and training new users on using the app and making the most out of all of its features. Many high-quality Sketchable tutorials are available to watch directly from within the app. The official website hosts a free comprehensive manual that can be downloaded and read in addition to various artist spotlights showcasing what you can create using just this app and a Surface Pro. Download For: The support for handwritten and drawn content sets Index Cards apart from similar apps in the Microsoft Store app store. This extra functionality is handy for those studying languages like Japanese and Mandarin, emphasizing writing characters as much as reading them. The ability to sync all created cards to free iOS and Android smartphone apps is also great. It’s worth keeping in mind that free users will be restricted to just 50 cards after the initial two-week free trial is over. Download For: There are many editing tools available and some solid support for drawing and handwriting with a Surface Pen or other such stylus. Signing a PDF file with a handwritten signature is a breeze. Download For: For example, the first few levels encourage players to draw fire to burn down trees or trigger explosions to clear paths. Impressively, Draw A Stickman doesn’t restrict players and allows them to draw wherever they want on the screen. If they wish to, players can draw fire all over the screen and burn down every tree in sight. Draw A Stickman is a drawing game that’s a lot of fun for kids and their older siblings and parents. Download For:
