Top Choice
Fresco
Runner Up
Photoshop
Best Value
Illustrator
Best Usage
CLIPStudio
Huion Tablets are top-of-the-line tablets for drawing, animation, and other art. It is made for any level of artist, from professional to beginner.
A good drawing tablet is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to launching your career or learning experience with digital art. The next step is finding the perfect software for your tablet and what you are looking to do.
You need a perfect software that is fully compatible with your Huion Tablet and matches your needs. It should have a wide variety of settings and customizable options so that you can get the most out of your experience with the software. Having that freedom should make it easy for you to explore and develop your unique style.
There are many options out there available. Finding the right one for you can be difficult, but thankfully, we have done some research for you to narrow it down.
Read the article below for an in-depth review of multiple different drawing tablet software that is compatible with the Huion Tablet to find what will best suit your budget and needs.
Check out this article on the Top Digital Notebooks.
Key Takeaways
- Most major art software works well with the Huion Tablet.
- The preferred option for the Huion Tablet is Adobe Fresco, but many other applications, especially other Adobe applications, work as well.
- Besides other Adobe products like Photoshop and Illustrator, Clip Studio Pro also has great potential spending on what you're looking for.
- Some great other options, while having their downfalls of either features or price, are Corel Paint and Sketchbook.
What Is the Best Software for a Huion Tablet?
There are many different art programs for a variety of drawing tablets. The Huion Tablet has a few more limitations as to what programs work with it. Even fewer of them work well with the tablet.
However, there are still several great options to choose from. They will still work effortlessly with your Huion Tablet with full access to all of the features and tools you could ever need. Here are a few of the options, but we will be focusing on the top six only today:
1. Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco is made for a drawing experience using drawing tablets or pens. It is an application that while still being free, has access to the world’s largest digital brush collection. The possibilities are endless for any type of digital artist.
The cost, the features, and the settings all make Adobe Fresco the way to go over many other drawing apps to be used with the Huion Tablet. It’s made with tablets and hand-drawing in mind and has the features to prove it.
Key Features:
- Drawing and painting application designed specifically for usage with drawing tablets.
- Hundreds of brushes, colors, textures, and text options.
- Is free at a basic level, but a large variety of options open up if you choose to pay for premium.
- Designed with mobile devices, like tablets and phones, in mind.
User Experience:
Adobe Fresco is designed to be used with drawing tablets like the Huion Tablet or any other interface using a drawing pen. It functions perfectly with a variety of different digital drawing software and is seamless in transitioning between devices.
Adobe Fresco functions exactly as it was made to while being easy to understand and learn. Its cost makes it accessible to all levels of artists until they are ready to upgrade. The large selection of tools, brushes, colors, text, and settings make the possibilities endless even before upgrading.
Which is better Adobe Fresco or Procreate? find out in this article.
Cost:
Adobe Fresco is free at its basic level. There is no additional cost to access or use it on any software. It is easy to access, download, and set up. It comes with all you could need as an artist for free.
However, there is a premium plan available. While Adobe Fresco is perfectly functional in the free edition, the premium addition unlocks many more options. It opens up your access to even more brushes, shapes, fonts, and colors for only $9.99 a year.
If you upgrade even further, you can access both Adobe Fresco Premium and Adobe Photoshop for only $9.99 a month, which will not only give you access to both apps but also increase your storage space from only 5 GB to 100 GB.
What We Like/Dislike About Adobe Fresco:
Like:
- Completely free to use
- A large variety of brush options
- Easy to use and learn
- Designed for drawing tablets like the Huion Tablet
Dislike:
- Cannot customize brushes
Scoring:
Adobe Fresco is an amazing application for a Huion Tablet. It is designed for it, and other tablets like it. It is available for free while being extremely accessible and easy for beginners to understand.
When you are ready to upgrade to the next level, it is extremely cheap to do so while unlocking a large variety of options. For all of these reasons, Adobe Fresco earns a stunning 10 out of 10.
2. Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is, understandably, usually linked to its capabilities as a photo-editing software. However, that is not where its creative possibilities end. Adobe Photoshop is also an excellent option for digital art, such as drawing and sketching as well.
While this application is designed for use on computers, setting it up with your Huion Tablet is still made simple. Downloading an application and synching your settings is all you need before you are ready to go.
Key Features:
- Hundreds of settings and features to make your experience customizable.
- An industry standard application that will take your art to the next level.
- Perfect for a Huion Tablet as it makes transitioning between tablet and computer seamless.
User Experience:
Photoshop may not be specifically designed for drawing tablets, but it works with tablets like the Huion Tablet seamlessly. The transition between tablet to computer is effortless, making your life as an artist that much easier. The settings and features are limitless with Adobe Photoshop.
However, there are some downsides. The biggest issues are cost and user interface. The cost of Adobe Photoshop can be immense, especially if you are new to digital art and just looking to try things out. The price point is worth it if you are willing to invest, though.
The user interface is also sometimes difficult to manage. While the intense levels of customization can be nice, they can also be very confusing.
The interface is difficult to navigate and understand for new and even experienced users at times. This is still an amazing product, and if you are willing to invest and take the time to understand it, it will be well worth it.
Cost:
Most Adobe software, including Adobe Photoshop, comes in at around the same price. The easiest way to get Adobe Photoshop is to subscribe to it for $20.99 a month.
This cost may seem like a lot, but it also comes with Adobe Fresco, Adobe Express, and 100GB of cloud storage, along with, of course, the Adobe Photoshop application
There are other plan options as well, such as just the photography plan for $19.99 a month. The issue with this is that it won’t be very helpful for use with the drawing tablet.
This means the other option would be the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan. This costs $54.99 a month, which, again, may seem like a lot, but it does come with all of the Adobe Apps. This includes over 20 different applications and a large amount of cloud storage.
If you are still unsure, there is a free trial available for Adobe Photoshop. You can try it out for free to test it out with your Huion Tablet to see how you like it.
What We Like/Dislike About Adobe Photoshop:
Like:
- Works well with tablets like the Huion Tablet
- Works with a variety of different devices for easy transitions and interactions
- Variety of plugins for easy, customizable use
- Creative Cloud with Photoshop allows for easy access to all Adobe Apps
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Difficult to learn for beginners with such a large variety of tools and can take a while to learn to use efficiently
Scoring:
Adobe Photoshop is excellent, like many other Adobe applications, thanks to the company being industry standard. However, the learning curve for the program can make it inaccessible at times, and the cost is much steeper than that of Adobe Fresco. This leaves Adobe Photoshop at a 9.5 out of 10.
3. Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are often compared because they are used similarly and cost around the same amount. However, they could not be more different in use or style.
Adobe Illustrator is designed for vector graphics, a graphic design rather than photos and realistic art. It is the perfect application if you are looking for that style over Adobe Photoshop.
If you prefer to do your art with a vector base instead of raster, then you want Adobe Illustrator. It’s perfect for classic digital artists and won't leave you disappointed.
Key Features:
- Highly customizable via its wide variety of settings
- Uses vector-based graphics that make digital art easy for every level
- Connects with a wide variety of other Adobe apps, including Adobe Photoshop, to make transitions easy when needing to adjust or customize within different applications.
User Experience:
Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are very similar when it comes to functionality on a Huion Tablet. Even though they are both designed for computers, they work well with tablet software.
The number of settings and features is impressive, and transitioning between computer and tablet is made easy.
Similarly to Adobe Photoshop, the cost can be a little overwhelming. The other limitation of the application is its reliance on vector graphics, which can be limiting. If vector graphics are within your realm of interest or specialty, however, you will thoroughly enjoy Adobe Illustrator.
Is Illustrator the Best Vector Software for Mac? find out in this article.
Cost:
Adobe Illustrator is the same in cost Adobe Photoshop is at $20.99 a month. This price point allows you access to all features of the app and a small amount of storage.
If you are looking into another Adobe application like Adobe Photoshop that may cost you money, it may interest you to, once again, look into the Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps plan.
Buying Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop separately will cost you a hefty $41.98 a month. The Creative Cloud All Apps plan costs $54.99 a month.
While this may be a bit more, it also comes with a lot more benefits that you may want to consider, such as access to all applications and incredible amounts of storage space.
What We Like/Dislike About Adobe Illustrator:
Like:
- Simple user interface that is easy to understand on Huion Tablets
- Artists who prefer vector art or graphic design will find this more accessible than those who prefer more traditional art styles
- Designed perfectly for tablet and pen usage
Dislike:
- Expensive
- Not nearly as customizable in its settings as other Adobe products
- Not very good for more traditional digital art styles
Scoring:
Vector graphics are not designed for everyone, and it can be a bit limiting to certain artists. The applications are more limited compared to that of Adobe Fresco and Adobe Photoshop.
However, the application still has a highly accessible interface and is easy to learn. This leaves Adobe Illustrator at 9 out of 10.
4. ClipStudio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is similar to Adobe Illustrator in that they are both based on their vector graphics. The large library of options makes layering easy, as you can quickly find whatever you need and place it without having to spend too much time getting all the details right.
It is great for animation, 3D artwork, comics, concept art, illustration, and much more. It has a lot of features if you are willing to take the time to learn them all. The AI features make it easy to add in the minute but time-consuming details of every piece so you get your work done faster.
Key Features:
- Fully compatible with the Huion Tablet
- Many customization features
- Great for tablets due to its amazing sensitivity responses
User Experience:
Clip Studio Art may work well for all kinds of art, but it is primarily used for animation and comic design. The multi-layering, animation, and text features are designed to be used for that. It blends the higher technology aspects of those mediums and blends them with old fashion drawing feel.
Once you get the application set up, it runs easily with a Huion Tablet to connect to other devices. It can, however, be tricky to initially set up.
Check out this article, where compare Clip Studio Paint and Procreate.
Cost:
The cost of Clip Studio Paint is currently a one-time cost of $49.99, $9.99 annually, or $0.99 a month for the Pro version. This version is the most simplistic version of the application, but it still comes with a variety of features perfect for different art and illustration.
The next level of Clip Studio Paint is Clip Studio Paint EX. This version costs $219 for a one-time purchase or $28.99 annually. This is a steep price difference. However, it does unlock many more features for animation and comic design on top of all of the Pro features in addition to that.
What We Like/Dislike About ClipStudio Paint:
Like:
- Complex layering and masking are accessible and easy
- Option for a one-time purchase rather than only being subscription-based
- Best for animators or comic artists
Dislike:
- The learning curve is known to be rough and difficult to grasp for beginners
- Can be hard to set up and download on certain devices like the Huion Tablet
Scoring:
Clip Studio Paint is great for animators or other artists who require a lot of layers for their artwork to be successful. The price point is good and can make the application even more worth it for those it is designed for.
However, Clip Studio Paint is much more limiting for those more interested in traditional art. The learning curve and difficulty of installation also make it difficult to want to take the plunge and get this application. This leaves Clip Studio Paint to be rated 8.5 out of 10.
Runner-Ups
Corel Painter
Corel Painter is a software compatible with Hurion Tablets. It is known for its focus on more traditional artwork. It thrives by acting and looking like mediums such as drawing or painting.
Corel Painter’s main downfall is its intense price point. For the most recent addition, it has two purchase options. The first available is a $429 one-time purchase.
The second option is a subscription-based option for $199 a year or $16.58 a month when broken down. Both of the options come with full access to all of the services Corel Painter offers.
Corel Painter is a go-to application for many professional artists who use digital art. The price point of the application reflects that and also reflects how amazing the application is.
It has an unlimited amount of customization options and hundreds of brushes, tools, textures, and colors. It emulates real-life art textures well through a digital medium.
The price point is the main reason the brand is not highly recommended for Huion Tablets. It is difficult to want to invest that much into an application, especially if you are new to the device or art in general.
It is even more harsh on anyone new to art as the application itself can be very difficult for people to grasp and is well known for being overwhelming to start. It takes far longer and costs a lot, making it lower on the list for the Huion Tablet.
Sketchbook
Sketchbook is a great software that is also compatible with the Huion Tablet. It has beginner-friendly software, making it great for those just starting or anyone looking to switch over. It is intuitive and quick to figure out.
Sketchbook is a one-time payment of $29.99. It may cost money, but it is at a decently affordable price point. This makes it more accessible to new or young artists.
Sketchbook comes with a large variety of brushes and even the ability to create your own brushes. However, its downfall lies in the software’s complexity. It is best for more simple projects.
Doing multiple projects or doing complex layering is not Sketchbook’s strong suit, and you are better off looking elsewhere if that is what you need for your art. The price point may be low, but the features are much more limited than other applications on this list.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best software for your Huion tablet, you’re spoiled for choice. There are great options out there. While Adobe still ranks as the king for all sorts of digital work and designs, there are other options if you want something cheap and good for a beginner.
Just make sure you take the time to learn the system. It’s not always easy to move from one program to another, but with enough focus and patience, it can be done.
Best Huion Tablet Software FAQS
Do Huion Tablets Come With Their Own Drawing Software?
No, Huion Tablets do not come with their drawing software. However, there are many free or cheap options available that are fully compatible with the Huion Tablet.
Is Adobe Fresco the Same as Adobe Photoshop?
While both of these applications are high-end Adobe products great for drawing, there are key differences. Adobe Fresco is designed for drawing and painting on touch devices. Adobe Photoshop leans more toward image editing, though you can do art with the software still.
What Are the Limitations of Adobe Fresco?
The main limitations of Adobe Fresco come from the free version. The free model has limited storage and fewer brush options. However, these problems are reduced when upgraded to the paid plan of Adobe Fresco.
Can Adobe Fresco Do Vector Art?
Yes, Adobe Fresco can do vector art. While it is not specifically designed for it, Adobe Fresco does have a large variety of vector brushes available for use.