In the digital age, the therapeutic benefits of coloring have transitioned from physical books to smartphones and tablets. Among the myriad of options available, Picsart Color (formerly known as Color by Picsart) has emerged as a top contender. But does it live up to the hype?
In this comprehensive Picsart Color app review, we will dive deep into its features, user interface, pricing, pros, and cons to help you decide if this digital coloring app is the right fit for your creative needs.
What is Picsart Color?
Before diving into the features, it is important to clarify that Picsart Color is a dedicated digital coloring application, distinct from the main Picsart photo editing app. Designed for both adults and older children, it offers a vast library of line art that users can color using a variety of digital tools. It bridges the gap between simple “color-by-number” games and professional digital art software.
Key Features of Picsart Color
1. Extensive and Diverse Line Art Library
The core of the app is its massive, constantly updated library of line art. Whether you are into intricate mandalas, beautiful landscapes, anime characters, floral patterns, or pop-culture references, the app categorizes artwork to help you find exactly what you want to color.
2. Advanced Digital Coloring Tools
Unlike basic coloring apps that only offer a “fill” tool, Picsart Color provides a robust suite of artistic tools:
- Brushes: Multiple brush types with adjustable sizes and opacity.
- Fill Tool: Quick and precise area filling.
- Smudge and Blend: Tools to create gradients and blend colors seamlessly.
- Eraser: For fixing mistakes with precision.
3. Custom Color Palettes
Users are not limited to preset colors. The app allows you to create custom color palettes, pick exact hex codes, and save your favorite shades for future projects, giving you total creative control.
4. Active Community and Social Features
One of the standout features is the built-in social community. You can share your finished masterpieces, browse artwork created by other users, like, comment, and even follow your favorite digital artists. This adds a layer of motivation and inspiration.
5. Zoom and Pan Functionality
For intricate designs with tiny details, the app offers smooth pinch-to-zoom and pan capabilities, ensuring you can color even the smallest sections without frustration.
User Interface and Experience (UI/UX)
Picsart Color boasts a clean, intuitive, and modern user interface. The developers have prioritized user experience, ensuring that the tools are easily accessible without cluttering the screen.
The transition between selecting a line art piece and opening the canvas is seamless. The canvas itself is highly responsive, with no noticeable lag when using the brush or fill tools, even on mid-range smartphones. The dark-themed UI not only looks sleek but also reduces eye strain during long coloring sessions.
Pros and Cons of Picsart Color
To give you a balanced perspective, here is a breakdown of the app’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- High-Quality Line Art: The illustrations are professional, crisp, and highly detailed.
- Versatile Toolset: Offers much more than just a basic bucket-fill tool.
- Regular Updates: New line art and features are added frequently.
- Community Integration: Great for sharing and finding inspiration.
- Offline Capabilities: You can color previously downloaded artwork without an internet connection.
Cons:
- Aggressive Monetization: The free version contains ads and frequent prompts to upgrade to Picsart Gold.
- Premium Paywall: Many of the best line art pieces and advanced brushes are locked behind the subscription.
- Storage Space: High-resolution images and app updates can take up significant storage on your device.
Pricing: Free vs. Picsart Gold
Picsart Color operates on a freemium model.
- Free Version: You get access to a selection of line art and basic tools. However, you will have to watch ads, and many premium designs are locked.
- Picsart Gold (Premium Subscription): Upgrading removes all ads, unlocks the entire premium library of line art, grants access to exclusive brushes, and provides VIP customer support.
Is the subscription worth it? If you color daily and want an ad-free, uninterrupted experience with access to top-tier artwork, the Picsart Gold subscription offers excellent value for money, especially if you bundle it with the main Picsart photo editor.
Who is Picsart Color For?
- Adults seeking mindfulness: Perfect for stress relief, anxiety reduction, and digital art therapy.
- Hobbyists and Beginners: A great way to practice color theory and digital shading without the pressure of drawing from scratch.
- Digital Artists: Useful for quick, relaxing projects or testing color palettes before applying them to original artwork.
(Note: It is not designed for young toddlers, as the interface and intricate designs are better suited for older children, teens, and adults.)
Final Verdict
Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Picsart Color is undeniably one of the best digital coloring apps available today. It successfully elevates the digital coloring experience by providing professional-grade tools within a user-friendly environment. While the aggressive upselling in the free version can be slightly annoying, the sheer quality of the line art and the depth of the coloring tools make it a must-download for coloring enthusiasts.
If you are looking to unwind, express your creativity, and enjoy a premium digital art experience on your mobile device, Picsart Color is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Picsart Color free to download? Yes, the app is free to download and use. However, it offers in-app purchases and a premium subscription (Picsart Gold) to unlock all features and remove ads.
2. Can I import my own line art into Picsart Color? Picsart Color is primarily designed for its built-in library. If you want to edit, draw on, or manipulate your own photos and custom line art, you should use the main Picsart photo and video editor app.
3. Does Picsart Color work offline? Yes, but with limitations. You need an internet connection to browse and download new line art. Once downloaded, you can color them offline.
4. Is there a version for PC or Mac? Picsart Color is primarily optimized for mobile devices (iOS and Android). For desktop use, you can access the broader Picsart suite via their web-based editor or desktop application.
Download from Google Play for Android:
Download for Android, click here
Download from App Store for iPhone:
Download for iPhone, click here
