krita

Start Krita

$ krita

$ krita [path/to/image1 path/to/image2 ...]

$ krita --nosplash

$ krita --workspace [Animation]

$ krita --fullscreen

krita [Qt-options] [KDE-options] [options] [files...]

--version
    Displays the Krita version information and exits.

--dpi <dpi>
    Sets the display DPI (Dots Per Inch) for Krita. Useful for scaling on high-resolution screens.

--fullscreen
    Starts Krita in fullscreen mode, maximizing the canvas area.

--config <file>
    Specifies an alternative configuration file to use instead of the default.

--nosplash
    Suppresses the display of the Krita splash screen during startup.

--canvas-only
    Starts Krita with only the canvas visible, hiding toolbars and dockers for a distraction-free experience.

--display <displayname>
    (Qt option) Connects to the specified X server display.

--session <sessionname>
    (KDE option) Restores the application to a previously saved session.

--geometry <geometry>
    (Qt option) Sets the initial window geometry (e.g., 800x600+100+50).

Krita is a powerful, professional, and free open-source raster graphics editor designed primarily for digital painting, illustration, and 2D animation. It offers an extensive set of tools for concept art, comic and manga creation, textures, matte painting, and general illustration.

Key features include a highly customizable brush engine with various brush types, full color management support, HDR painting, a layer management system (raster, vector, filter, and group layers), comprehensive selection tools, masking capabilities, and a wide array of filters. Krita also provides robust vector tools for panel creation and text, and a dedicated animation workspace with onion skinning and audio support. It supports numerous file formats, including its native .kra, along with common formats like PSD, PNG, JPG, and TIFF.

Developed by the Krita Foundation as part of the KDE community, it is available across Linux, Windows, and macOS, making it a versatile choice for artists seeking a complete creative studio.

Krita, while optimized, can be resource-intensive, especially with large canvases, many layers, or complex brush strokes. Sufficient RAM and a capable CPU/GPU are recommended for optimal performance.

Some advanced features or very specific workflows might have a learning curve for users new to digital art software. Tablet support generally works well, but specific tablet drivers may require proper installation and configuration on Linux distributions.

Krita primarily uses its native .kra file format, which preserves all layers, settings, and other Krita-specific data. It also has strong support for a wide range of industry-standard image formats, including PSD (Adobe Photoshop Document), PNG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, OpenEXR, and various RAW formats (via Krita's built-in image loaders or external plugins).

Krita's functionality can be extended through Python scripting for custom tools and workflows. Artists and developers can also create and share resource bundles, which include collections of brushes, palettes, gradients, patterns, and other assets, significantly enhancing the creative possibilities.

Krita originated in 1998 as part of the KOffice suite, initially named KImageShop, then Krayon, before settling on Krita in 2002. Its first stable release was with KOffice 1.4 in 2004.

Initially conceived as a general image manipulation program, its focus gradually shifted to digital painting and illustration due to the strengths and interests of its developers and community. This pivot solidified Krita's identity as a dedicated artistic tool, distinguishing it from general-purpose editors like GIMP.

Significant milestones include the adoption of OpenGL for canvas acceleration, a comprehensive brush engine revamp, the introduction of a dedicated animation workspace, and robust HDR painting capabilities. Development is sustained by the Krita Foundation, relying on donations, crowdfunding (notably successful Kickstarter campaigns), and professional contributions.

gimp(1), inkscape(1), blender(1)