Don't want to see articles from a certain category? When logged in, go to your User Settings and adjust your feed in the Content Preferences section where you can block tags!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

FOSS painting program Krita now has the Linux version on Steam

By - | Views: 15,693

Okay, not exactly gaming news but good to see anyway. Krita, the high quality FOSS painting program now has a Linux version available on Steam.

They made a bit of a splash about releasing the Linux version on Steam too, in their announcement they mentioned how they're proud of it being "free, open source and community-driven software" with the Steam release meant as another direct way to support the development since it requires a purchase. Note: The Krita team did send GamingOnLinux a copy.

I think this part of the announcement was my favourite bit:

Linux is part of our roots, and we're passionate about Linux as a platform for everybody--from professionals, to students, to everyday people. Whether you're a programmer, a musician, a gamer, or an artist, Linux belongs to all of us. We love Linux, and we're happy to support Linux as a first-class platform on Steam.

As for the application itself, it really is good. There's times I'm actually amazed at how far Linux and open source software has come in the last few years. I can right now plug in our Wacom drawing tablet (Wacom K100981 Intuos S), Linux will instantly pick it up. If you have more than one monitor, there's a really small bit of configuration you need to do to lock the Wacom tablet to one monitor, otherwise the drawing area is spread across them all by default making it tricky but even that was really easy to do.

Then I can begin drawing an absolute masterpiece in Krita right away:

Don't give up my day job—right?

Great to see this happen on Steam, even if it's available elsewhere it's nice to have more ways to support developers doing such fantastic tools like this that support Linux. It's all about familiarity too, if a long-time Windows user always grabs it from Steam and they want to try Linux, having things like this right where they're used to can really help.

Find it on Steam or from the official site.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
20 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
14 comments
Page: 1/2»
  Go to:

lucinos Sep 12, 2019
What puzzles me for many years, is why there is no "linux store" for user, __not system__, software. It is not like we really need all this software to be in the system, in which case the distro software manager needs to know about it. Why we need steam to do the obvious and even know there is not something like it. I do not even see anyone proposing it.

Instead we see overengineering solutions like snaps and flatpacks.


Last edited by lucinos on 12 September 2019 at 11:14 am UTC
Eike Sep 12, 2019
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Our Curator has been offered Krita for free to give it a test. X)
Nanobang Sep 12, 2019
View PC info
  • Supporter
I've been using Krita ever since I bought my first (cheap Huion brand) graphics tablet, last year. It really is powerful. Makes me want a better tablet every time I use it.

Even though I've installed the version from Flathub.org, I'm going to wishlist the Steam version and purchase it further on down the line as a way to support the app financially.
Eike Sep 12, 2019
View PC info
  • Supporter Plus
Quoting: lucinosWhat puzzles me for many years, is why there is no "linux store" for user, __not system__, software. It is not like we really need all this software to be in the system, in which case the distro software manager needs to know about it. Why we need steam to do the obvious and even know there is not something like it. I do not even see anyone proposing it.

I don't see what I'm missing. The package manager of your choice offers you plentiest of applications...
Dunc Sep 12, 2019
Quoting: NanobangMakes me want a better tablet every time I use it.
Same here. I bought a (very) cheap one a few years ago because I'd lusted after tablets since the 8-bit days, without taking into account that I can't actually draw to save my life. And don't have the space on my desk for it (I'm using a trackball rather than a mouse as it is).

But Krita is absolutely brilliant with it. For all that I actually ever do with graphics, GIMP (with G'MIC) is more than enough, though.
qptain Nemo Sep 12, 2019
Ugh, let's be real, you only wrote this article so you could flex on us with your insane painting skills.
Hopfenmeister Sep 12, 2019
Quoting: NanobangI'm going to wishlist the Steam version and purchase it further on down the line as a way to support the app financially.

Why not send them money via their official Donation page? That way you can support Krita without Valve taking a cut. I figure being present on Steam is mostly meant for people who have never heard of Krita before (or are stuck on an inferior operating system).


Last edited by Hopfenmeister on 13 September 2019 at 8:43 am UTC
Purple Library Guy Sep 12, 2019
Quoting: lucinosWhat puzzles me for many years, is why there is no "linux store" for user, __not system__, software. It is not like we really need all this software to be in the system, in which case the distro software manager needs to know about it. Why we need steam to do the obvious and even know there is not something like it. I do not even see anyone proposing it.

Instead we see overengineering solutions like snaps and flatpacks.
I don't quite get what you're talking about. When I go to the "Software Centre" thingie on Mint, Krita is there (two versions actually, one "native" distro version and one from flathub). But if it wasn't in my distro's repository, and I wanted to install it anyway, I'd want an "overengineered" solution like a flatpak so I didn't end up in dependency hell.

We don't need Steam for something like Krita. But Windows users do, and it would be kind of strange for Krita to go on Steam and not be available to Linux users there; plus if someone wants to throw some money their way, they can buy a Steam copy.
garpu Sep 12, 2019
There are a bunch of brushes and things for Krita to make Bob Ross style paintings. You do need a tablet, though. (Which I don't have.)
Liam Dawe Sep 12, 2019
Quoting: qptain NemoUgh, let's be real, you only wrote this article so you could flex on us with your insane painting skills.
Busted.

Look, I wanted to enter this drawing competition I found on the back of my cornflakes this morning. I mean, it's for kids but I'm only 31.
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.