Digital art software has become increasingly popular over the years, with several different programs and apps being released to offer users a range of features and tools to create amazing digital art.
MediBang and FireAlpaca are among the popular programs for creating digital drawings and manga. Both these programs are free and offer a wide range of features, making it tough for users to choose which one is the best. The programs are similar since MediBang is based on FireAlpaca.
The main difference between the software is that MediBang is a web-based drawing platform with added features focused on giving digital artists and manga creators more tools to create professional artwork.
While the two programs are relatively similar, there are several differences that may have you confused about which program is best for your workflow. I will break down all you need to know about the two programs while highlighting the differences to help you choose the right program for you.
Table of Contents
Overview
| FireAlpaca | Medibang | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free and open-source | Free or subscription-based between $18 and $60 |
| User-friendliness | Simple and clean interface with a basic learning curve for beginners | Very similar to FireAlpaca with a few differences and a sleeker-looking interface |
| Community | Small community offers basic tutorials, tips, and guides | A strong community with user support and a marketplace to buy and sell resources, along with online events |
| For beginners | Best for beginners | Beginner-friendly but more professional and commercially based |
| Used by professionals | Not enough features for professionals | More suited for professionals based on the cloud storage and team and multi-page project features |
| Supported formats | PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, and BMP | PSD, JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, WEBP, and DCI |
Comparison
To compare these two programs accurately, there are various features you can consider, including a more detailed description of the overview above as well as things such as the available tools, features, and extras.
There is seldom superior software when comparing digital art programs unless you compare vastly different free and paid programs. In many cases, the best program for you is based on your preference and what you want from the program.
These two programs are budget and beginner friendly, and if digital drawing is your aim, you can’t go wrong with either. Here is a head-to-head comparison to help you choose the right one for your work.
Pricing
FireAlpaca is free, open-source software that does not offer a premium version. This makes it a popular choice for artists looking for a budget-friendly option. It also means that the program developers are consistently working to improve the program and add new features and updates for its users to enjoy.
MediBang is free to download and use, making it a good option for digital artists on a budget. However, the program offers a premium version called MediBang Premium, which provides more features and cloud storage. The cost of the premium version depends on the cloud storage capacity you want and ranges between $18 to $60.
User-Friendliness and Interface
FireAlpaca and MediBang have a similarly straightforward and easy-to-use interface that is easy to navigate.
FireAlpaca has a simple interface complete with a basic set of tools and features that are easy for beginners who are learning digital art and design to navigate.
The program has a range of built-in brushes you can use with the Brush Tool. FireAlpaca also has many other tools, including shape tools, a text tool, a gradient tool, a fill tool, and many more.
The program includes various features such as layers, blend modes, filters, and animation capabilities. FireAlpaca also has community resources, including tutorials and online support groups.
MediBang is user-friendly, with a clean interface and easy-to-use tools and features. The program looks similar to FireAlpaca, although it has a more modern and clean look with well-designed buttons and icons. MediBang has a more extensive set of tools and features, making it more suitable for advanced and professional users.
MediBang offers a wide range of brushes and has many features similar to FireAlpaca, including layers, blend modes, and filters. However it doesn’t have animation capabilities, but it does have cloud storage. The program also has plenty of online tutorials and community resources to help users get started.
Community Involvement
FireAlpaca has a small community of users, which includes online support groups and tutorials to help users understand and learn the program. FireAlpaca is open-source, so there is a large team of developers who add new features, bug fixes, and updates regularly.
MediBang has a strong and vibrant community of users who share their artwork and provide support, guides, and tips to other users. The program also has an online MediBang Artstreet where users can buy and sell art resources such as brushes, textures, and presets. MediBang also hosts contests and events to give users a platform to share their art.
Best Use Case
MediBang and FireAlpaca are suitable for beginners and professionals. The programs offer a wide range of tools and features that users can use to create expert-level artwork. However, MediBang offers more advanced features and cloud storage, making it a better option for professionals.
MediBang also has added features such as team and multi-page project support, which allows users to work on projects as a team and easily share works in progress amongst their team or clients.
Supported File Formats
FireAlpaca supports standard file formats such as PSD, JPEG, PNG, and GIF with the capability of exporting files as JPEGs, BMPs, or PNGs.
MediBang supports the same file formats as FireAlpaca with the ability to import three extra file types, which are TIFF, WEBP, and DCI. The program can export the same as FireAlpaca with the addition of WEBP and TIFF, which is better suited for professional workflows.
Tools
FireAlpaca and MediBang offer a wide range of tools, such as brushes, shapes, color wheels, text tools, gradient tools, and selection tools. However, MediBang offers a broader range of brushes, drawing tools, and textures, which is more suitable for artists who want to create complex and detailed art.
MediBang offers a comic canvas that provides guidelines to stay within the confines of traditional comic book layouts. You can also easily add panels in various shapes onto the canvas to create professional comic drawings.
While FireAlpaca is only compatible with desktop devices such as Windows and Mac, MediBang is also available on IOS and Android devices.
Cloud Storage
MediBang offers cloud storage, which is a valuable feature, especially for professionals and businesses using the software. The cloud storage feature is not available in FireAlpaca. This feature allows users to store their files on the cloud and access them from any device, making it a better option for professionals who work on multiple devices.
To access more cloud storage when using MediBang, you need to subscribe to one of the MediBang Premium subscriptions.
MediBang Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Free version
- User-friendly interface
- Comic canvas perfect for manga creation
- Wide range of tools and features
Disadvantages
- Limited cloud storage when using the free version
- Certain features are only available in the premium version
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
FireAlpaca Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Completely free to use
- Simple interface
- Suitable for beginners
- Basic set of tools that are easy to use
Disadvantages
- Limited community resources
- Limited file format support
- No cloud storage
Conclusion
Choosing whether to download and use MediBang or FireAlpaca ultimately depends on your individual preferences and needs. The programs offer a wide range of features and tools for digital artists, and choosing between the two will depend on your individual needs, skill level, and the type of art you want to create.
MediBang offers a wide range of tools and features to create professional artwork, making it a better option for advanced users who want to create complex and detailed art for commercial purposes. The program also has a strong community of users, making it easier to find support and resources.
FireAlpaca is a better option for beginners or artists who want a simple set of tools that are easy to learn and use. The program does not have a strong community of users or cloud storage, but it is still popular for artists on a budget.