9 Best Laptops For Drawing

Professionals, students, and budding artists prefer to draw on a laptop than a tablet due to the “satisfaction” that holding the laptop gives. 

Chosing a best laptop for drawing is a wise move.

Professionals prefer to use a laptop or a combination of a tablet and a pencil.

Do you find yourself in the same situation? This post has some suggestions for some best laptops for drawing.

Laptops with stylus pens are a big hit with artists, illustrators, painters, and graphic designers.

Software developers are responsible for designing amazing digital art software with a simple interface and tools that make drawing on a laptop much easier.

You must understand the basic features you will need to create digital art to select the best device. 

You should make a list of the software that you’ll use on your laptop.

If there is no support for a stylus or digitizer pen, a touchscreen laptop will not be able to meet your drawing needs.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? We have a guide for you below to help you put together your list.

This guide includes top-rated laptops for drawing and essential considerations, minimum specifications, and recommended system specifications for smooth performance.

Things to Consider Before You Buy a Drawing Laptop

Graphics: Graphics configuration is the most important specification you should look at when purchasing a laptop for drawing.

Your laptop should meet the highest standards for color vividness, display sharpness, and other specifications to ensure your artwork is understood and appreciated.

Display quality: Understanding that compromises can ruin digital art on the display front is essential. A laptop display with a faster refresh rate is not necessary.

However, you might consider an HD/Full HD screen with a greater resolution and a wider color gamut.

Stylus Support: If you don’t want a drawing tablet, consider buying a laptop with a stylus. Make sure the stylus can be pressure sensitive and has a firm grip.

Display Screen Size: Next is the size of the display. This is important because the bigger the display size (i.e.15-inchOr17-inchThe more you can identify art nuances, the easier it will be.

A laptop with a 13-inch display or larger is sufficient for drawing programs. It must also have a Full HD resolution. Avoid, if possible 11-inch smaller display models.

You can get a bigger screen for your laptop, but that is not a problem.

Performance: Laptops must perform better than the rest to maximize the use of the specifications.

You don’t want to lose your vision while creating a masterpiece.

A Core i5 processor or higher is faster and will not cause lags, so that you can use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and others with ease.

OS: An artist’s laptop operating system is critical. Artists who want to focus on creating amazing results will prefer a user-friendly OS. Windows 10 (all editions) is a great choice.

MacYou gets a variety of resolution options, and the screen’s color vibrancy is well worth it.

1. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Microsoft Pro 7 is a well-known name for buyers who are looking to buy laptops.

To draw architectural models. Students and professionals involved in drawing, re-modeling, and designing require super-fast CPU speeds to fetch and run heavy software or launch apps.

Surface Pro 7 by Microsoft should be your top priority.

Its versatility is certainly one reason. This device is versatile in three ways.

There are three modes: tablet mode, studio mode, and view mode.

If you are drawing in it, the touch mode is best. The tablet mode can be used to view it.

If editing is necessary, you can use the Surface Pro7 pen and touch it. Once you are satisfied with the sketch and have received the client’s approval, you can mail it to them using the laptop model.

This model has many benefits. It’s lightweight and easy to transport.

Although this model has had its faults, many buyers have found positive aspects. However, it is always ahead of the closest competitors.

Surface Pro 7’s 10th core Intel processor comes with an 8GB RAM dedicated DDR4 and an additional 256GB SSD storage slot.

The 256GB SSD slot is available to save additional files and information if the 8GB RAM does not suffice.

The Intel UHD i3 graphics processor gets a boost thanks to the powerful CPU memory for heavy applications.

The additional storage space of 512GB, 16GB, and 256 memory slots space can store multiple downloader.exe files.The storage unit can be used to store game application files. This unit also has a video recording option.

The outstanding image quality of the rear/front camera is another advantage.

This outstanding video quality system is always a smart choice.

A large memory space means that running an exe application on your system will not be a problem.

This is the best laptop for drawing, you can go with.

Also Read – Best 17 inch Laptops Under $500

2. Apple MacBook Air

Apple is well-known for making various products, including smartphones, tablets, iPads, and other devices. Apple’s new MacBook Air is a smart addition for all users.

True Tone Technology is included on the stunning 13.3-inch Retina display.

This MacBook’s TrueTone technology has a remarkable stereo effect. It is impossible to find a similar effect with the audio output of its rival brand.

Apple is also known for its technical specifications. This includes a backlit magic keypad that can understand your search term.

You don’t need to type the whole keyword to search for the results you want.

You will find the search results you are looking for by simply entering the first two or three words.

The Apple m1 chip’s smart intelligence remembers your top search terms.

The updated results will appear in your search browser as soon as you click on any search-related query.

This is due to the Intel Iris Plus graphics accompanied by the Intel iCore five 10th-generation processor.

This graphics processor launches Exe, drawing software, and launches graphics-intensive tasks within your system without any technical disruption.

Your laptop’s SSD storage slot can store a large number of exe files and is accessible in just one click.

The powerful processor instantly retrieves all the large file applications from your system once you click.

It’s also a best laptop for drawing and animation.

You’ll have 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB upgradeable RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.

You can easily install many 4K+ resolution games, plugin installer files, and architectural drawing software programs from the memory space.

It works like a wardrobe, but with a space-saving option to save a lot of exe files.

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3. Microsoft Surface Book 2

Microsoft Surface Book 2 is the preferred choice of users. Many people around the world prefer this particular model.

All of these reasons will be covered in detail.

We spent many hours and days studying different Surface Book models to arrive at this conclusion.

The best thing about the Microsoft Surface Book 2 Series processor is its 1.9GHz speed.

The 8th generation Intel Core Quad-Core i78650U quad-core processor can reach speeds up to 4.2GHz.

A detachable screen is included with the 16GB RAM and 1TB of storage.

The screen allows you to evaluate the image quality you have edited or modeled on your laptop.

Using the touch screen option, you can analyze the image quality of your laptop’s 15-inch (3240*2160) resolution.

The large display screen can be used to analyze the image quality and edit the model.

This model also has a very high graphics processing power, which is quite impressive compared to other brands.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX1060 GPU is the ultra-smart GPU processor.

The graphics card also has a 6GB GDDR5 memory slot that can be used to run large files.

The graphics processor handles all tasks, whether it’s running a game, graphics-intensive task, or updating an architectural drawing software plug-in.

Your system has an SDXC media slot that allows you to connect to USB Type C and 3.0 USB Type-A ports.

You can also connect to third-party devices through this USB port.

You can quickly execute an application if you need to transfer data files from one device to another.

You can connect to the local network immediately using Wi-Fi 802.11 AC port.

Your system also has a Bluetooth feature that allows you to connect with other devices nearby.

The 1TB space bundle will also avoid the ‘low memory’ or ‘unable transfer files due to low storage’ pop-up notifications in your system.

Surface Book 2 Pro is another reason to choose it.

It’s a best laptop for drawing and gaming.

4. Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2

Samsung Notebook 9 Pro 2 is another smart option to add to your shopping list if you are looking for a reliable laptop with a large processor. 

The 8th generation iCore7 8565U processor looks somewhat like the Surface Book 2 from Microsoft.

Marketing geeks think that Samsung launched this model to compete with the Microsoft version.

The laptop version offers huge storage space to store large exe files.

The DDR4 8GB RAM is capable of storing large exe program files.

You can create, sketch, and edit your 2D or 3-D graphic image without a second thought, then store it in large drives.

Quad-Core processors can access your 256GB SSD drive to launch large exe files.

The touch screen of 13.3 inches allows you to easily point out which images need editing after you have created a 2D or animated picture.

The high-resolution image and LED backlight can see the quality of the animated character’s edited animation.

To analyze the image’s resolution, you can use the 360-degree flip-up or fold design.

Take the time to look at it and mark any areas that need to be re-edited.

You can choose to have the graphics reworked if the quality isn’t up to your standards.

You can also launch animation-based drawing programs on your laptop with the quad-core processor’s eight-way speed!

The Intel UHD graphics are another advantage to your laptop, aside from its powerful processor.

The laptop model you choose is wise in many ways. 

Thunder Amp Audio allows you to achieve the best sound effect when running graphics-intensive tasks, game files, and so on.

You can access the touch screen display without having to use the keypad.

This model comes with an Active Pen that is very useful for this purpose.

To edit or draw a drawing in your program, all you need to do is access the Pen.

It’s a best laptop for drawing and video editing.

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5. Dell XPS 9370 with 4K+ UHD

If you are looking for a laptop with a stunning display screen, the name Dell XPS-9370 should be on your shopping list.

For gaming, the Dell XPS 9370 has a 4K+ UHD resolution.

XPS 9370 Dell makes it easy to run 4K+ games like Battlefield:4, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Battlefield:4.

For those who enjoy graphical drawing, the model can be equally useful.

For example, let’s say you want to modify or re-modify a 2D or 3-dimensional image.

To access this software, you will need to have the latest plugins.

What happens if your GPU freezes up or your processor refuses to perform one of these tasks?

All such dangers are eliminated by purchasing Dell XPS 9370.

This is another crucial aspect that you should not forget.

You can run all tasks with your system’s Quad-Core processor of the 8th generation at unlimited speed.

Applications can be made easy with the Infinity Edge touch display.

MaxxAudio Pro adds a unique stereo effect.

You can work comfortably for hours with the carbon fiber palm rest that is included on your laptop.

The Thunderbolt 3512GB PCle Solid State Drive adds additional memory to your system.

This support allows you to connect multiple devices with your laptop.

You can load Windows 10 Home seamlessly using the infrared camera and Operating System.

Some laptops take a while to reboot. After a reboot, the system fails to load the latest version of Windows OS.

This is yet another reason to get this laptop model.

Turbo Boost speeds provided by the i78550U quad-Core Processor release an 8MB cache to your system.

Your 16GB LPDDR3 RAM holds a large amount of applications files. It is the best laptop for drawing 2021.

The 512GB PCle M.2 Solid Drive provides the maximum amount of storage space for your system.

Intel HD graphics with 3840*2160 Touch Screen display allows you to understand high-resolution graphics-intensive tasks on your device easily.

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6. HP Spectre X360

If you are looking for a reliable laptop to run graphics-intensive tasks, the HP Spectre X360 should be your first choice. If the processor RAM isn’t powerful enough to handle heavy programs, users often have difficulty running them.

The 8th generation InteQuad core i7 8550U CPU processor has 1.80GHz, which speeds up to 4.00GHz. The 8GB DDR4 SDRAM is accompanied by a 256 GB PCle SSD, giving you ample storage to complete your tasks quickly.

This capacity ensures that your laptop can handle heavy-duty tasks in your system. The 13.3-inch HD BrightView glossy screen allows the user to see the color contrast in the image resolution when editing or remodeling 3D or 2D applications in the system.

This is another reason to choose Spectre X360. Thunderbolt 3 USB Type C ports come with 1USB3.1ports and one headphone. This laptop also includes the Microphone Combo Jack, a 1USB 3.1 port, and one headphone.

You might have problems running exe programs on older HP versions. This is not the case when HP Spectre is on your shopping list.

Brightview’s glossy screen is vibrant and retains the colors of your videos and photos. The display screen quality may not be as high as that of other models.

Windows 10 Home Version includes an HD Webcam. Bluetooth 5.0 is available on the 802.11ac Wireless Internet. This model also features a backlit keyboard.

The Fingerprint Reader increases your laptop’s security. This laptop comes with a stylus pen that allows you to use the Touchscreen to edit and modify 3D and 2D graphics. This is the priority if you need to edit any animated images.

Must Read – Best Laptops For Video Editing Under $700

7. HP ZBook Studio X360

If you are looking for a device that can run drawing programs, the Zbook Studio X360 by HP is a great choice. Multiple buyers complained that their laptops became unresponsive when they were running large exe files.

Sometimes, a laptop’s processor fails to perform multitasking tasks. ZBook Studio 360 has this added advantage. ZBook X360’s processor memory is the 8th generation iCore7 8750 GHz, with smart 9 MB cache cleaner power. A 2TB SATA SSD is included with the 6Core CPU.

The 64GB DDR4 SODIMM RAM stores large amounts of memory files. It is simple to access them by clicking a button. Additional NVIDIA Quadro P1000 integrated graphics memory supports 802.11ac WiFi.

The 5.0 Bluetooth connectivity includes a 720P HD webcam and backlit keyboard. The diagonal 15.6 inches 4K UHD display screen is 3840*2160.

This same screen allows you to achieve extraordinary image quality when editing, framing or remodeling 3D or 2D drawings. Wait! This is not all: the Zbook X360 also includes 2*USB3.0 cable ports, 1*HDMI port, and 2*Thunderbolt ports.

This model comes with an SD card reader that allows you to store large amounts of the installer.exe. Run files. You can simply click on the files to run them in your system. It is best drawing laptop with pen.

This model may seem to lack additional VRAM memory, which could be a problem for heavy-duty game applications. This system can still run high-graphics-intensive tasks on your laptop.

These large exe files are handled smoothly by the powerful graphics processor memory. You can run heavy software such as 3D modeling and 3D design with one of these powerful GPUs.

A 1-year warranty covers the product. You can file a warranty claim if you find defective parts or the product does not meet the expected buying standards.

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8. HP Envy X360

The HP Envy X360 is a member of the HP family. It’s primarily known for its super-fast CPU and powerful GPU. This model’s graphics processor is popular with gamers who enjoy intense gaming.

This model is a favorite among online gamers due to its AMD Ryzen5 2500U processor. Quad-Core Ryzen5 2500U processor runs at 2.0 GHz as its base frequency. The smart cache cleaning feature of 6MB is an additional advantage to your system.

The 8GB expandable storage is equipped with 2400 MHz. The DDR4 RAM and 256PCLe SSD provide ample space for loading and saving graphics installer files.

The AMD Radeon RX Vega8 GPU is designed to help you run them. You have plenty of options to achieve your goals with the integrated graphics processor.

You can edit animated designs quickly in drawing software, thanks to the speed of both the graphics processor and processor. After editing, you can choose to re-edit or remodel the work.

This is a smart choice in the long term.

It is reasonably affordable to purchase the Windows 10 Home compatible model. Accessing the model is easy. It can be purchased online or in an offline shop. 

The FHD IR Webcam also has 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 4.2, which allows you to connect multiple devices or gadgets from third parties at once.

This model also comes with a backlit keyboard. This keyboard is very useful for online gaming sessions. 

Its aesthetic appearance and feel allow you to draw, sketch and design multiple graphics-intensive tasks within your system. For heavy multitasking, the laptop’s 10.5-hour battery life is very useful. This is the best laptop for drawing and note taking.

9. Newest Lenovo YogaBook C930

The Lenovo YogaBook C930 is the best Lenovo laptop. If you are looking for a laptop with a powerful processor and CPU and a superfast GPU to run exe program apps, then the laptop’s name must be at the top.

The 7th generation processor features an iCore5 7Y54 CPU processor with turbo boost technology of 3.20 GHz. The processor’s top priority is energy-efficient performance.

Dual display productivity is complemented by World-class craftsmanship. This has made it a popular choice for maximum buyers. The Yoga Book C930 also features a portable 360-degree convertible screen.

This laptop is a great choice for anyone who works in the field of design and drawing. This laptop is the best choice for anyone looking to use AutoCAD or 2D AutoCAD programs to draw, edit and remodel.

To access two screens simultaneously, the YogaBook C930 has a dual-display display screen. The digital E-ink included in the YogaBook C930 has a bright QHD display. You can take notes, draw a 2D or 3D image, and redesign the animated figure.

The Lenovo YogaBook C930 should be your first choice. This laptop should always be your first choice, whether you are looking to create animated figures or watch videos.

Many reasons make the visual and haptic keyboards “real.” It has been shown that YogaBook’s previous version had a 22% increase in typing productivity.

For many reasons, the AI-powered YogaBook is very accurate. This model comes with a customizable keyboard that can be customized to suit your preferred language and format.

Most buyers don’t choose the right laptop for them. This can be due to many factors. The problem starts when they don’t find the right model for 2D/3D animations or designing applications.

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What is a 2-in-1 Laptop for Drawing?

A 2 in 1 computer is a portable computer that can be used as a laptop and a tablet computer. These handy machines have touch screen capabilities and full keyboard and touchpad support. 

They can also be used as a normal computer user interface with Windows 10 (or Chrome OS) and all your software. They are great for artists, and all the laptops on my top 10 list for best laptops for drawing are 2in1 laptops.

You may have already done some research on the best portable computer to use for artists and found answers online like:

Which laptop is best for drawing?

• Which convertible laptop is best for drawing?
• Which laptop is the best for drawing?
• Surface Pen is a good pen for drawing on a laptop.

What is the difference between these two types of laptops? There are two types of basic 2 in 1 laptop.

• A Convertible Laptop for Drawing: This design has a keyboard that will open up all the way -, all the way – so that it folds flat on the bottom and out of the way and lets you use just the display screen as a touchscreen tablet.
• A Detachable Laptop For Drawing: A laptop that can be detached completely from the computer screen for drawing allows you to use the display screen only as a touchscreen tablet.

Both offer normal laptop functionality and full tablet usage. While the convertible acts more like a laptop with a stable base and a sturdy keyboard, the detachable feels more like a tablet and is usually lighter and has a much more usable keyboard.

So, if you are more into stability and do a lot more typing, you may like a convertible, but if you plan to use your new laptop more as a tablet, or at least more on the go, you might prefer a detachable – just remember that a detachable only becomes an “attachable” if you don’t forget your keyboard on the desk at home!

Which laptop is best for drawing?

It is my sincere regret that we don’t include any Apple laptops in this list. They are a common feature in my buyer’s guides for the best tablet and artist computers, and I get many props there.

However, Apple has yet to embrace the 2 in 1 concept and does not offer a convertible or detachable laptop. We have two options for the best 2-in-1 laptops for artists: operating system Windows 10 and Chromebook. While Chromebook has been around for a while, many people are not familiar with its meaning.

What’s a Chromebook? And Are They Good For Artists?

Chromebooks are laptop computers that are portable and use different (sort of) operating systems. They are focused on Google Drive and Google Docs, and Gmail. This is cloud computing, not apps and local storage.

Chromebooks are lightweight and often quite affordable. They can run all Android apps, including those found on Google Play. You will have access to at least some of the most beautiful art apps, such as:

• Autodesk Sketchbook
• Ibis Paint
• Adobe Illustrator Draw
• Adobe Photoshop Sketch
• Artflow

Windows computers are still much more popular than Chromebooks and have a wider range of top-notch apps and computing power that Chromebooks cannot match.

Although they are more costly, they can provide significant value for money, especially with the ones featured in our buyer’s guide to best 2 in 1 laptop for artists. 

Many commercial and fine artists believe that Windows 10 2 in1 laptops are the best choice. This is especially because it allows you to access the most popular art programs like:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe Illustrator
• Corel Paint
• Designer at Affinity
• Adobe Premiere Pro

Both Chromebooks and Windows 10-based laptops are great for artists. While Windows is still the preferred operating system, and the software is superior. A Chromebook can offer an affordable, lightweight, and user-friendly alternative that offers full computer functionality and good art software.

This is especially true if you’re looking for a 2 in 1 laptop that can be used for artist work. I don’t think there is a Windows-based convertible or detachable laptop that I would recommend, even though there are many excellent Chromebook 2 in 1, which can be used in a lower price range.

As such, the Chromebooks I am recommending here are all lower-priced models. Still, there are some wonderful top-tier Chromebooks as well – if you’d like to see a wider range of Chromebooks that are great for artists.

How do you find the best 2 in 1 laptop for drawing?

You will find the right unit for you, regardless of which platform you choose – Chromebook or Windows – no matter what platform you use. A serious game is required for a laptop to be considered in my top 20 best two-in-one laptops for artists.

• Excellent graphics with excellent resolution, color fidelity, saturation, brightness, and contrast
• Storage and memory are sufficient to make it useful. This is especially true for Windows-based computers. Chromebooks can store most of your stuff in cloud storage.
• Great performance and speed
• The best pen-to screen interaction
• Creative experience at its best
• Superior material quality and reliability
• Excellent value for money

We’ll be highlighting the top four 2-in-1 Windows laptops that artists can use, ranked from least to most expensive. 

There are also two excellent Chromebooks. You can pick any of these laptops based on your budget and needs. And you can feel confident that you have everything you need for normal computing and creative work.

I won’t bore you with so many options. I will only recommend convertible and detachable laptops that I believe are suitable for artists and offer the best performance and reliability, fit and finish, and most importantly, the best creative experience.

Final Words

If you’re looking for the best laptop for drawing or performing digital art, choosing a reliable laptop model to launch such heavy applications is wise. There are many laptops on the market that can run digital art-based drawing software.

You only need to find the right laptop to run digital art-based drawing software. As a novice buyer, this is not an easy task.

It’s a good idea to look at multiple product lists to increase your purchasing options. Only then can you decide to purchase the product that meets your budget and technical requirements.

FAQ

Which laptops are best for artists?

An Apple MacBook or a Windows laptop can make a great computer for artists. Both laptops can be extremely fast, have incredible resolution screens, and offer all the top art software (from simple to complex and advanced) that you might need.

What type of laptop do I need for drawing?

You should consider the resolution, color accuracy, touch screen, and whether it includes a drawing pen as a factor in your choice. These tips will help you navigate the various available models and choose the best laptop for your work.

Is it possible to draw on a touch-screen laptop?

A COMPATIBLE STYLUS can be used to draw on a touchscreen laptop. The modern touchscreen laptops are equipped with a digitizer layer, which restricts pens to a few. Wacom offers a wide range of compatible pens.

What amount of RAM is required for digital art?

If you have the funds, the ideal RAM size will be between 8-16GB and 32GB. The largest RAM hog on my Mac is Photoshop. Artists noticed that 16GB was sufficient to run Photoshop smoothly and without any distracting hangs.

Are Macs better for artists?

Computer user since 1960s. Windows is more suitable for gamers and games. While Macs have some advantages (especially rendering), the differences between them and Windows are minor. Macs are more visually pleasing and therefore more appealing to artists.

Is it possible to draw on a MacBook Pro?

The Apple Pencil and your finger can be used to draw with the sketch tools. Or, tap the plus sign to access the markup tools. These tools allow you to add text, a signature, or shapes and arrows. The changes you make to your device are visible on your Mac. Click Done to save your changes.