INK brushes for Photoshop [FREE and Premium]
Check out the list of Ink brushes for Photoshop! I gathered free and premium brushes that will help you create digital illustrations that look like they were drawn with real ink!
I’ve decided to gather this list as a part of my “brushes for Inktober” plan. If you are new to the art community and don’t have any idea what I’m talking about – Inktober is an art challenge that takes place during October,and one of its rules is to use ink to create your drawings.
However, many artists create their art using digital media. They still want to join the fun, but many of them feel that they should at least try to create their illustrations in a way that resembles artworks created in traditional media.
So, for those who draw digitally but still want to participate in this challenge, I’ve gathered ink-imitating brushes dedicated to several graphic software:
– PROCREATE Ink Brushes [Free and Premium]
– CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ink Brushes [Free and Premium]
This list is directed to PHOTOSHOP users only *or any software that supports .abr brushes (Photoshop, Affinity Designer, Adobe Fresco, or Artrage)
If there are any alternative versions of the brush packs, I mention that in the brushes’ description.
I tried to be as objective as I can, in case someone has a bit different needs (like for example, comic ink brushes, or some ink stamps). But I have to warn you that I was mainly looking for brushes, not splatter stamps, and definitely not fonts.
I also looked specifically for FREE Ink brushes, and I think I managed to find some good packs. Hope this list will help you to find a brush pack that meets your needs!
*PS. If you are looking for brushes to draw lineart, you can also try checking out this list: LINE ART Brushes for Photoshop [FREE and Premium]
Quick list – INK brushes for PHOTOSHOP:
- INK 40 Photoshop Brushes by Ldarro’s Artist Goods
- The Cartoonist Brushes – Version 1.5 by Alex Dukal
- AD Inktober brushes by Alex Dukal [FREE]
- Ink brushes – by Grut Brushes
- Inktober 2019 Photoshop Brushes [FREE]
- Rusty Nib Inkers for Photoshop
- Photoshop Ink Brushes by MiksKS
- Real Ink Brushes For Photoshop
- Ink Elegance – Photoshop & Procreate Stamp Brushes
- Ink brushes for Photoshop by BrittneyMurphy [FREE]
- 5 SMOOTH INKING BRUSHES by Paintable [FREE]
- 3 Ink Brushes for Photoshop by PixelStains [FREE]
- Kyle’s Bamboo Stick Brush for Photoshop [FREE]
- Inkers for Adobe Photoshop by Guerillacraft
- Super ink brush set by Studio&Story
- Mateu7’s Ink Brushes [FREE]
- Sketch Ink Brush Tool Presets for Photoshop CS5 + (CC) by JBStudioTools
- Comic Ink Brush Tool Presets for Photoshop CS5 + (CC) by JBStudioTools
List of Photoshop INK Brushes
Before you start looking into any brushes, here are some quick infos: I did not create any brushes listed here, I just gather the packs that I think are useful, and provide direct link to the author’s original page where you can find more info and download/buy directly from the author.
I also try to provide a link to the artists’ art pages, where you can check out their creations and follow them.
The brushes are listed randomly, but please keep in mind. that I do tend to list brushes of the artists I already know on the upper list (for example, in the case of Eldar, I knew about his pack before I started gathering this list). I don’t want to suggest that one brush pack is better than the other one – the numbers are here to make the list easier to read. Please look at the whole list to find the pack that you think is the most useful for you.
If there’s a brush pack that you think should be mentioned here, please let me know!
1. INK 40 Photoshop Brushes by Ldarro’s Artist Goods
View brushes (40)
Zipped File Size: 31.3 MB
File Types Included: .ABR, .JPG, .ATN, .PDF
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS5 (and higher), Photoshop Elements, and Adobe Fresco.
I think we can say it’s a tradition for me now, to open the list by presenting Elder Zakirov’s brushes 😀
Briefly, his brushes are exactly what I have in mind when I think about “digital ink brush”. Also, Eldar created alternative versions for different graphic software (Procreate and Clip Studio Paint), which I mentioned earlier in my blog.
Eldar Zakirov is a professional illustrator, cooperating with leading magazines and agencies of many countries, his art is published in the USA, UK, Australia, Ukraine, Russia. etc. You can see some of his artworks here: eldarzakirov.com
The brush pack presented here was created during Eldar’s two years-long work on illustrative series for the dilogy book “Anisotropic Highway” and the number of inner ink-like inner spread illustrations for “Analog” SF-magazine.
The artist’s goal was to create brushes that could imitate the ink strokes as faithfully as possible. In the pack you will find 37 brushes that resemble real instruments: sharp nib pen and flat pen, bristle, round, and flat brushes loaded by ink, ruling pen and folded pen etc. There are also 3 “splash” brushes included.
I feel huge respect when I look at Eldar’s artwork. But at the same time, I feel a bit jealous of his skills – the illustrations painted by Eldar with ink brushes look incredible, and I’m pretty sure this pack will meet the expectations of any artist who has a similar art style.
2. The Cartoonist Brushes – Version 1.5 by Alex Dukal
View brushes (200+)
Software compatibility: Photoshop CS5.5, Photoshop CS6, Photoshop Creative Cloud (CC to CC 2017 or higher)
In this huuuuge pack of over 200, the creator Alex Dukal tried to cover every possible tool and option. You will find here not only ink pens but also brushes for shading! *Oh, and I absolutely love the names of some brushes ” zombie skin” or “brainstorming trash” 😀
Briefly, this pack was created with the idea of imitating inking styles used primarily in comic strips, black ink and washes, but Alex added some other brushes are a great addition to ink brushes. They can be categorized into several groups: clean inking, retro cartoonist, comics, texturing and ink wash.
Alex recorded a presentation of his brushes – you can watch Alex’s drawing process to see them in action. There’s also a showcase of other ink brushes in the second part of the video, it’s a great way to compare their characteristics and see if any of them might be useful to you.
Hey! I found Alex’s official website, and a FREE SAMPLES of this pack! I included the free brush pack in a separate position, below. For other brushes, visit Alex’s official website: alexdukal.com
3. AD Inktober brushes by Alex Dukal [FREE]
View brushes (11)
Zipped File Size: 44 MB
File Types Included: .ABR .TPL
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS5.5+, Photoshop Sketch, Adobe Fresco
Here are free samples from the previous brush pack “The Cartoonist brushes”!
This free version consists of 11 ink brushes. Alex took a small portion of the premium pack and made it available to download for free. In the past, there was a limited time where we could download it, but since the start of coronavirus pandemic, Alex made them available to download again.
So, if this brush pack looks interesting to you, better to download it now, otherwise you can miss the chance!
4. Ink brushes – by Grut Brushes
View brushes
Full brush pack: 500 Photoshop Brushes
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS5 (and higher)
I’ve already mentioned Grut Brushes in the past on several occasions ( for example, in Watercolor brushes for Procreate), and I like the way they provide their brushes. You see, Grut Brushes has created a large library of ink brushes that you can buy separately (not the whole pack).
Here, you can scroll through the library and choose only the brushes that you really need! Each brush has a little animation, to show you how it behaves. Here’s an example of the “Oilynk” brush
If you don’t like this form, you can also get a full pack of EVERY Photoshop brush of the Grut Brushes Shop : 500 Photoshop Brushes. It has the Ink brushes as well as watercolor , charcoal and oil brushes, for only 20$.
*Bonus: if you would like also to test one of the brushes yourself, Grut Brushes has a freebie brush: Free Realistic Photoshop Watercolor Brush
Do you have an Instagram? Follow @grutbrushes for more!
5. Inktober 2019 Photoshop Brushes [FREE]
View brushes (44+)
Zipped File Size: 51.3 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS3 (and higher)
Ihor Vitkovskyi is a digital and traditional artist based in Ukraine, Kyiv. He works as a professional concept artist and illustrator in the game industry. He also specializes in creating photoshop addons and textures.
Here is one of his free photoshop brushes, that Ihor prepared specially for Inktober 2019 event!
In the pack you will find a huge variety of different ink brushes inside, for line art, calligraphy, painting. They imitate a lot of painting styles, from pen drawing – to more like Chinese art. Also, some special effects are included – spray, wet edge, grunge. You will find a few brushes that you will like for sure!
The brush pack is free, but please consider making a donation, especially during the current time of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
6. Rusty Nib Inkers for Photoshop
View brushes (130)
Zipped File Size: 236.8 MB
File Types Included: .ABR, .PDF
Software compatibility:Adobe Photoshop CS6 (and higher)
“Rusty Nib Inkers” is a large pack of 130 brushes created by True Grit Texture Supply. The team focused on providing us with realistic brushes – each brush is sampled from ultra-high-def stroke and texture samples
before being manipulated, combined and fine-tuned to perfection for ease of use and authentic results.
It’s quite an insane amount of work, considering what a high number of brushes this pack contains! Mosty important thing to note here, that the brushes are diverse (not just a copy+settings change of one brush)
Briefly, you will find here such brushes as: Nibs and Tech Pens, Pens, Inkers, Flat Brushes, Sumi-E Brushes and Ink Washes and Watercolors.
*True Grit Texture Supply has some freebies that you can download from their website! You can find them here: FREE STUFF. Also, check out their Instagram: @truegrittexturesupply
7. Photoshop Ink Brushes by MiksKS
View brushes (36+)
Zipped File Size: 97.2 MB
File Types Included: .ABR, .JPG
Software compatibility:Adobe Photoshop CS5 (and higher)
Are you familiar with Chinese Ink? If you are looking for a brush imitating its characteristics, check out this pack!
Chinese ink, also known as Indian ink s used in oriental art, such as Chinese painting, but it’s also loved and commonly used by cartoonists, calligraphists, designers, illustrators, and tattooists for its ability to create fine lines and precise strokes.
MiksKS created this brush set from real China ink samples, that have been scanned and transformed into brushes for a more realistic result. It consists o 36 brushes that can be grouped into 3 categories: regular brushes (for ink sketches and illustrations), ink washes, and ink stains stamps.
As a bonus, MiksKS included also 5 bonus paper textures!
8. Real Ink Brushes For Photoshop
View brushes (15)
Zipped File Size: 19.6 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS6 (and higher)
“Real Ink Brushes” pack was created by Eliza Moreno. She’s a children’s book designer and illustrator. Eliza loves experimenting with traditional techniques, like watercolor, graffiti, and gouache, but her main medium is digital art.
The pack consists of 15 brushes, some of them are:. Haze Ink, Texture Ink Pen, Shadow Ink, Splash ink, Dot Ink. It’s a small pack in comparison to others, but it has the most crucial brushes that you might need. I especially like
Eliza Moreno also created an alternative version for Procreate. Also, if you are interested in children book illustration, you should follow Eliza’s Instagram: @elizamoreno.ilustracion
9. Ink Elegance – Photoshop & Procreate Stamp Brushes
View brushes (90+)
Zipped File Size: 269.3 MB
File Types Included: .ABR, .PNG, .ASL, .BRUSHSET
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop CS6 (and higher), Procreate
“Ink Elegance” is a set of 90 abstract stamps created with ink, 20 golden spots and one Photoshop layer style with golden texture.
It was created by Victoria aka Struvictory.art – a graphic designer, who also likes to create display fonts and digital brushes and stamps.
This pack contains stamps, not brushes (as the rest of the packs collected here); So it’s not a pack for painting, but I find these stamps very useful for designing cards, posters, social media posts, templates, etc.
You can see more of Victoria’s packs and designs on her Instagram: @struvictory.art
10. Free Ink brushes for Photoshop by BrittneyMurphy
View brushes (192)
Zipped File Size: 38.1 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Photoshop CC. *Cannot guarantee compatibility with earlier versions of Photoshop
This is the first Brittney’s brush set for Photoshop – you will find here 192 brushes imitating ink!
And the best part of this brush pack is, that it’s free to download and can be used in both – personal and commercial projects! (*No redistribution allowed). You can download this pack directly from Brittney’s DeviantArt.com page.
– I scrolled the comment’s section to see what other artists think about this pack, and noticed that few people had trouble downloading it. To download the pack, you need to have a DeviantArt.com account and log in (it’s free). Click on the “arrow” icon under the image (it’s on the right side). That’s all.
– If you don’t have the DeviantArt.com account and don’t want to join this website, I found this pack available on Brittney’s website: brittneymurphydesign.com (you have to provide your email in order to download the pack).
11. 5 SMOOTH INKING BRUSHES by Paintable [FREE]
View brushes (5)
Zipped File Size: 492.2 MB
File Types Included: .ABR .SUT
Software compatibility: Photoshop, Procreate & Clip Studio Paint
If you are one of those artists who jump between several graphic software, especially Photoshop – Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, this pack might be just for you!
“5 SMOOTH INKING BRUSHES” by Paintable is a pack that contains .ABR and .SUT, file formats that can be imported to several software (.ABR – Photoshop, Krita, Procreate, Affinity Designer, Fresco, Artrage | .SUT – Clip Paint Studio )
This pack is free to download, and it’s recommended for linework, sketches, comics.
12. 3 Ink Brushes for Photoshop by PixelStains [FREE]
View brushes (3)
Zipped File Size: 7.50 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Photoshop
There are only 3 Ink brushes, but sometimes it’s all you need to create amazing illustrations.
Pixelstains decided to try to create his own Ink brushes for fun: 1st is a fully loaded ink brush, 2nd – mimics an ink pen and the 3rd one is a dry brush (Chinese ink style).
Pixelstains brushes are FREE to use both in commercial and personal art. He also does not request credit or backlinking (but if you do, he’ll take it as a kind gesture).
13. Kyle’s Bamboo Stick Brush for Photoshop [FREE]
View brushes (1)
Zipped File Size: 5.8 MB
File Types Included: TPL and ABR files included
Software compatibility: Photoshop CS5, CS6 and CC.
The ABR file is only designed to work in Photoshop CC2018+. For legacy versions (CS5, CS6), install the TPL file using your Tool Presets menu.
Here’s a beautiful brush created by Kyle. It imitates ink strokes made with a bamboo stick.
I admit I’ve never used a bamboo stick for drawing, but this brush certainly has an interesting texture that makes the drawing look like it was drawn with a real tool on paper, and then scanned.
Any other info worth mentioning? Oh yeah – it’s free to download 🙂 You can find Kyle’s illustrations and more info about his brushes on his official website: KyleTWebster.com
14. Inkers for Adobe Photoshop by Guerillacraft
View brushes (84+)
Zipped File Size: 83.68 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop
If you haven’t found the perfect brush yet, maybe you will find it in this pack?
Guerillacraft spent over 500 hours creating all these brushes! Personally, I love the look of the textures that dry brush makes while painting; it’s something that it’s difficult to emulate digitally, and that’s why I’m a bit obsessed with such brushes.
Luckily, “Inkers for Adobe Photoshop” by Guerillacraft has lots of such brushes. “Ink Master Brush” is the first brush that got my attention, but I can see that Guerillacraft went beyond inks, and created even a “halfdry alcohol marker” brush.
By the way, I snooped around and found Guerillacraft’s website: guerillacraft.co – there are freebies to download 🙂
15. Super ink brush set by Studio&Story
View brushes (26)
Zipped File Size: 50.48 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Fresco
If you are looking for brushes that look clean – not the kind of messy dry brush texture, these brushes might meet your needs.
They do have the look of inks, but nothing over the top, this brush pack looks like something I could use for drawing linearts and writing. There are also brushes that we can use for shading. There are 26 brushes in total – you can see each sample on the brushes’ page.
16. Mateu7’s Ink Brushes [FREE]
View brushes (45)
Zipped File Size: 1.25 MB
File Types Included: .ABR
Software compatibility: Photoshop
This is a very old pack created in 2011, by a DeviantArt.com user named Mateuseven – but it’s still being downloaded and used by many artists after all these years!
There are 45 brushes with various textures and from what I see in the gallery, I suspect it’s the first brush pack created by Mateuseven. If that’s true, then I have to admit that Mateuseven did a great job creating these brushes – I scrolled through the comment’s section to see if anyone encountered any issues, and the only issues i have found is that several people didn’t know how to download files from DeviantArt.com. But even such cases, other random users helped them and these issues were quickly solved.
Also, do I need to mention that it’s free? There are no cons in free brushes 😉
17. Sketch Ink Brush Tool Presets for Photoshop CS5 + (CC) by JBStudioTools
View brushes (188)
Software compatibility: Photoshop
The name of this brush pack couldn’t be more accurate – “Sketch ink Brush Tool Presets” consists of 188 sketchy ink brushes, made for organic, hand-work.
Josef (the artist who stands behind the “JB Studio Tools”) created these brushes for himself, since he couldn’t find any packs that met his expectations. He scanned real art materials, edited, made adjustment and tested himself. That’s a lot of work considering there are 188 brushes in this pack!
Briefly, you will find here brushes that imitate: nibs, sketch pens, paint brushes, sponges, calligraphy pens, and also brushes that are perfect for shading. You can find more samples on the brushes’ page.
18. Comic Ink Brush Tool Presets for Photoshop CS5 + (CC)
View brushes (145)
Software compatibility: Photoshop
Here’s another pack created by Josef (JB Studio Tools). Josef dedicated this pack solely to comic inking. There are 145 brushes that imitate: sable brush, sketch pens, calligraphy pens, a variety of nibs, and some other inking effects.
I took a look at the samples, and apart from brushes for line art, there are some brushes that are great for shading – “hatchwork—fine 2” for example. This brush got my attention because I used to shade my comic illustrations similarly.