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Samsung PenUp adds 53 new brushes and improved drawing tools

Read original on Digital Trends
#mobile-creativity#ux-design#samsung-galaxy

Learn how Samsung is refining mobile creative workflows through software updates for S Pen hardware.

30-Second TL;DR

What Changed

Added 53 new brush types for diverse artistic expression

Why It Matters

This update strengthens the creative utility of the Galaxy ecosystem, potentially increasing user retention for S Pen-enabled devices. It signals Samsung's continued investment in specialized software for its hardware niche.

What To Do Next

If you are building creative AI tools, analyze how Samsung optimizes brush latency and stroke rendering for mobile touch interfaces.

Who should care:Creators & Designers

Key Points

  • •Added 53 new brush types for diverse artistic expression
  • •Introduced Dual brush functionality for complex layering
  • •Enhanced draft syncing and improved overall stroke control

Deep Insight

Background and context from public sources — not the original article. 18 sources cited.

Enhanced Key Takeaways

  • •The recent update, version 3.9.22.23, was released around May 13-14, 2026, and notably introduced an "Auto Select" mode within the Lasso tool for automatic object selection.
  • •Users can now access and customize individual brush settings by double-tapping a selected brush, with a live preview feature to visualize changes instantly.
  • •The application now supports automatic UI rotation into landscape mode and enables seamless syncing of drawings across various Galaxy devices using a Samsung account.
  • •New Export Draft and Import Draft functionalities allow users to save unfinished drawings with a ".penup" file extension and transfer them between different Samsung Galaxy devices.

Competitor Analysis

Pricing Model
Samsung PenUp
Free
Infinite Painter
One-time purchase (after 7-day trial)
Krita
Free, open-source
Sketchbook (Autodesk)
Free
Clip Studio Paint
Subscription-based (often 6-month free trial for Galaxy Tab users)
Key Features
Samsung PenUp
53+ new brushes, Dual brush, draft syncing, auto-select, landscape mode, Samsung account sync, social network, coloring, live drawing tutorials
Infinite Painter
200+ brushes, robust brush engine, lasso tools, gesture controls, clean UI, Procreate alternative
Krita
100+ brushes, vector tools, animation support, layer management, full desktop features
Sketchbook (Autodesk)
Clean interface, symmetry tools, time-lapse recording, easy for beginners, advanced features
Clip Studio Paint
Powerful brush settings, high customizability, seamless cross-device experience, industry standard for comics/illustration, animation
Target User/Differentiator
Samsung PenUp
S Pen optimized, beginner-friendly, community-focused digital art and coloring
Infinite Painter
Professional and semi-pro artists seeking a Procreate-like experience on Android
Krita
Professional artists, illustrators, and animators needing desktop-level tools on tablets
Sketchbook (Autodesk)
Beginners to semi-pro artists looking for an intuitive and versatile drawing experience
Clip Studio Paint
Comic artists, illustrators, and animators requiring comprehensive, professional-grade tools

Technical Deep Dive

  • The S Pen, which PenUp is designed to leverage, utilizes Wacom's active digitizer technology for precise input.
  • Early generations of the S Pen offered 128 levels of pressure sensitivity, with later models like the Galaxy S22 Ultra achieving a significantly reduced latency of 2.8ms for a more responsive drawing experience.
  • Modern S Pens, from the Galaxy Note 9 up to the S24 Ultra, incorporate Bluetooth capabilities, enabling 'Air Actions' for remote control functionalities.
  • The S Pen Pro features an auto-retractable tip, designed to enhance durability and user experience.
  • PenUp's recent update focuses on software-level enhancements, including improvements to its brush rendering engine, the introduction of advanced selection algorithms like 'Auto Select,' and refined data handling for cross-device draft compatibility.

Future ImplicationsAI analysis grounded in cited sources

Samsung will continue to deepen PenUp's integration within the broader Galaxy ecosystem.
The introduction of Samsung account syncing and cross-device draft export/import indicates a strategic move towards a more unified and seamless creative workflow across various Galaxy devices.
PenUp is positioned to attract a wider range of digital artists, including those with more advanced needs.
The significant expansion of brush types, the introduction of a Dual brush feature, and enhanced customization options elevate PenUp's capabilities for more complex and nuanced artistic expression.
Future PenUp updates may incorporate more advanced AI-powered creative tools.
Given that the S Pen already supports "AI Drawing" features in other Samsung applications like Samsung Notes and the Gallery app, there's a clear precedent and potential for similar AI integration within PenUp to assist with sketching and design.

Timeline

2011-10
S Pen initially released with the Samsung Galaxy Note series, establishing the hardware foundation for PenUp.
2013-09
Samsung PenUp app initial release, creating a digital painting platform and online community for S Pen users.
2021-04
PenUp version 3.6.00.15 adds significant features including layer functionality and a dedicated coloring book section.
2026-05
PenUp update version 3.9.22.23 released, introducing 53 new brushes, Dual brush, improved draft syncing, auto-select, landscape mode, and Samsung account sync.
Read original article on Digital Trends

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