Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
ThatPainter
brushes

How to Import Brushes into Krita

Importing brushes into Krita depends on the file type. Use Resource Libraries for bundles, F6 for KPP presets, and F5’s Predefined brush-tip controls for ABR and GIMP brushes.

By ThatPainter Team 5 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To import brushes into Krita, first check the file extension. Use Settings → Manage Resource Libraries… → Import for .bundle packs, the preset chooser for .kpp files, and Brush Settings → Predefined for .abr, .gbr, or .gih brush tips. Extract ZIP files before importing them.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

These instructions follow the Krita 5.3-era interface. Menu names may vary slightly in older or newer releases.

#1 Best Overall
Drawing Tablet XPPen StarG640 Digital Graphic Tablet 6x4 Inch Art Tablet with Battery-Free Stylus Pen Tablet for Mac, Windows and Chromebook (Drawing/E-Learning/Remote-Working)
  • Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
  • Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
  • Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
  • Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
  • Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse

Identify the brush file first

A downloaded “brush pack” may contain presets, brush tips, textures, patterns, previews, or documentation. The archive itself is not necessarily the brush format.

  1. Check the file extension.
  2. Extract .zip, .rar, or another archive.
  3. Read the included installation notes and license.
  4. Look for .bundle, .kpp, .abr, .gbr, .gih, or folders named brushes, paintoppresets, and patterns.

Krita distinguishes between a brush tip—the stamp or texture that makes a mark—and a brush preset, which combines a tip with brush-engine settings such as size, spacing, opacity, and pressure behavior. Importing a tip does not automatically create a finished preset. See the Krita brush-loading documentation.

Quick file-type guide

File Import method What you get
.bundle Settings → Manage Resource Libraries… → Import A resource bundle, usually containing presets and related resources
.kpp Brush preset chooser, opened with F6 One Krita brush preset
.abr F5 → Predefined brush-tip tab → import Photoshop brush tips, with possible compatibility limits
.gbr or .gih Predefined brush-tip controls or resource management GIMP brush-tip resources
Old ZIP pack Extract and copy matching resource folders Legacy Krita resources

Import a .bundle brush pack

.bundle is Krita’s preferred modern resource-sharing format.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Open Krita.
  2. Choose Settings → Manage Resource Libraries….
  3. Click Import.
  4. Select the downloaded .bundle file. If necessary, change the file-type filter to show bundle files.
  5. Click Open.
  6. Confirm that the bundle appears in the resource-library list.
  7. If it is inactive, select it and activate it.
  8. Open the Brush Presets docker and search for the new brushes.

If the brushes do not appear immediately, restart Krita. The resource-library dialog can also be used to activate or deactivate bundles. More details are available in Krita’s resource-management documentation.

Rank #2
Sale
HUION Inspiroy H640P 6x4 inch Drawing Tablet 8192 Pen Pressure
  • Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
  • Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
  • Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
  • Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
  • Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.

Import a single .kpp Krita preset

A .kpp file is a Krita brush preset, including its icon and brush settings.

  1. Press F6 to open the brush preset chooser, or open the equivalent preset control from Krita’s interface.
  2. Click the folder or import button.
  3. Select the .kpp file and open it.
  4. Find the preset in the Brush Presets docker or chooser.
  5. Test it on a new or spare layer.

A preset may depend on a custom brush tip, pattern, or texture that was not included with the file. If it appears but does not look right, locate and import its companion resources.

Import Photoshop .abr brushes

Krita can import many Photoshop brush tips from .abr files, but an ABR file should not be treated as a guaranteed Photoshop-preset conversion. Photoshop-specific dynamics and effects may not transfer.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Open a paint document or create a temporary test document.
  2. Select a brush using the Pixel Brush Engine, such as a basic ink or solid brush.
  3. Press F5 to open the Brush Settings Editor.
  4. Select the Predefined brush-tip tab.
  5. Click the blue folder/import button.
  6. Select the .abr file.
  7. Choose one of the imported brush tips.
  8. Adjust size, spacing, rotation, pressure, opacity, and other settings as needed.
  9. Save the configured brush as a new Krita preset.

Krita’s documentation explains that ABR support is based on interpreting a format that Adobe has not publicly specified. The imported stamp or texture may work while the original Photoshop behavior does not. This is a compatibility limitation, not necessarily a damaged file. See the official ABR import guide and Krita FAQ.

Rank #3
Sale
XPPen Deco 01 V3 10x6 Drawing Tablet, 16K Battery-Free Stylus, 8 Keys
  • Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
  • Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
  • Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
  • Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
  • Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey

Import GIMP .gbr and .gih brushes

These are GIMP-related brush-tip formats:

  • .gbr is generally a single bitmap brush tip.
  • .gih is a GIMP Image Hose containing a series of brush tips.

Import them through the predefined brush-tip controls or Krita’s resource-management tools. Treat them as tips rather than complete Krita presets. Some GIH parameters and complex behavior may not be fully supported. After importing, configure the brush engine and save a Krita preset if necessary. Format details are documented in Krita’s brush-tip reference.

Install an old ZIP brush pack manually

Use manual copying mainly for legacy packs that do not provide a bundle or in-app import option.

  1. Close Krita.
  2. Extract the ZIP or other archive.
  3. Open Krita and choose Settings → Manage Resources….
  4. Click Open Resource Folder.
  5. Copy the matching folders from the extracted pack into that resource folder. Common folders are brushes, paintoppresets, and patterns.
  6. Merge folders when the operating system asks.
  7. Restart Krita.
  8. Search the Brush Presets docker.

Do not use a guessed folder if the button is available. The resource folder can be customized, and different installations may use different locations. The Krita 5.3.0 manual lists these defaults:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Linux: $HOME/.local/share/krita/
  • Windows: %APPDATA%krita
  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Krita/
  • Windows Store: a package-specific path under %LOCALAPPDATA%Packages...LocalCacheRoamingkrita
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Find an imported brush

  1. Open the Brush Presets docker.
  2. Clear the search field and any selected tag or resource filter.
  3. Search by the preset’s name, pack name, or tag.
  4. Check that the relevant bundle is active.
  5. Restart Krita if the resource was copied manually or is still missing.

Krita’s resource system supports tags, filters, activation, and deactivation, so an installed brush can be difficult to see without being missing. See the tag-management documentation.

Rank #4
HUION Artist Drawing Glove, One Size, Left or Right Hand
  • Work for both hands - Huion Artist Glove with two fingers; The package includes one unit of glove which can be used on both hand, free size; 20cm in length, 8cm in width.
  • Anti-fouling design - It can prevent smudges from your hand on a Graphic Tablet, Graphics Monitor or some other items, leaving no more scratch. Note: The glove cannot prevent accidental touching from the touch screen, it just can reduce the friction between your hand and the tablet surface.
  • Comfortable Material - Made from Soft Lycra and Nylon, extremely flexible, comfortable to work with; It can reduce friction between your hand and the surface.
  • Classic color - The glove is black, peaceful and charming color; And the most important point is that this color is soiling resistant so you do not need to wash it frequently.
  • Flexible using - Works perfectly for sketching, inking, coloring and digital drawing on graphics tablets.

Fix brushes that do not appear or look wrong

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Nothing appears The file is still archived or the wrong workflow was used Extract it and follow the method for its actual extension.
An ABR brush behaves differently Photoshop-specific settings were not supported Recreate the settings in Krita and save a new preset.
A preset is visible but incomplete A companion tip, texture, or pattern is missing Import the included companion resources.
The brush is installed but hard to find A tag or search filter is hiding it Clear filters and search by name.
Manual copying failed Files went to the wrong resource folder Use Settings → Manage Resources… → Open Resource Folder.
The resource is hidden It was deactivated or blacklisted Enable Show Deleted Resources, select it, and use Undelete Resource where available.
A thumbnail is black or white It is a predefined brush-tip preview Test it on the canvas instead of judging the thumbnail alone.

When a pack contains only PNG files

A PNG may be a brush tip, texture, pattern, preview, icon, or documentation image. It does not necessarily contain pressure behavior, spacing, blending, or other preset settings. If Krita asks what type of resource the PNG represents, choose the appropriate category. You may then need to configure the brush and save it as a preset.

Disable or remove imported brushes

You can deactivate resources through Krita’s resource controls. Deactivation is not always the same as deleting the underlying file; Krita may blacklist or hide a resource while leaving it in the resource folder.

For permanent removal of an imported bundle, open the resource folder, locate the bundles folder, delete the unwanted bundle, and restart Krita. Keep a backup if you may want the pack again.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check the license

Read the brush pack’s included license before using it in commercial artwork, modifying it, redistributing it, or sharing files that contain it. “Free download” does not automatically mean unrestricted commercial use. Download packs from reputable sources and keep the license with the resource.

The practical rule is simple: identify the extension, use the matching Krita workflow, then clear filters and restart Krita if the resource is not visible. A .bundle is normally the easiest modern option, while .abr, .gbr, and .gih usually provide brush tips that may need additional configuration.

More from the Paint Desk

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.