Procreate

Claim this tool Editor reviewed

Digital illustration app for iPad

Graphic Design UI/UX Design Image Editing

Visit Website

4.8(198 across the web)

PaidVisit Website

Reviews onG2Capterra

198 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

From $12.99/mo

Biggest pro

Best iPad drawing app

Biggest con

iPad only

TL;DR - Procreate

Procreate is a digital illustration app for iPad artists and designers
It provides professional brushes, layers, and animation in a native app
One-time purchase at $12.99 on the App Store

Pricing: Paid only

Best for: Enterprises & pros

4.8/5 across review platforms

What is Procreate?

Editorial review

Procreate provides professional illustration on iPad. The app that proved tablets could replace traditional art tools-digital art for serious artists. The brushes feel natural. The performance is smooth. The iPad optimization is perfect. Digital artists on iPad use Procreate for professional-quality illustration.

Available on: iOS

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceprocreate.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Best iPad drawing app
One-time purchase
Professional features
Great brushes
Good performance

Cons

iPad only
Learning curve
No subscription perks
Limited animation
Single-page focus

Ratings Across the Web

4.8(198 reviews)

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Digital illustrationiPad nativeBrushesAnimationTime-lapseOne-time purchase

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Jul 13, 2026

Procreate (iPad)

$12.99/one-time

Full version for iPad

All brushes & tools
Unlimited layers
Animation assist
Time-lapse recording
PSD import/export
Lifetime updates

Procreate Pocket (iPhone)

$5.99/one-time

For iPhone

Optimized for iPhone
Core Procreate features
Touch gestures
All brush types
Lifetime updates

Procreate Dreams

$12.99/one-time

Animation app

2D animation
Storyboarding
Scene management
Audio support
Export to video

Calculate your cost View full pricing

How Procreate's pricing compares

At $12.99/mo, Procreate is mid-range of its 2 direct competitors ($4.99 to $169.99/mo across the set).

Clip Studio Paint

$4.99

Procreate

$12.99

Affinity Designer

$169.99

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Jul 13, 2026.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover

$99Free with your review

Review Procreate, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

4.8/5

Across 198 verified user reviews on Capterra, G2

Add your hands-on experience using the offer above to help the next buyer.

Best Procreate Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Affinity DesignerPaid

Vector and raster design for branding, UI, and illustration

4.7

Clip Studio PaintPaid

Digital art and manga creation software

4.6

Autodesk SketchbookFree

Capture ideas and create finished artwork with a natural drawing experience.

4.5

See all graphic design tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Procreate vs Affinity DesignerHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Procreate vs Clip Studio PaintHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Procreate vs Autodesk SketchbookHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Graphic Design Tools Best UI/UX Design Tools Best Image Editing Tools

Procreate FAQ

How does Procreate support professional illustration workflows?

Procreate provides professional-quality illustration tools optimized for the iPad, allowing serious artists to create digital art. Its natural-feeling brushes and smooth performance contribute to a professional drawing experience.

Which teams would benefit most from using Procreate?

Teams involved in Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, or Image Editing would find Procreate beneficial, especially if they utilize iPads for their creative work. It is designed for digital artists on iPad who require professional features.

How is Procreate priced?

Procreate is available as a paid product, requiring a one-time purchase rather than a recurring subscription. There is no permanently free tier offered for the application.

Can Procreate be used on devices other than an iPad?

No, Procreate is exclusively designed for the iPad and cannot be used on other devices. This focus allows for perfect optimization for the iPad's capabilities.

What kind of limitations does Procreate have compared to other digital art software?

Procreate has a single-page focus and offers limited animation capabilities, which might be a trade-off for users needing extensive multi-page or animation features. It also has a learning curve for new users.

How does Procreate compare to Clip Studio Paint for digital artists?

Procreate is recognized as the best iPad drawing app, offering a one-time purchase model and professional features specifically optimized for the iPad. Clip Studio Paint is a direct competitor, but Procreate's strength lies in its seamless iPad integration and natural brush feel.

Source: procreate.com

Guides & Articles

Best Graphic Design Software in 2026

Features Procreate