Procreate Review: Overview, Features, Pricing & Alternatives in 2025

Struggling to bring your creative vision to life?

If you’re researching digital art tools, you’re probably frustrated by clunky software, limited brushes, or a complicated workflow that breaks your creative flow.

The real problem? You spend too much time fighting your tools instead of actually making art—that’s draining your inspiration every day.

Procreate’s approach is different: their iPad-first, artist-focused design delivers an intuitive interface, a massive custom brush library, and pro-level features—without the learning curve or distractions of desktop giants.

In this review, I’ll show you how Procreate unlocks your creativity on your terms—so you can focus on creating, not troubleshooting.

You’ll discover, in this Procreate review, how it stacks up for real-world illustration, animation, and design tasks—plus practical pricing details and what to consider if you’re comparing alternatives.

You’ll walk away knowing the features you need to make a real decision, with honest insights from in-depth use.

Let’s dive right into the analysis.

Procreate Overview

Savage Interactive is the Australian company behind the beloved Procreate app. They’ve been around since 2011, based in Hobart, with a clear mission to amplify human creativity through powerful yet intuitive tools.

What I find most interesting is their highly focused appeal to individual artists, from aspiring creators to seasoned professionals who demand a premium mobile experience. Their sweet spot is for illustrators on the iPad, offering robust power without desktop complexity.

The recent launch of Procreate Dreams, a dedicated 2D animation app, was a smart expansion. You’ll see through this Procreate review how they thoughtfully build on their core strengths to serve artists better.

Unlike Adobe, which locks you into a costly subscription, Procreate’s one-time purchase is a huge part of its value proposition. They differentiate with an intuitive touch-first interface that feels more natural and less bloated than competing programs.

They work with a massive global community of illustrators, concept artists, letterers, and animators. You’ll find their tools used everywhere from personal social media portfolios to professional studio concept design projects.

I really respect their current strategic direction. They are doubling down on human skill and explicitly rejecting generative AI. This firm commitment to authentic creation resonates deeply with artists who value personal craft and unique expression.

Let’s dig into their core features.

Procreate Features

Frustrated with digital art tools that feel clunky?

Procreate features offer an intuitive and powerful digital canvas, perfect for artists on the go. Here are the five main Procreate features that transform your creative workflow.

1. Extensive Brush Library and Customization

Struggling to find the right brush for your art?

Limited brush options can stifle your creativity and prevent you from achieving unique textures. This can make digital art feel restrictive.

Procreate offers over 200 brushes, allowing you to replicate traditional media digitally. From my testing, creating custom brushes is incredibly intuitive, empowering you to tailor tools precisely to your vision. This feature means you’re never limited by pre-set options.

This means you can experiment freely and achieve virtually any artistic effect, making your digital work look indistinguishable from traditional art.

2. Advanced Layer System

Managing complex artwork can be a nightmare.

Disorganized layers or destructive edits can ruin your artwork and make revisions incredibly frustrating. This often leads to wasted time.

Procreate’s non-destructive layer system lets you organize elements, making complex compositions simple. I found the ability to group and transform multiple layers simultaneously incredibly useful for intricate pieces. This feature ensures your original work remains untouched during edits.

So you can experiment with different effects and elements without fear, streamlining your creative process for better results.

3. Time-Lapse Recording

Want to share your artistic process but recording is too much hassle?

Manually setting up cameras or external recording software can interrupt your flow and distract from creating. This often leads to missed opportunities to showcase your work.

Procreate automatically records every stroke into a time-lapse video, effortlessly documenting your entire creative journey. Here’s what I found: it works seamlessly in the background, requiring no manual activation. This feature is perfect for sharing your process on social media or reviewing your progress.

This means you can easily create engaging content or learn from your own creative evolution, all without breaking your artistic concentration.

4. Color Control and Harmony

Is achieving consistent color palettes a challenge?

Struggling with color selection can lead to disjointed artwork and an inconsistent aesthetic. This often makes your digital pieces look unprofessional.

Procreate offers robust color control, including Color Dynamics and Harmony, helping you select and apply colors effectively. This is where Procreate shines: its intuitive color tools make palette creation a breeze, ensuring aesthetic consistency. This feature helps you quickly find and reuse the perfect shades.

The result is your artwork will have a more polished, harmonious look, elevating the quality and appeal of your digital creations.

5. Procreate Dreams (for Animation)

Looking to bring your illustrations to life with animation?

Traditional animation software can be overly complex and expensive, making 2D animation inaccessible for many artists. This can be a barrier to expanding your creative skills.

While a distinct product, Procreate Dreams extends the Procreate ecosystem, providing an accessible 2D animation tool for iPad. From my experience, its user-friendly interface simplifies frame-by-frame animation, perfect for beginners. This feature allows you to animate your illustrations with ease.

This means you can explore new creative avenues like storytelling through movement, broadening your artistic output and reaching new audiences.

These Procreate features work together to create a comprehensive digital art studio, enabling creativity that feels natural and intuitive.

Procreate Pricing

Worried about unpredictable software costs?

Procreate pricing is refreshingly straightforward, offering a simple one-time purchase model that stands out in the creative software market.

Plan	Price & Features
Procreate for iPad	$12.99 USD (one-time purchase) • Full digital art studio • Over 200 customizable brushes • Advanced layer system • Time-lapse recording • Future updates included
Procreate Pocket for iPhone	$5.99 USD (one-time purchase) • Scaled-down iPhone version • Core drawing features • Basic layer support • Optimized for mobile use • All current features included
Procreate Dreams	One-time purchase (pricing varies slightly, check App Store) • Dedicated 2D animation app • Frame-by-frame animation • Timeline editing • Live motion & effects • Designed for all skill levels

1. Value Assessment

Incredible value for artists.

From my cost analysis, Procreate’s one-time purchase model offers exceptional long-term value, especially compared to subscription-based competitors. What I found regarding pricing is that you avoid recurring monthly fees entirely, which can save you hundreds annually.

This means your budget gets a powerful creative tool without ongoing financial commitments, making it highly accessible.

2. Trial/Demo Options

No trial, but highly accessible.

Procreate does not offer a free trial or demo version for its apps. However, what I found is that the low one-time pricing eliminates the need for extensive trials, as the barrier to entry is minimal. For only $12.99, you gain full access to a professional-grade art studio.

This lets you dive in immediately and experience the full capabilities without significant financial commitment.

3. Plan Comparison

Choosing is very simple.

The main decision is between Procreate for iPad and Procreate Pocket for iPhone, based on your device and creative needs. Budget-wise, what stands out is how Procreate Dreams offers a separate, dedicated animation solution for those focused on bringing art to life.

This helps you match pricing to actual usage requirements rather than overpaying for unused capabilities.

My Take: Procreate’s pricing strategy is a major competitive advantage, offering professional-grade tools through a highly affordable, one-time purchase. Ideal for individual artists.

The overall Procreate pricing reflects unbeatable value with no recurring costs.

Procreate Reviews

What do real customers actually think?

This customer reviews section analyzes extensive Procreate reviews, offering balanced insights from actual users to help you understand real-world experiences.

1. Overall User Satisfaction

User sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

From my review analysis, Procreate consistently garners high satisfaction ratings, often averaging 4.7 stars or higher across various platforms. What I found in user feedback is how its intuitive design truly resonates with artists, making advanced tools accessible.

This suggests you can expect a largely positive and empowering creative journey.

2. Common Praise Points

Users consistently love its natural feel.

What stands out in customer feedback is the widespread praise for its seamless emulation of traditional art mediums and the one-time purchase model. Review-wise, the cost-effectiveness and portability are frequently cited as significant advantages over competitors.

This means you’ll benefit from a powerful, mobile studio without recurring fees.

3. Frequent Complaints

Advanced features present a learning curve.

While easy to start, some Procreate reviews reveal frustration with mastering more complex features. What stands out in user feedback is how iPad exclusivity limits accessibility for artists on other operating systems, which is a consistent point of contention.

These issues are generally minor compared to the overall satisfaction, not typically deal-breakers.

Overall, Procreate reviews reflect strong user satisfaction despite minor frustrations, particularly regarding its advanced capabilities and platform limitations.

Best Procreate Alternatives

CRITICAL REQUIREMENTS

Link Usage Rules

• You MUST insert ALL provided internal links from the list – no exceptions
• Link insertion is NOT optional – it’s a core requirement
• If no links provided, return original content unchanged
• DO NOT make up or invent any links that are not in the provided list
• ALL provided links MUST be used in the section

Available Internal Links

8+ Best Permit to Work Software to Avoid Risk & Uphold Safety: https://nerdisa.com/best-permit-to-work-software/ 9+ Best 3D Painting Software to Unify Your Assets & Ease Tool Choices: https://nerdisa.com/best-3d-painting-software/ 13+ Best App Design Software to Boost Your Creative Flow & Ship Faster: https://nerdisa.com/best-app-design-software/ 11+ Best App Development Software to Demystify Your Choices & Boost Velocity: https://nerdisa.com/best-app-development-software/ 5+ Best Drawing CAD Software to Boost Your Design Precision and Productivity: https://nerdisa.com/best-drawing-cad-software/

LINK INTEGRATION STRATEGIES

PRIORITY 1 – Natural Context Integration

Use this method when the link topic naturally fits your section narrative

CRITICAL RULE: NO TEXT MODIFICATION ALLOWED

• You CANNOT change, edit, reorder, or modify any existing words
• You CANNOT add words to make the link fit better
• You can ONLY place links on text that already exists exactly as written
• Find existing phrases in the content that match your desired anchor text
• If no suitable existing text exists, use Priority 2 instead

Integration Method: Find existing text that relates to the link topic and insert the link inline

• Insert within paragraph text, NOT at the end of paragraphs
• Anchor text cannot be in the last 3 words of any paragraph
• Must use existing sentence structure without any modifications
• No additional words needed – use existing content structure exactly as is

Example:

• Original: “supply chain management systems improve efficiency for your team”
• Becomes: “[supply chain management systems](your-url here) improve efficiency for your team”
• CORRECT: Link placed on existing text without any changes
• INCORRECT: Changing any existing words or adding/removing words

PRIORITY 2 – Strategic Bridge Addition

Use this method when the link topic doesn’t naturally fit the existing content

CRITICAL LIMITATION: ONLY ONE BRIDGE SENTENCE ALLOWED PER SECTION

• You can create additional text for ONLY ONE link using this method
• All other links MUST use Priority 1 (existing text only)
• Maximum 25 additional words for the ONE linking sentence
• Must be its own separate paragraph, not appended to existing paragraphs
• Insert strategically within the section for optimal flow
• Anchor text cannot be in the last 3 words of the paragraph

Bridge Phrase Templates:

• “Speaking of [related concept], check out my guide on [link topic]…”
• “If you’re also looking into [broader category], my article on [link topic] covers…”
• “While we’re discussing [current topic], understanding [link topic] is equally important…”
• “Before diving deeper, you might find my analysis of [link topic] helpful…”

Bridge Connection Examples:

• Current topic: WMS features → Link: Inventory management software Bridge: “Speaking of inventory control, my guide on [inventory management software](your url here) explores additional optimization strategies.”

• Current topic: Implementation complexity → Link: Project management tools Bridge: “If you’re managing this implementation, my analysis of [project management tools](your url here) can help streamline the process.”

MUST wrap in callout box template:

HTML Link Format Required: Use HTML links: anchor text NOT markdown: anchor text

Spacing Requirement:

• Follow the same even distribution rules as Priority 1 links
• Do NOT place callout boxes near other existing callout boxes or WordPress blocks
• Ensure at least 2-3 paragraphs between any new callout box and existing callout boxes or WordPress blocks
• Maintain the even spacing algorithm across the entire section

ANCHOR TEXT RULES (STRICTLY ENFORCE)

Length Requirements

• The anchor text MUST be exactly 3-6 words long – count the words before linking
• DO NOT use anchor text that is less than 3 words or more than 6 words long
• ALWAYS counter-check and enforce this rule

Good Anchor Text Examples

• [supply chain management systems] (4 words)
• [warehouse management software] (3 words)
• [inventory optimization tools] (3 words)
• [order fulfillment platforms] (3 words)
• [logistics automation solutions] (3 words)

Bad Anchor Text Examples

• [solution] (too short – only 1 word)
• [click here] (too short – only 2 words)
• [comprehensive guide to best warehouse management systems] (too long – 7 words)
• [the ultimate guide to supply chain optimization for logistics] (too long – 9 words)

Forbidden Anchor Text

• NEVER use vendor name (Procreate) as anchor text
• Do not insert links on any phrase containing the vendor name
• Cannot include numbers from headlines (like “5 best” or “2025”)
• Avoid generic terms like “article,” “guide,” “here,” “source”

LINK PLACEMENT RESTRICTIONS

Paragraph Distribution Rules

• CRITICAL: Distribute links evenly across available paragraphs
• You can only insert ONE link per paragraph – if a paragraph already has a link, find another paragraph
• Even Spacing Algorithm:
• 5 paragraphs, 2 links → Place in paragraphs [1, 4]
• 6 paragraphs, 3 links → Place in paragraphs [1, 3, 5]
• 8 paragraphs, 4 links → Place in paragraphs [1, 3, 5, 7]
• DO NOT cluster links in the first few paragraphs
• Anchor text cannot be in the LAST THREE words of any paragraph
• You cannot insert a link in the last paragraph of the section

Content Preservation Rules

• This section has already been optimized for flow, word count, topical relevance, and authority
• DO NOT edit sections or rewrite sections of the text WHATSOEVER
• You can ONLY place links on text that already exists exactly as written
• No reordering, rephrasing, or modification of existing words allowed
• DO NOT insert links within HTML blocks or tags

HTML Content Protection

• NEVER insert links within HTML blocks:
• <div class="...">content</div>
• <figure class="...">content</figure>
• <table>content</table>
• <!-- wp:table --> blocks
• Any content within HTML tags
• Skip any text that appears within HTML formatting

FORMATTING REQUIREMENTS

Markdown Syntax

• Use markdown syntax: anchor text
• Maintain conversational “I/you” tone in any added content
• Preserve all existing formatting (bold, underline, italics)
• ADD double newlines “\n\n” at the end of your text output

Content Preservation

• Keep all existing paragraph structure intact
• Maintain word count as much as possible (except for ONE bridge addition)
• Preserve the conversational tone and writing style
• Do not alter any other content beyond link insertion

FORMATTING CONFLICT PREVENTION

CRITICAL RULE: No Links on Pre-Formatted Text

• NEVER insert links on bolded text (text or text)
• NEVER insert links on italic text (text or text)
• NEVER insert links on underlined text (text)

Reason:

• The system cannot reliably handle markdown nesting syntax
• Risk of creating broken formatting like [text](url) instead of text
• This displays raw markdown in published articles and looks unprofessional

Detection Method:

• Before selecting anchor text, check if the phrase has ** __ * _ or around it in the original content
• If yes, skip that phrase entirely
• Find different unformatted text instead

DECISION PROCESS FOR MULTIPLE LINKS

1. Parse provided links: Count total links and extract URLs/titles
2. Calculate distribution: Determine even spacing across paragraphs
3. Scan content for exact matches: Look for existing phrases that could serve as anchor text for each link
4. Choose strategy for each link:
   • Priority 1: Link existing text without changes (preferred for ALL links)
   • Priority 2: Add bridge sentence (ONLY for ONE link if no natural placement exists)
5. Ensure even distribution: Each link must be in strategically spaced paragraphs
6. Create anchor text: Must be exactly 3-6 words from existing content or create new 3-6 word phrase
7. Insert all links: Ensure proper placement and flow without modifying original text

---

OUTPUT INSTRUCTIONS:

• Return ONLY the updated section with ALL internal links inserted
• No additional explanations or commentary
• Preserve all original formatting and structure
• Ready to use directly in the final article

QUALITY CHECKLIST

Before submitting, verify:

• [X] ALL provided internal links inserted (not optional)
• [X] Each anchor text is exactly 3-6 words long
• [X] Links are evenly distributed across paragraphs
• [X] No links in the last 3 words of any paragraph
• [X] Link is not placed on pre-formatted text (bold/italic/underlined)
• [X] No links added to existing HTML blocks or tags
• [X] Content flows naturally with the added links
• [X] No use of vendor name as anchor text
• [X] Markdown formatting is correct
• [X] Original content structure preserved
• [X] Maximum ONE bridge sentence used (if any)
• [X] Double newlines added atthe end

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What are the best Procreate alternatives?

The best Procreate alternatives offer diverse options, each better suited for different artistic needs, budgets, and platform preferences. You’ll want to consider several factors.

1. Adobe Photoshop

Need extensive photo editing and graphic design integration?

Photoshop excels if your work involves advanced photo manipulation, web design, or highly complex multi-layered projects on desktop systems. From my competitive analysis, Photoshop offers deeper features and Creative Cloud integration, making it a versatile alternative for professional studios.

Choose Photoshop if your business requires a broader design suite and a desktop-centric workflow beyond just drawing.

2. Clip Studio Paint

Focused on comics, manga, or detailed animation production?

Clip Studio Paint is the superior choice for comic artists and animators due to its specialized tools for paneling, speech bubbles, and robust vector capabilities. What I found comparing options is that Clip Studio Paint provides specialized tools for sequential art, offering more comprehensive animation features than Procreate’s core app.

Consider this alternative when your primary output is comics, manga, or more complex animations across multiple platforms.

3. Affinity Designer

Working with vector graphics for scalable logos or UI/UX?

Affinity Designer makes more sense if your projects demand precision, scalability (like logos or print materials), and the ability to work with both vector and raster graphics. Alternative-wise, Affinity Designer offers a robust vector design environment alongside its raster capabilities, a key differentiator from Procreate.

Choose Affinity Designer if your business needs professional-grade vector design and cross-platform flexibility beyond just drawing.

4. Krita

Seeking a powerful, free, and open-source solution?

Krita is ideal for budget-conscious artists who prefer open-source software, especially if you work on Windows, macOS, or Linux. From my analysis, Krita offers robust digital painting and animation features without any cost, providing a strong community-driven alternative to paid apps.

Choose Krita when your budget is a primary concern, or you require robust animation on a desktop operating system.

The best Procreate alternatives depend on your specific artistic workflow and budget priorities, not just features.

Procreate Setup

How complex is Procreate setup?

Implementing Procreate is exceptionally straightforward, as it’s a mobile application you simply download. This Procreate review section details what to expect for successful deployment and adoption.

1. Setup Complexity & Timeline

Expect a remarkably easy start.

Procreate’s setup is minimal; once downloaded, the app is ready for immediate use without complex installations or configurations. From my implementation analysis, you’ll be drawing within minutes of download, contrasting sharply with typical business software deployments that demand extensive planning.

You’ll need an Apple device and an App Store account, but no project management team or lengthy rollout schedule.

2. Technical Requirements & Integration

Apple ecosystem is a must here.

Procreate is exclusive to iPads and iPhones, requiring iOS 15.4.1 or later, with an Apple Pencil highly recommended for optimal use. What I found about deployment is that your existing Apple hardware largely dictates performance, with 8GB of memory preferred for smoother experiences, especially with many layers.

You’ll need compatible Apple devices and may consider an Apple Pencil for the best creative output.

3. Training & Change Management

User adoption is remarkably intuitive.

While Procreate is beginner-friendly, mastering advanced features does involve a learning curve, supported by a vast ecosystem of free tutorials and community resources. From my analysis, users quickly grasp basic functionality, making immediate productivity gains likely, while deeper skills develop with practice and exploration.

You’ll want to encourage exploration and leverage online resources, as formal training programs are rarely necessary.

4. Support & Success Factors

Peer support is surprisingly strong.

Procreate offers comprehensive online support documents and troubleshooting guides, but its vibrant user communities provide extensive peer-to-peer assistance and shared tips. What I found about deployment is that active community engagement is a significant success factor, offering practical solutions and inspiration beyond official vendor resources.

You should leverage the extensive online tutorials and community forums to enhance your learning and problem-solving experience.

Overall, Procreate setup is exceptionally simple, making it one of the easiest creative tools to deploy for individual artists and small studios.

Bottom Line

Is Procreate the right creative tool for you?

This Procreate review synthesizes my analysis into a clear recommendation, helping you understand its value proposition for your specific creative needs.

1. Who This Works Best For

Artists seeking an intuitive, portable digital studio.

Procreate is ideal for individual digital artists, illustrators, and animators using an iPad or iPhone. What I found about target users is that your success depends on prioritizing a natural drawing experience and portable workflow, especially if you create raster-based artwork.

You’ll thrive with Procreate if you’re a hobbyist or professional wanting to create stunning digital art on the go.

2. Overall Strengths

Unmatched natural drawing experience and value.

The software succeeds by providing an incredibly intuitive interface, a vast customizable brush library, and a one-time purchase model for exceptional value. From my comprehensive analysis, its natural drawing emulation sets it apart for artists seeking a fluid and responsive creative process with Apple Pencil.

These strengths directly translate into a powerful, accessible tool that amplifies your creative output and efficiency.

3. Key Limitations

Platform exclusivity and vector graphic limitations.

Procreate’s primary drawback is its exclusivity to Apple’s iOS ecosystem, making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or macOS devices. Based on this review, it’s not ideal for vector-based graphics that require infinite scalability without quality loss for your designs.

I find these limitations important considerations, but they are manageable if your workflow doesn’t require cross-platform access or vector capabilities.

4. Final Recommendation

Procreate earns my strong recommendation.

You should choose this software if you own an iPad and Apple Pencil and are looking for a powerful, portable, and affordable raster-based art application. From my analysis, your investment delivers exceptional creative freedom for illustration, painting, and basic animation projects.

My confidence level is high for digital artists who value intuitive design and portability in their creative tools.

This Procreate review demonstrates strong value for iPad-based artists, emphasizing its intuitive power and affordability for your creative endeavors.