What are apps similar to Procreate?

Alternative Apps
1

I’m searching for apps like Procreate for digital art because I don’t have access to an iPad. I need software with similar features for creating illustrations or designs. Any suggestions?

2

Sure! Here’s my breakdown based on apps similar to Procreate. I’ve personally tried some of these apps on various platforms, and here are my recommendations ranked by their usability, features, and Procreate-like capabilities. Hope this helps!

1. Clip Studio Paint

  • Homepage Link: https://www.clipstudio.net/en/
  • Pros:
    • Packed with advanced features for drawing, illustration, and animation.
    • Extremely customizable workspace.
    • Works on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
    • Amazing brush engine rivals Procreate.
  • Cons:
    • Subscription-based pricing model (one-time license only for desktop versions).
    • Slightly steep learning curve for beginners.
  • Features:
    • Infinite custom brushes and assets from their community store.
    • Realistic pen pressure sensitivity support.
    • Manga/comic tools, rulers, and vector layers.
  • User Reviews: Highly praised by professionals for its versatility and detail-oriented features. However, some casual users complain about the subscription pricing.
  • Verdict: Best for serious illustrators who want a robust, multi-platform alternative to Procreate.

2. Krita

  • Homepage Link: https://krita.org/
  • Pros:
    • Free and open-source—no subscription required.
    • Focused on illustration, animation, and concept art.
    • Excellent brush customization options.
  • Cons:
    • Interface may feel overwhelming to newcomers.
    • Performance may lag on older systems.
  • Features:
    • Over 100 preloaded brushes alongside brush stabilizers.
    • Layer management and blending modes like Procreate.
    • Supports PSD (Photoshop) files.
  • User Reviews: Users love Krita for its affordability and rich features, saying it’s ideal for hobbyists and students. Some designers, however, mention occasional instability issues.
  • Verdict: Solid, budget-friendly alternative for those who can manage without an iPad.

3. Affinity Designer

  • Homepage Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/designer/
  • Pros:
    • One-time payment (no subscription).
    • Equally capable in raster and vector workflows.
    • Highly responsive and lightweight.
  • Cons:
    • Slightly geared more toward graphic design rather than pure illustration.
    • Requires some time to master layer effects.
  • Features:
    • Sophisticated pen and pencil tools for precision work.
    • Multiple artboards, perfect for professional designers.
    • Seamless zoom performance even on detailed work.
  • User Reviews: Many users appreciate its affordability and high performance as a Procreate alternative on desktop and Windows tablets.
  • Verdict: Better for artists who juggle illustration and graphic design roles.

4. ArtRage

  • Homepage Link: https://www.artrage.com/
  • Pros:
    • Ideal for traditional painters transitioning to digital.
    • Great natural-looking textures and brushes.
    • Affordable one-time purchase.
  • Cons:
    • Fewer advanced features compared to Procreate.
    • Not updated as frequently as other apps.
  • Features:
    • Oil painting, watercolor, and pastel simulation.
    • Intuitive UI that’s beginner-friendly.
    • Realistic paint smudging and color mixing.
  • User Reviews: Loved by users for replicating the feel of real brushes and canvas, but some say it’s less versatile for more technical work.
  • Verdict: A great option if you prioritize natural media features over everything else.

5. Autodesk SketchBook

  • Homepage Link: https://www.sketchbook.com/
  • Pros:
    • Free for personal use without hidden fees.
    • Clean, unobtrusive interface.
    • Broad brush customization and smooth strokes.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks advanced professional features like vector tools.
    • May feel limited for heavily detailed projects.
  • Features:
    • Symmetry tools and predictive stroke for precise lines.
    • Compatibility with Photoshop layers.
    • Intuitive UI design, ideal for beginners.
  • User Reviews: Artists find it incredibly easy to use, comparing its brushes and tools to Procreate. However, professionals find it less appealing for complex workflows.
  • Verdict: A solid Procreate substitute for beginners or casual creatives.

6. Corel Painter

  • Homepage Link: https://www.painterartist.com/
  • Pros:
    • Packed with realistic painting tools mimicking real-life techniques.
    • Great support for stylus pressure.
    • Extensive customization options.
  • Cons:
    • Heavy on system resources.
    • Expensive outright purchase.
  • Features:
    • AI-assisted photo painting.
    • Massive selection of brushes for every art style.
    • Natural-looking strokes.
  • User Reviews: Known for its hyper-realistic painting tools, but oftentimes criticized for outdated UI and performance issues.
  • Verdict: Strong for traditional painters, but a bit overkill if you’re specifically after a Procreate-like interface.

7. MediBang Paint

  • Homepage Link: https://medibangpaint.com/en/
  • Pros:
    • Free without significant feature restrictions.
    • Strong cloud integration for easy file sharing between devices.
    • User-friendly interface.
  • Cons:
    • Ads included in the free version.
    • Heavily focused on manga-style creation compared to Procreate’s broader appeal.
  • Features:
    • Tons of comic-oriented tools like panel and speech bubble creation.
    • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS).
    • Collaboration features for working with teams.
  • User Reviews: Favored by manga/comic artists due to its niche features, but illustrators may find brush options somewhat basic.
  • Verdict: Fantastic for manga creators, but limited for general-purpose illustration.

8. Inkscape

  • Homepage Link: https://inkscape.org/
  • Pros:
    • Open-source and completely free.
    • Focuses on vector designs.
    • Surprisingly versatile for both design and illustration uses.
  • Cons:
    • UI may feel clunky compared to modern apps.
    • More vector-oriented than Procreate.
  • Features:
    • Precise pen and shape tools for design purposes.
    • SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) compatible.
    • Decent layer support.
  • User Reviews: Designers appreciate its free access to industry-level features, but it’s seen as less intuitive than tools tailored for drawing.
  • Verdict: More suitable for design-heavy work than spontaneous digital art creation.

9. Rebelle

  • Homepage Link: https://www.escapemotions.com/products/rebelle/
  • Pros:
    • Unique water-based tools for hyperrealistic effects.
    • Gorgeous blending and color bleeding effects.
    • Intuitive interface.
  • Cons:
    • Niched tools, not for all types of illustrations.
    • Pricing feels premium for focused features.
  • Features:
    • Highly realistic watercolor, oil, and acrylic tools.
    • Tilt functionality using brushes.
    • Compatible with stylus pressure and directions.
  • User Reviews: Digital painters rave about how close it comes to traditional painting, though it lacks versatility for other illustration needs.
  • Verdict: Fantastic for professional painters looking for ultra-realistic natural media tools.

10. Tayasui Sketches

  • Homepage Link: https://tayasui.com/sketches/
  • Pros:
    • Simple, beginner-friendly interface.
    • Free with optional in-app purchases for advanced tools.
    • Great for sketching and quick drafting.
  • Cons:
    • Not as versatile for detailed or complex artworks.
    • Limited compared to Procreate on larger art projects.
  • Features:
    • Sleek, minimalist design for focus-based sketches.
    • Brushes mimic real-life textures.
    • Good iOS/desktop integration.
  • User Reviews: Loved for casual sketching, but pro artists tend to outgrow it quickly.
  • Verdict: Perfect for those dipping their toes into digital art or casual users.

These are some apps I’ve personally tested or constantly hear about from the digital art community. Your best choice depends on your platform preference and whether you’re looking for advanced tools or simplicity. Let me know if you’d like more insights!