Best Apps Like Procreate for Digital Art and Drawing

Digital art has revolutionized the world of creativity. No longer confined to physical canvases or traditional media, artists now have access to an array of powerful tools right at their fingertips. One such tool, Procreate, has become a popular choice among digital artists for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. However, as the demand for creativity grows, so does the need for alternative apps that can provide similar capabilities. Will explore the best apps like Procreate for digital art and drawing, catering to both seasoned professionals and budding artists.
Whether you’re an illustrator, designer, or hobbyist looking to create digital masterpieces, there’s an app on this list to suit your needs. In the world of digital art, variety is key, and the ability to experiment with different platforms can elevate your work. Let’s explore the apps that can rival Procreate.
Procreate is often considered the industry standard for digital drawing apps. However, some artists may seek features that Procreate lacks or prefer alternative options based on their devices, workflow, or budget. Thankfully, many apps can replicate or even surpass Procreate in certain aspects. From intuitive brushes to extensive layer support, here are the best apps, like Procreate, that every digital artist should try. Let’s explore the top contenders, their features, and why they might be the perfect match for your artistic journey.
Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco is a standout option for digital artists seeking a combination of vector and raster art. Whether you’re sketching, painting, or drawing, Adobe Fresco provides a vast library of brushes, tools, and features that closely resemble Procreate’s capabilities. iPad users can enjoy a seamless experience as the app optimizes for touchscreen devices.
Key Features:
- Combines vector and raster brushes
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Natural brush feel with live brushes
- Great for both beginners and professionals
Adobe Fresco seamlessly integrates with other Adobe tools like Photoshop and Illustrator, making it ideal for artists already invested in the Adobe ecosystem. The app’s live brushes feature mimics the look and feel of real paints, creating a truly immersive experience.
Key Comparison Between Adobe Fresco and Procreate
Feature | Adobe Fresco | Procreate |
Brush Variety | Extensive, including live brushes. | Huge brush library |
Integration | Adobe Creative Cloud | Standalone; no integration. |
Device Compatibility | iPad, Windows | iPad only |
Layer Support | Unlimited layers | 128 layers |
Price | Subscription-based | One-time purchase |
Affinity Designer
For those who need a more professional approach to vector artwork, Affinity Designer is one of the best apps to consider. This app is a powerful alternative to Procreate for graphic designers and illustrators who specialize in vector art.
Key Features:
- Advanced vector tools
- Non-destructive editing
- Real-time performance for complex designs
- Supports iPad and desktop versions
Affinity Designer is known for its professional-grade vector editing tools, making it an excellent choice for illustrators and designers who require precision. It also supports dual personas, enabling users to work in both vector and raster modes.
Autodesk SketchBook
Autodesk SketchBook offers a clean, easy-to-use interface with tools for artists of all levels. This app is particularly well suited for those who need a simple but powerful drawing tool that works across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and Windows.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-navigate interface
- 140+ brushes and customizable tools
- Multi-touch support
- No subscription fees (free to use)
Autodesk SketchBook provides a smooth and intuitive experience for users who appreciate a minimalist interface without compromising on features. It’s a fantastic app for beginners who want to start their digital art journey, as well as experienced artists looking for a quick and efficient sketching tool.
ArtFlow
ArtFlow is another excellent drawing app that offers a wide range of features for artists. It’s available on Android devices, making it a wonderful option for those who prefer using their Android tablet or phone for digital art.
Key Features:
- 70+ brushes and customizable tools
- Multi-touch support with a high-precision stylus
- Layer support with blending modes
- Quick and simple sharing options
ArtFlow’s brush engine is one of its standout features, offering natural brush strokes that make it feel like working with traditional media. The app also allows users to export their creations easily, making it a convenient choice for artists who need to share their work quickly.
Clip Studio Paint
For artists who focus on manga, comics, and digital painting, Clip Studio Paint is a top contender. This app offers a wide variety of brushes and tools specifically designed for comic book and manga creators.
Key Features:
- Great for comics and manga
- Powerful brush engine
- 3D models for reference
- Full-featured desktop version
Clip Studio Paint has become the go-to app for comic artists, as it provides all the features needed to create professional-quality comics and illustrations. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional comic book artist, this app is worth exploring.
Comparison Between Affinity Designer and Procreate
Feature | Affinity Designer | Procreate |
Type of Art | Vector & Raster | Raster-based |
Brush Variety | Limited to raster | Extensive brush library |
Device Compatibility | iPad, Windows, and macOS | iPad only |
Price | One-time purchase | One-time purchase |
Focus | Vector illustration | Digital painting |
Krita
People often compare Krita, a free, open-source digital painting application, to Procreate. It is ideal for artists who prefer painting and illustration with natural brush effects. Krita is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile option for various platforms.
Key Features:
- Free and open-source
- Powerful brush engine with realistic textures
- Supports animation and frame-by-frame drawing
- User-friendly interface with customizable panels
Krita’s features are on par with some of the best paid digital art apps. Its powerful brush engine and animation tools make it especially appealing to digital painters and illustrators who enjoy working with traditional painting techniques.
Corel Painter
Corel Painter is another excellent alternative to Procreate, offering one of the most comprehensive digital art tools available. Illustrators and concept artists worldwide use this professional-grade app.
Key Features:
- Over 900 brushes and textures
- Natural brush strokes and media simulation
- Layer support with blending modes
- Full tablet and stylus support
Artists who want to create detailed, realistic pieces often use Corel Painter for more intricate, professional-grade digital art. Its tools simulate real-world brushes and canvases, making it perfect for traditional artists transitioning to digital media.
MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a cloud-based digital art app that is completely free to use, making it accessible to anyone interested in digital painting. It’s available on iOS, Android, and Windows and offers a robust set of features suitable for creating comics and illustrations.
Key Features:
- Free for use with cloud synchronization.
- The collection of brushes and tones is extensive.
- Collaboration tools for team projects
- Multiple platforms for simple accessibility
MediBang Paint’s cloud features are a major highlight, allowing artists to easily access and work on their projects on different devices. It’s particularly suited for those who want to collaborate or share work seamlessly across different platforms.
Comparing Krita and Procreate
Feature | Krita | Procreate |
Type of Art | Digital painting | Digital painting |
Brushes | Realistic brushes | Highly customizable |
Price | Free | One-time purchase |
Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, and Linux | iPad only |
Animation Support | Yes | No |
Paint Tool SAI
For those who love working with a simple yet powerful interface, Paint Tool SAI is a fantastic choice. While it’s primarily a desktop application, it’s lightweight and runs smoothly on Windows devices.
Key Features:
- Intuitive interface with customizable features
- High-quality brush engine
- Supports high-resolution canvases
- Affordable one-time payment
Paint Tool SAI is a favorite among digital painters due to its simplicity and power. Its brush engine allows artists to create detailed and beautiful pieces with ease. It’s particularly well-loved for its smooth drawing experience.
Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches is a free app available on iOS that offers natural brush strokes and a minimalistic interface. This app is perfect for sketching and quick drawings. It’s ideal for artists on the go.
Key Features:
- Elegant, easy-to-use interface
- Watercolor brushes and other realistic tools
- Layer support with blending options
- High-quality output for printing
Tayasui Sketches is a fantastic option for artists looking for an intuitive drawing app without the overwhelming features of some larger platforms.
Conclusion
With the growth of digital art, there is no shortage of excellent apps that offer powerful tools similar to Procreate. Whether you are looking for vector tools, advanced brush engines, or user-friendly interfaces, the alternatives we’ve discussed in this article have something for every artist. From beginners to professionals, these apps provide the flexibility and creativity needed to bring digital artwork to life.
As digital drawing apps continue to evolve, Procreate remains a strong contender, but it’s important to keep an open mind and explore other options. The best app for you depends on your style, budget, and preferences. We encourage you to try out a few of these apps and find the one that best suits your creative needs. Happy drawing!
FAQs
Can I use apps like Procreate on my Android device?
Yes, several apps like Procreate are available on Android devices, including Autodesk SketchBook, Krita, and MediBang Paint. These apps offer similar functionality and are excellent alternatives for Android users.
Are there free alternatives to Procreate?
Yes, apps like Krita and MediBang Paint are free to use and provide professional-grade tools for digital art. These are excellent choices for artists on a budget.
Which app is the best for beginners?
Autodesk SketchBook and Tayasui Sketches are excellent options for beginners. These apps are simple to use yet powerful enough for creating impressive artwork.
Can I use Procreate alternatives for comic drawing?
Comic and manga artists specifically design Clip Studio Paint and MediBang Paint, which provide tools for panel layouts, inking, and coloring.
What is the best app for vector art?
Affinity Designer is a top choice for vector art, providing professional tools for precision and design. It’s perfect for illustrators who work with logos, branding, or other vector-based artwork.
Do these apps support multi-touch?
Yes, many of the apps mentioned, such as Autodesk SketchBook, Affinity Designer, and ArtFlow, offer multi-touch support for an enhanced drawing experience.
Can I use these apps on my desktop?
Many apps like Adobe Fresco, Krita, and Affinity Designer are available on both desktop and mobile devices, allowing for a seamless experience across platforms.