Is It Worth Buying Procreate? Pros and Cons Explored
Procreate is a popular app among digital artists, but the question remains: is it worth buying Procreate? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll explore the pros and cons of this app in detail. Let’s first provide a brief introduction to Procreate.
What is Procreate?
Procreate is a powerful digital illustration app available exclusively for iPad users. It offers an intuitive interface, customizable brushes, and various features that make the digital painting experience seamless for both beginners and professionals.
Pros of Buying Procreate
User-Friendly Interface
One of Procreate’s significant advantages is its user-friendly interface. This app is designed for artists of all skill levels, making it easy for anyone to create stunning illustrations with minimal effort. Features like drag-and-drop gestures, customizable shortcuts, and quick-access tools make the workflow smooth and efficient.
Customizable Brushes
Procreate offers an extensive brush library that artists can customize to their preferences. Users can also import and create their own brushes, enabling endless possibilities for artistic expression.
Regular Updates and Support
Procreate’s developers are committed to consistently improving the app. Regular updates bring new features, enhancements, and bug fixes, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and the best possible user experience.
One-Time Payment
Procreate stands out amongst other digital art apps due to its one-time payment policy. Unlike competitors that rely on subscription-based pricing models, Procreate only requires a single payment for unlimited access to all its features.
iPad and Apple Pencil Compatibility
The combination of Procreate with the iPad’s high-resolution screen and the Apple Pencil’s pressure-sensitive capabilities make for a powerful digital art setup. Artists can enjoy the benefits of a responsive, accurate, and natural drawing experience without the hefty cost of a professional drawing tablet.
Time-Lapse Recording
Procreate automatically records your drawing process as a time-lapse video, allowing artists to showcase their work and share their techniques with others. This feature is an invaluable tool for those who establish an online presence or teach digital art lessons.
Offline Functionality
Unlike cloud-based applications, Procreate doesn’t require an internet connection to function. This is particularly useful for artists on the go or those who prefer not to rely on a stable internet connection while working.
Cons of Buying Procreate
iPad Exclusivity
Procreate is exclusive to iPad users, which means it’s inaccessible to those who don’t own an iPad. This exclusivity limits potential users and forces artists to invest inan iPad if they want to use the app, resulting in a higher overall cost for their digital art setup.
No Desktop Version
Currently, Procreate is unavailable on desktop platforms. This can be a significant drawback for artists who prefer working on larger screens or already have powerful desktop computers and drawing tablets.
Limited Text Tool
While Procreate offers basic text tools, they may not be sufficient for artists who require advanced text manipulation features. Users looking for more sophisticated text options may need to use additional software to achieve the desired results.
No Vector Support
Procreate primarily operates as a raster-based app. Consequently, it lacks true vector support, which can be a drawback for artists working on graphic design projects or those who require scalability without compromising image quality.
Resource-Intensive App
Procreate can be resource-intensive, especially when working on large projects with multiple layers. This may cause performance and stability issues on older iPads with limited processing power and storage capacity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Procreate offers numerous advantages to digital artists, such as its user-friendly interface, customizable brushes, and one-time payment model. However, its iPad exclusivity and lack of vector support may be deal-breakers for some users. Ultimately, the decision to invest in Procreate depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the type of art you create. If you’re a digital artist who owns or is willing to invest in an iPad and can work around its limitations, Procreate may be a great addition to your creative toolkit.
FAQs
- Can I use Procreate without an Apple Pencil?
Yes, Procreate supports other styluses and even your fingers. However, the Apple Pencil provides the best drawing experience because of its pressure sensitivity and seamless integration with both the iPad and Procreate. - Is Procreate suitable for beginners?
Yes, Procreate is suitable for beginners. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools make it accessible to both beginners and experienced artists. There are also numerous tutorials available online that demonstrate how to use Procreate effectively. - Can I transfer my Procreate files to other applications?
Yes, you can export your Procreate artwork in various file formats such as PNG, JPEG, and PSD, allowing you to open and edit them in other applications, such as Photoshop. - Is there a free alternative to Procreate?
While no free app matches Procreate’s extensive features, some alternatives, such as Autodesk Sketchbook and Krita, offer many powerful digital painting tools without the price tag. - Can I use Procreate for professional work?
Certainly! Procreate has a wide range of tools and features that cater to professional artists, and many professionals use it for their work, including illustration, concept art, and graphic design.
