Is It Worth Buying Procreate? X-raying the Pros and Cons
In the world of digital artists, there’s one question that is often debated: “Is it worth buying Procreate?”. This article aims to help you make an informed judgment, analyzing the pros and cons of this revolutionary painting and illustration app.
An Introduction to Procreate
Procreate, developed by Savage Interactive, is an award-winning painting and illustration app designed for iPad users. With a range of tools and a user-friendly interface, it has become a beloved choice among amateurs and professionals alike in the space of digital art.
Uncovering the Pros of Procreate
A Intuitive and User-friendly Interface
Procreate is known for its intuitive, user-friendly interface which delivers an experience that feels natural and especially accommodating to even newbies in the world of digital art. Efficient and customizable workflows propose flexibility to artists of varying skill levels.
Extensive Library of Customizable Brushes
With a library comprising of rich brush options, Procreate hands the reins of creativity over to its users. Artists can tweak and temper these brushes to their liking, with the flexibility to also import or create brand new ones.
Remarkable Support and Frequent Updates
Support for Procreate users is robust and reliable, with the developers regularly implementing updates to add new features, increase performance, and enhance the user experience.
One-off Purchase
Unlike many apps that adopt a subscription model, Procreate requires a one-time payment. This investment gives users unlimited access to the app, along with all future updates.
Compatible with iPad and Apple Pencil
Procreate pairs perfectly with the iPad and Apple Pencil, providing precision and responsiveness in the artist’s process. These tools give you the feeling of traditional drawing projected in a modern digital setup.
Allows Time-Lapse Recording
The Time-lapse Record feature in Procreate allows artists to record their work process, a handy tool for those who would like to showcase their technique or provide tutorials.
Works Offline
Procreate is not cloud-based, which means you can use it completely offline. This can be a huge advantage for artists who are often on-the-go or in areas with poor internet connection.
Delving into the Cons of Procreate
Limited to iPad Users
Procreate is only available for iPad users, which may be a limiting factor for those who use other tablets or devices. This could even necessitate the extra cost of acquiring an iPad solely to use the app.
No Desktop Version
Currently, there is no desktop version of Procreate. If you prefer creating digital art on a larger screen or the comfort of your desktop station, this could be a significant drawback.
Basic Text Tools
For artists who require sophisticated text manipulation options, Procreate’s text tools may seem rather limited. Additional software might be necessary to cater to these needs.
No Vector Support
As Procreate is a raster-based app, it does not currently support vector graphics. This is a disadvantage for artists working on designs that need to be scalable without losing quality.
Requires Powerful Resources
Procreate can be resource-intensive, especially when you’re dealing with high-resolution artwork or multiple layers. This demands a more recent, high-performance iPad for a smooth, lag-free experience.
Final Thoughts – Is Procreate Worth it?
As we dissect the pros and cons, it’s clear that Procreate has unique advantages and a few drawbacks. Whether it’s worth the investment or not often boils down to the artist’s individual needs, their device preference, and the kind of digital art they create.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What alternatives exist for Procreate?
Apps like Adobe Fresco, Autodesk Sketchbook, and ArtRage offer similar features and could be viable alternatives. - Can I use Procreate without the Apple Pencil?
Yes, though the Apple Pencil provides the best drawing experience on the iPad, other stylus models can still be used. - Is Procreate suitable for professional digital art?
Indeed, many professional artists choose Procreate because of its range of robust features and the very natural drawing experience it provides. - Can I share or export my work from Procreate?
Yes, Procreate allows for exporting projects in multiple formats like PNG, JPEG, and even Photoshop’s PSD. - What’s the key to mastering Procreate?
As with any tool, practice is key. Use tutorials and experiment with all the different features and brushes that Procreate offers.
