Procreate Reviews

“worth every update

Pros

Six months in, I am enjoying Procreate even more than when I first bought it. It's a one-time purchase and all the updates have been included for free which makes it feel like an even better value over time.

Cons

One thing I still wish it handled better is layer selection while drawing. It takes too many taps to open the layer list, choose the correct folder, pick the right layer and get back to the canvas. I'd also love to see pen size and color settings saved per layer and right now grouped layers still cannot have a mask.

“affordable and powerful drawing app

Pros

For the price, this software offers me excellent value. It's very affordable, runs quickly and is just as capable as Photoshop when it comes to speed and overall usability.

Cons

Its feature set is a little more limited than some competing tools and I am not a fan of the fact that PSD exports don't keep masks intact.

“endless creative tools

Pros

With the huge variety of tools available, I can create pretty much anything I imagine. Being able to download extra brushes and other add-ons for my artwork is something I really enjoy. Since the software is so widely used, there are tons of tutorials online which makes it much easier to build my skills. It has turned digital art into a really enjoyable new hobby.

Cons

At times the learning curve feels a bit steep especially when it comes to layers and masks. If I go a while without opening�the program, I sometimes forget how to do certain things. There are so many features and options that it can occasionally feel a little overwhelming.

“clean interface and powerful tools

Pros

Right from the start, Procreate looks very user friendly and simple to navigate. The interface is clean and most tools and sub-tools stay tucked away until I need them which keeps my workspace from feeling crowded. A lot of features especially things like selection, color fill and brush smoothing, actually perform better than some much more expensive PC software.

Cons

My biggest complaint is still the layer cap. I get that it comes from hardware limitations but I would honestly prefer the option to add more layers even if that means�the app�might slow down, since the kind of projects I work on usually need a lot of layers.

“Feature-packed software!

Pros

It is simple, user friendly and easy to use. Plus pretty much everything I could imagine wanting in a graphics program is included.

Cons

The only real downside is the limited background customization. It would be nice to have graphic presets that could be used as a starting base.

“fantastic brushes and customization

Pros

There is a lot to enjoy here especially with how many features Procreate includes and how customizable everything is. The variety of brushes makes it possible to create all kinds of textures and being able to make my own brushes adds even more creative freedom.

Cons

Getting around�the app�can feel a little overwhelming and confusing at first. Once you spend some time with it and learn where everything is, the layout starts to make more sense and becomes much easier to use.

“natural sketching on ipad

Pros

Drawing in Procreate is way too easy for me. Plus the wide selection of brushes and tools makes it simple to turn my ideas into finished artwork. Working directly on my iPad also is very natural, almost like putting pencil to paper.

Cons

The only downside is that it's exclusive to iPads, so some users cannot access it.

“Beginner-friendly art app

Pros

As a casual or beginner artist, this program is like a really great choice. Also the interface is thoughtfully designed and while it can be a bit confusing to move around in during the first few hours, it becomes much more user friendly pretty quickly. Compared with other art software, it is more easy once I get used to it. The lower price compared to programs like Photoshop is also a big plus.

Cons

A few basic tools you would normally expect are missing. For instance, not having a paint bucket tool is pretty surprising for a digital art app. Aside from that, though, there is very little for me to complain about.

“clean interface for beginners

Pros

Getting started with Procreate felt really natural because the interface is so easy. Even with absolutely no background in digital art apps, I was able to figure out how it worked without needing long, detailed tutorials.

Cons

That simplicity does come with a trade-off, though. It leaves out some features that are common in a lot of other digital art programs which can make the jump to industry-standard software harder when�this app�never exposed you to those tools.

“user friendly drawing app

Pros

Working in Procreate is so easy and genuinely fun especially for 2D drawing and illustration.

Cons

The 3D tools don't really add much to a practical workflow and it's still missing some features that would help with manga and comic creation.

“simple illustration workflow

Pros

Procreate is very user friendly and simple to use for illustration. It is really comfortable to work with overall.

Cons

There are still a few features I miss in�this app, mostly when it comes to editing tools.

“beginner friendly digital art app

Pros

This app is very good and reliable. Also it is simple enough as a beginner to learn quickly, while still offering the core tools any digital artist would want.

Cons

At times remembering where all the hidden features are can be a bit challenging.

“feature rich drawing app

Pros

One thing I appreciated most about Procreate was how many features it offered me.

Cons

The part I liked least about�this app�was the learning curve.

“changed my workflow for good

Pros

Trying not to turn this into a huge review is difficult because just about every part of Procreate delivers. The tools, the features, the custom pencils and the ability to import and export assets all work beautifully., it is like an industry-leading product and it even got me to completely stop using Adobe Suite tools.

Cons

My only real issue is that it's still heavily tied to the Apple ecosystem which can make sharing files and integrating with non-Apple devices frustrating at times.

“fantastic sketching with airplay

Pros

Creating graphic designs and sketches in Procreate is very easy and being able to present my work through AirPlay is a really useful bonus.

Cons

It may not matter to most artists but I do wish it included a collaboration feature so people could work on designs together.

“versatile brushes for every artist

Pros

Getting started with Procreate is easy, whether I am a beginner or already working at a professional level. It comes with a wide range of brushes and tools which makes it useful for all kinds of creative work.

Cons

The price feels a bit high especially since there are free alternatives out there that offer fewer tools but can still be just as useful depending on what you need.

“The best for digital art

Pros

It is much more like a dedicated drawing and illustration app than a true Photoshop substitute. If I am hoping to restore an old damaged family photo, it probably isn't the right fit. But when it comes to creating digital artwork, Procreate really shines. It offers me plenty of brushes, layers, effects and all the tools I need to produce high-quality digital drawings especially at such a good price. Definitely worth me trying.

Cons

Its limitations show up more when working with photos especially for things like recoloring, image masking and similar edits. For that kind of work, there are stronger apps available.

“Useful brushes and animation tools

Pros

Procreate is incredibly user friendly and easy to use, while also being very versatile. It comes with a large library of beautiful brushes and the app also lets me build timelines for creating impressive animations and GIFs. The brush textures recreate different traditional art techniques in a very realistic way, whether it's thick paint, watercolor, pencil or charcoal.

Cons

I notice that it is missing some features that can be found in other painting or drawing software.

“custom brushes and endless creativity

Pros

Being able to make my own brushes and fonts opens up so many design possibilities and the features are user friendly enough to keep my creative process flowing.

Cons

There is definitely a steep learning curve because�the app�offers so many options and that can feel pretty overwhelming at first.

“packed with creative tools

Pros

There are tons of features available to create design assets which makes the app really capable and versatile.

Cons

The large number of features can feel a bit overwhelming at first especially for someone just getting started and still learning the workflow.

“Loved it!

Pros

Procreate is simply amazing. I have been using it for over two years for drawing, taking notes, editing images, and creating graphic content. The huge range of brushes and colors, the ability to make small animations, the user friendly workflow and the precision of the tools are all things I really appreciate. They make this app feel truly one of a kind.

Cons

One part I didn't enjoy as much was the way layers are merged when working across multiple layers, since it isn't especially user friendly at first. Pinching the images together to combine them was a bit tricky in the beginning, although with a little practice it becomes manageable.

“great tools and tutorials

Pros

It is very user friendly, with lots of useful tutorials and a supportive community that's always ready to help me.

Cons

The only downside is the project size limitation as the canvas gets larger, the number of available layers goes down.

“simple to use!

Pros

Using it felt natural right from the first time I opened it, almost like I had already been working with it for years because the app is so easy to use.

Cons

My only complaint is that once you close the artwork you're working on, the undo history is gone and cannot be accessed anymore.

“packed with amazing tools

Pros

This app packs an impressive number of features into one place. I can paint, draw, edit images and even create animations without needing anything else. It is absolutely worth the price for everything that's included.

Cons

With so many tools available, it does take time to learn how everything works. I do wish there were better guidance or some kind of built-in navigation to help understand each feature.

“Offer great value!

Pros

Getting into Procreate was very easy since it's convenient, accessible and reasonably priced. The learning curve is light and the brushes have a much nicer look and feel than Photoshop Overall even if it does come with a few trade-offs.

Cons

One thing that bothers me is how brush textures can end up looking pixelated and a bit faded once the image is compressed into a JPEG. I also miss having adjustment layers like Photoshop offers because having to tweak colors and levels directly on the painted layers leaves me with much less flexibility.

“provide endless creative possibilities

Pros

The possibilities feel almost limitless. I can also get extra brushes from all over the place for relatively little money or just create my own without much trouble.

Cons

That same strength can also be the downside like with so many options available, it's pretty easy to get lost in everything you can do.

“real-time painting bliss

Pros

Painting in real time was easily the most satisfying part of using Procreate. The digital canvas felt like a natural extension of my artistic instincts, picking up every brushstroke and creative impulse with impressive responsiveness. Because everything stayed seamless and free of lag, I could watch the artwork develop instantly in a way that closely echoed the organic feel of traditional painting. That real-time feedback deepened my connection to my creative process and brought more spontaneity and immediacy into my work. Procreate kept pace with the flow of my ideas so well that the whole digital painting experience felt deeply immersive and, At times almost transcendent.

Cons

Honestly nothing really stood out as a downside with�this app. Very little, if anything, got in the way. The interface is user friendly, the design was clearly well thought out and any small learning moments were quick to get past. Plus its simple setup and powerful feature set left me with no meaningful complaints which made it easy to stay focused on the enjoyment of creating art.

“My daily use tool

Pros

Whether I am editing images or making artwork from scratch, this app gets used by me all the time. I really enjoy how it can lean into a very painterly style or be used by me for more graphic-looking work depending on what I need.

Cons

It offers so many tools and options that I sometimes get sidetracked just deciding what to use.

“best value for the price

Pros

Hands down, this is like the best digital drawing app out there. It's very user friendly and my workflow carries over nicely into other editing programs. There are tons of tools included especially the huge brush library which gives me a lot to work with. The biggest highlight, though, is the price. I pay around $10-12 once and own the software outright. No subscription at all which is a huge plus.

Cons

One problem is that it's limited to iPads, so the hardware requirement alone can make it too expensive for some people. There is also a phone version available but it feels pretty underwhelming compared to the iPad app.

“Works the best for me

Pros

Procreate is the kind of software that really lets me do just about anything. I can go from basic photo editing to creating a drawing completely from scratch. It comes with plenty of features and a lot of useful tools that make it suitable for all kinds of creative work. One of the best parts is how user friendly it is while I build my project which makes the whole experience the best. It includes practical functions like copying and pasting objects I have sampled with the dedicated tool but also more advanced options such as automatically generating a real time-lapse of my work which is especially useful if I want to share it on social media. I'd recommend Procreate both to anyone looking to create something professional in graphic design and to people who simply want to draw and enjoy themselves. On top of that, it costs me very little for everything it offers.

Cons

The only minor downside and honestly it barely feels like one, is that�the software�is available only on iPad and of course requires an Apple Pencil to be used properly.

“User Friendly Drawing App

Pros

It's a user friendly app to draw and paint and the wide variety of brushes makes it even better to work with.

Cons

One downside is that it isn't as widely known, mainly because it only works on certain Apple devices.

“apple family sharing is a bonus

Pros

Creating digital art and graphic design is very easy with Procreate because the interface is user friendly and the shortcuts save me a lot of time. Another thing I really appreciate is being able to share the app through Apple Family which meant I didn't have to buy it a second time for my child to use on her iPad.

Cons

My only real complaint is that�this app�is limited to Apple devices. I spent nearly two years going back and forth on whether to buy an iPad and the main reason I finally bought one was just so I could use�this app.

“Have plenty to explore

Pros

This app is really user friendly and it's very simple to get started with.

Cons

One thing I am still unsure about is whether it's just me but it can be hard to tell how many features are actually included. That said, watching videos clears that up pretty quickly.

“Natural paper like drawing

Pros

Using Procreate on my iPad with an Apple Pencil is fantastic. With so many built-in brushes and creative options, it really gives me a natural, paper-like drawing experience.

Cons

The biggest downside is the limited image export formats. It can be a hassle when trying to move artwork into Photoshop to finish the process.

“Fantastic time lapse artist tool

Pros

One feature I appreciate most is the time-lapse recording, since it captures my entire creation process from start to finish. That's especially helpful as an artist who wants to share my work or put together tutorials.

Cons

I really haven't run into any major downsides, though the export and sharing options can feel a little overwhelming because it's not always clear which file format I should choose. Still, it's nice that there are several formats available.

“fairly price tool

Pros

Getting started with Procreate is very natural and the interface is simple to understand. It's also much more affordable than many other drawing and image-editing apps.

Cons

The one area where I find myself getting stuck is checking whether a shape is fully closed before filling an area with color can be frustrating. It would be really helpful to have a tool that makes that easier to spot.

“Offer full control

Pros

Drawing in Procreate lets me work much faster, without wasting paper and gives me complete control over my whole process.

Cons

One thing I'd still like to see is 3D editing added to�this app, so it can also be used to model 3D objects.

“reliable app for drawing

Pros

It is a very user friendly app, simple enough that I can learn how to use it on my own without much trouble.

Cons

Nothing major but�the app�could use more font options for writing and text.

“this tool is artist friendly

Pros

Procreate is incredibly user friendly, quick to pick up and above all, it works in a way that makes sense for how I as an artist actually create.

Cons

The only thing I'd really like to see improved is file and font organization, although it hasn't affected my workflow at all.

“Simple to learn

Pros

What I appreciated most when I first started is that getting up to speed is fairly easy and the steps for handling my everyday tasks are simple to learn.

Cons

Like most image-editing software, it can feel complicated at times but that really comes from how powerful it is.

“highly valuable artist tool

Pros

Getting started with Procreate is not a problem since it's user friendly and never overly complicated. Plus it offers me excellent value and it works really well whether I am a beginner who is learning or an experienced artist who already knows my workflow.

Cons

I feel like it could improve the text tool especially by adding a wider selection of fonts.

“Packed with powerful tools

Pros

Procreate is very user friendly, comes loaded with features and runs really well especially considering the fair price.

Cons

One thing I'd still like to see is a more customizable library. I also ran into recent problems printing directly from�the app which was a widespread issue at the time and incredibly inconvenient while working. It's been fixed now but customer support felt lacking since the problem affected so many users and wasn't handled properly or quickly enough.

“Fantastic on iPad

Pros

Using Procreate on my iPad has been a really positive experience and the app is very simple to use overall.

Cons

I genuinely love it and honestly don't have any negative feedbackntion.

“great digital art companion

Pros

If I am wondering whether Procreate is worth the hype, here is my experience after daily use. It has shown me just how simple and user friendly it really is. Whether I am putting together quick sketches or polishing my final artwork, the clean interface and powerful feature set help me move fast and stay efficient. Even with how approachable it is, Procreate is incredibly capable in my experience. Between custom brushes and tools like pulling colors directly from photos, it gives me everything I need to turn my ideas into finished pieces. I am still impressed by how much control and precision it offers me and I'd gladly recommend it to anyone wanting to get into digital art.

Cons

This app�is an excellent app for digital art but the resizing feature could definitely be improved. At the moment, resizing an image feels a little awkward and doesn't have the level of precision or fluidity I'd want.

“Effective digital art tools

Pros

Such a powerful drawing app to work with. It really shines when paired with the Apple Pencil and freeform sketching and it also lets me clean things up by making perfect circles, squares, straight lines and other precise shapes.

Cons

There is definitely a bit of a learning curve here. Since�the app�is packed with features, there are plenty of tools and commands to get used to but the online user guide does a good job of helping along the way.

“gives everything a natural feel

Pros

Procreate won me over because the built-in brush library is incredibly rich and every brush can be customized by me to fit all kinds of needs. The textures and the way the tools mimic traditional art are remarkably faithful and that was exactly what convinced me to buy it. On top of that, I can expand it with additional brush packs sold at reasonable prices by graphic studios and other artists. I also really enjoy the touch controls which, when paired with a shortcut keypad, make my whole workflow very fast.

Cons

The biggest limitation is definitely the number of working layers available especially compared with other programs that don't have this restriction. The higher you set the canvas size or DPI, the fewer layers you can use. Another minor issue is that the tool panel disappears while working, so it has happened that I kept drawing on the wrong layer and only noticed later when reopening the menu to change something, like the brush. I really think the layers should stay visible at all times to help avoid this kind of mistake.

“Good for creative growth

Pros

One thing I really appreciated about Procreate is the huge selection of brushes and how much I can customize every single detail. I also really liked the different ways to pick colors, whether through the fan-style selector, the color wheel, the grid or by entering a hexadecimal value. The way it handles layers and artwork organization was another big plus. Procreate makes it possible even as a beginner to create real works of art. I started from a very basic level and thanks to Procreate, I can now produce much more complex and higher-quality pieces.

Cons

I think�this app�is missing some important basic fonts, along with the option to add custom ones. The current text editor still feels quite awkward and underdeveloped. It would also be very helpful to include step-by-step tutorials that introduce all of the program's features for less experienced users.

“offer very fun effects

Pros

A feature I really enjoy in Procreate is the Liquefy filter especially the flowy marble effect. It gives my page a hydro-dip style look and adds a really cool creative touch.

Cons

A frustrating limitation is that once you exit a drawing, the undo option is no longer available. That means if I go back to artwork I made a year ago, I cannot undo anything and have to rely only on the eraser.

“Comes with fantastic brushes

Pros

The sticky pen settings make my linework come out really clean and having so many pen options to choose from is a big plus.

Cons

To me the animation tools feel pretty limited and working with layers for animation is hard enough that it gets tiring.

“Powerful tools and precision

Pros

What sets this platform apart from others I have used is that the range of tools and possibilities it offers me is impressive and the level of perfection I can achieve with it is remarkable.

Cons

The only downside is that it's available exclusively on iPad.