How Much Is Procreate in 2024? Full Pricing, Features, and Value Breakdown

Procreate has rapidly gained popularity due to its powerful features, affordability, and intuitive design all on an iPad. As one of the best-selling apps on the App Store, it offers artists of all levels the ability to create professional-quality artwork. One of the most common questions potential users ask is, “How much is Procreate?” This blog will provide an in-depth look into Procreate’s pricing structure, how it compares to other art apps, and whether it’s a worthwhile investment for digital artists in 2024.

What Is Procreate and Why It’s So Popular

Procreate is a powerful digital art application designed exclusively for iPad and iPhone (through its Procreate Pocket version). Its rise in popularity is attributed to its comprehensive toolset, ease of use, and seamless integration with Apple’s Apple Pencil, which makes drawing, painting, and illustrating more natural.

The app caters to a wide audience—ranging from beginners just getting into digital art to seasoned professionals looking for a robust tool for illustration, graphic design, or animation. Here are some of the key reasons why Procreate has become so widely adopted:

• Extensive Brush Library: With hundreds of customizable brushes, Procreate gives artists the tools they need to mimic traditional art media or create their own unique styles.
• Layer System: The layer-based system allows users to work on different parts of their artwork independently, enabling non-destructive editing and complex compositions.
• Advanced Features: Features like animation assist, blending modes, and masking tools make Procreate a top choice for both illustrators and animators.
• One-Time Payment: Unlike many other professional design tools, Procreate requires only a one-time payment, making it an affordable option for digital artists.

Procreate’s intuitive interface and powerful capabilities make it accessible to beginners while also offering advanced functionality for professionals, leading to its meteoric rise in popularity in the digital art world.

How Much Does Procreate Cost?

If you’re wondering how much Procreate is the answer is refreshingly simple. Procreate costs a one-time fee of $12.99 USD on the App Store. This makes it an incredibly affordable option compared to other professional design software that often requires expensive subscriptions. Once purchased, you gain lifetime access to the app and all future updates, ensuring that Procreate remains a valuable tool without recurring costs.

For Procreate Pocket, the version available for iPhone, the cost is even lower—just $5.99 USD. Although Procreate Pocket is a more compact version with fewer features compared to the iPad version, it’s perfect for artists on the go who want to create directly from their smartphones.

Prices may vary slightly depending on your region and currency, but Procreate is generally considered a budget-friendly alternative to other digital art apps, especially for what it offers in terms of power and flexibility.

Is Procreate a One-Time Purchase?

Yes, Procreate is a one-time purchase with no hidden fees or subscription model. Unlike other digital art software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, which operates on a subscription basis, Procreate’s one-time payment model provides excellent long-term value. Once you pay for the app, you receive all updates, features, and future improvements without any additional charges.

This is one of the biggest reasons why so many artists gravitate towards Procreate. You only pay once, and you have access to all of its powerful tools without worrying about monthly or annual subscription fees. For those who want to avoid recurring payments and still get a feature-rich digital art app, Procreate is an ideal choice.

Does Procreate Offer Discounts or Free Trials?

Procreate doesn’t currently offer a free trial or discounts on its main app or Procreate Pocket. However, given the app’s low cost, the one-time payment of $12.99 is already a steal compared to the recurring fees required by other premium design tools.

That said, you can occasionally find App Store promotions or bundles where Apple may offer discounts or free credits, particularly during the holiday season. If you’re purchasing a new iPad, you might want to check if any special deals are available that could include a free or discounted Procreate app.

What Devices Are Compatible with Procreate?

Procreate is exclusive to Apple devices, specifically the iPad. The app performs best on iPads with Apple Pencil support, which enables pressure sensitivity, tilt functionality, and a natural drawing experience. Procreate runs on the following iPad models:

• iPad Pro (all models): Best performance due to powerful processors and high refresh rates.
• iPad (6th generation or later): More affordable iPad models that work well with Procreate.
• iPad Air (3rd generation or later): A middle-ground option with great performance.
• iPad mini (5th generation or later): Small and portable, yet powerful enough for Procreate.

The app is optimized for iPads with Apple Pencil support, which significantly enhances the user experience. While Procreate can technically run on iPads without an Apple Pencil, users will miss out on pressure sensitivity and tilt controls, which are essential for precise and professional artwork.

Do You Need an Apple Pencil for Procreate? (Additional Costs to Consider)

While Procreate doesn’t require an Apple Pencil, it’s highly recommended if you want to take full advantage of the app’s capabilities. The Apple Pencil (1st or 2nd generation) allows you to utilize pressure sensitivity, tilt for shading, and natural strokes, which mimics traditional drawing tools like pencils or paintbrushes.

The cost of the Apple Pencil is another investment to consider:

• Apple Pencil (1st Gen): Approximately $99 USD.
• Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): Approximately $129 USD.

There are also cheaper stylus alternatives that work with Procreate, though they might not offer the same precision and responsiveness as the Apple Pencil.

Procreate Pricing vs. Competitors: Is It Worth the Cost?

When comparing Procreate’s pricing to other professional digital art apps, it quickly becomes clear that Procreate offers tremendous value. Many other popular art apps, such as Adobe Fresco, Clip Studio Paint, and Corel Painter, operate on a subscription-based model or charge significantly more upfront.

• Adobe Fresco: Free basic version with a premium plan costing $9.99/month.
• Clip Studio Paint: Starts at $49.99, but with additional costs for upgrades.
• Corel Painter: A high-end painting software costing upwards of $429 for a full license.

Given these comparisons, Procreate’s one-time fee of $12.99 is an exceptional deal, especially considering its professional-grade tools and ongoing updates.

Procreate vs. Free Alternatives: Can Free Apps Compete?

There are a number of free digital art apps available, such as MediBang Paint and Autodesk SketchBook. While these free apps can be a good entry point for beginners, they often lack the depth and flexibility of Procreate. Free apps generally come with limitations such as fewer brush options, restricted layer usage, or less robust blending tools.

In contrast, Procreate offers an expansive suite of features without the limitations often found in free apps. The intuitive interface, combined with advanced tools like animation support, clipping masks, and high-resolution canvas settings, makes Procreate well worth the cost for artists looking to create professional-quality work.

Is Procreate a Good Investment for Beginners and Professionals?

Procreate caters to both beginners and professional artists, making it a great investment for users of all levels. For beginners, its simple interface and easy learning curve allow new users to jump right into creating without feeling overwhelmed. For professionals, the extensive feature set, including custom brushes, blend modes, and layer management, provides the precision and power required for high-end projects.

For hobbyists and beginners, Procreate provides a low-cost introduction to digital art with tools that can grow alongside them as their skills improve. For professionals, the app’s affordability, combined with its advanced features and Apple Pencil integration, makes it a cost-effective alternative to more expensive, subscription-based tools.

How Procreate Saves You Money on Traditional Art Supplies

Another major advantage of Procreate is how it helps artists save on the costs associated with traditional art supplies. Procreate allows artists to create digital art without needing to purchase physical materials like canvases, paints, or sketchbooks. By paying a one-time fee of $12.99, artists gain access to an unlimited canvas and a variety of tools, eliminating the need for constantly buying expensive art materials.

Over time, using Procreate can result in significant savings, particularly for artists who regularly spend money on paints, brushes, and high-quality paper. For digital artists, the app’s broad array of brushes and blending tools means you can experiment without spending extra money on physical resources.

Procreate Features Breakdown: What Do You Get for the Price?

Procreate’s $12.99 price tag offers an extensive set of tools and features that rival high-end software. Here’s what you get:

• Brush Library: Hundreds of built-in brushes that are customizable, with options to create your own.
• Layer Support: Use multiple layers for complex projects, with advanced blend modes for professional-quality effects.
• Smudge and Eraser Tools: Flexible tools for blending and editing without damaging your work.
• Animation Assist: Frame-by-frame animation tools that make creating animations straightforward and easy.
• Color Tools: From color harmony tools to custom color palettes, Procreate gives you the ability to masterfully manipulate color.
• Timelapse Recording: Automatically records your creative process, allowing you to export videos of your artwork.

These features, plus regular updates with new tools, make Procreate an exceptional value for digital artists, illustrators, and designers.

Procreate Updates and Long-Term Support: What’s Included in the Purchase?

One of the reasons Procreate offers such great value is its ongoing updates and long-term support. With each new update, Procreate introduces more features and improvements—all of which are included in the initial purchase. This means that as new tools and innovations are added to the app, users receive them at no additional cost.

Recent updates have included advanced 3D painting, improvements to animation tools, and new features for brush customization. With Procreate, users can be confident that their one-time payment will continue to yield dividends as the app evolves and expands.

How Much Is Procreate for Educational Use?

For students, teachers, and educational institutions, Procreate does not offer specific discounts, but its low price makes it an attractive tool for classroom use. Some schools and universities include Procreate in their art and design programs, and its one-time fee allows institutions to invest in powerful creative software without worrying about recurring costs.

Schools looking to introduce Procreate into their curriculum can contact the developers or check Apple’s educational offerings for bulk purchasing options, though standard pricing generally applies.

Procreate Pocket: How Much Is Procreate for iPhone?

Procreate Pocket, the iPhone version of the app, costs $5.99 USD. While it offers many of the same features as the iPad version, it is optimized for a smaller screen and a more portable experience. Procreate Pocket includes:

• Layering system: Just like the iPad version, it supports multiple layers and advanced blend modes.
• Customizable brushes: With the ability to import or create brushes, Procreate Pocket brings high-quality painting tools to your phone.
• Touch controls: Instead of using an Apple Pencil, users can paint and draw using their fingers or a compatible stylus.

Procreate Pocket is ideal for artists who want to create on the go, but it lacks some of the more advanced features found in the iPad version, such as animation tools and 3D painting. Nonetheless, at $5.99, it’s an excellent value for those who want a mobile art studio.

How to Purchase and Install Procreate: Step-by-Step Guide

To purchase and install Procreate on your iPad or iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPad or iPhone.
2. Search for “Procreate” in the search bar.
3. Tap the $12.99 (or $5.99 for Procreate Pocket) price button.
4. Authenticate the purchase using your Apple ID or Face ID.
5. Once purchased, the app will begin to download automatically.
6. Open Procreate and start creating!

If you experience any issues during installation, ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS version, and that you have sufficient storage space available.

FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Procreate Pricing

1. How much is Procreate on iPad?
Procreate costs $12.99 USD as a one-time purchase on iPad. This price includes all future updates.

2. Is Procreate a one-time payment or subscription?
Procreate is a one-time payment, meaning you only pay once and receive lifetime access with updates.

3. Does Procreate offer discounts or free trials?
No, Procreate does not offer free trials or discounts, but its low price of $12.99 makes it accessible for most users.

4. Is Procreate worth the money for beginners?
Yes, Procreate is highly user-friendly, making it a great investment for beginners, while also offering advanced tools for professional growth.

5. Do you need an Apple Pencil for Procreate?
While not mandatory, using an Apple Pencil is recommended for precise control and full access to Procreate’s pressure-sensitive tools.

6. How does Procreate compare to other art apps in terms of price?
Compared to competitors like Adobe Fresco and Clip Studio Paint, Procreate’s one-time fee offers exceptional value without recurring costs.

Does Procreate Have In-App Purchases?

No, Procreate does not contain in-app purchases. Once you’ve paid the one-time fee, all features and future updates are included. This ensures that artists can fully utilize the app without worrying about additional expenses for extra tools or features.

Learn How to Use Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re not only curious about how much Procreate costs but also eager to dive into how to use Procreate effectively, we’ve got you covered. Once you’ve purchased the app and are ready to get started with creating stunning digital artwork, learning the ins and outs of the interface is essential.

For a detailed, beginner-friendly guide on how to use Procreate, check out our comprehensive tutorial on How to Use Procreate. This guide covers everything from understanding the Procreate interface to mastering essential tools like the Brush Library, Layers, and Color Tools.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn:

• Navigating Procreate’s Interface: Familiarize yourself with the layout, menus, and canvas setup.
• Mastering Brushes and Tools: Get an overview of the vast Brush Library, Smudge Tool, and Eraser Tool.
• Working with Layers: Learn how to create, manage, and organize layers for efficient editing.
• Creating Your First Artwork: Follow step-by-step instructions to create a digital illustration from scratch.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your digital art techniques, our guide will help you unlock Procreate’s full potential.

Read the full guide on how to use Procreate here: How to Use Procreate.

How Does Procreate’s Price Compare to Other Design Software?

Compared to other design software like Adobe Creative Cloud or Corel Painter, Procreate stands out for its affordability. While Adobe Creative Cloud operates on a subscription model costing $20.99/month for Photoshop alone, and Corel Painter charges upwards of $429 for a license, Procreate offers comparable features for just $12.99. This low, one-time payment makes Procreate a more budget-friendly option for artists who need professional-quality tools without breaking the bank.

More Procreate Tutorials From Daily Creative Co

How to Use Procreate: In-Depth Guide to Mastering Procreate From Installation to Advanced Techniques
How to Animate in Procreate: A Complete Guide to Procreate Animation
How to Curve Text in Procreate: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Conclusion: Is Procreate Worth the Price in 2024?

In 2024, Procreate continues to be an incredible value for both amateur and professional digital artists. Its $12.99 one-time fee, combined with its rich set of features, makes it an unbeatable choice for iPad users. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your digital art journey or a professional seeking advanced tools, Procreate offers excellent functionality at a fraction of the cost of other professional software. With continuous updates, Procreate remains one of the most powerful and affordable digital art tools available, making it a must-have for artists in 2024.