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Procreate vs Adobe Sketch (best drawing apps / software)
Compare | Winner | |
User Interface | ||
Brush Selection | ||
Layer Support | ||
Zoom in/out | ||
Ruler support | ||
Color Variation | ||
Shape Tools | ||
Export Capabilities | ||
Import Capabilities | ||
Stylus Support | ||
FREE / PAID | Procreate charges a one-time fee of $9.99✅ . No monthly subscription . | Adobe Sketch is free to use . However, for full access, you need an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which costs $52.99/month . |
Conclusion | Procreate offers a realistic drawing experience that’s user-friendly and packed with features . However, it’s iOS-only and somewhat costly . | Adobe Sketch is a free app with a good array of brushes and tools ️. Integrated with Adobe’s Creative Cloud . Lacks some depth in features . |
Procreate Pros & Cons
Excellent brush selection ️
Great support for layers
Smooth zoom in/out
Good ruler support
Variety of color options
Adobe Sketch Pros & Cons
Integrated with Adobe’s Creative Cloud
Free to use
Good array of brush and tools ️
Smooth zoom in/out
Impressive color variation
Strong support for stylus✍️
Costly
Only available for iOS
Limited shape tools⚙️
Needs time to master the features
Lacks stock images for practice ️
Lacks animation tools ️
Not as feature-rich as Procreate
Requires an Adobe account for full access
Limited layer support
Lacks different shape tools
Limited export capabilities
Other best drawing apps
Sketchbook 🖊️ offers professional-grade features for free! But, its interface can be overwhelming for beginners 😵.
ibis Paint X 🖌️ is feature-rich and provides smooth drawing experience. A wide variety of brushes to choose from. However, it contains ads 🚫.
ArtFlow 🎨 offers a good range of features and tools for free. The UI is clean and easy to use. But, lacks layer support in the free mode 😞.
FAQ
What are some of the best drawing apps available?
There are many excellent drawing apps available. Some of the best include Procreate, Adobe Sketch, Autodesk Sketchbook, and Paper. Each of these apps provide a unique set of tools to suit different artistic styles and preferences.
What separates Procreate from other drawing apps?
Procreate stands out due to its professional-grade brushes, an intuitive interface, advanced layer system, and impressive versatility. It is also tailored for iPad users, which allows for precise inputs from the Apple Pencil.
Is Procreate free to use?
No, Procreate is not a free-to-use app. It comes at a one-time cost, but the plethora of professional-grade features and flexibility it provides can make it worth the investment for many artists.
Can I use Adobe Sketch on my smartphone?
Yes, Adobe Sketch is designed to be compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones, making it convenient and easy to create artworks on the go.
Are there any free alternatives to Procreate?
Yes, there are numerous free alternatives to Procreate. Some popular ones include Autodesk Sketchbook, MediBang Paint, and Krita. Each of these apps comes with a unique feature set and may fulfill different artistic needs.
Does Adobe Sketch require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription?
No, Adobe Sketch is a standalone app that does not require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, which allows artists to experience Adobe’s powerful drawing tools without incurring recurring costs.
Can I use custom brushes in Procreate?
Yes, Procreate allows users to create and import custom brushes, which provides artists with the freedom to tailor their digital art toolset to their personal style and needs.
What file formats does Adobe Sketch support?
Adobe Sketch supports a number of commonly used file formats such as JPEG, PNG, and PSD (Photoshop Document), thereby facilitating easy sharing and exporting of artworks.
Can I animate in Procreate?
Yes, with the addition of the animation feature in Procreate 5, artists can now create frame-by-frame animations within the app. This opens up new possibilities for digital artists who are interested in animation.
Is Procreate better than Adobe Sketch?
Both Procreate and Adobe Sketch offer high-quality tools and features. Procreate tends to be more popular among professionals due to its extensive brush libraries and animation features, but Adobe Sketch has the advantage of seamless integration with the Adobe suite. Thus, the ‘better’ app really depends on a user’s specific needs and preferences.
Is Procreate worth the cost?
For many digital artists, both professionals and hobbyists, the answer is yes. The one-time cost of Procreate is often seen as value for money given the app’s professional-grade capabilities, versatility, and continuous updates.
Does Adobe Sketch allow layering?
Yes, Adobe Sketch does support layering. This feature allows artists to manage different elements of their art individually, thereby promoting flexible manipulation of the artwork.
Can beginners use Procreate effectively?
Absolutely. While Procreate is known for its professional-grade features, its intuitive interface and variety of user-friendly tools make it accessible for beginners as well.
Does Adobe Sketch support stylus input?
Yes, Adobe Sketch supports the use of a stylus pen. This includes both Adobe’s own stylus and other popular models, allowing artists to draw with precision and ease.
Is Procreate available for Android?
No, as of now, Procreate is only available for iOS devices. Android users may consider alternatives like Autodesk Sketchbook or Adobe Sketch.
Does Adobe Sketch provide tutorial resources?
Yes, Adobe Sketch does have a variety of tutorial resources available to help users learn the ins and outs of the app. These resources can be found on the Adobe website and within the app itself.
Do I need Apple Pencil to use Procreate?
No, while the precision and features of the Apple Pencil can enhance your usage of Procreate, the app works well with other digital styluses too. Furthermore, you can also use your fingers to draw and navigate in the app.
Are there any subscription fees for Adobe Sketch?
No, Adobe Sketch is completely free to download and use. This makes it an accessible option for artists who are hesitant about committing to a subscription fee.
Can Procreate be used for professional work?
Yes, Procreate is widely used by professional digital artists thanks to its powerful features. Many illustrators, concept artists, and designers use it for their professional work.
Does Adobe Sketch support timelapse recording?
Unfortunately, as of now, Adobe Sketch does not support timelapse recording. This feature, which allows artists to record a video of their drawing process, is available in some other apps like Procreate.
Which are the best drawing apps available currently?
There are numerous high-quality drawing apps available currently, such as Procreate, Adobe Sketch, and others like Autodesk Sketchbook and ArtRage.
What are the unique features of the Procreate app?
Procreate offers numerous features, including ultra-high-definition canvases, over 160 customizable brush presets, advanced layer blending, color drop tool, and other design tools.
How does the Adobe Sketch perform compared to Procreate?
Like Procreate, Adobe Sketch is a remarkable app with a host of features, including over 24 built-in brushes. While both are competitive, the choice between them often comes down to personal preferences and individual art styles.
Can these apps be used on both iOS and Android platforms?
While Procreate is an app specifically designed for iOS, Adobe Sketch can be used on both Android and iOS platforms.
What hardware do I need to use these drawing apps?
For Procreate, you will need an iPad with iOS 13.2 or later. While for Adobe Sketch, it can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or computer as long as it meets the apps’ system requirements.
Are these drawing apps free to use?
Procreate is a paid app, available for a one-time purchase, whereas Adobe Sketch is free to download with in-app purchases available for additional features.
Do these apps require a stylus pen?
While a stylus or an Apple Pencil can greatly enhance the drawing experience in apps like Procreate and Adobe Sketch, they are not compulsory to use these apps. However, using these tools can give you better control and precision.
How can I learn how to use Procreate and Adobe Sketch effectively?
You can utilize the tutorials provided by Procreate and Adobe Sketch on their official websites for a comprehensive understanding of these apps.
Can these apps be used for professional graphic designing?
Yes, both apps, especially Procreate and Adobe Sketch, are widely used by professionals in the field of graphic design. They offer an extensive range of tools and features that cater to professional needs.
How different is Adobe Sketch from Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Sketch is more focused on drawing and painting with a natural feel, while Adobe Illustrator is intended for creating vector graphics. However, both provide high-quality results and are used by professionals worldwide.
What are the system requirements for Adobe Sketch?
To use Adobe Sketch, you’ll need iOS 11.0 or later for iPhone, and iPadOS 13.0 or later for iPad.
How many layers does Procreate offer for my drawing?
Procreate offers up to 128 layers for a 20×20 cm canvas at 300 DPI. The number of layers decreases as the size or resolution of the canvas increases.
I am a beginner, would Procreate be difficult for me to use?
While Procreate does offer advanced features, it is highly intuitive and is great for beginners too. Getting started with basic drawing and painting is quite easy, and the complexity can be increased as you get familiar with the app.
Can I use Adobe Sketch offline?
Yes, Adobe Sketch can be used offline. However, to access all the features such as cloud storage, you would need an internet connection.
Does Procreate have any in-app purchases?
Once you have purchased the Procreate app, there are no additional in-app purchases. All the features are available to you.
Can I import my own brushes into Adobe Sketch?
Yes, Adobe Sketch allows you to import your own brushes in tool presets (.TPL) format.
Can I export my work from Procreate to Adobe Sketch?
Yes, you can export your work from Procreate in PSD format and then import it into Adobe Sketch.
Can I sell my art created in Procreate and Adobe Sketch?
Yes, you own the rights to all your artwork created in Procreate or Adobe Sketch, and you can sell them if you wish to.
Is it possible to animate in Procreate?
Yes, Procreate supports animation and offers an animation assist tool that allows you to create frame-by-frame animations.
Can Adobe Sketch sync my work across different devices?
Yes, if you sign in with your Adobe ID in Adobe Sketch, your work is automatically saved in the cloud and can be accessed across different devices.