Procreate on iPad: Pricing and Features
Procreate, developed by Savage Interactive, is one of the most powerful and intuitive digital illustration apps available for iPad. It’s widely used by professional artists, designers, and creators worldwide, who enjoy the freedom it provides for digital art creation. However, a common question for those interested in the app is whether it is available for free on the iPad.
As of June 2023, the popular digital illustration app, Procreate, costs $9.99 for the iPad version. The one-time payment is inclusive of all the app’s features with no subsequent subscription fees or in-app purchases.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Procreate (iPad) | $9.99 |
| Procreate Pocket (iPhone) | $4.99 |
Interestingly, the Procreate app for iPad and Procreate Pocket for iPhone are separate applications and each comes with its unique price.
Procreate: A Stew of Powerful and Unique Features
Procreate packs a punch in the digital art realm, offering a host of impressive features that have won the hearts of artists globally. Let’s dive deep into the individual features and how they contribute to the overall artistic process.
- Layering System: Procreate allows users to add up to 250 layers, depending on the canvas’s resolution. This feature is particularly important for artists as it affords them the flexibility to separate different elements of their artwork and manage them individually;
- Comprehensive Brush Library: One of Procreate’s standout features is its extensive library of over 200 handcrafted brushes. Each brush has a unique texture and can be modified to suit the artist’s preference. Furthermore, Procreate allows users to import brushes, expanding their toolkit even further;
- Advanced Selection Tools: Procreate provides a wide range of selection methods, including automatic and freehand, allowing for precision when selecting areas to edit or fill;
- High Definition Canvases: On an iPad Pro, Procreate supports canvases of up to 16K by 4K, ensuring that the final artwork maintains its quality, even when printed in large formats;
- Time-lapse Replay: This unique feature enables artists to record their artwork process, which can be shared for educational purposes, client reviews, or social media showcasing;
- Import and Export Capabilities: Procreate supports a wide range of file formats for importing and exporting artworks. This ensures that artists can work flexibly between different software and platforms;
- Animation Assist: With Procreate’s Animation Assist feature, users can create frame-by-frame animations with ease. This feature simplifies the animation process, making it an excellent tool for budding and experienced animators alike.
Comparing Procreate with Other Digital Art Applications
It’s important to contextualize Procreate’s cost in relation to other similar digital art applications available in the market. Here’s a comparison:
| App | Pricing Model |
|---|---|
| Procreate | One-time payment of $9.99 |
| Adobe Fresco | Free, with optional subscription at $9.99/month |
| Autodesk SketchBook | Free |
Despite the initial cost, Procreate’s one-time payment model proves to be a more cost-effective solution in the long run compared to Adobe Fresco, which charges a monthly subscription fee. Autodesk SketchBook, while free, may not offer the same range of features and capabilities as Procreate.
The Economic Logic of Procreate’s Pricing
The pricing strategy of Procreate is built on the economic logic of offering a one-time cost for its high-quality, feature-rich app, which aims to provide lasting value to the user. Unlike many other apps in the market that operate on a subscription-based model, Procreate’s pricing approach is centered around a single upfront payment.
To better understand the economic logic behind Procreate’s pricing, let’s examine its key features and benefits:
- One-time cost: Procreate is available for purchase at a fixed price, typically around $10 to $15, depending on the platform (iOS or iPadOS). This approach contrasts with subscription-based apps that require regular payments, such as monthly or annual fees. By adopting a one-time cost, Procreate offers users a sense of ownership and eliminates the need for continuous financial commitment;
- High-quality and feature-rich app: Procreate is widely regarded as one of the leading digital art and illustration apps available. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including advanced brush customization, layering capabilities, intuitive interface, and powerful tools for creating stunning artwork. The app’s quality and functionality contribute to its appeal among professional and aspiring artists alike;
- Lasting value: Procreate’s pricing model aligns with the notion of providing lasting value to the user. Once purchased, the app can be used indefinitely without any additional charges. This approach resonates with artists who prefer to have a stable, reliable tool for their creative endeavors without ongoing costs. Additionally, Procreate regularly releases updates and enhancements, further enhancing the value proposition for users.
The economic logic behind Procreate’s pricing can be summarized as follows:
- User incentive: By offering a one-time cost, Procreate creates a strong incentive for potential users to purchase the app. The absence of recurring fees makes it an attractive choice, particularly for artists who are conscious of long-term costs and value for money;
- Expanded user base: Procreate’s pricing strategy contributes to building a larger user base. The affordability and value-for-money proposition appeal to a wider audience, leading to increased adoption of the app. This, in turn, fosters a vibrant community of artists who actively use and promote Procreate.
Exploring Alternatives: Free Apps Similar to Procreate
When it comes to exploring alternatives to the premium digital art app Procreate, there are a few noteworthy free options available. These apps offer similar features but may not match the same level of functionality, customization, and precision as Procreate. Here are three notable alternatives:
- Autodesk SketchBook: This app provides a wide range of tools and brushes to create stunning digital art. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports layers, blending modes, and various brush settings. SketchBook also includes features like perspective guides and a customizable UI, making it a popular choice among artists;
- MediBang Paint: A versatile app suitable for both beginners and experienced artists, MediBang Paint offers an extensive library of brushes, backgrounds, and fonts. It supports layers, blending modes, and even provides cloud storage for saving and sharing artwork. Additionally, it has a collaborative feature that allows artists to work together on the same project;
- ibis Paint X: This app is known for its wide range of brushes and powerful painting tools. It offers over 2,500 materials, including brushes, tones, and fonts, which can be customized to suit individual preferences. ibis Paint X supports layers, blending modes, and offers features like recording artwork creation and replaying the process.
Conclusion
While Procreate is not free on the iPad, its extensive and powerful features make it a worthy investment for digital artists. Its one-time purchase model offers significant long-term value compared to subscription-based alternatives. However, if budget constraints are a concern, there are free alternatives available that also offer a good range of capabilities for digital art creation.
FAQS
No, Procreate is not available for free. It costs $9.99 for a one-time purchase on the Apple App Store.
No, Procreate is not a subscription-based app. You only need to pay once to use it.
Yes, but the iPhone version of Procreate, known as Procreate Pocket, is a separate app and costs $4.99.
Yes, free alternatives include Autodesk SketchBook, MediBang Paint, and ibis Paint X, but they may not have the same comprehensive features as Procreate.