In the ever-evolving world of digital art, Procreate has established itself as a powerhouse application for iPad users. Its intuitive interface, powerful brush engine, and affordable one-time payment model have made it the go-to choice for many digital artists. However, not everyone has access to an iPad or might be looking for Procreate alternatives that better suit their specific needs or workflow. Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a budding digital artist, or somewhere in between, finding the right Procreate alternative can significantly enhance your creative process.

The digital art landscape has dramatically transformed over the past decade, with an explosion of options across various platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and web-based solutions. Each Procreate alternative brings its own unique strengths to the table, from specialized brush engines to animation capabilities, from photorealistic rendering to vector-based design tools. Some prioritize a seamless user experience similar to traditional media, while others push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital creation with AI-assisted features and groundbreaking technologies.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best Procreate alternatives available in 2025, examining their features, pricing, platform availability, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re looking to create stunning illustrations, design concept art, develop comics, or simply sketch for pleasure, there’s a digital art application that will perfectly complement your artistic vision and technical requirements. We’ll dive deep into both industry standards that have stood the test of time and exciting newcomers that are disrupting the digital art space with innovative approaches.

From professional-grade software with extensive feature sets to accessible applications perfect for beginners, our detailed breakdown will help you navigate the diverse ecosystem of digital art tools beyond Procreate. Let’s explore these creative platforms and find the perfect match for your artistic journey.

Adobe Fresco

Adobe Fresco represents Adobe’s answer to Procreate, offering a powerful digital painting experience designed specifically for touch devices.

Key Features:

• Live brushes that mimic real-world media like watercolors and oils with realistic blending behaviors
• Vector and raster brushes in one application
• Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications
• Time-lapse recording feature to capture your creative process
• Cloud syncing across devices
• Advanced layer support with masking capabilities
• Access to Adobe Stock for reference images and inspiration

Platforms: iPad, iPhone, Windows touch devices

Pricing: Free version available with limited features; Full version included with Creative Cloud subscription ($9.99/month for Photography plan or $52.99/month for full Creative Cloud)

Best For: Artists already invested in the Adobe ecosystem who want cross-platform compatibility and realistic media simulation.

 

Clip Studio Paint

Formerly known as Manga Studio, Clip Studio Paint has become the industry standard for comic artists and illustrators worldwide.

Key Features:

• Extensive comic and manga creation tools including panels, speech bubbles, and perspective rulers
• Natural-feeling brush engine with over 10,000 downloadable brushes
• Advanced animation capabilities
• 3D models and pose references built into the software
• Vector layer support
• Multi-page document management
• Robust community with extensive asset sharing

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad, iPhone, Android, Chromebook

Pricing:

• One-time purchase: $49.99 (Pro), $219 (EX with advanced features)
• Subscription options: Starting at $4.49/month or $24.99/year
• Free trial available

Best For: Comic artists, manga creators, illustrators, and animators who need specialized tools for sequential art and character design.

 

Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer offers a powerful vector-based alternative that competes directly with Adobe Illustrator while offering a one-time purchase model.

Key Features:

• Seamless switching between vector and pixel workspaces
• Advanced typography tools
• Non-destructive effects and adjustments
• Incredible performance even with complex artworks
• Customizable UI with savable workspaces
• Robust export options for web and print
• Exceptional precision tools and grid systems

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad

Pricing: One-time purchase of $69.99 for desktop, $21.99 for iPad (frequently discounted)

Best For: Graphic designers, logo creators, and illustrators who prefer vector-based workflows but still need some pixel-based capabilities.

 

Krita

Krita is an impressive open-source painting program developed by artists who wanted to make professional tools accessible to everyone.

Key Features:

• Extensive brush engine with customizable brush stabilizers
• Pop-up palette for quick color and brush selection
• Built-in vector tools
• Animation workspace
• Reference image docker and assistants
• Wrap-around mode for creating seamless patterns
• PSD file compatibility

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android (beta)

Pricing: Free and open-source (donations welcomed)

Best For: Digital painters on a budget who don’t want to compromise on professional features and brush quality.

 

Rebelle

Rebelle sets itself apart with its focus on creating hyper-realistic traditional media simulations that actually behave according to real-world physics.

Key Features:

• Revolutionary watercolor and acrylic simulation with realistic fluid dynamics
• Physical paint properties like wetness, drying, and color dilution
• Natural media tools including canvas textures and paper absorbency
• Photorealistic mixing and blending of pigments
• Tilt function to control paint flow
• Multiple layer blending modes
• Color harmonies and mixer

Platforms: Windows, macOS

Pricing: $89.99 one-time purchase (free trial available)

Best For: Traditional artists transitioning to digital who want the most realistic simulation of watercolors, acrylics, and other traditional media.

 

Concepts

Concepts takes a unique approach by combining vector precision with raster flexibility in an infinite canvas format.

Key Features:

• Infinite, borderless canvas with flexible zooming
• Vector-based strokes that remain editable
• Precise measurement tools for technical drawing
• Customizable tools and gestures
• Object-based workflow for easy editing and transformation
• Cross-platform syncing
• Advanced layering system

Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

Pricing:

• Free version with basic features
• Subscription: $4.99/month or $29.99/year
• One-time purchase: $29.99 for Essentials Pack

Best For: Architects, product designers, and concept artists who need precision tools alongside artistic flexibility.

 

ArtRage

ArtRage focuses on creating an approachable digital painting experience that mimics traditional art tools with stunning realism.

Key Features:

• Intuitive interface designed to feel like real art tools
• Realistic paint textures and canvas interactions
• Metallic paint and glitter effects
• Tracing image feature for reference
• Custom brush creation tools
• Layer support with blend modes
• Recordings of your painting process

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Pricing:

• ArtRage Vitae: $79 (desktop)
• ArtRage for iOS/Android: $4.99
• Free lite version available

Best For: Artists seeking an intuitive transition from traditional media to digital with minimal technical learning curve.

 

Photoshop

While primarily known as a photo editing powerhouse, Adobe Photoshop has evolved to include robust digital painting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Industry-standard layer and masking system
• Extensive brush customization options
• Integration with Adobe libraries and Creative Cloud
• Advanced selection and transformation tools
• 3D painting capabilities
• Powerful filter system including neural filters
• Comprehensive file format support

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad

Pricing: $20.99/month, or included in Creative Cloud subscription ($52.99/month)

Best For: Professional artists who need photo manipulation capabilities alongside painting tools and cross-compatibility with other Adobe products.

 

Infinite Painter

Infinite Painter has earned its reputation as one of the most capable mobile painting apps available, especially for Android users.

Key Features:

• Over 160 natural brush presets
• Advanced perspective tools with up to 3-point perspective
• Symmetry tools with multiple axes
• Realistic blending modes
• Layer masks and clipping masks
• Customizable shortcuts and interface
• Video recording of your process

Platforms: Android, iOS

Pricing:

• Free version with basic features
• Premium version: $7.99 one-time purchase

Best For: Mobile artists seeking desktop-level capabilities on their smartphones and tablets.

 

Sketchbook

Formerly Autodesk Sketchbook, this streamlined drawing application focuses on creating a clean, minimalist interface that gets out of the artist’s way.

Key Features:

• Distraction-free interface with hideable UI
• Predictive stroke for smooth lines
• Extensive brush library with customization options
• Multiple symmetry options
• Perspective guides
• Layer support with blend modes
• Copic color library integration

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Pricing: Free

Best For: Concept artists, industrial designers, and illustrators who prefer a clean interface with professional tools.

 

Medibang Paint

Medibang Paint is optimized for manga and comic creation with specialized tools for sequential artists.

Key Features:

• Over 1000 free brushes, tones, backgrounds, and fonts
• Comic-specific features like panels and speech bubbles
• Cloud syncing across devices
• Collaborative features for team projects
• Pre-made templates for comics and illustrations
• Specialized ruler tools including perspective rulers
• Active community with resources and tutorials

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Pricing: Free (with optional premium subscription for additional cloud storage at $2.99/month)

Best For: Comic artists and illustrators seeking a free alternative with specialized manga and comic creation tools.

 

Paintstorm Studio

Paintstorm Studio is a hidden gem that focuses on professional-grade brush customization and painting capabilities.

Key Features:

• Unparalleled brush engine customization
• Perspective tools with multiple vanishing points
• Dynamic interface with customizable panels
• Color selection and mixing tools
• Advanced stroke stabilization
• Layer capabilities with groups and masks
• Custom hotkey configuration

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad

Pricing: $19 one-time purchase

Best For: Professional digital painters who prioritize brush customization and painting workflow optimization.

Website: Paintstorm Studio

Corel Painter

Corel Painter is a veteran in the digital art world, known for its extensive collection of realistic brushes and traditional media emulation.

Key Features:

• Over 900 brushes spanning every traditional medium
• Natural-Media technology for realistic brush interactions
• Thick paint and impasto features
• Advanced color mixing and blending
• Customizable workspace layouts
• Brush tracking calibration for personalized feel
• Extensive texture and paper grain options

Platforms: Windows, macOS

Pricing:

• One-time purchase: $429 (often on sale)
• Subscription: $199/year
• Free trial available

Best For: Professional illustrators and fine artists who need the most comprehensive collection of realistic traditional media effects.

 

Artstudio Pro

Artstudio Pro offers a comprehensive set of tools for both painting and photo editing in a Photoshop-like interface optimized for touch.

Key Features:

• 300+ brush presets with customization options
• Layer styles and non-destructive adjustments
• Advanced selection tools
• Vector tools with shape layers
• Text engine with typography controls
• Filter gallery with realtime preview
• RAW photo editing capabilities

Platforms: macOS, iOS

Pricing: $29.99 for macOS, $11.99 for iOS

Best For: Apple ecosystem users looking for a powerful all-in-one solution for both illustration and photo editing.

 

Inkscape

Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor that serves as an excellent alternative for vector-based artwork.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive vector editing tools
• SVG file format as native format
• Node editing and path operations
• Text tools with multi-line support
• Bitmap tracing capabilities
• Extensible through plugins
• Active community and development

Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux

Pricing: Free and open-source

Best For: Vector artists, logo designers, and illustrators working on scalable artwork with a limited budget.

 

Tayasui Sketches

Tayasui Sketches focuses on simplicity while delivering a refined digital sketching experience.

Key Features:

• Clean, minimalist interface
• Natural media brushes with realistic textures
• Intuitive color picker and blending tools
• Protected layers feature to prevent accidental changes
• Customizable brush settings
• Pattern and texture brushes
• iCloud sync across Apple devices

Platforms: iOS, macOS

Pricing:

• Free version with basic features
• Pro version: $5.99 on iOS, $29.99 on macOS

Best For: Casual artists and sketchers who value simplicity and elegant design over complex feature sets.

 

Conclusion

The digital art landscape offers a rich variety of Procreate alternatives to suit every artist’s needs, workflow preferences, and budget constraints. From free open-source options like Krita to professional industry standards like Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter, there’s truly something for everyone. Many of these applications offer free trials, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect fit for your creative process.

When choosing your ideal Procreate alternative, consider factors beyond just features—think about the user interface, how the brushes feel, compatibility with your existing hardware, and whether the learning curve matches your patience level. Sometimes the “best” application isn’t the one with the most features but the one that feels most natural and least obtrusive to your creative flow.

As digital art tools continue to evolve, we’re seeing increasing convergence in capabilities across applications, with boundaries blurring between vector and raster, 2D and 3D, and even between different creative disciplines. This renaissance in digital art software gives today’s artists unprecedented freedom to choose tools that truly complement their unique artistic voice and vision.

What’s your favorite Procreate alternative? Have you discovered innovative workflows by combining multiple applications? The beauty of today’s digital art ecosystem is that artists are no longer limited to a single tool—many professionals use different applications for different stages of their creative process, leveraging the unique strengths of each to achieve their artistic vision.

<p>The post Procreate Alternatives: 15 Best Drawing Apps for Every Artist In 2025 first appeared on Designbeep.</p>