Welcome to our ultimate showdown between Procreate vs Photoshop for digital art! If you’re a digital artist or graphic designer, you’ve probably heard of both of these popular apps, but you may be wondering which one is the best choice for your needs. In this post, we’ll be comparing Procreate and Photoshop in terms of their features, performance, and cost to help you make an informed decision.
Procreate is a powerful drawing and painting app that is specifically designed for iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. It offers a wide range of brush options, layers, and other features that make it a popular choice for digital artists. Photoshop, on the other hand, is a more general-purpose image editing app that is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. It is known for its extensive feature set and wide range of capabilities, but it can also be intimidating for some users due to its complexity.
In this post, we’ll be examining the key features, performance, and cost of Procreate and Photoshop to help you decide which app is the best choice for your digital art needs. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each app and be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. So let’s get started!
Overview of Procreate
Procreate is a powerful drawing and painting app that is specifically designed for iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. It offers a wide range of features and tools that make it a popular choice for digital artists, including:
- Brush options: Procreate includes over 130 customizable brushes, including pencils, pens, markers, airbrushes, and more. Each brush can be adjusted for size, pressure, and other properties to create a wide range of effects.
- Layers: Procreate supports up to 250 layers per canvas, allowing you to build up complex compositions with ease. Each layer can be adjusted for blending modes, transparency, and other properties to create a wide range of effects.
- Selection tools: Procreate includes a variety of selection tools, including the Lasso, the Magic Wand, and the Quick Selection tool, that allow you to select and modify specific areas of your image.
- Filters: Procreate includes a range of filters and adjustments that can be applied to your image to create a wide range of effects, including color correction, blur, and distortion.
In terms of supported platforms, Procreate is only available for iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. It is not available on desktop platforms such as Windows or macOS.
Procreate is aimed primarily at digital artists and graphic designers who want a powerful and intuitive app for creating digital art on the go. It is particularly well-suited for artists who work on an iPad or iPhone.
Overview of Photoshop:
Photoshop is a professional-grade image editing app that is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. It is known for its extensive feature set and wide range of capabilities, including:
- Brush options: Photoshop includes a wide range of brush options, including pencils, pens, markers, airbrushes, and more. Each brush can be customized for size, pressure, and other properties to create a wide range of effects.
- Layers: Photoshop supports an unlimited number of layers per document, allowing you to build up complex compositions with ease. Each layer can be adjusted for blending modes, transparency, and other properties to create a wide range of effects.
- Selection tools: Photoshop includes a variety of selection tools, including the Lasso, the Magic Wand, and the Quick Selection tool, that allow you to select and modify specific areas of your image.
- Filters: Photoshop includes a vast range of filters and adjustments that can be applied to your image to create a wide range of effects, including color correction, blur, and distortion.
In terms of supported platforms, Photoshop is available on both desktop platforms, such as Windows and macOS and mobile platforms, such as iOS and Android.
Photoshop is aimed primarily at professional graphic designers, photographers, and other creative professionals who need a powerful and flexible app for creating and editing images. It is particularly well-suited for users who need advanced features and capabilities, such as support for large file sizes, multiple layers, and professional-grade color management.
Procreate vs Photoshop Comparison of Key Features
Here is a comparison of the key features of Procreate and Photoshop in terms of their support for brush options, layers, selection tools, and filters:
| Feature | Procreate | Photoshop |
| Brush options | 130+ | 1000+ |
| Layers | 250 | Unlimited |
| Selection tools | Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection | Lasso, Magic Wand, Quick Selection, Pen Tool, Magnetic Lasso |
| Filters | Yes | Yes |
In terms of brush options, Procreate offers a wide range of customizable brushes, including pencils, pens, markers, and airbrushes. Photoshop also offers a wide range of brushes, with over 1000 options available.
When it comes to comparing the key features of Procreate and Photoshop, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each app. Here are some points to consider:
- Brush options: Both Procreate and Photoshop offer a wide range of brush options, with Procreate offering 130+ customizable brushes and Photoshop offering 1000+ brushes. However, Photoshop may have an edge in terms of the variety and complexity of its brush options, as it is geared towards professional graphic designers who may need more advanced brush options.
- Layers: Both Procreate and Photoshop support layers, with Procreate supporting up to 250 layers per canvas and Photoshop supporting an unlimited number of layers per document. However, Photoshop may have an advantage in terms of the flexibility and control it offers over layers, as it is geared towards professional graphic designers who may need more advanced layer management capabilities.
- Selection tools: Both Procreate and Photoshop offer the Lasso, Magic Wand, and Quick Selection tools, which are essential for making precise selections and modifications to your image. Photoshop also offers the Pen Tool and the Magnetic Lasso, which can be useful for creating precise paths and selections. These advanced selection tools may give Photoshop an edge in terms of its capabilities for precise selection and modification.
- Filters: Both Procreate and Photoshop offer a wide range of filters and adjustments that can be applied to your image to create a wide range of effects. However, Photoshop may have an advantage in terms of the variety and complexity of its filters, as it is geared toward professional graphic designers who may need more advanced filters and adjustments.
Overall, both Procreate and Photoshop offers a wide range of features and tools for creating and editing digital art. While Procreate may be more intuitive and streamlined, with a focus on drawing and painting, Photoshop may offer more advanced features and capabilities for professional graphic designers and other creative professionals.
Comparison of Performance and Stability:
Performance and stability are important considerations when choosing a digital art app, as a slow or unreliable app can be frustrating and hinder your productivity. Here is a comparison of the performance and stability of Procreate and Photoshop:
| Feature | Procreate | Photoshop |
| Speed | Fast | Varies |
| Memory usage | Moderate | High |
| Crash frequency | Rare | Rare |
In terms of speed, Procreate is generally considered to be fast and responsive, with smooth performance on most iOS devices. Photoshop, on the other hand, can vary in terms of its speed, depending on the specific features and tools that you are using and the capabilities of your device.
In terms of memory usage, Procreate tends to have moderate memory requirements, while Photoshop tends to be more resource-intensive and may require more memory to run smoothly.
In terms of crash frequency, both Procreate and Photoshop are generally stable apps that do not crash frequently. However, as with any app, there is always the possibility of a crash due to issues such as bugs, conflicts with other apps, or problems with the operating system.
Overall, both Procreate and Photoshop offer good performance and stability, but there are some differences to consider. If speed and memory usage are important considerations for you, Procreate may be the better choice, while Photoshop may be a better choice if you need more advanced features and capabilities.
Comparison of Cost and Availability:
When it comes to comparing the cost and availability of Procreate and Photoshop, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Subscription options: Procreate is available as a one-time purchase from the App Store, with no ongoing subscription fees. Photoshop is available as a subscription service through Adobe Creative Cloud, with monthly or annual pricing options.
- Trial versions: Both Procreate and Photoshop offer trial versions that allow you to try out the app before committing to a purchase. Procreate offers a 14-day trial through the App Store, while Photoshop offers a 7-day trial through Adobe Creative Cloud.
- App Store availability: Procreate is only available from the App Store, while Photoshop is available from a variety of app stores and distributors, including the App Store, Google Play, and the Adobe website.
In terms of the impact on accessibility and affordability, the subscription model of Photoshop may make it more accessible for some users, as it allows you to pay for the app on a monthly or annual basis rather than upfront. However, the one-time purchase model of Procreate may be more affordable in the long run, as you do not have to pay ongoing subscription fees.
Overall, both Procreate and Photoshop are widely available and offer trial versions that allow you to try out the app before committing to a purchase. However, the subscription model of Photoshop may make it more accessible for some users, while the one-time purchase model of Procreate may be more affordable in the long run.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between Procreate and Photoshop?
Procreate is a powerful drawing and painting app that is specifically designed for iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. It offers a wide range of brush options, layers, and other features that make it a popular choice for digital artists. Photoshop, on the other hand, is a more general-purpose image editing app that is available on both desktop and mobile platforms. It is known for its extensive feature set and wide range of capabilities, but it can also be intimidating for some users due to its complexity.
Is Procreate better than Photoshop?
Which app is better depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a digital artist or graphic designer who works on an iPad or iPhone and is looking for an intuitive and streamlined app for drawing and painting, Procreate may be the best choice for you. If you are a professional graphic designer or photographer who needs advanced features and capabilities, such as support for large file sizes, multiple layers, and professional-grade color management, Photoshop may be the better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which app is right for you is to try out both apps and form your own opinions based on your own preferences and needs.
Is Photoshop available on iOS?
Yes, Photoshop is available on iOS as well as on desktop platforms such as Windows and macOS and on other mobile platforms such as Android. You can download Photoshop from the App Store or Google Play, or you can access it through a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Is Procreate only available on iOS?
Yes, Procreate is only available on iOS devices, such as the iPad and the iPhone. It is not available on desktop platforms such as Windows or macOS or on other mobile platforms such as Android.
Does Procreate have a subscription model?
No, Procreate is available as a one-time purchase from the App Store, with no ongoing subscription fees. This means that you pay for the app upfront and do not have to pay any additional fees to continue using it.
Does Photoshop have a trial version?
Yes, Photoshop offers a trial version that allows you to try out the app before committing to a purchase. The trial version is available through Adobe Creative Cloud and is valid for 7 days.
Can I use Procreate on my desktop computer?
No, Procreate is only available for iOS devices such as the iPad and the iPhone and cannot be used on desktop computers. If you want to use an app for digital art on your desktop computer, you may want to consider other options such as Photoshop or GIMP.
Is Procreate easy to learn?
Procreate is generally considered to be an easy-to-learn app, with a straightforward and intuitive interface that is designed for digital artists and graphic designers. However, like any app, it may take some time and practice to become proficient with all of its features and tools. There are also many resources available online, such as tutorials and online courses, that can help you learn how to use Procreate more effectively.
Is Photoshop difficult to learn?
Photoshop is a professional-grade image editing app with a wide range of features and tools, which can make it intimidating for some users. It may take some time and practice to become proficient with all of its features and tools, and it can be helpful to seek out resources such as tutorials and online courses to learn how to use Photoshop more effectively. However, once you become familiar with its features and workflow, Photoshop can be a powerful and flexible app for creating and editing images.
Can I use Procreate for professional work?
Procreate is a powerful and popular app that is widely used by professional digital artists and graphic designers. It offers a wide range of features and tools that make it suitable for professional work, such as support for high-resolution images, layers, and brush options. However, if you need more advanced features and capabilities, such as support for large file sizes, multiple layers, and professional-grade color management, Photoshop may be a better choice.
Can I use Photoshop on my iOS device?
Yes, Photoshop is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, including iOS devices such as the iPad and the iPhone. You can download Photoshop from the App Store or Google Play, or you can access it through a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Can I use Photoshop for digital art?
Yes, Photoshop is a powerful and flexible app that can be used for a wide range of creative tasks, including digital art. It offers a wide range of features and tools, such as brush options, layers, and filters, that make it suitable for creating and editing digital art. However, some users may prefer more specialized apps such as Procreate for digital art, as they may offer a more intuitive and streamlined interface specifically designed for drawing and painting.
Conclusion:
In this comparison of Procreate and Photoshop for digital art, we’ve explored the key features, performance, and cost of both apps to help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs. We’ve also discussed the availability and accessibility of both apps and the impact of these factors on the user experience.
Overall, both Procreate and Photoshop are powerful and popular apps that offer a wide range of features and tools for creating and editing digital art. Procreate is a streamlined and intuitive app that is specifically designed for iOS devices, while Photoshop is a more general-purpose app that is available on both desktop and mobile platforms.
Which app is the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you are a digital artist or graphic designer who works on an iPad or iPhone and is looking for an intuitive and streamlined app for drawing and painting, Procreate may be the best choice for you. If you are a professional graphic designer or photographer who needs advanced features and capabilities, such as support for large file sizes, multiple layers, and professional-grade color management, Photoshop may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which app is right for you is to try out both apps and form your own opinions based on your own preferences and needs. Both Procreate and Photoshop offer trial versions that allow you to try out the app before committing to a purchase, so take advantage of these trials to see which app works best for you.
If you want to learn more about Procreate and Photoshop, there are plenty of resources available online, such as tutorials and online courses. Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert at creating digital art using either app.