Procreate is one of the most popular digital art apps out there. If you’ve seen artists painting magical landscapes or cute cartoons on their iPads, there’s a good chance they’re using Procreate. But you might be wondering: “Is Procreate free?” Don’t worry — we’ll explain everything in a fun and simple way. Let’s break it down!
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
If you’re in a hurry: Procreate is not free, but it’s a one-time purchase of $12.99 on the App Store. No monthly fees! There’s also a version for iPhone called Procreate Pocket which costs $5.99. Sadly, there is no Procreate app for Android or PC right now.
What is Procreate Anyway?
Procreate is a drawing app made specifically for Apple devices. It works on iPads and iPhones, and it’s geared toward artists of all levels. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a digital Picasso, Procreate has tools for you.
Here’s what people love about it:
- It’s super fast
- The brushes feel natural
- It has powerful features like layers, filters, and time-lapse recording
- No internet needed — once you buy it, it works offline
Is Procreate Free?
Nope, Procreate is not free.
But the good news is: you only pay once. That’s right! Unlike many creative apps that want your cash every single month, Procreate just asks for a one-time payment.
Here’s the price:
- Procreate for iPad: $12.99 (USD)
- Procreate Pocket (iPhone version): $5.99 (USD)
No subscriptions, no in-app purchases, no hidden costs. Once you pay, it’s yours forever.
Why Isn’t It Free?
Great question! Making a professional art app is a big job. Developers, artists, and testers put in tons of hours to make everything smooth and high quality. The one-time purchase helps them keep the lights on — and the app running well.
Also, because it’s not free, you don’t have to deal with annoying ads or pop-ups. You get a clean, fun, creative space to draw your heart out.
Procreate vs Subscription Apps
Let’s look at how Procreate stacks up against other popular art apps that do charge subscriptions.
| App | Pricing | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Procreate | $12.99 (one-time) | iPad |
| Procreate Pocket | $5.99 (one-time) | iPhone |
| Adobe Fresco | $9.99/month | iPad, Windows |
| Clip Studio Paint | From $0.99 to $8.99/month | iPad, Android, Windows, Mac |
So if you do the math, Procreate ends up being super affordable over time!
What Do You Get for That Price?
A lot, honestly. Here’s a quick look at the goodies packed into that $12.99:
- Over 200 built-in brushes
- Custom brush creation
- Advanced layer system (blend modes, masks, etc.)
- Color harmony tools & palettes
- Time-lapse recording of your artwork
- Animation assist
- 3D painting (yes, you can paint on 3D models!)
Basically, it’s like having an entire digital art studio in your iPad.
Can You Try Procreate for Free?
Sadly, there’s no official free trial for Procreate. You can’t download a free version to test. You just have to take the jump and buy it.
But, if you’re nervous, check out YouTube or artist reviews online. Tons of people show what the app can do. It’ll help you decide if it’s right for you!
Do You Need an iPad to Use Procreate?
Yes. You need an iPad.
And not just any iPad — it has to run iPadOS 15.4 or later. Also, it works best with an Apple Pencil, which is sold separately (yep, more $$$, sorry!).
If you’re using an iPhone, you can get Procreate Pocket instead. It’s a smaller version but still pretty powerful.
Still waiting for an Android version? You’re not alone. But for now, Procreate is 100% Apple-only.
Is It Worth the Money?
Short answer: Yes, for most people!
Procreate is cheap compared to other premium apps. It gives you pro-level tools, constant updates, and a huge online community. Whether you’re sketching doodles or painting epic fantasy art, it’s totally worth the price.
Especially because you don’t have to keep paying every month. Your wallet will appreciate that.
Some Fun Extras You Should Know
Here are a few fun facts about Procreate:
- You can share your artwork as a time-lapse video. Great for TikTok and Instagram!
- You can import Photoshop (PSD) files
- You can export animations as GIFs or MP4s
- There’s a vibrant community on Reddit, Discord, and social media
Quick Guide: How to Buy Procreate
- Open the App Store on your iPad
- Search for “Procreate”
- Tap the price ($12.99)
- Confirm your purchase
- Wait for download, then you’re ready to draw!
It’s easy and takes less than a minute. Just make sure your iPad is compatible before buying.
Final Thoughts
So, is Procreate free? No, but it’s definitely a great deal. For less than the price of a pizza, you get one of the most powerful art tools out there. No subscriptions, no ads, just straight-up creative magic.
If you’ve got an iPad and love to draw, paint, or animate — go for it!
Happy creating!
