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Procreate vs Adobe Fresco: Which Digital Art Tool Wins?

Updated on 07 Mar 2025

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 4.8

(Reviews: 8.5K)

Est. users: 4.5M

 4.5

(Reviews: 1.2K)

Est. users: 500K

Price Ranges: $9.99 - $52.99

Procreate vs Adobe Fresco

Procreate is a popular digital painting and illustration app designed specifically for iOS devices like the iPad, offering a user-friendly interface with a wide range of brush customization options. Adobe Fresco, available on both iOS and Windows devices, combines raster, vector, and live brushes, making it a versatile tool for artists who want to work across different types of media. Procreate is often favored for its one-time purchase model, whereas Adobe Fresco follows Adobe's subscription-based pricing.

Procreate

  1. iOS exclusive app for illustration.
  2. One-time purchase pricing model.
  3. Highly intuitive user interface.
  4. Strong performance on iPad Pro.
  5. Limited text editing capabilities.
  6. Ideal for digital painting.
  7. Extensive brush customization options.
  8. No desktop version available.

Adobe Fresco

  1. Available on iOS and Windows.
  2. Requires a subscription for full access.
  3. Integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud.
  4. Supports vector and raster graphics.
  5. Offers Live Brushes for real media effects.
  6. Seamless transition with Photoshop.
  7. Regular updates with new features.
  8. Interactive tutorials for beginners.

Key Differences

  1. Platform Availability

    Procreate is exclusive to iOS devices, specifically tailored for the iPad. Adobe Fresco is available on both iOS and Windows, giving it a wider platform reach.

    Winner: Adobe Fresco

  2. Pricing

    Procreate is a one-time purchase, making it a more budget-friendly option in the long run, whereas Adobe Fresco operates on a subscription model as part of Adobe Creative Cloud.

    Winner: Procreate

  3. Brush Variety and Customization

    Both Procreate and Adobe Fresco offer a wide variety of brushes, but Procreate is often praised for its customization capabilities and ease of creating new brushes.

    Winner: Procreate

  4. Natural Media Simulation

    Adobe Fresco is designed to offer a more authentic traditional media experience, especially with its live brushes that mimic oils and watercolors.

    Winner: Adobe Fresco

  5. User Interface and Usability

    Procreate is known for its intuitive user interface which is widely appreciated by artists for its simplicity and ease of use.

    Winner: Procreate

  6. Integration with Other Software

    Adobe Fresco offers seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications which can enhance a multi-application workflow.

    Winner: Adobe Fresco

Distinct Features

ProcreateAdobe Fresco
Customizable Brush StudioLive Brushes for realistic oil and watercolor painting
QuickShape for perfect shapesCloud Document Backup
Time-lapse Recording of artwork creationIntegration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps
Animation Assist for creating animationsVector and Raster drawing support
Extensive Gesture Controls for shortcutsFull Photoshop brush compatibility
ColorDrop for fast fillingAdobe Sensei-powered features like selection tools
5K canvas size supportAccess to Adobe Fonts
Brush and tool opacity sliders in the toolbarLayer sharing directly to Adobe Illustrator

Pricing Overview

Adobe Fresco

View Pricing Plans  

  1. Single App ($9.99) - Ideal for freelancers or artists looking for advanced painting tools.
  2. Creative Cloud All Apps ($52.99) - Best for creative professionals or teams needing multiple tools.

Single App

$9.99 / per month

Get full access to Fresco as a single app subscriber.

  • Digital painting

  • Vector brushes

  • Live brushes

Creative Cloud All Apps

$52.99 / per month

Get Fresco along with all Adobe creative apps.

  • Access to 20+ creative apps

  • Cloud storage

  • Adobe Fonts

Indepth Overview

ProcreateAdobe Fresco
Drawing Software
Brush Customization ★4.8 - Features extensive brush settings and customization options. ★4.5 - Well-designed brush engine with some customization.
Vector Support ★4.6 - Strong vector support for scalable graphics.
User Interface ★4.5 - Intuitive and highly responsive touch-based interface. ★4.3 - Streamlined interface but less optimized for touch.
Animation Tools ★3.7 - Basic animation features available through animation assist. ★4.1 - Enhanced animation features with frame-by-frame support.
Layers ★4.6 - Offers advanced layer management including blending modes. ★4.4 - Robust layer capabilities, including live blending.
File Export Formats ★4.2 - Supports multiple formats, including PSD and PNG. ★4.7 - Compatible with a variety of Adobe formats, including SVG.
Multi-Touch Gestures ★4.9 - Smooth integration of gestures enhances usability. ★4.0 - Good gesture support, but not as fluid as Procreate.
Color Management ★4.3 - Offers a robust color palette with advanced features. ★4.8 - Industry-standard color management features.
Performance ★4.7 - Optimized for iPad, delivers excellent performance. ★4.2 - Performance can vary depending on system resources.
Community and Resources ★4.5 - Strong community support with many tutorials available. ★4.1 - Integrated with Adobe resources, but community is smaller.
Subscription Model
Purchase Model ★4.9 - One-time purchase with no subscription fees. ★3.8 - Subscription-based model, starting with monthly fees.
Updates ★4.7 - Regular updates included in initial purchase. ★4.6 - Continuous updates as part of subscription.
Additional Content ★4.5 - Offers additional brushes and resources as paid upgrades. ★4.2 - Premium features unlocked through higher subscription tiers.
Integration and Compatibility
Cross-Device Compatibility ★4.0 - Exclusive for iOS; no other platforms. ★4.6 - Available on both iOS and Windows.
Cloud Sync ★4.8 - Cloud storage with Creative Cloud integration.
Third-Party Integration ★4.1 - Integrates with several apps, but limited. ★4.7 - Strong integration with Adobe Creative Suite.
Usability
Learning Curve ★4.5 - Intuitive for beginners, with a fast learning curve. ★4.0 - Steeper learning curve due to more complex features.
Customization Options ★4.3 - Highly customizable workspace and settings. ★4.2 - Moderate customization with fewer options than Procreate.
Touch Input Efficiency ★4.9 - Excellent responsiveness to touch inputs. ★4.4 - Generally responsive but can lag on certain devices.

Comparision Reviews

Emma Stonebridge

Devon, UK

Procreate is excellent for simple illustrations and straightforward designs due to its user-friendly interface and smooth performance. However, Adobe Fresco shines with its extensive brush library and realistic watercolors, making it ideal for detailed artwork and professional projects.

Procreate 4.5

Adobe Fresco 4.7

Liam Johansson

Sydney, Australia

Adobe Fresco offers a comprehensive set of features for artists who want to leverage vector graphics along with raster brushes. Procreate stands out with its timelapse recording feature and a more intuitive touch interface, which is great for beginners.

Procreate 4.6

Adobe Fresco 4.4

Sophia Garcia

San Francisco, USA

For iPad users, Procreate is a seamless choice due to its inexpensive one-time purchase and the slickness of its app design. On the other hand, Adobe Fresco integrates well with other Adobe products, offering a more interconnected workflow for existing Creative Cloud users.

Procreate 4.8

Adobe Fresco 4.3

Noah Fischer

Berlin, Germany

The simplicity of Procreate makes it an excellent tool for artists on the go, providing quick access to essential features. Adobe Fresco shines brighter in collaborative projects due to its integration with Adobe's cloud services and the syncing capabilities across devices.

Procreate 4.4

Adobe Fresco 4.6

Olivia Chen

Toronto, Canada

While both tools offer robust platforms for digital art, Procreate's performance efficiency on iPads provides a smoother experience overall. Adobe Fresco's unique feature set, including live brushes, makes it compelling for artists craving traditional media effects in a digital environment.

Procreate 4.7

Adobe Fresco 4.5

Comments

Alex Turner
Hey guys, I was trying to decide between Procreate and Adobe Fresco. Any thoughts?
artLuvr42
Oh man, both are great, but I love Procreate for its intuitive interface!
Sophia Jones
What about compatibility though? Adobe Fresco plays nice with other Adobe apps, doesn't it?
TomPixel
True, but Fresco is a bit heavier on resources. My iPad struggles sometimes.
Emily Davis
LOL totally. I once tried using Fresco on a plane and it nearly crashed 😂
Sophia Jones
But you can't deny the brush engine is killer! Have you tried the oil paints in Fresco?
Alex Turner
I heard Procreate is one-time purchase though. Lifetime access FTW!
TomPixel
I’m with Alex on this. No subscription is a blessing.
Emily Davis
For real! But then again, Fresco’s updates are more frequent. Pros and cons, I guess.
artLuvr42
It boils down to your purpose. Casual doodling? Go Procreate. Professional stuff? Maybe give Fresco a spin.

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