In the world of digital art, Procreate has established itself as a powerhouse app for iPad users. Its intuitive interface and powerful features have made it a favorite among professionals and hobbyists alike. However, not everyone has access to an iPad or wants to invest in paid software. Fortunately, there are numerous free alternatives to Procreate that offer impressive capabilities across different platforms, allowing artists to create stunning digital artwork without breaking the bank.

Key Points:

• Procreate is popular but limited to iPad and requires payment
• Free alternatives exist for Windows, Android, Mac, and other platforms
• Many free options offer professional-grade features like layers, brushes, and more
• Different free apps specialize in different artistic styles and workflows
• Cross-platform compatibility gives artists more flexibility

Why Consider Free Alternatives to Procreate?

While Procreate is certainly worth its price tag for many artists, there are several compelling reasons to explore free alternatives. First, not everyone owns an iPad, which is required to use Procreate. Many digital artists work on Windows computers, Android tablets, or other devices. Second, if you’re just starting your digital art journey, investing in premium software might not make sense until you’re sure it’s something you want to pursue. Free alternatives to Procreate give you the chance to experiment and develop your skills without financial commitment.

Table of Top 10 Free Alternatives to Procreate

Here’s a comprehensive table of the top 10 free alternatives to Procreate with valid links to their official websites, main advantages, and supported platforms:

Top 10 Free Alternatives to Procreate

1. Krita

Krita stands out as perhaps the most professional-grade free alternative to Procreate. This open-source painting program offers an impressive array of brushes, robust layer management, and advanced features that rival paid software.

Best for: Illustrators, concept artists, and painters who need professional tools Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux Standout features:

• Over 100 professionally designed brushes
• Advanced brush engine customization
• Pop-up palette for quick color picking
• Vector support for clean line art
• Animation capabilities

Krita’s interface might seem complex at first, but it’s designed with artists in mind. The customizable workspace allows you to arrange panels and tools to match your workflow.

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2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP has been a staple in the free digital art community for years. While primarily known as a photo editor, it has powerful painting capabilities that make it a viable free alternative to Procreate.

Best for: Artists who also need photo editing capabilities Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux Standout features:

• Extensive plugin support to expand functionality
• Customizable brushes and tools
• Comprehensive layer management
• Precise selection tools
• Text and vector tools

GIMP’s learning curve is steeper than some other options, but its flexibility makes it worth exploring.

3. MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint is designed specifically for creating comics and manga, but its feature set makes it excellent for general digital art as well.

Best for: Comic artists, manga creators, illustrators Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Standout features:

• Cloud storage for accessing work across devices
• Comic-specific tools like panel layouts
• Over 800 free brushes, tones, and backgrounds
• Very intuitive interface
• Cross-platform compatibility

“MediBang Paint feels like it was designed by artists who understand what other artists need. The cross-platform compatibility is a game-changer for creators who work across different devices.”
Digital Art Monthly

4. Autodesk Sketchbook

Formerly a paid application, Autodesk Sketchbook became completely free in 2021, making it one of the most polished free alternatives to Procreate available.

Best for: Sketchers, concept artists, and beginners Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS Standout features:

• Clean, minimalist interface
• Natural-feeling brushes
• Symmetry tools
• Ruler and perspective guides
• Copic color library

The distraction-free interface of Sketchbook makes it particularly appealing for artists who want to focus solely on their artwork without complex menus.

5. Ibis Paint X

Ibis Paint X has become incredibly popular, especially among mobile artists, thanks to its robust feature set and active community.

Best for: Mobile artists, anime/manga style Platforms: Android, iOS Standout features:

• Over 15,000 downloadable brushes
• Time-lapse recording of your drawing process
• Active community sharing brushes and tutorials
• Layer support with various blending modes
• Regular updates with new features

The app does have ads in the free version, but they’re relatively unobtrusive compared to the value offered.

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6. FireAlpaca

FireAlpaca positions itself as “the free paint tool that is easy to use,” and it delivers on that promise with a straightforward interface and essential art tools.

Best for: Beginners and those who prefer simplicity Platforms: Windows, Mac Standout features:

• Very lightweight program (runs on older computers)
• Simple, intuitive interface
• Perspective tools for complex drawings
• Comic template creation
• Multiple brush options

The lightweight nature of FireAlpaca makes it perfect for artists with less powerful computers who still want to create digital art.

7. Artweaver Free

Artweaver Free focuses on providing natural media simulation, making it excellent for artists transitioning from traditional media.

Best for: Traditional artists moving to digital Platforms: Windows Standout features:

• Realistic brush simulation
• Layer support with groups
• Customizable brushes
• Pressure sensitivity for drawing tablets
• Simple interface

While only available for Windows, it’s a powerful option for PC users looking for free alternatives to Procreate.

8. Sketchpad

Sketchpad is a browser-based drawing application that requires no download, making it instantly accessible on any device with a web browser.

Best for: Quick sketches, beginners, or when you’re away from your main computer Platforms: Any device with a web browser Standout features:

• No installation required
• Basic layer support
• Simple brush and color tools
• Easy sharing options
• Works offline after initial load

The convenience of a browser-based tool can’t be overstated—you can create artwork anywhere, anytime.

9. Inkscape

While primarily a vector graphics editor, Inkscape deserves mention as a free alternative to Procreate for artists who work with vector art.

Best for: Vector artists, logo designers, illustrators who need scalable art Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux Standout features:

• Professional-grade vector tools
• SVG file format support
• Path manipulation tools
• Text on path functionality
• Object creation and manipulation

Vector art has distinct advantages for certain types of projects, and Inkscape provides these capabilities for free.

10. Infinite Painter

Infinite Painter has gained recognition for offering one of the most Procreate-like experiences on Android devices.

Best for: Android tablet users wanting a Procreate-like experience Platforms: Android Standout features:

• Intuitive gesture controls
• Over 160 natural brushes
• Multiple layer types
• Perspective and symmetry tools
• Advanced color selection

While it has a free version with limitations, many features are available without paying, making it a worthy free alternative to Procreate.

Choosing the Right Free Alternative to Procreate

When selecting from these free alternatives to Procreate, consider these factors:

Remember that you don’t have to commit to just one application. Many digital artists use different tools for different projects or stages of their workflow.

Getting Started with Your Chosen Software

Once you’ve selected a free alternative to Procreate, here are tips to get started:

1. Learn the basics: Watch tutorials specific to your chosen software
2. Customize your workspace: Arrange tools and panels for efficiency
3. Start simple: Begin with basic sketches to learn the interface
4. Join communities: Connect with other users for tips and inspiration
5. Practice regularly: Digital art requires consistent practice

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Digital Art Creation Tips for Any Software

No matter which free alternative to Procreate you choose, these tips will help improve your digital artwork:

• Use layers strategically: Keep elements separated for easier editing
• Save frequently: Create backup files to avoid losing work
• Learn keyboard shortcuts: Speed up your workflow
• Experiment with brushes: Explore different textures and effects
• Study the fundamentals: Digital art still relies on traditional art principles

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The Digital Art Community

One advantage of using free alternatives to Procreate is joining diverse communities of artists who use the same software. Many of these programs have active forums, social media groups, and resource-sharing platforms where you can learn, share your work, and get feedback.

Consider contributing to these communities by:

• Sharing tutorials for beginners
• Creating and sharing custom brushes
• Providing feedback on others’ artwork
• Participating in community challenges

Conclusion

You don’t need to spend money on expensive software to create amazing digital art. These free alternatives to Procreate offer powerful tools that can help you develop your skills and express your creativity. Whether you’re using Krita on a Windows PC, MediBang Paint across multiple devices, or Infinite Painter on an Android tablet, the most important factor is consistent practice and exploration of your artistic voice.

By starting with these free alternatives to Procreate, you can determine which features and workflows work best for you before potentially investing in paid software later. The digital art world is accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or platform preference, thanks to these impressive free tools.

FAQ: Free Alternatives to Procreate

Is there a free version of Procreate?

No, Procreate doesn’t offer a free version. It’s a paid app exclusively for iPad that costs around $9.99 as a one-time purchase. However, there are many free alternatives like Krita, MediBang Paint, and Autodesk Sketchbook that offer similar functionality.

What app is most similar to Procreate but free?

Autodesk Sketchbook is often considered the most similar free alternative to Procreate in terms of interface and feel, especially on tablets. For desktop users, Krita provides comparable professional-level features for free.

What are the best Procreate alternatives for Windows?

The best free Procreate alternatives for Windows users are Krita, GIMP, FireAlpaca, and MediBang Paint. These offer professional digital art capabilities with layer support, brush customization, and other advanced features.

What are the best free drawing apps for beginners?

Beginners should consider Autodesk Sketchbook, FireAlpaca, or MediBang Paint, which all have intuitive interfaces. Sketchpad (browser-based) is also excellent for complete beginners who want to try digital art without installing anything.

Can I use Procreate on Android?

No, Procreate is only available for iPad. Android users can try Infinite Painter, Ibis Paint X, or MediBang Paint, which offer similar functionality and are considered good free alternatives to Procreate for Android devices.

Is there a PC version of Procreate?

No, Procreate is exclusively available for iPad. For PC users looking for similar functionality, Krita, GIMP, and MediBang Paint are excellent free alternatives that provide professional digital art capabilities.