Procreate Alternative: Best Apps for Digital Artists
Procreate is one of the most popular digital illustration apps available on iPad, known for its intuitive interface and powerful brush engine. However, not everyone may find it perfectly suited to their needs — whether due to platform limitations, cost, or specific feature requirements.
If you’re looking for a Procreate alternative , especially one that supports vector drawing or is available across multiple platforms, this guide will help you explore some of the best options currently available.
What Makes a Good Procreate Alternative?
Before diving into the list, let’s define what makes a strong alternative:
- Cross-platform availability (iPad, Android, PC, Mac)
- Support for pressure-sensitive styluses
- Layer management and advanced brush settings
- Export options (PNG, PSD, etc.)
- User-friendly interface
- Affordability or free access
- Now, let’s look at the top contenders.
- Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is more than just a Procreate alternative — it’s a full-featured vector graphic design tool that also supports raster painting. It’s perfect for illustrators who need precision in their work.
Key Features:
- Vector and raster editing
- Advanced layer system
- Customizable brushes and tools
- Available on iPad, macOS, and Windows
- Price: One-time purchase (~$20)
Affinity Designer is ideal if you’re looking for something closer to Adobe Illustrator with the flexibility of working on an iPad.
- Vectornator
Vectornator is a lightweight but powerful vector illustration app designed specifically for mobile devices. It offers a clean UI and excellent performance, making it a favorite among designers.
Key Features:
- Native support for iPad and iPhone
- Free to use with optional premium features
- Export to SVG, PDF, and PNG
- Supports Apple Pencil and pressure sensitivity
- Price: Free (with optional Pro subscription)
It’s a great choice for those who want a modern, mobile-first vector design experience.
- Krita
Krita is a professional open-source painting program built for concept artists, illustrators, and animators. While primarily a desktop application, it has a growing presence on mobile platforms.
Key Features:
- Over 100 brush presets
- Animation support
- Layer masks, filters, and blending modes
- Completely free and open source
- Price: Free
Krita is ideal for digital artists who want full creative control without paying a dime.
- MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is another free digital art application that focuses on comic and manga creation, though it works well for general illustration too.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based project saving
- Preloaded backgrounds and assets
- Multi-language support
- Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS
- Price: Free
Its asset library and collaboration features make it a solid alternative for comic book artists and illustrators.
- Ibis Paint X
Ibis Paint X is a mobile-first digital painting app with a large community and extensive brush library.
Key Features:
- Thousands of brushes and materials
- Layer effects and filters
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Compatible with stylus input
- Price: Free (with optional in-app purchases)
This app is particularly popular among anime and manga artists due to its stylistic capabilities.
- Autodesk Graphic (Legacy App)
Though no longer actively developed, Autodesk Graphic remains a reliable option for technical sketching and basic vector drawing.
Key Features:
- Vector-based drawing tools
- Clean and minimal interface
- Great for architectural sketches and diagrams
- Price: Free
Best used as a supplementary tool rather than a full replacement for Procreate.
- Linea Sketch
Linea Sketch is a beautifully designed app focused on simplicity and elegance. It blends vector and raster tools to give users a smooth drawing experience.
Key Features:
- Hand-drawn feel with vector precision
- Seamless integration with other apps
- Dark mode support
- Built-in export tools
- Price: Paid (~$5)
A great pick for designers who appreciate aesthetics and fluid sketching.
How These Alternatives Compare
| App | Platform | Price | Vector Tools | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affinity Designer | iPad, Mac, Windows | $20 one-time | Yes | Full-featured design suite |
| Vectornator | iPad, iPhone | Free + Pro | Yes | Lightweight and fast |
| Krita | PC, Mobile | Free | Limited | Open-source powerhouse |
| MediBang Paint | All major platforms | Free | No | Great for comics |
| Ibis Paint X | iOS, Android | Free | No | Huge brush library |
| Autodesk Graphic | iOS | Free | Yes | Discontinued but useful |
| Linea Sketch | iPad, iPhone | ~$5 | Yes | Elegant and minimal |
Final Thoughts
While Procreate remains a top-tier choice for digital artists on iPad, there are many capable alternatives that offer different strengths — from vector editing to cross-platform accessibility and free usage .
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned illustrator, trying out these apps can expand your creative toolkit and help you find the perfect fit for your workflow.
If you’re still unsure which app suits your needs best, consider starting with Vectornator or Krita — both offer powerful features without any upfront cost.
Let us know in the comments which Procreate alternative you prefer!
This post does not contain referral links.
