Procreate is a top-rated app among artists. It’s best for digital paintings and doesn’t limit the number of your work.
With strong tools, a user-friendly platform, and endless possibilities of creating graphical ideas, pretty much everyone could use this app on their devices.
Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy Procreate due to certain limitations.
Continue reading to find out what they are and how you can find a way around the obstacles. This article will also introduce ten of the best Procreate alternatives for Microsoft Windows.
Can Procreate Be Used on Windows?
Procreate is specifically made for iOS devices. So, there’s no direct way to install Procreate on Windows PCs. However, you can have this app on your device through iOS emulators, which let you use mobile games and apps on your computer.
Both 64-bit and 32-bit PCs are compatible with emulators that run Procreate. Your operating system should be Windows 7, 8, or 10.
You need at least 2 GB of RAM. Also, make sure you update your graphic’s driver to prevent graphical glitches. Install Adobe Air, .Net framework, and Visual C++ for the best results.
Finally, have at least 20 GB (preferably 40 GB) of empty hard disk space so that the emulator can run smoothly.
How to Use Procreate on Windows?
Once you have your PC ready for installation, you have two options:
Option 1: Bluestack or Nox Player Emulator
Step 1: Download and install Blue stack or NoxPlayer on your PC from a trusted source. The process may take a while, so be patient.
Step 2: Open the app and sign in using your Google credentials.
Step 3: Find the search box and type in “Procreate.”
Step 4: Click on it and wait for the app to install.
Step 5: Open Procreate from your desktop and start your first painting session!
Option 2: iPadian Simulator
The iPadian Simulator mimics the general appearance and basic features of an Apple interface.
It doesn’t let you access the app store directly, but it helps you experience iOS applications like Procreate.
What Devices Can You Use Procreate On?
You can run Procreate on pretty much any operating system as long as you know the necessary tricks. Check out the previous section if you have a Microsoft Windows PC.
For iOS devices, you’ll need iPad OS 13.2 or newer to install the latest version of Procreate.
The following devices support the app:
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation of iPad Pro 12.9 inch.
- 1st and 2nd generation of iPad Pro 11-inch.
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch.
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch.
- 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th generation of iPad.
- 4th and 5th generation of the iPad mini.
- 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation of iPad Air.
Make sure your iOS version is up to date before updating the Procreate app because the app’s most recent features depend on the latest iOS technologies.
Additional reading: Do You Need An iPad Pro For Procreate?
Alternatives to Procreate for Windows:
1. Krita
Krita is an open-source application for Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS users. It gives you a natural experience in drawing, graphic creation, comics, and illustration. And get this: it’s free!
The latest updated versions come with an improved user interface, an infinite number of layers plus vector layers, a wide selection of default brushes, nine brush engines that also allow you to customize the brushes, a full-blown color wheel, various effects, integrated reference panel, and animation functionality.
The only thing that some users complain about is the occasional brush lags that could happen on some devices.
2. Autodesk Sketchbook
Autodesk Sketchbook is a very popular software for both beginners and professionals to transform their imagination into reality.
Autodesk is a renowned name. They’re famous for AutoCAD solutions.
With a pen-friendly interface, you could get the most out of the many brushes, layers, and color libraries with gradients.
Sketchbook is compatible with other file formats such as native Photoshop ones. Once you export your work, all the layers will stay intact.
You could also export into PSD format while choosing the image resolution.
There’s a free version of Sketchbook available for download. Monthly and yearly packages come at a small cost. You can download Sketchbook for Windows, Android, iPad, and iOS.
Also read Procreate vs. Sketchbook.
3. ArtRage
ArtRage is the best digital painting software for old-fashioned artists who want to feel like they’ve got real tools and colors in their hands.
It aims to mimic real brushes, colors, and paint as naturally as possible. You can even mix colors like actual paint on a realistic canvas.
ArtRage is a versatile and minimally designed platform with an intuitive interface, making it easy for beginners to learn quickly. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of file formats.
You can install this software on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and iPad. The download and features are free for the ArtRage 5 demo, but you’ll have to pay for an upgrade to ArtRage 6 or ArtRage Lite.
4. Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is a full-featured advanced painting software that lets you create professional images and drawings from scratch.
It’s suitable for a wide range of specialties, such as comics, animation, illustration, and manga.
There’s an extensive library of brushes and tools accompanied by a robust brush engine. You can personalize the tools, customize the brushes, download more, and even import Photoshop brushes.
There are editable 3D drawing figures with adjustable poses and angles to create the base for beginners. Simple designs are also possible by arranging images and text.
For professionals, cross-device syncing, time-lapse features for videos, tape drawing, transparency painting, and multi-layer transformation are available on Clip Studio Paint.
| Additional readying: Can Procreate Edit Videos?
You could install the app on Windows, macOS, Android, Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, and Galaxy.
Two versions are available: PRO and EX. The one-time payment for download is $49.99 for PRO and $219 for EX.
5. MediBang Paint
MediBang is a free, beginner-friendly platform. It’s especially suitable for those who’d like to create manga and comics. Digital artists, graphic designers, and ever calligraphers can enjoy this app.
It has lots of screen tones, frame borders, font styles, backgrounds, and gradients. You won’t be disappointed with the vast range of brushes, pens, and other artistic tools.
The software allows you to save your most used colors for easier access. There’s a color wheel, layer movement tool, and automatic selection tool that makes your job easier.
You could download MediBang Paint on Windows, macOS, Android, iPad, and iPhone for free. You’ll have to register and log into your account to unlock the features.
Is Procreate Worth Buying?
Since so many professionals use Procreate to make a living, and so many artists are in love with it, you could say Procreate is worth buying! It’s a strong powerhouse that could make both beginners and advanced artists feel welcome.
User experience may differ depending on the device and version of Procreate. Since this app is designed for iPad, it’ll work flawlessly on it.
An Apple pencil could make you feel like you have a real brush in your hand.
If you skimp on the technology with a cheap stylus and a cracked screen, you won’t be able to get the most out of this fantastic platform.
The price is currently $9.99 for lifetime access. Considering all the features and qualities this app brings to the table, that number is not much, especially when there are no hidden fees, monthly subscription costs, and add-ons.
All in all, Procreate deserves all the praise and hype it gets.
Where to Start Learning Procreate?
Whether you’re a beginner who wants to get your feet wet with digital painting, or a professional artist who’s trying Procreate for the first time, it’s best to spend some time learning the app first.
You could dive in and learn through trial and error, but you’ll lose more time and energy.
Learning new software is challenging, so invest some time in watching free tutorials and learn the basics.
There are also classes and courses you can purchase. Some even teach you more advanced tools and methods.
SkillShare and Udemy have useful courses. They provide free trials for new members.
Bardot Brush and Art and Design have interesting free tutorials on Youtube for both beginners and professionals.
Once you get a grip on what this fantastic app is capable of, you’ll find yourself open to a new world of possibilities.
Can You Use Procreate on MAC?
Unfortunately, it’s the same story for MacBook and iMac as for Windows when it comes to Procreate.
You should either use an emulator (like Windows) or use a Procreate alternative such as Krita, ArtRage, Clip Studio Paint, MediBang Paint, Corel Painter, or Adobe Photoshop Sketch.
Final Thoughts
Procreate is one of the most likable digital art platforms out there, but it’s not the only one!
Since Procreate’s limitations make it hard or impossible for many people to have it on their devices, you could always try the alternatives.
Some are just as good, and some maybe even better depending on your work style.
If you’ve heard of Fusion 360 and are wondering whether you can run it on your device, check out our guides on Fusion 360 for Mac and Fusion 360 for Chromebook.
This post is part of our hero content series on “The Ultimate Procreate Guide: The Number 1 Creativity Tool“.
