The simple answer is no. Procreate is an app designed solely for Apple iPads. There is no desktop version of the app available and it doesn’t look like the makers of Procreate have any intention of creating one. So no, you cannot use Procreate on your Macbook.
I’m Carolyn and I established my digital illustration business over three years ago. So I have spent hours researching this topic as I really think my work could benefit from having access to Procreate on more devices, specifically my Macbook.
Unfortunately, it’s all a dream. I have come to terms with the fact that I can only use my Procreate apps on my iPad and iPhone. Many of you are probably wondering why. Today, I’ll share with you what I know about this Procreate limitation.
Table of Contents
Why Can’t You Use Procreate on Macbook
This question has been asked time and time again. Savage Interactive, the developers of Procreate, always circle back to the same ideology. Procreate was designed for iOS and it works best on those systems, so why risk it?
Procreate has also specified that the app requires Apple Pencil compatibility and a touchscreen for optimum results and these two features are not available on Mac. On Twitter, their CEO James Cuda puts it simply:
I appreciate that they don’t respond with some confusing technical jargon to deter any follow-up objections and they seem to mean exactly what they say. This doesn’t stop users from questioning their responses. See the full Twitter feed below:
4 Desktop Friendly Alternatives for Procreate
Never to fear, in this day and age we always have an endless amount of choice, in the world of apps anyway… I have compiled a short list below of some alternatives to Procreate that allow you to paint, draw and create on your Macbook.
1. Krita
My favorite thing about this app is that it is 100% free. Microsoft has been working on this app for years and the newest version of the app, released in August of this year, offers users an amazing program to create digital illustrations, animations, and storyboards.
2. Adobe Illustrator
If you’re a graphic designer or digital artist, you know what Adobe Illustrator is. This is by far the closest thing you can get to Procreate and it offers a broad range of functions. The main difference is the price tag. Illustrator will set you back at $20.99/month.
3. Adobe Express
Adobe Express allows you to quickly create flyers, posters, social graphics, etc on its browser and web. You can use it for free but the free version has limited features and is a more generic app that does not have the full capabilities of Procreate.
Adobe Express is a great app to get started with and if you need more features, you can upgrade to the Premium plan for $9.99/month.
4. Art Studio Pro
This app has a wide range of functions and works great for digital painting. It is also available on Macbooks, iPhones, and iPads so you can imagine the flexibility of using this program. The cost ranges between $14.99 and $19.99 depending on which device you purchase it on.
FAQs
I have answered a couple of your frequently asked questions below:
What devices can you use Procreate on?
Procreate is available on compatible Apple iPads. They also offer an iPhone-friendly app called Procreate Pocket.
Can you use Procreate on a laptop?
No. Procreate is not compatible with any laptops. This means you won’t be able to use your Procreate app on your Macbook, Windows PC, or laptop.
Can you use Procreate on iPhone?
The original Procreate app is not available to use on iPhones. However, they have introduced an iPhone-friendly version of their app called Procreate Pocket. This offers almost all of the same functions and tools as the Procreate app at half the price.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me and frequently catch yourself two-finger tapping your touchpad on your laptop in an attempt to delete something, you’ve probably asked yourself this question before. And you were probably just as disappointed as I was to find out that the answer was no.
But after the disappointment settles, I understand and respect the developer’s choice to not develop this app into a desktop version. I wouldn’t want to lose any of the high-quality functions that we already have access to. And without a touchscreen, it’s almost pointless.
Any feedback, questions, tips, or concerns? Leave your comments below. Our digital community is a gold mine of experience and knowledge and we thrive by learning from one another every day.