If you are a graphic designer or an artist, you have probably heard about Procreate and Illustrator. These are two popular software applications that artists use to create digital illustrations. In this article, we will compare Procreate vs Illustrator and help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Procreate and Illustrator are both powerful tools for digital art and design. Procreate is a digital painting app designed for iPad and iPhone, while Illustrator is a vector graphics editor developed by Adobe Systems. Both have unique features that make them great tools for artists and designers.
Also Read: Inkscape vs Illustrator

Table of Contents
What is Procreate?
Procreate is a popular digital painting app that is designed exclusively for the iPad and iPhone. It is a powerful app that allows you to create digital paintings, sketches, and illustrations with ease. With a wide range of brushes and tools, you can create stunning digital art that looks just like traditional art.

What is Illustrator?
Illustrator is a vector graphics editor developed by Adobe Systems. It is a powerful tool that allows you to create vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations. Illustrator is used by graphic designers, artists, and web designers to create high-quality graphics.

Procreate vs Illustrator: Main Differences
Interface
Procreate has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. The app is designed specifically for the iPad and iPhone, so the interface is optimized for touch screens. Illustrator, on the other hand, has a more complex interface with a steep learning curve. However, once you master the interface, you can create complex designs with ease.
Features
Procreate is designed primarily for digital painting and sketching. It has a wide range of brushes and tools that are optimized for painting and sketching. Illustrator, on the other hand, is designed for vector graphics. It has powerful tools for creating logos, icons, and illustrations.
Compatibility
Procreate is only available for the iPad and iPhone, while Illustrator is available for Windows and Mac. However, there are similar apps to Procreate available on other platforms such as Photoshop, Krita, and Clip Studio Paint.
Price
Procreate is a one-time purchase of $9.99 on the App Store. Illustrator, on the other hand, requires a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which costs $20.99 per month. This makes Procreate a more affordable option for artists and designers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Procreate and Illustrator depends on your needs and preferences. If you are primarily interested in digital painting and sketching, Procreate is the best option for you. However, if you are interested in creating vector graphics and illustrations, Illustrator is the better choice.
Procreate vs Illustrator: Pros and Cons
Procreate Pros
- Affordable price
- Optimized for digital painting and sketching
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Wide range of brushes and tools
Procreate Cons
- Only available for iPad and iPhone
- Limited vector graphics capabilities
- Limited text capabilities
Illustrator Pros
- Powerful vector graphics capabilities
- Wide range of tools for creating logos, icons, and illustrations
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Illustrator Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Expensive subscription model
- Not optimized for digital painting and sketching
Conclusion
Procreate and Illustrator are both powerful tools for digital art and design. Choosing between them depends on your needs and preferences. If you are primarily interested in digital painting and sketching, Procreate is the best option for you. However, if you are interested in creating vector graphics and illustrations, Illustrator is the better choice.
Both Procreate and Illustrator have their own unique features and benefits. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you need to achieve with your digital art.
Also Read: CorelDRAW vs Illustrator

FAQs
What is the main difference between Procreate and Illustrator?
The main difference between Procreate and Illustrator is that Procreate is optimized for digital painting and sketching, while Illustrator is designed for creating vector graphics, logos, icons, and illustrations.
Can I use Procreate on my PC?
No, Procreate is only available for the iPad and iPhone.
Is Illustrator better than Procreate for creating vector illustrations?
Yes, Illustrator is better than Procreate for creating vector illustrations. Illustrator has powerful vector graphics capabilities and a wide range of tools for creating logos, icons, and illustrations.
How much does Procreate cost?
Procreate is a one-time purchase of $9.99 on the App Store.
Can I use Procreate for commercial purposes?
Yes, you can use Procreate for commercial purposes. Procreate’s license allows for commercial use of the artwork created using the app. However, the license does not allow for the resale or distribution of Procreate itself.
Leave a Reply