Krita vs Procreate: Top Choice for Digital Art

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

When it comes to the world of digital art, there are few tools as popular or as controversial as Krita and Procreate. Both have their fiercely loyal fans, and each has its own set of unique features and benefits. But which one is the best choice for you? In the debate of Krita vs Procreate, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Let's dive in, compare the two, and help you make an informed decision.

Getting to Know Krita

Krita is no stranger to the digital art community, but if you're new to the scene, you might be wondering what all the buzz is about. Let's take a closer look at what this software has to offer.

What is Krita?

Krita is a professional, open-source painting program designed for digital artists. It's packed with features that cater to comic artists, concept artists, and illustrators alike:

Extensive brush customization options
Layer management capabilities
Vector, filter, group, and file layers
Typical tools like gradients, shapes, color picker, and more

Advantages of Krita

When pondering the Krita vs Procreate debate, consider the various strengths of Krita. This software shines in a few key areas:

Price: As an open-source program, Krita is completely free. That's a big plus, especially if you're just starting your digital art journey and don't want to commit to a paid program just yet.
Customization: Krita offers a high level of customization, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs and preferences.
Community support: Being open-source, Krita has a large community of users who contribute to its development and offer support to fellow users.

Drawbacks of Krita

While Krita has many strengths, it's not without its downsides. Some aspects of Krita that might give you pause include:

Complexity: Krita's wealth of features and customization options can be overwhelming to beginners. It may take some time to get the hang of it.
Performance: Some users report that Krita can be slow or laggy, particularly on older computers or devices with limited resources.

There you have it—a brief overview of Krita. Keep these points in mind as we move on to explore Procreate and compare the two in the Krita vs Procreate showdown.

Exploring Procreate

Now that we've dug a bit into Krita, let's flip the coin and take a look at Procreate. This software has been making waves in the digital art world, particularly among iPad users. Let's see why.

What is Procreate?

Procreate, designed exclusively for iPads, is a versatile digital drawing and painting app. It's become a favorite of many digital artists due to its intuitive interface and a stunning array of features:

Over 130 customizable brush presets
An advanced layering system
High-resolution canvases
Diverse set of tools like smudge, gradient, and fill

Benefits of Procreate

As you navigate the "Krita vs Procreate" decision, take into account the benefits that Procreate brings to the table:

Ease of use: Procreate boasts an intuitive interface that makes it easy to pick up, even for beginners.
Quality: The app supports high-resolution canvases, allowing you to create detailed, professional-grade artwork.
Portability: Since Procreate is an iPad app, you can create wherever inspiration strikes, as long as you have your iPad handy!

Downsides of Procreate

Of course, no software is perfect. Here are a few potential drawbacks of Procreate that might be deal-breakers for you:

Platform limitation: Procreate is exclusively available for iPad, which may be a deal-breaker if you prefer working on a different device.
Price: Unlike Krita, Procreate is not free. Though it's a one-time purchase, it may not fit into everyone's budget.

And there you have Procreate in a nutshell. With an understanding of both Krita and Procreate, it's time to pit them against each other. Ready for the face-off in the Krita vs Procreate showdown? Let's go!

Comparing Features

It's time to get down to the nitty-gritty details. When it comes to Krita vs Procreate, how do these two powerhouses stack up feature-wise?

Brush Options

Brushes can make or break your digital art experience. So, here's what you need to know:

Krita: Krita offers an impressive array of over 100 customizable brushes. This flexibility allows you to experiment to your heart's content.
Procreate: Procreate, on the other hand, boasts more than 130 brushes, all of which are customizable. Plus, you can create your own brushes from scratch!

So, in the battle of Krita vs Procreate, both software offer extensive brush options. Your choice might depend on which brush customization features you prefer.

Layer Capabilities

Layers are crucial for complex digital art pieces. Let's see how Krita and Procreate fare:

Krita: Krita provides a robust layer system, including layer masks and blending modes. Plus, there's no limit to the number of layers you can create.
Procreate: Procreate also offers a powerful layering system. However, the number of layers is limited by the resolution of your canvas and the capabilities of your iPad.

When it comes to Krita vs Procreate, both are strong contenders in terms of layering. But Krita's unlimited layers might give it an edge for some users.

Interface and Usability

Last but not least, let's talk about the user interface and overall ease of use:

Krita: Krita's interface is professional and customizable. However, its plethora of features can make it seem a bit overwhelming for beginners.
Procreate: Procreate shines in terms of usability. Its minimal, intuitive design makes it easy to navigate, even for those new to digital art.

In the Krita vs Procreate debate, Procreate might take the cake for beginners due to its user-friendly design. However, Krita's customizable interface could be a winner for more experienced artists.

Now that we've compared their features, let's move on to another critical factor: price. Ready to dive into the cost of Krita vs Procreate?

Price Comparison

Alright, let's talk money. When it comes to Krita vs Procreate, which software offers the best bang for your buck?

Cost of Krita

Here's a sweet deal: Krita is completely free! That's right, you can download and use Krita without spending a penny. It's open-source, which means a community of developers constantly works on improving it. However, if you want to support the program, you can choose to pay for it on certain platforms.

Cost of Procreate

Procreate, on the other hand, isn't free. It comes with a one-time cost of $9.99. While this isn't a steep price tag—especially compared to other professional drawing apps—it's still a cost to consider.

Value for Money

So, in the battle of Krita vs Procreate, which gives you more value for your money? It's a tricky question:

Krita: Krita, being free, automatically scores high in terms of value for money. Plus, its extensive features make it a powerful tool for digital artists.
Procreate: Procreate, though not free, offers a clean, user-friendly interface and extensive capabilities for a relatively low cost. Plus, there are no in-app purchases or subscription fees to worry about.

When it comes to Krita vs Procreate, the value for money really depends on what you're looking for in a digital art software.

But price and features aside, the final decision will come down to your personal needs and preferences. Let's explore how to make that decision.

Making the Decision

So, you've taken a close look at Krita vs Procreate. You've compared their features, weighed the cost, and now it's time to make a decision. But how do you choose? Let's break it down.

Consider Your Needs

You're the artist, and your needs come first. Consider what you want from your digital art software. Are you looking for a basic tool for doodling, or a professional-grade software for detailed illustrations? Do you need a mobile-friendly app, or would you rather work on a desktop?

Krita: is great for advanced artists who want an in-depth, customizable tool and don't mind a bit of a learning curve.
Procreate: shines for artists who prefer the convenience of an iPad and an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

When choosing between Krita and Procreate, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Remember, no software is perfect. It's all about finding the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Seek Out User Reviews

Lastly, don't forget to seek out user reviews. User reviews can offer valuable insights into how the software performs in real-life scenarios. They can also alert you to any potential issues that you might not have considered.

Remember, the Krita vs Procreate debate isn't about finding the "best" digital art software—it's about finding the best software for you. With careful consideration, you're sure to make the right choice. Happy creating!

If you enjoyed our comparison of Krita and Procreate and want to dive deeper into the world of digital art, we highly recommend checking out Vicky Catalan's workshop, 'Intro to Procreate: Drawing with Digital Tools'. This workshop will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Procreate's features and tools, helping you make the most of your digital art journey.