Procreate Unavailability on Android: Full Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

For those in the creative field, Procreate has become a go-to tool for digital artistry. It's the perfect blend of a user-friendly interface matched with a wide array of tools and features. However, as you may already know, this gem of an app is unfortunately exclusive to iOS devices. So, why is Procreate not on Android? Well, let's dive into it.

Let's Face It: Procreate Is Not For Android

It's a bitter pill to swallow, but it's the truth—Procreate is not available on Android. And if you've been searching for "why is Procreate not on Android", you're not alone. So, let's delve into the reasons behind this and explore some viable alternatives for Android users.

Why Not?

Simply put, the developers of Procreate, Savage Interactive, designed the app specifically for the iOS platform. The reason traces back to the app's inception. When Procreate was in its early development stages, the team chose to focus on iOS due to its stability, uniformity, and the robustness of its graphics engine. Android's fragmented ecosystem, with its wide array of devices and operating systems, presented a more significant challenge. Therefore, to uphold the quality and performance of Procreate, the developers decided to stick with iOS.

Any Alternatives?

Thankfully, yes! Just because Procreate isn't available, doesn't mean Android users are left in the dust. There are several powerful and equally capable apps that can fill the gap left by Procreate. So, if you're an Android user, don't worry—we've got you covered. In the following sections, we'll explore some of the top Android alternatives to Procreate.

Explore Android Alternatives to Procreate

While Procreate may be off the table, Android users are not short of options when it comes to digital art apps. Here are some of the best ones that can rival Procreate in terms of features and ease of use.

Autodesk Sketchbook

Autodesk Sketchbook is a well-rounded tool that boasts an impressive range of sketching tools. It's user-friendly, and its interface is clean and uncluttered, offering a distraction-free drawing environment. Here are a few things you'll love about it:

Extensive Toolset: Autodesk Sketchbook packs in a comprehensive set of sketching tools, including over 190 customizable brushes.
Easy to Use: Its interface is intuitive and user-friendly. It's easy to get the hang of, even if you're a beginner.
Free: Yes, you read that right. Autodesk Sketchbook is completely free!

Adobe Illustrator Draw

If you're familiar with Adobe's suite of products, Adobe Illustrator Draw might be a good fit for you. It integrates well with other Adobe apps and offers a seamless design experience. Here's why it's worth considering:

Vector Art: Adobe Illustrator Draw specializes in vector art, allowing you to create clean, crisp lines that can be scaled without losing quality.
Cloud Integration: It syncs with Adobe Cloud, allowing you to access and work on your projects from any device.
Adobe Suite Compatibility: The app integrates seamlessly with other Adobe apps, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, making it a great choice if you're already in the Adobe ecosystem.

Infinite Painter

Infinite Painter is another excellent choice, offering a wide variety of brushes and tools. It's a powerful app that doesn't skimp on functionality. Here's what makes it stand out:

Comprehensive Brush Library: It boasts over 160 brush presets, all of which are customizable.
Advanced Tools: Infinite Painter includes tools for creating patterns, gradients, and even 3D cityscapes.
Intuitive Interface: Its interface is designed for ease of use, making it a joy to work with.

Get The Best Out of Android Drawing Apps

Now that you've got an idea about some of the top Android alternatives to Procreate, let's talk about how you can get the most out of these apps. Here are a few tips:

Know Your App

Familiarize yourself with the app you choose. Spend some time playing around with the different tools and settings. The more you understand how the app works, the more efficiently you'll be able to use it. Here are some things you should explore:

Brush Settings: Most apps have a variety of brush options. Try them out and see which ones you like best.
Layer Management: Understanding how to use layers can drastically improve your workflow and allow for more complex pieces.
Export Options: Knowing how to save and export your work in different formats is crucial for sharing or printing your art.

Master The Tools

Each app has its unique set of tools. While it can be fun to try out all the different features, it's beneficial to become proficient with a handful of essential tools. Here are a few that are commonly used:

Brush Tool: This is your primary tool for drawing and painting.
Eraser Tool: For correcting mistakes or creating interesting effects.
Fill Tool: Quickly fills an area with color.
Smudge Tool: Useful for blending colors and creating smooth gradients.

Explore The Community

Most drawing apps have a community of users who share their work, provide feedback, and offer helpful tips. Engaging with this community can be a great way to improve your skills and find inspiration. Here's how you can benefit:

Get Feedback: Sharing your work and asking for feedback can provide valuable insights into areas you can improve.
Find Inspiration: Viewing other artists' work can spark new ideas and help you break through creative blocks.
Learn New Techniques: Many artists share tutorials or process videos that can help you learn new techniques and improve your workflow.

Compare Procreate and Android Alternatives

So, why is Procreate not on Android, and how do the alternatives compare? Let's dive in and take a closer look.

Features Comparison

Procreate is known for its intuitive interface and powerful features, but that doesn't mean Android alternatives are any less capable. Here's a quick comparison:

Procreate: Procreate stands out with its high-resolution canvases, advanced layer system, and extensive brush library. It also supports animation and custom brush creation.
Autodesk Sketchbook: Sketchbook offers a minimalistic interface with a focus on the drawing area. It also provides a variety of brushes and supports layers.
Adobe Illustrator Draw: This app excels in vector-based drawing. It offers layer support, a variety of brushes, and seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
Infinite Painter: Infinite Painter offers a well-rounded set of features including numerous brushes, layer support, and a variety of tools for creating complex compositions.

Pricing Comparison

When considering why Procreate is not on Android, cost may be a factor. Here's how the prices compare:

Procreate: Procreate is a one-time purchase of $9.99.
Autodesk Sketchbook: Sketchbook is free with an optional Pro Tools subscription at $4.99 per month or $29.99 per year.
Adobe Illustrator Draw: Illustrator Draw is free but requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription for full functionality.
Infinite Painter: Infinite Painter offers a free 7-day trial, after which it costs $7.99.

Make Your Decision

Even though Procreate is not on Android, you're not at a loss. You've got an array of alternatives to consider. Let's figure out how to make the right choice for you.

Assess Your Needs

First, consider what you're looking for in a drawing app. Do you need a wide selection of brushes, support for layers, or particular tools for complex compositions? Maybe you're more interested in a vector-based drawing or perhaps the budget is your main concern. By understanding your needs, you can better determine which app will serve you best.

Consider Your Budget

Next, think about your budget. Do you prefer a one-time purchase or are you comfortable with a subscription model? Can you make do with the free features, or do you need the advanced functionality that comes with paid versions? Consider what you're willing to invest in your creativity and compare it with the pricing of different apps.

Take The Plunge

Once you've assessed your needs and considered your budget, it's time to take the plunge. Remember, there's no perfect choice—just the right choice for you. And who knows? You may even find that you prefer your Android drawing app over Procreate. So why not give it a shot? After all, the best way to know if an app works for you is to try it out. Good luck and happy creating!

If you're interested in exploring more about Procreate and its capabilities, despite its unavailability on Android, we recommend checking out the workshop, 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques to create stunning animations using both Procreate and Photoshop, regardless of your device limitations.