Procreate vs Photoshop: Top Choice for Digital Art

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Digital art is a vast universe, and finding the right tools can be a game-changer. Today, we're going to dig into the ongoing debate of Procreate versus Photoshop to see which software could become your top choice for creating digital masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner dipping your toes into the digital art world, this comparison aims to provide a clear picture of both tools, their features, and usability.

1. Know the Tools

Before we jump into the comparison, let's get familiar with both of these power-packed tools. Understanding what each tool offers will help you better evaluate the Procreate versus Photoshop debate.

Procreate Overview

Procreate, an iOS app designed for the iPad, is a real game-changer in the world of portable digital art. Here's what makes it a favorite among many artists:

Optimized for Touch: Procreate is highly intuitive and built for the iPad, making it a perfect tool for on-the-go art creation.
Impressive Brush Library: With Procreate, you get access to hundreds of brushes, offering a wide variety of textures and digital painting effects.
Streamlined Interface: Procreate's user interface is simple and uncluttered, allowing you to focus more on your artwork.

Photoshop Overview

Photoshop is a well-established name in the digital art industry, known for its comprehensive features and versatility. Let's take a quick peek into what Photoshop brings to the table:

Unmatched Editing Tools: Photoshop offers a broad range of editing tools, making it a preferred choice for photo editing and graphic design tasks.
Robust Layering System: Photoshop's advanced layering system allows you to control every aspect of your artwork, offering a higher level of detail.
Extensive Compatibility: Unlike Procreate, Photoshop isn't limited to one device or operating system. You can use it on both Windows and macOS.

Now that we've covered the basics of Procreate and Photoshop, it's time to dig deeper into the specific features of each tool. Stay tuned as we uncover more about the Procreate versus Photoshop debate in the next section.

2. Compare Features

Knowing what each tool can do is great, but it's equally important to understand how they stack up against each other. Let's compare some key features of Procreate and Photoshop to see how they fare in the Procreate versus Photoshop matchup.

Tool Palette Comparison

Starting with the tool palette, Procreate offers a simple, easy-to-use set of digital brushes, smudging tools, and erasers. It is a great palette for beginners as it's straightforward and not too overwhelming. But don't let the simplicity fool you — Procreate's tools are powerful enough for professional work.

On the other hand, Photoshop boasts a broader set of tools, including advanced filtering, customizable brushes, shape tools, selection tools, and much more. It's a comprehensive toolkit that can tackle just about any digital art project you have in mind.

Layer Functionality

Layer functionality is a crucial aspect of digital art. Procreate offers a robust layering system with blending modes, alpha locking, and layer masks. However, the number of layers you can have in a single Procreate document depends on the resolution of your canvas and the capabilities of your device.

Photoshop, in contrast, offers virtually unlimited layers, regardless of your canvas resolution. Plus, it also provides more advanced layer options, such as adjustment layers, layer styles, and smart objects.

File Formats

When it comes to file formats, both Procreate and Photoshop support a wide variety. Procreate works with its own .procreate format but also supports other popular formats like .jpeg, .png, .pdf, and .tiff files. It also supports Photoshop's .psd format, which is a big plus if you'd like to move files between the two apps.

Photoshop supports an even wider array of formats, including .psd, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .tiff, .pdf, and many more. This makes Photoshop more versatile for different workflows and projects.

Now that we've compared the features let's move on to the next factor in the Procreate versus Photoshop debate — usability.

3. Assessing Usability

Usability is a big deal when choosing a digital art tool. It's not just about what the tool can do, but also about how easy or difficult it is to do it. Let's see how Procreate and Photoshop compare in terms of usability.

User Interface Comparison

Procreate offers a minimal, intuitive user interface, which is perfect for both beginners and pros. Everything you need is right at your fingertips, literally. You can pinch to zoom, tap to undo, and swipe to access different tools — all with your fingers or stylus. This makes Procreate a breeze to use, especially on the go.

Photoshop, on the other hand, is quite comprehensive. It has a more complex interface packed with toolbars, menus, and panels. While it might seem overwhelming at first, once you get the hang of it, it becomes a powerful tool. The vast number of options allows you to customize your workspace to suit your workflow, which can be a huge advantage for complex projects.

Workflow Efficiency

When it comes to workflow efficiency, Procreate takes the cake. Its streamlined and intuitive interface allows for a quick and smooth creative process. Plus, it's mobile, which means you can sketch, draw, or paint wherever inspiration strikes. You can even record your work process in real-time with Procreate's built-in screen recording feature. How cool is that?

On the flip side, Photoshop's robust functionality and advanced features make it ideal for complex projects requiring fine-tuned control. Its ability to handle large files, detailed adjustments, and complex layering makes it a workhorse for heavy-duty design projects. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, which can be a game-changer if you're already in the Adobe ecosystem.

Procreate versus Photoshop in terms of usability might seem like a tough call. But remember, it largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. And of course, there's nothing stopping you from using both!

4. Cost Comparison

The price tag is always an important factor when deciding on a digital art tool. Let's take a closer look at the cost of Procreate versus Photoshop.

Procreate Pricing

The good news with Procreate is that it comes with a one-time purchase cost. You pay once, and you're set for life with no monthly subscription fees. In addition, you'll have access to all future updates without any extra cost. Sounds like a sweet deal, right?

Photoshop Pricing

Photoshop, on the other hand, follows a subscription model. That means you'll be paying a monthly or annual fee for as long as you use the software. Although this might seem like a downside, remember that the subscription includes regular updates, access to Adobe's cloud storage, and integration with other Adobe services. If you're a professional who uses these services extensively, this could be worth the price.

So, when weighing Procreate versus Photoshop in terms of cost, Procreate is the more budget-friendly option. But don't forget, Photoshop's recurring cost comes with a broader range of features and services that might be invaluable depending on your needs. The question is, which fits your budget and needs better?

5. Make Your Choice

Now that we've gone over the key differences between Procreate and Photoshop, it's time to make a decision. Remember, the best tool is the one that fits your needs and workflow. Let's break down what you should consider.

Consider Your Needs

First, think about what you need in a digital art tool. Do you need a simple, intuitive interface with powerful drawing capabilities? Procreate might be your best bet. Or are you looking for a robust tool with a wide range of features for photo editing, graphic design, and more? If so, you might lean towards Photoshop.

Weigh the Pros and Cons

Next, weigh the pros and cons of Procreate versus Photoshop. Procreate's user-friendly interface and one-time purchase cost can be a major plus for some. But, Photoshop's extensive features, integration with other Adobe services, and consistent updates could be worth the subscription cost for others. It's all about what's important to you in a digital art tool.

In conclusion, the choice between Procreate versus Photoshop boils down to your needs and priorities. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. So, which will it be? The streamlined, budget-friendly Procreate or the feature-rich, professional-grade Photoshop? The choice is yours!

If you're interested in taking your digital art skills to the next level, check out the workshop 'Animating with Procreate and Photoshop' by Nyanza. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques on how to create stunning animations using both Procreate and Photoshop, helping you make an informed decision on which tool is the best fit for your artistic needs.