For digital painters, illustrators, and designers that find great satisfaction in Procreate’s simple interface and strong feature set, it has grown to be a staple. Renowned for its flawless iPad interface, Procreate provides tools to let creating art feel easy and joyful. What if, however, you are a Windows or macOS user want to bring the Procreate for PC experience to your desktop configuration?
If you’re not on an iPad, this article will go over all you need to know about using Procreate, its capabilities, and alternative approaches to enjoy similar tools.
What is Procreate?
Strong features and easy design of Procreate, a digital creative tool, have attracted a devoted following. Made first for iPads, it’s now a go-to tool for designers, illustrators, and artists seeking a seamless, creative environment. Procreate distinguishes itself with its array of tools—from bespoke brushes to its capacity to create animations. It’s not only for experts, though; the simple design lets novices get going quickly. Procreate allows artists to create without restrictions by combining the convenience of digital editing with the sensation of conventional drawing, therefore freeing them.
Can You Use Procreate for PC?
The short answer is: not directly. Procreate was developed exclusively for iPads, leveraging Apple’s hardware and software ecosystem. However, there are ways to emulate the experience of Procreate using specific tools and workarounds.
How to Get Procreate for PC
If you’re eager to experience Procreate’s capabilities on your desktop, consider the following methods:
1. Use an iPad with a Desktop Mirroring Tool
- Tools Required: Applications like Duet Display or AirServer can mirror your iPad screen to your PC.
- Steps:
- Connect your iPad to your PC using the mirroring tool.
- Use your PC monitor as an extended display while drawing on the iPad with Procreate.
- Advantages: You get the authentic Procreate experience while enjoying a larger workspace.
2. Explore iOS Emulators for PC
- Emulators like iPadian claim to replicate iOS environments on PCs. However, be cautious of compatibility and performance issues.
- Steps:
- Download and install the emulator.
- Search for Procreate and run it within the emulated environment.
- Note: Performance may vary, and emulators might not fully replicate Procreate’s features.
3. Consider Alternatives
- If neither mirroring nor emulators work for you, explore apps similar to Procreate, like Adobe Fresco, Krita, or Corel Painter.
Why Use Procreate for PC?
Procreate’s appeal lies in its intuitive tools and high-quality output. Using it on a PC allows you to:
- Enjoy a Larger Workspace: A desktop monitor enhances your ability to focus on details.
- Boost Workflow Efficiency: Combine Procreate’s tools with your PC’s multitasking capabilities for a streamlined workflow.
- Integrate with Other Software: Use Procreate in conjunction with PC-native software like Photoshop for advanced edits.
Features of Procreate for PC Experience
Here are the key features you’ll love when using Procreate on a desktop:
- Custom Brushes: Create or import brushes tailored to your artistic style.
- Layer Management: Work on multiple layers for precise adjustments.
- Time-Lapse Recording: Automatically record your creation process for sharing or personal review.
- Animation Assist: Create frame-by-frame animations effortlessly.
- Rich Colour Profiles: Use advanced colour management for vibrant, true-to-life illustrations.
Alternatives to Procreate
While Procreate is unmatched in some respects, these alternatives provide a similar experience:
- Adobe Fresco: Ideal for drawing and painting with a robust brush library.
- Krita: An open-source tool perfect for illustrators and concept artists.
- Affinity Designer: A vector-based design tool with raster capabilities.
- Clip Studio Paint: Popular among manga and comic creators for its advanced features.
Tips for Maximising the Procreate Experience
- Invest in a Drawing Tablet
Pair your PC with a drawing tablet like Wacom or Huion to mimic the tactile experience of Procreate. - Optimise Your Workspace
Ensure your PC has enough processing power to handle large files and multitasking. - Explore Tutorials
Leverage Procreate’s active community for tips, tricks, and tutorials to master the app. - Use Compatible Peripherals
A good stylus and an extended monitor setup can elevate your artistic process.
Is Procreate for PC Worth the Effort?
If you like Procreate’s features and workflow already, it can be worth it to adapt it for use on, PC. The process may have a learning curve, but the bigger screen, combined with integration with desktop tools makes it possible to take your art to the next level.
Final Thoughts
While Procreate is designed for iPads, that doesn’t mean PC users can’t use its powerful tools and creative potential. However, if you explore mirroring tools, emulators or anything else similar, you’re able to turn the Procreate for PC experience to your desktop and open the floors of digital art. Regardless of whether you’re sketching, illustrating or animating, Procreate has always been a favorite go to app for artists looking to unleash their creativity.