Is Procreate free?

How much does Procreate cost?

Procreate is sold as a single, one-time purchase through the Apple App Store. As of October 2026, the application is priced at $12.99 USD. This price point grants the user permanent access to the full suite of professional-grade tools, including the brush engine, layer management, animation features, and advanced color grading options. Because the app is a standalone purchase, you do not need to worry about monthly billing cycles or tiered subscription levels.

Once you purchase the app, all future updates are provided at no additional cost. Savage Interactive has maintained this business model for over a decade, providing major version updates—such as the transitions from Procreate 4 to 5 and beyond—as free downloads for existing owners. This structure remains highly popular among digital artists because it eliminates the long-term financial burden associated with software-as-a-service models common in the graphic design industry.

Is there a free version of Procreate?

There is no official "free" version of the full Procreate application. However, the developer offers a stripped-down, mobile-focused version called Procreate Pocket for iPhone, which is also a paid app. It is important to note that many websites claiming to offer "Procreate Free Download" or "Procreate APK" for Android or PC are fraudulent. These sites often host malware, viruses, or phishing scams designed to steal personal data from your device.

If you are looking for a way to test the software without committing to the full price, you may consider these alternatives:

• Explore the official Procreate website for extensive video tutorials and feature showcases.
• Check the App Store for "Procreate Pocket," which is a separate, lower-cost purchase designed specifically for iPhone users.
• Look for legitimate, free-to-use digital art applications like Sketchbook or Medibang Paint if you are not yet ready to invest in a paid tool.

How to buy and install Procreate safely

To ensure you are downloading the legitimate software, you must use the official Apple App Store on your iPad. Avoid any third-party websites that promise free installers, as these are never legitimate. By purchasing through the official store, you ensure that your software is genuine, secure, and eligible for all future updates released by the developers.

Follow these steps to purchase the application correctly:

1. Open the App Store app on your iPad.
2. Search for "Procreate" in the search bar.
3. Verify that the developer is listed as "Savage Interactive."
4. Tap the price button to authorize the payment through your Apple ID.
5. Wait for the download to complete and open the app from your home screen.

Always verify that your iPad model is compatible with the latest version of iPadOS, as Procreate requires specific hardware and software versions to function optimally.

Common mistakes when buying Procreate

One of the most frequent mistakes users make is attempting to find a "cracked" version of the app. These versions are not only illegal but also inherently dangerous to your device's security. Installing unauthorized software can grant malicious actors access to your photos, files, and personal credentials. Furthermore, cracked versions of Procreate often crash frequently and lack the essential cloud-syncing and stability features that make the official app reliable.

Another common oversight is failing to check device compatibility before purchasing. Procreate requires a compatible iPad and, ideally, an Apple Pencil. If you purchase the app on an older device that does not support the latest version of the app, you may find that certain advanced features are missing or that the performance is sluggish. Always check the system requirements on the App Store product page to ensure your specific iPad model is supported before you complete your transaction.

Why Procreate is considered a great value

Despite the initial cost, Procreate is widely considered one of the best investments for digital artists. The absence of a subscription model means that your total cost of ownership remains low over several years of use. Compared to professional desktop software that often requires a monthly fee of $20 or more, a one-time payment of $12.99 is exceptionally affordable. This model allows hobbyists and professionals alike to access high-end tools without the constant pressure of recurring bills.

Beyond the price, the app's longevity is a significant factor in its value. Because Savage Interactive provides consistent, long-term support for the software, the app remains relevant even as new hardware is released. Users who bought the app years ago continue to receive performance enhancements and new toolsets today. This commitment to the user experience ensures that your investment continues to pay off as your skills grow and the software evolves to meet modern creative demands.