The simple answer is no. Procreate is exclusively available on Apple iPad and iPhone as it is designed for iOS only. That means you cannot simply purchase and download Procreate on a Windows PC or laptop.
I’m Carolyn and working online as a digital artist for over three years has led me to explore every possible option when it comes to accessing Procreate on different systems and devices. So I’m here to share some of my hours of extensive research with you on this topic.
In this article, I will explain why Procreate is not available on Windows and explore some alternative options in an attempt to overcome this hurdle in your quest to use this amazing app.
Is Procreate Available on Windows?
No. Procreate is designed for iOS only. And according to this official Procreate Twitter reply, they don’t have plans to develop for Windows. They also say that the app just works better on Apple devices.
Is There a Way to Run Procreate on Windows?
Note: I highly recommend you not to try the methods introduced below without a touch screen device, and just a friendly warning that your ability to create on the app is severely limited and you may risk damage to your PC system.
There are some swirling rumors online that a couple of system emulators can be used to download Procreate on a Mac or Windows PC. Sounds dodgy right? I thought so too, so I took a little deep dive into the topic and this is what I found.
According to a blogger, users can download emulators such as NoxPlayer or BlueStacks but this information appears to be false.
Here’s why:
BlueStacks is an android emulator and gaming platform. It’s mostly used by gamers in order to enhance the gaming experience. According to a recent Reddit thread, the BlueStacks program is an Android-only emulator and cannot be used to download Procreate on a Windows device. It appears that NoxPlayer is in a similar position.
The blogger also suggests using iPadian, which is a simulator rather than an emulator. This means users have the ability to experience the iOS system on their Windows devices.
However, this is more of an exploratory option as users can witness the Procreate program as it would appear on an Apple device but will not have full capabilities to actually use the app.
FAQs
Here are some other questions you might have about using Procreate for Windows. I’ll briefly answer each of them below.
How Do I Get Procreate for Free?
You can’t. Procreate offers no free trial or free version. You must purchase and download the app on the Apple app store for a one-time fee of $9.99.
Can I Get Procreate Pocket for Windows?
No. Procreate Pocket is an iPhone version of the Procreate app. This is only available on Apple iPhone devices and is not compatible with Windows, Mac, or any Android devices.
Are There Any Free Apps like Procreate for Windows?
Yes, here are two that I recommend: GIMP allows you to create artwork using graphic tools and a drawing feature. This software is completely free and compatible with Windows. Clip Studio Paint offers a free 30-day trial or up to 3 months free after committing to a monthly plan once the trial period ends.
Final Thoughts
The moral of the story is: if you want to use Procreate, you need an iPad. Otherwise, you may risk subpar artwork or network viruses from accessing sketchy download software.
If cost is holding you back, it’s almost always a better idea to invest in the real deal rather than trying to find ways around it. This may lead to even higher costs if you have to replace your Windows PC or laptop.
Remember to always do your due diligence and research thoroughly any websites or software that offers an epic loophole to your problem. There is always risk online and the only way to limit that risk is to gain knowledge and do your research.
Procreate 5.2 was released on November 1, 2021. The update is available on the Apple App Store for iPad.
Procreate New Features
Procreate 5.2 offers several new features that make it even more useful for digital illustrators and animators. Below, we highlight some of the most exciting Procreate features available in this release.
3D Model Painting
This Procreate update introduces a new way for digital artists to paint: in 3D. Now, you can upload 3D objects into the app (or experiment with the standard Procreate 3D models available in the app’s library) and use all of Procreate’s brushes, textures, and effects to enhance that model. By rotating the object, you can paint all sides and surfaces of the object.
Take advantage of material brushes—like metallics and roughness—to apply effects to only certain areas of a 3D model. So, for example, you could give a helmet’s face shield a metallic appearance, while the rest of the helmet remains matte.
You can also now add lighting to your Procreate 3D models, arranging up to four lights in different positions and intensities. When it’s finished, you can share your models as an image or a video, showcasing every detail in a 360-degree view.
Menu Accessibility
Procreate 5.2 now offers enhanced accessibility options, so every artist can interact with the app in a way that’s most helpful.
For example, you can now select larger text, and the entire app will scale with it, displaying bigger sliders, thumbnails, and buttons. The Procreate update also offers motion stabilization, which allows you to draw smoother lines, even if your hand tremors or shakes.
You can also now do more with just one finger. Where you used to have to use a pinch motion to zoom in or out, you can now use a single-finger touch to move or rotate your canvas. And, you can enable color naming notifications that display the name and shade of every color in your image or color palette.
Color Palette Tool
Procreate new features also include a new way to view color palettes—as color cards. Compared to the more traditional compact version of color palettes, these cards are larger and easier to work with. They are also labeled with descriptive color names (e.g., blue green), as well as the ability to add your own customized name (e.g., sea green).
Audio Feedback
The new audio feedback feature in Procreate 5.2, powered by Apple VoiceOver integration, allows you to hear a different sound as you complete each action. For example, when you use the selection tool, you will hear a rapid clicking noise as you draw around an area of your canvas, followed by a “ding!” when you close off the selection. This can be especially helpful to alert artists who are visually impaired to know when they have correctly or incorrectly completed an action.
Installing the Procreate Update
If you don’t yet have Procreate, you can download the latest version from the Apple App Store for iPad. The download requires iPadOS 14.4 or later, and Procreate is supported on iPads with the new Apple M1 chip. While you don’t need the iPad Pro M1 chip, many users report that the iPad M1 chip does enhance the app’s performance.
If you already have Procreate, you just need to update your app to the most recent version. Go to the iPad App Store and click on your picture in the top right corner. Scroll through your list of apps until you find Procreate. If there is an update button, click it to download and install the latest version of the app. If there is no update button, then you likely have automatic updates enabled and already have version 5.2.
Back Up Your iPad Data
Before installing the Procreate 5.2 update, it’s important to back up your iPad data. While you shouldn’t lose any data when you install the update, there’s always the chance that you may experience a technical hiccup. Backing up your data will ensure that all of your favorite brushes, color palettes, and images are available when you open the latest version of Procreate.
You can enable automatic iCloud backups, but you can also manually back up your iPad at any time. To do this, first make sure your iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. Then, go to settings, click your name, and select iCloud. Tap iCloud backup, and then Back Up Now. On this screen, you will also see the ability to toggle automatic iCloud backups.
Not sure where to start? Follow along as Skillshare teacher Vashti Harrison details how to get going in Procreate.
Try It Out
If you’re a current (or aspiring) digital artist, these new Procreate features make illustrating easier and more enjoyable than ever. So try out Procreate 5.2 and see what you can create!
Drawing People: Creating Unique and Dynamic Character Poses in Procreate
Featured image by Jarom Vogel.