The digital art world is thriving in 2025, with artists seeking the perfect app to bring their imagination to life. Among the most popular options, the debate of Adobe Fresco vs Procreate continues to dominate. Both apps offer unique strengths, but which one truly delivers the best experience for creative professionals and hobbyists this year? Let’s dive into their features, cost, and performance.
Quick Summary:
In 2025, the Adobe Fresco vs Procreate debate comes down to needs and budget. Procreate is ideal for beginners and independent artists thanks to its one-time low cost, simple interface, and massive brush library though it’s iPad-only.
Adobe Fresco suits professionals already in the Adobe ecosystem, offering vector, raster, and live brushes, cloud sync, and seamless integration with Illustrator and Photoshop, but it requires a subscription and has a steeper learning curve.
What is Procreate?
Procreate has built its reputation as one of the most loved digital art apps on the iPad. With its one-time purchase model, it provides an affordable option for illustrators, hobbyists, and concept artists. The app offers an extensive range of pixel brushes, smooth workflows, and tools like time-lapse recording that help artists showcase their creative process.
Best for independent artists, Procreate simplicity makes it easy to learn, yet powerful enough to create professional artwork. However, its limitation lies in platform availability still only on iPad in 2025.
What is Adobe Fresco?
Adobe Fresco, part of the Adobe products family, continues to grow stronger. Available on iPad, Windows, and some desktop platforms, it integrates seamlessly with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, making it a natural choice for professionals already using Creative Cloud.
The biggest draw of Fresco is its combination of vector, raster, and live brushes, giving artists flexibility that Procreate doesn’t provide. For beginners wondering, “Is Adobe Fresco good for digital art?”, the answer is yes its intuitive brushes and integration make it an excellent tool for learning and professional work alike.
Feature by Feature Comparison of Procreate and Adobe Fresco
Brushes and Tools
Procreate shines with its massive brush library and the ability to create custom pixel brushes. Artists love the natural textures and flexibility. On the other hand, Adobe Fresco provides a unique mix of vector, raster, and live brushes, perfect for simulating real-world paint strokes. For artists who work across multiple Adobe products, Fresco’s integration makes brush management even more powerful.
User Interface & Ease of Use
Procreate’s interface is sleek, simple, and designed for minimal distraction. Beginners can start creating within minutes. Fresco, while clean, feels more familiar to users who are already used to Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. It may seem overwhelming at first, but professionals benefit from the advanced layout.
Performance and Workflow
In terms of performance, both apps run smoothly. Procreate is highly optimized for iPad, while Fresco works across devices. Fresco’s cloud sync ensures projects are always available, a clear advantage over Procreate’s standalone design. When comparing Adobe Fresco vs Procreate, workflow efficiency depends on whether you value integration or independence.
Compatibility & Integration
This is where Fresco wins. As part of the Creative Cloud suite, it integrates with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and other tools, streamlining professional workflows. Procreate allows exports in multiple formats but lacks direct integration with Adobe’s ecosystem. Artists who regularly use Adobe products will find Fresco more efficient.
Pricing in 2025
The Adobe Fresco vs Procreate cost debate is more relevant than ever. Procreate still follows a one-time purchase model, making it extremely affordable. Fresco, however, is subscription-based. Many wonder, “Is Adobe Fresco actually free?” the answer is no, though a free starter version exists with limited features.
Full access requires a Creative Cloud subscription, which can be costly for beginners but valuable for professionals who rely on multiple Adobe apps.If you’re also curious about how Procreate compares with other professional tools, check out our detailed guide on Procreate vs Illustrator
Pros and Cons of Procreate and Adobe Fresco
Choosing between Procreate and Adobe Fresco can be tricky for digital artists. This table highlights the pros and cons of both tools to help you decide which fits your workflow best.
| Procreate Pros | Procreate Cons | Adobe Fresco Pros | Adobe Fresco Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-time low cost | Limited to iPad | Vector, raster, and live brushes | Requires subscription |
| Massive brush library | No vector brushes or advanced integration | Cloud sync across devices | Learning curve for beginners |
| Simple, beginner-friendly interface | Seamless integration with Adobe products | ||
| Great for illustrators and hobbyists | Great for professional workflows |
Which App Wins in 2025?
So, who wins in the Adobe Fresco vs Procreate debate this year? The answer depends on your needs.
- If you are an independent artist or beginner who values simplicity and affordability, Procreate remains unbeatable.
- If you are a professional working with Adobe products like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Fresco offers unmatched integration and flexibility.
For those asking, “Is Adobe Fresco good for digital art?”, it absolutely is—especially if you want realistic painting experiences with live brushes. But if cost is your main concern, the Adobe Fresco vs Procreate cost difference makes Procreate more budget-friendly.
Conclusion
Both apps have carved out strong reputations in the digital art community. Procreate wins for affordability, simplicity, and iPad optimization, while Adobe Fresco stands out for its integration with the Creative Cloud ecosystem, versatility with brush types, and professional workflows.
At The Rainbow Stories, we believe the choice between Adobe Fresco and Procreate in 2025 really comes down to your goals, budget, and creative style. Whether you’re sketching casually or producing professional illustrations, both tools have the power to elevate your artistry.