Whether you’re a hobbyist, a student, or someone shifting from traditional drawing to digital art, mastering Procreate can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right guidance and some practice, it becomes a powerful and intuitive creative tool.
This list of Procreate tips is curated specifically for beginners, packed with shortcuts, features, and workflows that will make your learning curve smoother. If you’ve ever wondered, “How long does it take to get good at Procreate?”The answer is: not long, assuming you start with the appropriate base.
Set the right canvas size (300 DPI for print, 72–150 for digital).
Use gestures and shortcuts (undo, redo, Quick Menu, QuickShape).
Master brushes and layers (smudge, Alpha Lock, Clipping Mask, Blend Modes).
Try advanced tools (Reference Window, Animation Assist, Symmetry Guides).
Save palettes, back up files, and keep projects light for smooth performance.
Getting started with digital art can feel intimidating, but these Procreate tips will help you become confident faster. By learning features like the color picker, clipping masks, and gesture controls, you’ll be working like a pro in no time. Still deciding which app to commit to? Read our full breakdown: Procreate vs Illustrator vs Adobe Fresco. And if you’re still wondering “How long does it take to get good at Procreate?”, the answer depends on how consistently you practice. But with this list in your toolkit, you’re already ahead of the curve. At The Rainbow Stories, we share easy guides and practical resources to help artists and beginners improve faster and enjoy their creative journey.
When starting a new art project in Procreate, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How Big Should I Set My Canvas on Procreate? Whether you’re drawing for fun, designing characters, or preparing for print, setting the right canvas size is crucial. It affects your image quality, file size, and how many layers you can use.
Choosing the wrong dimensions can limit your workflow or result in poor printing results. In this guide, we’ll help you determine the best canvas size and DPI settings for your specific needs, so your Procreate projects are both beautiful and efficient.
How big should a Procreate canvas be? That depends on what you are working on. For social media posts, use a canvas of 2048x2048px. For illustrations, use a canvas of 4000x5000px at 300 DPI. For prints, use 300 DPI. Always derive the optimal canvas from your end goal—be it web, print, or mobile. Also, whenever possible, use the optimal balance of quality and performance.
Before asking How Big Should I Set My Canvas on Procreate?, It’s crucial to know what the size of the canvas represents. In digital art, canvas size refers to the width and height of your artwork, usually measured in pixels.
Procreate also considers dots per inch (DPI), which determines how dense the pixels are especially important for printing. A larger canvas size allows more detail and higher resolution, but it can reduce your maximum number of layers depending on your iPad’s RAM.For a comparison of apps related to Illustration, check out our detailed blog on Procreate vs Adobe Fresco.
So, what is a good canvas size for Procreate? The answer depends on your project. For social media posts, a square canvas of 2048×2048 pixels at 150 DPI works great. For more detailed artwork, you might want to go with 3000×3000 pixels.
The Best Procreate canvas size for illustration is typically 4000×5000 pixels at 300 DPI. This size offers enough resolution for both digital viewing and high-quality prints. If you’re creating art for mobile backgrounds or web, 1080×1920 pixels can be sufficient.For more comparisons, you can read our blog about Procreate vs Illustrator.
Remember: higher pixel dimensions offer better quality but fewer layers.
One of the most overlooked settings is DPI. For printing, 300 DPI is the industry standard, offering crisp, clear prints with no pixelation. When preparing art for digital screens, you can reduce DPI to 72 or 150, as screens don’t require as much pixel density.
If you’re wondering about the Procreate best canvas size and DPI combination for printing, a good example is 8.5 x 11 inches at 300 DPI, which equals 2550×3300 pixels. Always decide on your final output (print or screen) before selecting your canvas settings.
If your goal is to print your art, your canvas should match standard print sizes. For example:
These dimensions ensure your artwork retains its quality when printed.For the greatest results, always save your file as a PNG or TIFF. Also, remember that printing on canvas, paper, or merchandise demands a higher resolution than digital-only artwork.
When working on characters, you need flexibility for details—like facial expressions, costume designs, and body poses. The Procreate canvas size for character design should be large enough to zoom in and add fine lines without distortion.
A common choice is 3000 x 4000 pixels at 300 DPI. This provides enough space to work comfortably while maintaining high resolution. You can later crop or resize for different uses such as turnarounds, close-ups, or final illustrations.For exploring tools, don’t miss our guide to free Procreate brushes.
Your iPad model plays a big role in how large your canvas can be. Procreate adjusts your canvas size, resolution, and available layers based on your device’s RAM.
For example, the iPad Pro allows more layers at larger sizes than the standard iPad or iPad Mini. Procreate will alert you if your settings exceed the layer limit, so balance canvas size and layer needs wisely. Always test your settings before starting a complex piece to avoid hitting performance walls.
If you’re still asking, How Big Should I Set My Canvas on Procreate?, here’s a good rule: match your canvas to your project goals. For print, go big with 300 DPI. For digital, reduce size and DPI to keep file sizes manageable.
To avoid performance issues:
Also, save canvas templates for repeated use. This speeds up your workflow and ensures consistency in your artwork.
There’s no single answer to How Big Should I Set My Canvas on Procreate? The best settings depend on what you’re creating, how detailed it is, and where it will be used. For illustrators, the best Procreate canvas size for illustration is one that balances detail and performance. For character artists, go big enough to zoom in without losing clarity.
At The Rainbow Stories, we recommend always starting with your end goal print, web, or mobile and building your canvas accordingly. That way, you’ll avoid having to scale, crop, or recreate your work later. Procreate is powerful, but choosing the right canvas size ensures you get the most out of it.If you’re still unsure which app suits you best, check out Illustrator vs Adobe Fresco vs Procreate for deeper insights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 |
So, who wins in the Adobe Fresco vs Procreate debate this year? The answer depends on your needs.
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.
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.
In the world of digital creativity, artists have an incredible range of tools at their fingertips. Among the most talked-about platforms are Procreate and Adobe Illustrator. While they’re both popular, they serve different artistic needs. When it comes to Procreate vs Illustrator, many digital artists wonder which is better suited to their style and workflow. This guide will help you understand the core differences, so you can make an informed decision based on your creative goals.
Procreate is great for expressive painting and sketching on iPad, while Illustrator is best for precise, scalable vector design. Many artists benefit from using both.
Procreate is a raster-based digital drawing app designed exclusively for iPad. It’s known for its intuitive design, powerful brush engine, and a natural drawing experience that feels like sketching on paper with the Apple Pencil.
On the other hand, Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool built for vector-based graphics. As an industry standard in design, it allows users to create scalable illustrations, logos, and typography with precision—especially useful for professionals and commercial artists.
In this comparison of Procreate vs Illustrator, we’ll explore their strengths, limitations, and best use cases.
At the heart of the Procreate vs Illustrator debate is the difference between vector and raster graphics.
Procreate uses raster technology, meaning your artwork is made up of pixels. This gives you full control over texture, shading, and brush strokes—ideal for painting, character design, and concept art. However, resizing raster art can lead to pixelation.
Illustrator, on the other hand, creates vector graphics. This format uses mathematical paths to draw shapes, making it resolution-independent. For print projects, branding, and any art that needs to scale cleanly, Illustrator is the go-to.
So, is Procreate better than Illustrator? It depends on whether you’re focused on detailed painting or clean, scalable design.
Also Read:Illustration vs. Graphic Design: What’s the Difference in Children’s Books?
Procreate is often praised for its minimalist and intuitive interface. Beginners can pick it up quickly, and the Apple Pencil provides a seamless, natural drawing experience. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, making it incredibly easy to dive into creative work without distractions.
Illustrator, by contrast, has a steeper learning curve. It offers more complex tools, menus, and design features. While it’s more robust for professional workflows, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. However, Adobe Illustrator for iPad has simplified the experience slightly, bringing many desktop features to a touch interface.
If you’re just starting out, Procreate might feel more accessible—but for commercial projects, Illustrator’s depth pays off in the long run.
Procreate offers hundreds of customizable brushes, smooth blending, layering features, and animation tools. Artists love its pressure sensitivity and real-time rendering, which make painting fluid and expressive.
Illustrator focuses on shape-based tools like the pen tool, anchor points, and precision alignment. You won’t get the same brush realism, but you will gain unmatched accuracy for vector graphics and typography.
Many artists ask, “Do I need Illustrator if I have Procreate?“ The answer comes down to your artistic needs. If you only paint or sketch, Procreating may be enough. But if you need to create logos, branding, or export clean vector art, Illustrator becomes essential.
Another frequent question is: “Is Procreate compatible with Adobe Illustrator?” The short answer is: partially.
Procreate allows you to export files in PSD, JPEG, or PNG formats, which can be imported into Illustrator. However, since Procreate is raster-based, you can’t edit those layers as vector paths in Illustrator. To convert artwork into vector format, you’d need to trace or redraw it in Illustrator manually.
If you’re looking to maintain a seamless workflow between Procreate and Adobe Illustrator, be aware of their format limitations. They complement each other well, but aren’t fully interchangeable.
Procreate is exclusive to iPad and requires an Apple Pencil. It’s a one-time purchase, making it one of the most affordable digital drawing apps available.
Illustrator, available on desktop and iPad, is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. This offers access to other apps like Photoshop, InDesign, and Fresco, but at a recurring cost. For professionals working across multiple platforms, the investment is often worth it.
For beginners or budget-conscious creatives, Procreate offers excellent value. But if you’re working in a commercial design environment, Illustrator’s versatility justifies the price tag.
Still undecided between Procreate vs Illustrator? Here’s a quick breakdown:
In the creative world, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. At The Rainbow Stories, when it comes to Procreate vs Illustrator, the real question is what your art demands. Each platform shines in different areas—Procreate in expressive illustration, and Illustrator as the industry standard for vector-based work
Finding the right drawing or painting app can make a big difference in how you work. Whether you’re sketching for fun on an iPad or creating detailed designs for print, the tools you choose shape your results. Three of the most popular options are Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Fresco each offering its own strengths.
In this blog, we’ll look at all three and help you decide which one fits your creative style best.
Choosing between Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Fresco depends on your creative needs:
Procreate:Best for beginners and hobbyists. Affordable one-time purchase, intuitive UI, tons of custom brushes. (Raster-based, iPad only)
Adobe Illustrator:Industry standard for professionals. Vector-based, perfect for logos, branding, and scalable art. (Desktop + iPad, subscription)
Adobe Fresco:Hybrid option with both raster and vector brushes. Live brushes mimic real paint, ideal for mixed-media and concept art. (iPad, subscription)
Procreate is an advanced raster-based program designed specifically for the iPad.Loved for its sleek interface and intuitive tools, it’s ideal for illustrators, concept artists, and hobbyists. It offers hundreds of custom brushes, time-lapse recording, and powerful layer controls—all in a one-time purchase format.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based design tool available on both desktop and tablet. It’s the go-to platform for logo design, branding, typography, and scalable illustrations. Known for its precision and depth, it’s favored by professional designers working on detailed projects.
Adobe Fresco bridges the gap between Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, offering both vector and raster brushes in a single workspace. Its live brushes simulate realistic watercolor and oil effects, making it a top choice for painters and mixed-media artists.
When comparing Procreate vs Illustrator, user experience becomes a deciding factor. Procreate wins in simplicity. Its UI is minimal, responsive, and designed specifically for iPad and Apple Pencil users. It’s a great entry point for beginners in digital art.
Adobe Illustrator, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve but provides deep customization and advanced features. If you’re coming from a graphic design background, it might feel more familiar.
Adobe Fresco offers a middle ground. It combines the clean feel of Procreate with Adobe’s robust feature set, making it more intuitive than Illustrator but more powerful than basic sketch apps.
Procreate shines when it comes to brush variety and customization. You can create, import, and tweak brushes to match any style. From comic inkers to watercolor artists, the flexibility is unmatched for a mobile drawing and painting app.
Adobe Fresco introduces live brushes, a standout feature. These simulate real-world paint behavior—watercolor bleeds and oil paint texture react as they would on paper. This adds a tactile, artistic feel that many painters crave.
In contrast, Adobe Illustrator focuses on precision. Its vector brushes are perfect for clean lines, icons, and scalable art. While it lacks naturalistic textures, it’s unbeatable for flat design and professional graphics.
This is where the core of Procreate vs Illustrator vs Adobe Fresco lies.
Procreate and Adobe Fresco are exclusive to iPad and work best with Apple Pencil. This makes them perfect for mobile creators and those who love to draw naturally on-screen.
Adobe Illustrator runs on both desktop and tablet (via Illustrator on iPad), giving it broader platform flexibility. For professional designers who prefer a desktop workflow, Illustrator is a strong choice.
If your workflow includes other Adobe apps like Adobe Photoshop or InDesign, then Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Fresco integrate seamlessly via Creative Cloud. You can export layered PSDs, SVGs, and AI files effortlessly.
Procreate, while powerful on its own, is slightly more limited in cross-app compatibility. You can export to PSD, PNG, or JPEG formats, but deeper integration with Adobe’s ecosystem requires extra steps.
In terms of exporting for print or animation, all three offer solid support, but Illustrator leads for scalable projects and Fresco excels in layered mixed-media compositions.
One of Procreate’s biggest advantages is its one-time purchase model. For a low price, you get access to all features, updates, and brushes—making it extremely cost-effective for freelancers or students.
Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Fresco, on the other hand, are subscription-based. Illustrator is part of the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, while Fresco has a free tier but unlocks premium features through a subscription.
For artists already using Adobe Photoshop or other Creative Cloud apps, adding Illustrator or Fresco might be worth the investment. Otherwise, Procreate remains the budget-friendly champion.
Go with Procreate. It’s affordable, easy to learn, and has everything you need to dive into digital art without being overwhelmed.
Choose Adobe Illustrator if your work involves branding, vector art, or design. It offers unmatched precision and is trusted in the industry.
Adobe Fresco is your go-to. Its live brushes, hybrid canvas, and Adobe ecosystem make it perfect for storytelling, sketching, and layered illustration.
When it comes to Procreate vs Illustrator vs Adobe Fresco, the “best” app depends entirely on your needs. Do you prioritize creative freedom and affordability? Procreate is a solid choice. Need vector precision and professional tools? Illustrator is unbeatable. Want the best of both worlds with natural painting features? Adobe Fresco offers that flexibility.
At The Rainbow Stories, we believe all three are excellent drawing and painting apps. Your decision should align with your artistic goals, preferred devices, and budget.
No, Procreate is not an Adobe product. It is developed by Savage Interactive and is available exclusively for iPad and iPhone. Procreate is a powerful digital illustration app designed for artists, illustrators, and designers, offering brushes, layers, and animation tools. Unlike Adobe products, it focuses on a touch-based, intuitive drawing experience and does not require a subscription.
Adobe Fresco supports both vector and raster graphics. Its Live Brushes let you paint like traditional media, while vector brushes allow for scalable, crisp artwork ideal for illustrations and designs.
It depends on your needs. Procreate excels at freehand digital painting and illustration on iPad with a natural, intuitive feel. Illustrator is vector-based, ideal for logos, scalable graphics, and professional print work. Each tool suits different purposes rather than one being universally better.
It depends on your workflow. Adobe Fresco offers both vector and raster tools and integrates seamlessly with other Adobe apps, making it ideal for designers who work across platforms. Procreate, on the other hand, is highly intuitive for iPad-only digital painting and illustration, with a focus on a natural drawing experience. Each app has strengths for different creative needs.
It depends on your project. Illustrator is vector-based, perfect for logos, icons, and scalable graphics, while Procreate is raster-based, ideal for freehand illustrations and digital painting. Each excels in different areas, so “better” depends on your creative needs.
For authors and publishers, children’s book illustrations are more than just visuals—they are the heart of the story. In the world of children’s books, illustrations don’t just enhance the narrative; they bring it to life in a way that words alone cannot. But why are custom children’s book illustrations so important, and how can they elevate your story? Let’s explore the value of hiring a professional children’s book illustrator and what you should look for when creating your next project.
When children and parents pick up a book, the first thing that catches their eye is the illustrations. Beautiful, well-crafted artwork can make all the difference in whether a child falls in love with the story or not. Here are a few reasons why professional children’s book illustrations are essential for any author:
Hiring the right children’s book illustrator is a critical step in ensuring your story reaches its full potential. Here are some key things to consider when choosing an illustrator for your project:
Every illustrator has their own unique style, so it’s important to find one that aligns with the tone and message of your book. Whether you’re writing a whimsical, adventurous, or heartwarming story, the artwork should complement the narrative. For example, custom children’s book illustrations for a playful, humorous book might feature exaggerated characters and bright colors, while a more emotional story may call for softer tones and expressive characters.
Working with an illustrator who has experience in the children’s book industry is essential. These artists understand how to cater to young audiences by creating artwork that is visually appealing, age-appropriate, and easy to understand. Look for an illustrator with a portfolio of successful projects, showcasing their ability to engage young readers through illustrations for children’s books.
One of the benefits of working with a professional is the ability to create custom illustrations that reflect your story’s unique characters and world. Rather than relying on generic artwork, a skilled illustrator will take the time to understand your vision and bring your characters to life with detailed, personalized designs.
A successful children’s book illustration project is a collaborative effort between the author and illustrator. Look for an illustrator who is open to feedback and willing to work closely with you to ensure the artwork aligns with your vision. Clear communication throughout the process is key to creating a final product that both parties are proud of.
In a competitive marketplace, standing out from the crowd is crucial. Custom children’s book illustrations can give your book the edge it needs to capture the attention of potential buyers. Here’s how:
It’s not just about aesthetics children’s book illustrations also play a crucial role in early childhood development. Here’s how:
At The Rainbow Stories, we specialize in creating custom illustrations for children’s books that bring your story to life in a way that resonates with young readers. Whether you need whimsical, adventurous, or heartfelt artwork, our team of professional children’s book illustrators works closely with authors to ensure each illustration reflects the heart of the story.
Let us help you create an unforgettable reading experience for children with beautiful, custom-designed artwork.
The right children’s book illustrations can transform your story into a magical, visual experience that children will remember for years. By working with a professional illustrator who understands how to engage young readers, you can ensure your book stands out in a crowded market and resonates with its audience.
If you’re looking for high-quality, custom illustrations for your children’s book, explore our children’s book illustration services and let us help you bring your story to life!