Does Procreate Come With IPad Pro? The Ultimate Guide

So, you’re eyeing that shiny new iPad Pro, dreaming of sketching, painting, and illustrating with the power of Apple at your fingertips. And of course, you’ve heard whispers of Procreate, the digital art app that’s practically synonymous with iPad drawing. But here’s the burning question: does Procreate come with iPad Pro?

The answer, in short, is a bit nuanced, and we’ll unpack it all here. This guide will clarify everything, from the app’s availability and cost to the incredible creative potential it unlocks on the iPad Pro. We’ll delve into the features, the benefits, and the essential things you need to know to get started on your digital art journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this article is your go-to resource. Get ready to explore the exciting world of Procreate and iPad Pro, and discover how this dynamic duo can transform your creative process.

The Simple Answer: Procreate Is Not Pre-Installed

Let’s get straight to the point: Procreate does NOT come pre-installed on any iPad Pro model. You won’t find it waiting for you on your home screen after you unbox your new device. It’s a separate app that you need to purchase and download from the Apple App Store. While this might seem like a minor detail, it’s important to understand this upfront to avoid any confusion.

Think of it like buying a powerful computer and then choosing which software to install. The iPad Pro is the hardware, and Procreate is the software. You’ll need to acquire the software separately to start creating your digital masterpieces.

Where to Get Procreate: The Apple App Store

The only place to legally and safely download Procreate is the Apple App Store. This ensures you’re getting the official, up-to-date version of the app, free from any malware or security risks. Here’s how to find and download it:

Open the App Store: Locate the App Store icon on your iPad Pro’s home screen. It’s the blue icon with a white ‘A’.
Search for Procreate: Tap the search icon (usually a magnifying glass) at the bottom of the screen. In the search bar, type ‘Procreate’ and tap ‘Search’.
Find the App: Look for the app with the orange icon featuring a stylized paint brush. Make sure it’s the official Procreate app, developed by Savage Interactive Pty Ltd.
Purchase and Download: Tap the price button (it will show the current price) and follow the on-screen prompts to purchase the app. You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID to confirm the purchase.
Install and Open: Once the purchase is complete, the button will change to ‘Get’ or a cloud icon. Tap it to download and install Procreate. After installation, tap ‘Open’ to launch the app and begin your creative journey.

Important Note: Always ensure you are downloading the correct app from the official developer to avoid potential scams or look-alike apps.

The Cost of Procreate: A One-Time Purchase

Procreate operates on a one-time purchase model, meaning you pay a single fee to own the app. There are no subscription fees or recurring costs associated with using Procreate. The price is typically very reasonable, especially considering the vast array of features and capabilities it offers. (See Also: What Is Passcode for iPad? Everything You Need to Know)

This is a significant advantage compared to subscription-based apps. You pay once, and you have access to the app and all its features for life. There are no monthly or annual fees to worry about. Any future updates and new features released by Savage Interactive are usually free as well.

Tip: Keep an eye out for occasional sales or promotions, though they are not very common. The price remains consistent most of the time.

Why Procreate Is the Perfect Partner for iPad Pro

The iPad Pro and Procreate are a match made in digital art heaven. The combination of the iPad Pro’s powerful hardware and Procreate’s feature-rich software provides an unparalleled creative experience. Here’s why they work so well together:

ProMotion Display: The iPad Pro’s ProMotion technology, with its 120Hz refresh rate, makes drawing and painting in Procreate incredibly smooth and responsive. The Apple Pencil glides across the screen with virtually no lag, resulting in a natural and fluid feel.
Apple Pencil Compatibility: The Apple Pencil is designed to work seamlessly with the iPad Pro and Procreate. It offers pressure sensitivity, tilt support, and palm rejection, allowing for precise control and a realistic drawing experience. You can create subtle variations in line weight and shading with ease.
Powerful Performance: The iPad Pro’s M-series chips provide ample processing power to handle complex projects, large canvases, and multiple layers in Procreate without any slowdown. You can work on intricate artwork without worrying about performance limitations.
Stunning Display Quality: The iPad Pro’s Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and high resolution, making your artwork look stunning. You can see every detail of your creations with incredible clarity.
Portability: The iPad Pro is lightweight and portable, allowing you to create art anywhere, anytime. Whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or traveling, you can always bring your digital art studio with you.

In essence, the iPad Pro provides the canvas and the processing power, while Procreate provides the brushes, tools, and creative environment. Together, they offer a professional-grade digital art experience.

Key Features of Procreate

Procreate is packed with features designed to empower artists of all skill levels. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

Intuitive Interface: Procreate boasts a clean and user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate. The tools and features are well-organized, making it simple to find what you need.
Extensive Brush Library: Procreate offers a vast library of customizable brushes, including pencils, pens, markers, watercolors, and more. You can also import custom brushes or create your own.
Layer System: The powerful layer system allows you to create complex artwork with ease. You can organize your work, experiment with different effects, and make non-destructive edits.
Color Selection and Management: Procreate provides a variety of color selection tools, including the color wheel, palettes, and color harmonies. You can also import and manage your own color palettes.
Text and Typography: Add text to your artwork with a variety of fonts and customization options.
Animation Assist: Create simple animations and animated GIFs directly within Procreate.
Time-Lapse Recording: Procreate automatically records your entire drawing process, allowing you to create time-lapse videos of your artwork.
Import and Export Options: Import images, brushes, and palettes from various sources. Export your artwork in various formats, including JPG, PNG, PSD, and more.
Gesture Controls: Utilize intuitive gesture controls for actions like undo/redo, quick shape creation, and layer adjustments.

These are just some of the many features that make Procreate a leading digital art app.

Getting Started with Procreate: Tips and Tricks

Ready to jump in? Here are some tips to help you get started with Procreate: (See Also: Which iPad Is Best for Square? Point of Sale iPad Guide)

Explore the Interface: Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the app’s interface. Get to know the different tools, brushes, and settings.
Experiment with Brushes: Try out different brushes and experiment with their settings to see how they behave.
Practice with Layers: Learn how to use layers effectively. This is crucial for creating complex artwork and making non-destructive edits.
Use Reference Images: When starting out, use reference images to help you understand shapes, proportions, and colors.
Watch Tutorials: There are tons of free Procreate tutorials available on YouTube and other platforms. Watch tutorials to learn new techniques and improve your skills.
Join the Procreate Community: Connect with other Procreate users online. Share your artwork, ask questions, and learn from others.
Back Up Your Work: Regularly back up your artwork to avoid losing your progress. You can back up to iCloud, Dropbox, or other cloud storage services.
Customize Your Workspace: Tailor the interface to your preferences by adjusting the brush size, opacity, and other settings.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning digital art with Procreate.

Apple Pencil: The Perfect Companion

The Apple Pencil is an essential accessory for using Procreate on the iPad Pro. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the app, offering a natural and intuitive drawing experience. Here’s what makes the Apple Pencil so special:

Pressure Sensitivity: The Apple Pencil detects the amount of pressure you apply, allowing you to create lines of varying thickness and opacity.
Tilt Support: The Apple Pencil can detect the angle at which you hold it, allowing you to create shading and other effects.
Palm Rejection: The iPad Pro can detect the difference between the Apple Pencil and your palm, preventing accidental marks on the screen.
Low Latency: The Apple Pencil has incredibly low latency, meaning there’s virtually no delay between your strokes and what appears on the screen.
Wireless Charging: The Apple Pencil charges wirelessly when connected to the iPad Pro (for certain generations) or via a Lightning connector (for older models).

There are two generations of Apple Pencil available. The 2nd generation Apple Pencil attaches magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for charging and storage. The 1st generation Apple Pencil charges via a Lightning connector. Make sure you get the correct generation of Apple Pencil that is compatible with your iPad Pro model.

Alternatives to Procreate

While Procreate is a popular choice, there are other digital art apps available for the iPad Pro. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

App	Description	Pros	Cons
Adobe Photoshop for iPad	A mobile version of the popular desktop photo editing software.	Familiar interface for Photoshop users, powerful features.	Subscription-based, may be more complex for beginners.
Adobe Fresco	A painting and drawing app designed for artists.	Realistic brushes, good for painting and illustration.	Subscription-based, fewer features than Procreate.
Clip Studio Paint	A professional-grade illustration and comic creation app.	Extensive features, great for comics and manga.	Subscription-based or one-time purchase with varying feature sets. May have a steeper learning curve.
Affinity Designer	A vector graphics editor for creating illustrations and designs.	One-time purchase, powerful features, good for vector art.	Steeper learning curve than Procreate for raster-based art.
Sketchbook	A free drawing and painting app.	Free to use, good for sketching and quick drawings.	Fewer features than Procreate, less advanced.

The best app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider trying out a few different apps to see which one you like best.

Maximizing Your iPad Pro and Procreate Experience: Accessories and Workflow

To truly maximize your creative potential with the iPad Pro and Procreate, consider these accessories and workflow tips:

Screen Protector: A screen protector can help protect your iPad Pro’s screen from scratches and reduce glare. Some screen protectors also offer a paper-like feel, which can enhance the drawing experience.
iPad Stand: An iPad stand can provide a more comfortable and ergonomic drawing position.
Drawing Gloves: A drawing glove can reduce friction between your hand and the screen, making it easier to draw and prevent smudging.
External Keyboard: An external keyboard can be useful for typing text and navigating the interface.
Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive to back up your artwork and access it from multiple devices.
Organize Your Files: Create a clear and organized file structure to keep your artwork organized and easy to find.
Experiment with Different Techniques: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brushes, techniques, and workflows to find what works best for you.

By investing in the right accessories and developing a streamlined workflow, you can create a more efficient and enjoyable creative process. (See Also: How Do You Get Siri on Your iPad? A Complete Guide)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a powerful setup like the iPad Pro and Procreate, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

App Crashing: If Procreate crashes frequently, try restarting your iPad Pro or updating the app. You can also try clearing the app’s cache.
Lagging Performance: If Procreate is lagging, try closing other apps, reducing the brush size, or lowering the canvas resolution.
Apple Pencil Not Working: If your Apple Pencil is not working, make sure it’s charged and connected to your iPad Pro. Also, check the Apple Pencil settings in the iPad’s settings app.
Brush Issues: If your brushes are not working as expected, try resetting the brush settings or reinstalling the app.
File Corruption: If you experience file corruption, try backing up your artwork regularly and exporting your files in multiple formats.

If you’re still experiencing problems, consult the Procreate support website or contact Savage Interactive for assistance.

The Future of Procreate and iPad Pro

The development of Procreate and the iPad Pro is constantly evolving, with new features and improvements being added regularly. Savage Interactive consistently releases updates to Procreate, introducing new brushes, tools, and performance enhancements. Apple also continues to release new iPad Pro models with more powerful processors, improved displays, and enhanced Apple Pencil compatibility. This ongoing innovation ensures that the combination of Procreate and the iPad Pro will continue to be a leading force in the world of digital art for years to come.

As technology progresses, we can expect to see even more advanced features, improved performance, and a more seamless integration between the hardware and software. The future looks bright for digital artists who choose to create with Procreate and the iPad Pro.

Verdict

So, to reiterate: Procreate does not come pre-installed on the iPad Pro. You’ll need to purchase and download it separately from the App Store. However, the investment is well worth it. The iPad Pro, combined with Procreate and the Apple Pencil, creates an incredibly powerful and versatile digital art studio.

From its intuitive interface and extensive brush library to its seamless integration with the Apple Pencil, Procreate offers a professional-grade experience for artists of all levels. While there are other options available, Procreate’s features, affordability, and performance make it a top choice for digital artists on the iPad Pro.

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Embrace the possibilities, experiment with the tools, and let your creativity flow. With the right combination of hardware and software, the world of digital art is at your fingertips.

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Does Procreate Come with iPad Pro? The Ultimate Guide