When you’re a digital illustrator, you’ve got most likely thought in regards to the Adobe Photoshop vs. Procreate debate. Which one’s higher? On this article, we’ll examine the 2 with the intention to weigh in on Procreate vs. Photoshop for digital portray.
Do you like video tutorials and visible content material? The Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel has you coated. You’ll be able to study every thing about Photoshop vs. Procreate by watching this new video as nicely:
What You may Be taught
- The professionals and cons of Procreate and Photoshop for digital portray
- The distinction between Procreate and Photoshop brushes
- How one can import from Procreate to Photoshop
- The price of Procreate vs. Photoshop
- Is Procreate a month-to-month subscription? Is Photoshop?
- What’s the Procreate app?
- A take a look at Photoshop for iPad vs. Procreate
- How to decide on the very best app in your work
Whether or not you are taking a look at Photoshop vs. Procreate for tattooers, builders, designers, or illustrators, this text provides you with a roundup of options to contemplate.
1. What Is the Procreate App?
Procreate is a raster illustration software. It was launched again in 2011, and it’s a sturdy software that you should use to create stunning, detailed artworks. From digital calligraphy to thumbnail sketches, Procreate can do it. Tattoo artists, kids’s e book illustrators, sequential artists—lots of them get pleasure from calling Procreate their illustration software of alternative. Personally, I discover Procreate to be very nice to attract in. It is really easy to sit down again and simply… draw!
And is Procreate a one-time buy? Sure! Procreate’s one-time fee is commonly an enormous promoting level. We’ll focus on that a little bit extra later.
Fascinated about extra details about this cool app? Check out these sources:
1.1 What Gadgets Can You Use Procreate On?
It is essential to notice that Procreate is completely for the Apple iPad—and you are going to want an Apple Pencil with that. Some artists use different appropriate styluses with their iPad, however Apple Pencil tends to be really helpful. Meaning no desktop computer systems and no Android units.
Remember that not each iPad is created equal, so you are going to need to guarantee that your iPad is appropriate with instruments just like the Apple Pencil. For instance, older fashions or much less feature-rich fashions might lack this compatibility.
1.2 What Are Procreate’s Options?
Do not let the exclusivity on the iPad put you off—Procreate is an incredible software that may create professional-quality work. For instance, it has an in-depth system for layering, brush creation, and customization, and you’ll work at resolutions acceptable for print. You’ll be able to export a recording of your course of, you should use Photoshop brushes, and you’ll even export animations.
Procreate is totally viable as a standalone illustration software for professionals. Its brushes can simply simulate quite a lot of actual media, like watercolor or graphite. It does not require a lot tinkering or know-how to leap in and begin drawing both. I contemplate myself a really choosy artist, and I fell in love with Procreate nearly instantly.
That mentioned, it is a digital artwork software, and I feel that is largely the way it shines. For instance, I am not usually one for enhancing pictures in Procreate. Procreate photograph enhancing is viable, however it’s most likely not most individuals’s first alternative for that form of work.
2. What Is Adobe Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is raster graphics enhancing software program—however that may be a very simplistic definition of a program that could be very, very sturdy. You’ve got most likely even heard of it in fashionable tradition. For instance, it is not unusual to listen to somebody name a doctored photograph “Photoshopped”.
Photoshop can be utilized for all kinds of graphical functions. It is largely for raster-based work. For instance, in my very own skilled work, I’ve used Photoshop for net graphics, print graphics, screenshots, displays, floor graphics, graphics for cell improvement, and rather more. If it is pixel-based, raster work, Photoshop can most likely do it. It’s usually thought of one of many greatest names on this planet of digital artwork.
Listed below are a few wonderful sources to go extra in depth about this software program:
2.1 What Gadgets Can You Use Photoshop On?
Photoshop is offered for each PC and Mac. Nonetheless, it is a good suggestion to examine and guarantee that your pc’s specs are an excellent match for utilizing Photoshop.
It isn’t a small program—it is a relatively chunky set up, and dealing with giant recordsdata can require a contemporary and/or highly effective system. For instance, if I am drawing an 11″ x 14″ illustration at 300 ppi and my layer depend begins getting excessive, these are the moments I am grateful for a robust workstation.
Photoshop can be obtainable for iPad. Nonetheless, it is not essentially nicely liked by some artists and designers. There are not any guides, no Pen Device, no Form Device, and extra—there are only a lot of “lacking” options. I do not usually use Photoshop for iPad, and I most likely will not till it is additional alongside in improvement and extra of the “regular” options are included. It is disappointing, however hopefully sometime this will likely be completely different.
2.2 What Are Photoshop’s Options?
Why are these options in Photoshop such an enormous deal? Properly, there are a lot of them. For a lot of artists and designers, they’re an everyday a part of their workflow. For instance, there are filters, results, and plugins. There may be additionally ease of use between the opposite members of the Adobe Artistic Cloud household, like Illustrator and InDesign. Once I’m doing movement graphics work in After Results, for instance, I usually have Photoshop open to assist with any picture edits I must make in the course of my workflow. If I’m working with raster imagery, I’m most likely working with Photoshop.
That mentioned, Photoshop will be an incredible illustration software. The brushes have in depth choices, and there are such a lot of brushes on the market to obtain—every thing from cloud brushes to foliage brushes, hair brushes, comedian brushes, watercolor brushes, and extra. Photoshop additionally consists of Kyle’s Brushes: a very fashionable set of brushes that now come included with the software program.
3. Procreate vs. Photoshop
So, in some regards, taking a look at Photoshop vs. Procreate can really feel a bit like taking a look at apples and oranges. They’re each fruits, they will each make a reasonably good pie, however the style is fairly completely different. When you like apples, oranges aren’t going to hit the spot in the identical manner. For instance, Photoshop vs. Procreate for tattooers may be completely different than somebody who makes a speciality of belongings for sport improvement.
Let’s check out how Procreate and Photoshop measure up when put next to one another.
3.1 Procreate vs. Photoshop: Pricing
It is a huge issue for lots of us: the worth tag. So how do Photoshop and Procreate measure up with regards to the funding?
- Adobe Photoshop requires an ongoing subscription. That is usually thought of a draw back, particularly when there are such a lot of different digital illustration choices on the market, like Procreate, Affinity Photograph, and Clip Studio Paint. None of them come near Photoshop’s ongoing price ticket—you can’t purchase Photoshop outright, and for those who finish your subscription, you lose entry to Photoshop.
- Procreate has a one-time charge of US$9.99. Sure, that does sound actually shocking as compared. Not solely is it a low-cost, one-time charge, however it’s had common updates included in that price ticket too.
When you’re in search of a competitively priced choice for digital illustration, Procreate is a really sturdy alternative. You are getting loads of content material and performance for a low, one-time price ticket.
3.2 Procreate vs. Photoshop: Instruments and {Hardware}
Consider, nevertheless, the difficulty of instruments and {hardware} when evaluating Photoshop vs Procreate. That is additionally an element to bear in mind with regards to your total funding:
- Procreate requires a appropriate Apple iPad machine and an Apple Pencil (or stylus). There isn’t a different various on that.
- Photoshop primarily requires a desktop pc, and computer systems with decrease specs might have bother dealing with higher-resolution work. When drawing, you may want a graphics pill to attract and take full benefit of issues like stress sensitivity.
- Photoshop does, nevertheless, have an iPad model as nicely, though it lacks options.
3.3 Procreate vs. Photoshop: Studying Curve
Which is less complicated to make use of, Photoshop or Procreate?
- Adobe Photoshop will be an intimidating program to leap into, particularly in case your purpose is to attract. It is jam full of options and content material, which is nice, however may also really feel like overwhelming “bloat” to some customers. There are loads of options that will not apply to your drawing course of in any respect.
- Procreate is significantly simpler to make use of, proper out of the field, for drawing and sketching. Nonetheless, for those who’re doing prolonged graphic design work, Procreate lacks a few of what Photoshop packs.
From my private expertise, I’ve usually discovered new college students to be fairly overwhelmed with Photoshop. As an illustrator, I tweak and alter my brush settings actively whereas I’m drawing in Photoshop; the move, the opacity, the pen stress. Procreate, for my part, simply doesn’t have the identical sense of overwhelm. You’ll be able to simply draw, however this doesn’t essentially imply the software program lacks depth. For my part, it simply feels simpler to leap in and make one thing stunning, even customized brushes, in Procreate.
3.4 Procreate vs. Photoshop: Total Options
Options are actually a facet the place Procreate and Photoshop differ. All of it comes down to 1 essential reality: what you’re in search of.
For instance, whereas enhancing pictures in Procreate could be attainable, it simply wouldn’t be my go-to alternative, personally. Procreate photograph enhancing is viable, however Photoshop packs so many photograph enhancing options, lots of them prime of the road within the business. For instance, a few of Photoshop’s choice instruments, and their growing AI, are actually spectacular.
If I’m seeking to do some idea sketches, with the liberty to take action on the go, Procreate is an incredible alternative. Photoshop doesn’t usually give me that flexibility. On many events, when inspiration strikes, I will attain for my iPad and jot down sketches in Procreate.
When you’re basing your alternative purely on options when it comes to amount, Photoshop is a transparent winner. Nonetheless, you may not want all these extras, and that might be a win for Procreate for you. When you’re right here for the iPad, Photoshop vs. Procreate might be a win for Procreate too. Photoshop for iPad has that subscription once more, and is Procreate a month-to-month subscription? Nope.
3.5 Procreate vs. Photoshop: Brushes
Brushes are an enormous subject of debate and creation with digital artists. So how do Photoshop and Procreate measure up with regards to brushes?
Each Photoshop and Procreate have sturdy brush customization. Whereas they differ, they’re each fairly highly effective and full of options.
Procreate can import and make the most of Photoshop brushes. Because of this Procreate customers can profit from the big number of Photoshop brushes on the market, even when it is not fairly the identical as Photoshop.
In terms of Procreate vs. Photoshop brushes, I might name it a tie. I discover Procreate brushes a bit simpler to work with, however I additionally discover Photoshop brushes to be feature-rich, and there are such a lot of Photoshop brushes on the market to reap the benefits of.
3.6 Procreate vs. Photoshop: File Codecs
So, file codecs—that is basically how one can save and/or export your work. This actually depends upon how you intend to make use of your work.
Procreate helps a lot of file codecs, together with .procreate, PSD, JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, PDF, MP4, HEVC, OBJ, and USDZ.
Photoshop helps over 28 picture codecs, not counting the extra 3D or video-related codecs, together with the entire above from Procreate, besides OBJ and USDZ. That is enormous.
Photoshop’s native file is a PSD file, which can be appropriate with Procreate. It is the first file format that preserves all of Photoshop’s options. That is fascinating as a result of it means you possibly can bounce between Photoshop and Procreate, relatively than selecting one or the opposite. You’ll be able to usually import from Procreate to Photoshop and again once more.
3.7 Procreate vs. Photoshop: iPad
In terms of Photoshop vs. Procreate on the iPad, I personally contemplate it no contest. I’d decide Procreate each time. Photoshop on the iPad simply lacks so many options, even from the unique perspective of an illustrator. I can handle my brushes, however I don’t have the sturdy customization and choices I’ve in Procreate. Whereas it’s good to have the ability to simply bounce from desktop to iPad in Photoshop, it’s simply not sufficient to compete with Procreate.
If iPad is your software of alternative, I’d give Procreate a shot. The price of Procreate wins right here once more too, as Photoshop for iPad, once more, requires a subscription and lacks lots of Photoshop’s options.
4. Procreate: Professionals and Cons
4.1 Procreate Professionals
- The price of Procreate is aggressive. Is Procreate a one-time buy? Sure! Is Photoshop? Nope. Procreate, a one-time fee is a big benefit.
- Procreate is wonderful for illustration on the go. I can do idea artwork on my sofa or on a aircraft if I need to. This mobility doesn’t sacrifice high quality both—you possibly can create stunning, high-resolution paintings in Procreate.
- Procreate imports and exports many of the fashionable raster picture codecs. Because of this Procreate usually “performs good” with most graphic design purposes.
- Procreate can open and save Photoshop PSD recordsdata. It is a enormous promoting level for me, as a result of it means I can use Procreate in my present workflow if I need to.
4.2 Procreate Cons
- Procreate is basically an illustrative software. This isn’t unhealthy, however it’s not going to have the entire raster picture enhancing options you see in Photoshop. When you want these options, Procreate isn’t a whole Photoshop substitute.
- Procreate is completely on the iPad. Because of this for those who’re missing the tech, you lack entry. Whereas Procreate itself could be very competitively priced, the price of a high-end iPad with an Apple Pencil can actually add up.
5. Photoshop: Professionals and Cons
5.1 Photoshop Professionals
- Photoshop is full of options. If it’s worthwhile to work with pixel-based, raster imagery, Photoshop can most likely deal with the job.
- In lots of circles, it’s thought of some of the well-known business requirements with regards to digital artwork. It may be a terrific addition to your resume, for those who’re a artistic skilled. Many instances, in my profession, I’ve turned to Photoshop—and realizing it has helped me land alternatives.
- There are mountains of Photoshop sources on the market on the Web. Whether or not you are in search of brushes, actions, or templates, there’s simply a lot to select from.
- There are some great Photoshop brushes on the market, they usually can mimic nearly any texture or media. On a private be aware, I like my Photoshop brushes. I’ve personalized and picked up them over years of illustration work, and I contemplate them an important a part of my toolkit.
5.2 Photoshop Cons
- Photoshop’s price ticket is an enormous con for lots of artistic professionals. A month-to-month subscription will not be essentially the most interesting choice on the market. Nonetheless, Photoshop does get frequently up to date, so it is not like there is not a workforce of individuals on the market working onerous to make the software program larger and higher.
- Photoshop has loads of options, and loads of them may not be relevant to somebody who’s solely right here for illustration. You simply may not want all these extras—and for newcomers, they are often overwhelming.
6. Which Would You Select: Procreate or Photoshop?
So who wins the Adobe Photoshop vs. Procreate battle for you and your work?
Ultimately right here, make your alternative based mostly upon your wants as a artistic skilled. When you’re dabbling in additional than illustration, Photoshop’s prolonged options could also be of excellent use to you. When you’re primarily in search of a software that solely makes a speciality of illustration, Procreate may be the match for you.
Personally, I actually get pleasure from utilizing them each—and even utilizing them collectively.
Be taught Extra About Procreate
There’s much more to study Procreate right here on Envato Tuts+! Why not dig into one among our free tutorials and begin drawing in Procreate in the present day?
Be taught Extra About Photoshop
You too can study illustration in Photoshop right here on Envato Tuts+. There are such a lot of free tutorials, from primary drawing to tremendous artwork illustration. Strive a free Photoshop portray tutorial in the present day.
