Adobe Fresco vs Procreate

Adobe Fresco (Vector-based Drawing App)

• Strengths:

  • Has a vector engine suitable for users who prefer vector software like Illustrator.
  • Good for sketching and offers nice watercolor brushes.
  • Handles raster and vector; can import Photoshop brushes and transfer work seamlessly between Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
  • Live brushes are praised for being cool.

• Weaknesses:

  • Blending can feel artificial.
  • Effects may seem digital, and brushes like watercolor or oil may not meet expectations.
  • Lacks basic features like symmetry drawing and a stabilizing tool.
  • Canceling subscriptions can be difficult and costly.

Procreate (Raster Drawing/Painting App)

• Strengths:

  • Popular among artists for drawing and painting.
  • Beginner-friendly with numerous tutorials and one-time fee.
  • Great for realistic digital paintings.
  • Allows for upscaling without losing quality.

• Weaknesses:

  • Brush strokes may appear low-res.
  • Moving elements around the canvas can lead to blurriness.

Overall Comparison

• Pros of Procreate:

  • Beginner-friendly with tons of tutorials.
  • Ideal for realistic digital paintings.
  • One-time purchase model.

• Cons of Procreate:

  • Limited in terms of vector capabilities.
  • Not suitable for all types of design work.

• Pros of Adobe Fresco:

  • Handles both raster and vector.
  • Seamless transfer of work between Adobe software.
  • Offers unique live brushes.

• Cons of Adobe Fresco:

  • Canceling subscriptions can be challenging and costly.
  • Lacks basic features like symmetry drawing and stabilizing tools.
  • Some effects may feel artificial and digital.

Additional Comments

• Affinity Designer is praised for its vector capabilities and one-time purchase model.
• Sketchbook is recommended for those starting out or leaning towards vector art, although it lacks certain advanced features.
• Clip Studio Paint for iPad is suggested as a feature-complete alternative to Procreate but requires a subscription.
• User experiences vary, with some favoring Procreate for its user-friendliness and seamless workflow, while others appreciate Adobe Fresco's vector capabilities and integration with Adobe software.
• It is advisable to try out both Adobe Fresco and Procreate to see which aligns better with your preferences and needs.