If you’re a digital artist who switched to Windows and found yourself missing Procreate, you’re not alone. Procreate’s reputation as a user-friendly, powerful drawing app has set a gold standard for digital art tools—but its iPad exclusivity leaves many artists searching for the next best thing. The good news? There are some amazing Procreate alternatives for Windows users that are just as functional and inspiring to work with.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the best apps like Procreate for Windows 10 and 11. From free options to premium tools, we’ve rounded up digital art apps to suit all needs and budgets.
Key Features to Look for in a Drawing App
Before jumping into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a drawing tool click (pun intended). Whether you’re new to digital art or a seasoned professional, the following features can make or break your experience:
- Brush Variety and Customization: Who doesn’t love a personalized brush toolbox? Features that allow you to tweak brushes mimic the real-world feel of creating art.
- Layer Support: Layers are the foundation of digital art. Look for tools that allow you to create, adjust, and organize layers with ease.
- Pressure Sensitivity Compatibility: If you’re using a stylus, apps that recognize varying pressures will allow for smoother, more dynamic strokes.
- User-Friendly Interface: Nobody likes spending hours learning complex software. Look for an app that feels intuitive.
Personal Tip: When I switched to Windows, finding an app that resembled Procreate’s simplicity and power made all the difference!
Top Apps Like Procreate for Windows 10 and 11
1. Krita (Free)
If you’re looking for a free app that’s professional-grade, Krita is a dream come true. Krita is an open-source drawing app designed with illustrators and comic artists in mind, but it’s quite capable of handling any type of digital art.
Why It’s Great:
- Extensive brush library that’s fully customizable.
- Layer management is a breeze.
- Free updates and an active developer community.
Why You’ll Love It: I was blown away by how much Krita offers without costing a cent. It’s a no-brainer if you’re just dipping your toes into digital art!
2. Autodesk SketchBook (Free for Individual Use)
Known for its clean, intuitive interface, Autodesk SketchBook makes digital drawing feel effortless. This app is perfect for artists who want to jump right in without a steep learning curve.
Why It’s Great:
- Huge variety of brushes that are beautifully realistic.
- Simple and easy-to-navigate layout.
- Free license for personal use—yes, free!
Pro Tip: This app is fantastic for quick sketches or full-fledged illustrations. You’ll feel as if you’re drawing on paper with its fluid tools.
3. Corel Painter (Premium)
Corel Painter is ideal if you’re after hyper-realistic tools and textures to elevate your work. Designed for pro-level artists, this app is packed with features that simulate real-world materials like oils, pastels, and gouache.
Why It’s Great:
- Realistic brushes and materials that mimic traditional art techniques.
- Advanced features for blending and brush control.
- Focused on professional-grade results.
Heads Up: Corel Painter comes with a higher price tag, but the level of realism it delivers might just make it worth it for anyone serious about pushing the boundaries of digital painting.
4. Adobe Fresco (Free & Premium Versions Available)
If you’re already part of the Adobe ecosystem, Adobe Fresco is a fantastic Procreate alternative. It combines raster and vector tools seamlessly, giving you flexibility whether you’re sketching, illustrating, or painting.
Why It’s Great:
- Unique live brushes that simulate real-world watercolors and oils.
- Perfect for creative pros who use other Adobe apps like Photoshop or Illustrator.
- Intuitive interface, welcoming to beginners.
Pro Tip: Try this app if you’re a Creative Cloud user—many of its tools integrate effortlessly with your existing workflow.
5. MediBang Paint (Free)
MediBang Paint is a lightweight drawing app that’s perfect for creating paintings, webtoons, or comics. It packs a surprising punch for a free app!
Why It’s Great:
- Cloud-saving functionality, so you can switch between devices.
- Comic-friendly tools like speech bubbles and templates.
- Simple interface that works great for users of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love It: MediBang makes digital art approachable while giving you pro-level tools. Plus, you don’t spend a cent!
How to Choose the Right App for You
Finding a Procreate alternative for Windows really depends on your goals and preferences. Here are a few things to consider to narrow down your options:
- Budget — Are you ready to invest in premium software, or would you prefer to stick with free apps?
- Experience Level — If you’re a beginner, start with a more intuitive app like SketchBook. Pros might prefer Corel Painter’s advanced toolset.
- System Requirements — Some apps, like Corel Painter, are resource-heavy. Make sure your PC can handle the app you choose.
Relatable Note: When I started exploring Windows drawing apps, I played it safe with free options like Krita and SketchBook. It gave me room to experiment without financial pressure.
Tips for Transitioning from Procreate to Windows Apps
Switching between platforms can feel a little awkward at first, but with the right approach, the adjustment is smooth sailing!
- Stick to Familiar Tools — Look for features like layers, brush settings, and pressure sensitivity for a smoother transition.
- Practice Makes Perfect — Don’t stress about getting it right straight away—it’s normal to need some time adjusting to a new interface.
- Experiment Freely — Try a variety of apps until you find one that feels like “home.” Free apps are perfect for this purpose.
Encouragement: Trust me, you’re not “starting over”—you’re discovering new tools to enhance your creativity.
Craft Masterpieces on Windows — No Matter Your App!
Switching to Windows doesn’t mean leaving behind amazing tools for creating art. From Krita’s open-source magic to Corel Painter’s professional capabilities, there’s no shortage of incredible drawing apps like Procreate for Windows. The right app for you is out there—just waiting to spark your next masterpiece.
Try out new apps, experiment fearlessly, and enjoy the creative process. After all, the beauty of art is that it doesn’t depend on the platform—it’s all about the creator.
Happy drawing!