GIMP vs Procreate
GIMP and Procreate are both Design Tools tools. Compare features, pricing, and ratings below to find the best fit for your team.
When to Choose GIMP vs Procreate
The question that matters: “In what situation will I regret choosing A over B after 3 months?”
Masks & Channels isolate product images for clean PNG exports; Script-Fu automates the process overnight, cutting catalog photo prep from 2 hours to 15 minutes.
Layer Support keeps logo variants - light, dark, mono, outlined - stacked in one .xcf file, making the correct version a single toggle away instead of a file hunt.
GIMP's Scripting interface supports Python scripts that compare UI screenshots pixel-by-pixel against approved baselines, catching color drift before review.
Layer Support stacks mobile, tablet, and desktop comps in one file; visibility toggles demonstrate breakpoints and annotation layers capture feedback per view.
Procreate's Animation Assist and 16K canvas let illustrators paint and sequence keyframes at full fidelity, with no re-import into separate animation software.
The 400+ Brushes library and Layer Support let game artists paint material variations - metal, fabric, skin - and export layered PSDs ready for engine atlasing.
Pricing Comparison & PlansHigh· Verified May 30, 2026
GIMP Plans
Free tier available
Procreate Plans
Paid plans only
Procreate Pocket
$5.99/one-timeBest for: This is the most affordable entry point for mobile artists, offering core features for a low one-time cost.
- ✓Sketch & Paint on iPhone
- ✓Max Canvas: 16,000 × 4,000 px
- ✓~32 layers
- ✓300+ brushes
- ✓Basic animation
Procreate
$13/one-timeBest for: The flagship app provides a comprehensive suite of tools for professional digital illustration on iPad, ideal for serious artists.
- ✓Complete digital painting and illustration application
- ✓Canvas support up to 16,384 × 16,384 pixels
- ✓200+ layers on M-series iPad Pro models
- ✓300+ professional brushes
- ✓3D model painting with AR preview
Procreate Dreams
$20/one-timeBest for: Designed for animation and motion graphics, this app offers powerful tools for creating dynamic visual content with a single purchase.
- ✓Animation anywhere
- ✓Timeline-based layers
- ✓Animation-focused brush set
- ✓Professional animation capabilities
- ✓Full Apple Pencil support
Capability Breakdown
1 differences found across 18 standardized features
- •Photo Editing
- •Layer Support
- •Masks & Channels
- •Advanced Color Tools
- •Customizable Interface
- •Filters & Effects
- •Scripting (Python/Script-Fu)
- •Plugin Support
- •PSD Support
- •Brushes & Gradients
- •Path Tool
- •Clone & Heal
- •Batch Processing
- •Cross-platform
- •Export Formats
- •Digital Painting
- •Brushes (400+)
- •Layer Support
- •Animation
- •3D Painting
- •Color Management
- •Canvas Size Up to 16K
- •Apple Pencil Support
- •Time-lapse Recording
- •Text & Typography
- •Clipping Masks
- •Blend Modes
- •PSD Support
- •Reference Companion
- •Perspective Guides
- •Symmetry Tools
- •Custom Brushes
- •Gesture Controls
Strengths & Limitations
Evaluative strengths and weaknesses: not feature lists
- +Completely free, open-source software with no ads or upsells
- +Highly extensible with custom scripts and third-party plugins
- +Runs natively on Linux, macOS, and Windows without limitations
- +Supports a vast range of file formats, including PSD
- +Offers advanced tools like paths, layer masks, and color management
- −Lacks native, non-destructive editing capabilities for layers
- −No built-in CMYK color mode for professional print work
- −User interface can feel dated and less intuitive than modern rivals
- −Slower development cycle for major feature releases
- −Limited vector shape and text manipulation tools
- +AI-powered features built in
- +Mobile app available
At a Glance
Recent Price History
Procreate added a new "Procreate Pocket" plan at $5.99/mo
Plan added · May 30, 2026
Procreate removed the "Procreate Pocket (iPhone)" plan
Plan removed · May 30, 2026
Procreate removed the "Procreate (iPad)" plan
Plan removed · May 30, 2026
Procreate added a new "Procreate" plan at $12.99/mo
Plan added · May 30, 2026
Procreate added a new "Procreate Pocket (iPhone)" plan at $5.99/mo
Plan added · May 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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