Procreate Dreams vs Procreate: Which App Reigns Supreme?
Are you an artist looking to bring your visions to life? The digital art world is brimming with incredible tools, but two names consistently top the list: Procreate and its exciting new sibling, Procreate Dreams. Deciding between them can feel overwhelming, so let’s dive in!
Procreate has long been the go-to for illustrators and digital painters, offering a powerful suite of features for creating stunning artwork. But now, with the arrival of Procreate Dreams, a whole new dimension of animation and motion graphics is at your fingertips.
This comparison will explore the strengths and weaknesses of both applications. We’ll examine their key features, user interfaces, and overall capabilities to help you determine which one best suits your creative needs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, understanding the differences between Procreate Dreams vs Procreate is essential.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Procreate Dreams | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Animation Capabilities | 2D Animation | Limited Animation (Animation Assist) |
| Timeline Interface | Advanced, Layer-Based | Simplified, Frame-by-Frame (Animation Assist) |
| Drawing Tools | Same as Procreate, Plus Animation-Specific Tools | Extensive Brush Library, Drawing Aids |
| Importing/Exporting | Supports various video and animation formats | Supports various image formats, limited video export |
| Audio Support | Advanced audio integration, sound design | Basic audio import |
| Keyframing | Full Keyframing Capabilities | No Keyframing |
| Motion Blur | Yes | No |
| Real-time Playback | Yes | Limited (Animation Assist) |
| Onion Skinning | Yes | Yes |
| Brush Customization | Extensive | Extensive |
| Layering System | Advanced, Layer Groups | Advanced, Layer Groups |
| Platform | iPad Only | iPad Only |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Animation Capabilities
- Procreate Dreams: Designed specifically for animation, offering a timeline-based interface with keyframing, motion blur, and real-time playback. Allows for complex animations but can be overwhelming for static image creation.
- Procreate: Primarily a raster-based illustration app, Procreate offers a limited animation feature called Animation Assist. It’s suitable for simple frame-by-frame animations but lacks the advanced features of Procreate Dreams.
- Winner: Dreams
Interface & Workflow
- Procreate Dreams: Features a timeline-centric interface with layers, keyframes, and motion paths. Optimized for animation workflow, it may feel less intuitive for static image creation.
- Procreate: Boasts a user-friendly interface with a focus on drawing and painting. Layer management, brush customization, and intuitive gestures make it easy for artists of all levels.
- Winner: Procreate
Brushes & Tools
- Procreate Dreams: Utilizes Procreate’s extensive brush library, but may not be as central to the experience as in Procreate. Focused on animation tools and effects.
- Procreate: Offers a vast library of customizable brushes, with a focus on realistic painting and drawing. This is a core strength for static art creation.
- Winner: Procreate
Layer Management
- Procreate Dreams: Supports layers, essential for animation. Offers layer groups and various blending modes, though the interface is optimized for animation timelines.
- Procreate: Provides robust layer management, allowing for organization, masking, and blending. This is fundamental to Procreate’s workflow.
- Winner: Procreate
File Format Support
- Procreate Dreams: Supports common video formats and Procreate’s .procreate format, optimized for animation projects.
- Procreate: Supports a wide range of image formats (PNG, JPG, PSD, etc.) and its native .procreate format for saving artwork.
- Winner: Procreate
Audio Integration
- Procreate Dreams: Allows for audio import and syncing to animations, enabling sound design and more complex storytelling.
- Procreate: Lacks direct audio integration features.
- Winner: Dreams
Pricing & Availability
- Procreate Dreams: Available as a one-time purchase.
- Procreate: Available as a one-time purchase.
- Winner: Tie
Motion Graphics & Effects
- Procreate Dreams: Offers a range of animation effects, motion blur, and keyframing tools specifically designed for motion graphics.
- Procreate: Limited motion graphics capabilities, primarily through the Animation Assist feature.
- Winner: Dreams
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Animation | Procreate Dreams |
| Digital Painting/Illustration | Procreate |
| Ease of Use (Drawing) | Procreate |
| Audio Integration | Procreate Dreams |
| Motion Graphics | Procreate Dreams |
What They Have in Common
- iPad Compatibility: Both applications are exclusively available for the iPad, offering optimized performance for the tablet environment.
- Apple Pencil Support: Both Procreate Dreams and Procreate offer seamless integration with the Apple Pencil, allowing for precise drawing and animation.
- Layer-Based Editing: Both applications utilize a layer-based system, allowing users to stack elements and make non-destructive edits to their work.
- Brush Libraries: Both applications provide a comprehensive library of brushes, allowing users to customize their tools and create a variety of effects.
- User-Friendly Interface: Both apps are designed with an intuitive interface, making them accessible to both beginners and experienced artists.
Procreate Dreams Vs Procreate Buying Guide
Price and Licensing
Procreate Dreams offers a one-time purchase, providing access to all features without recurring subscriptions. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer to avoid monthly or annual fees. Procreate, similarly, follows a one-time purchase model, making it a cost-effective choice for those seeking a powerful digital art application. Both apps present a very attractive price point compared to the subscription models of some competitors. Considering the features and capabilities, both Procreate and Procreate Dreams offer excellent value for their price, suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.
Target Audience
Procreate Dreams caters specifically to animators and motion graphic designers, offering a dedicated workflow for creating animations, motion graphics, and short films. Its timeline-based interface and animation tools are optimized for this purpose. Procreate, on the other hand, targets digital artists, illustrators, and designers who primarily focus on static artwork, such as illustrations, paintings, and graphic design. The toolset is tailored for creating beautiful images, allowing for detailed brushwork and a vast array of artistic effects. The app supports a wide range of users, from beginners to professionals.
Key Features and Capabilities
Procreate Dreams boasts a robust set of animation tools, including keyframing, timeline editing, and real-time playback. It excels in creating dynamic visual content. Procreate focuses on painting and drawing, offering a wide array of brushes, layer management, and advanced features like Liquify and Perspective Guide. It allows for intricate digital paintings. Both apps offer features like color correction, and import/export options. Both applications are designed to unlock creative potential, but with different specializations.
Learning Curve and Ease of Use
Procreate Dreams has a steeper learning curve than Procreate, as it introduces a new interface and animation concepts. The timeline-based workflow can take time to master. Procreate is generally considered more user-friendly, with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to pick up and start creating art. The interface is designed to be easily navigated, even for beginners. Both apps offer ample tutorials and documentation to assist users in learning and mastering their capabilities. User-friendliness is a core design principle.
Workflow and Project Types
Procreate Dreams streamlines animation projects, allowing users to create frame-by-frame animations, motion graphics, and animated sequences. It’s ideal for animated shorts and social media content. Procreate facilitates the creation of static artwork, illustrations, and designs. It is perfectly suited for creating digital paintings, illustrations, and graphic design projects. Both apps allow for easy exporting and sharing of projects. The choice depends entirely on the type of project you want to create.
Platform Compatibility and Device Support
Both Procreate Dreams and Procreate are exclusively available on the iPad, and are optimized for use with the Apple Pencil. They leverage the iPad’s touch screen and powerful processing capabilities. They are designed to take advantage of the iPad’s hardware. Both applications are optimized for the iPad’s performance. Compatibility is limited to the iPad ecosystem. Users should ensure their iPad model meets the minimum system requirements for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Procreate Dreams If…
- You want to create 2D animations, motion graphics, and short films.
- You need advanced animation tools, including keyframing and audio integration.
- You are looking for a dedicated animation application with a timeline-based workflow.
- You want to experiment with real-time playback and motion blur.
Buy Procreate If…
- You primarily focus on digital painting, illustration, and drawing.
- You want a powerful and versatile drawing and sketching app.
- You occasionally need to create simple animations using Animation Assist.
- You want a robust app for static artwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Procreate Dreams and Procreate?
Procreate is designed for digital art creation, focusing on painting and illustration. Procreate Dreams is tailored for animation and motion graphics, featuring a timeline-based interface and animation tools. Essentially, Procreate is for static art, while Dreams is for creating moving art. Each tool offers distinct features, catering to different creative processes and project types. This makes the choice dependent on your desired output.
Is Procreate Dreams better than Procreate?
Neither is inherently “better”; it depends on your needs. If you want to create animations, Procreate Dreams is the better choice. If you prefer digital painting and illustration, Procreate is the better option. Both are powerful tools, each excelling in its respective area. Evaluate your creative goals to determine which application aligns with your project requirements and creative aspirations. Both are excellent choices.
Can I use Procreate Dreams for illustration?
While Procreate Dreams has some drawing tools, its primary focus is animation. It’s not as well-suited for detailed illustrations as Procreate. Procreate offers a much broader range of brushes and drawing tools specifically designed for illustration. You could create simple illustrations, but Procreate is the superior choice for detailed artwork. You can import static images and animate them within Dreams.
Does Procreate Dreams support exporting to other animation software?
Yes, Procreate Dreams supports various export formats, including video files and image sequences, allowing you to incorporate your animations into other software. You can export in formats compatible with platforms like Adobe After Effects or other video editing programs. This facilitates seamless integration with other creative workflows. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for animators.
How easy is it to learn Procreate Dreams?
Procreate Dreams has a steeper learning curve compared to Procreate, due to its new interface and animation-focused features. Mastering the timeline and animation workflow takes time. However, Procreate offers tutorials. You can learn the fundamentals relatively quickly. With practice and exploration, you can become proficient in creating animations.
Can I import my Procreate files into Procreate Dreams?
Yes, you can import your existing Procreate files into Procreate Dreams. This allows you to animate your illustrations or use your artwork within your animation projects. This seamless integration ensures your existing artwork can be leveraged within the animation workflow. This enhances the creative workflow. You can easily bring your existing Procreate artwork to life.
Are there any subscription fees for Procreate Dreams or Procreate?
No, both Procreate and Procreate Dreams follow a one-time purchase model. There are no recurring subscription fees. You pay once for the application and gain access to all its features. This is a significant advantage for users who prefer to avoid ongoing subscription costs. This pricing model makes both applications highly accessible and cost-effective.
Final Verdict
Procreate Dreams excels in animation and motion graphics, offering a robust set of tools for creating dynamic visual content. Procreate remains the superior choice for digital artists focused on illustration and painting. The ideal choice hinges on your specific creative pursuits. Both apps are exceptional, but they serve different purposes within the digital art landscape.
Winner: Procreate Dreams