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No—Procreate for iPad is not free. The official U.S. App Store listing currently shows a $12.99 one-time purchase. Procreate says it has no subscription, so you do not pay monthly or annually after buying it.
No. Procreate for iPad is not free. At the time of research, the official U.S. App Store listing showed a $12.99 one-time purchase. Procreate says the iPad app has no subscription, so you do not pay a monthly or annual fee to keep using it after buying it.
Prices can vary by country and App Store region, so check the official Procreate App Store listing for the current price where you live. Make sure the seller is listed as Savage Interactive; similarly named apps for brushes, tools, or templates are not the full Procreate app.
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The U.S. App Store price researched for this article is $12.99. That price is for the iPad version of Procreate and is normally charged once rather than repeatedly.
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Procreate free? | No. It is a paid iPad app. |
| What is the U.S. price? | $12.99 at research time; regional prices may differ. |
| Is it a subscription? | No. Procreate says it has no subscriptions. |
| Is there a standard free trial? | The official sources reviewed do not advertise one. |
| Are there ongoing in-app purchases? | Procreate says it does not currently offer in-app purchases for the app. |
Is Procreate a one-time purchase?
Yes. Procreate’s official product page describes the app as having no subscriptions. In practical terms, you buy the app through Apple’s App Store and can continue using the purchased app without a recurring membership charge.
Procreate’s Handbook also says the app does not currently offer in-app purchases, although older versions may contain purchases that can be restored. That means you should not expect the core drawing app to be split into a free download followed by a series of required feature purchases.
Apple may change App Store prices or display regional promotions. Therefore, treat $12.99 as the current researched U.S. price, not a guaranteed worldwide or permanent price.
Does Procreate have a free trial?
There is no standard free trial advertised by the official sources reviewed for this article. The safest description is that Procreate is normally a paid, one-time App Store app—not a free app that requires a subscription after a trial period.
Before buying, you can inspect the live App Store listing, its screenshots, description, compatibility information, and reviews. Do not assume that an unrelated app offering free Procreate brushes or tutorials is an official Procreate trial.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
What iPad do you need for Procreate?
Paying for Procreate does not guarantee that every iPad can install the current version. In the researched snapshot, Procreate’s official FAQ listed version 5.4.12 as the current iPad version and required iPadOS 16.3 or newer. Older iPads may be unable to install or update that version.
Before purchasing the app—or buying a used iPad for it—identify the exact iPad model and check whether it supports a suitable iPadOS release. Procreate’s official FAQ points readers to Apple’s support information for identifying an iPad and checking its software compatibility.
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Once installed, Procreate supports professional illustration and painting workflows such as:
- Layers and customizable brushes
- Animation tools
- Time-lapse recording
- PSD import and export
- 3D painting on supported iPad models
- More than 300 handcrafted brushes
- OBJ and USDZ support for relevant 3D workflows
Feature availability can depend on the iPad hardware and the app version, particularly for demanding 3D work.
Do you need an Apple Pencil to use Procreate?
No. Procreate works with touch input, so an Apple Pencil is not required to purchase or use the app. However, it is particularly useful for drawing, painting, lettering, and other work where pressure and precision matter.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
According to Procreate’s product information and Handbook guidance, Apple Pencil pressure and tilt can affect brush behavior, including stroke size, opacity, and orientation.
If you already own a compatible iPad, an Apple Pencil for Procreate can be a sensible accessory—but check the exact iPad model before ordering. Apple’s Apple Pencil compatibility page lists different Pencil requirements for different iPad generations. Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C, Apple Pencil (2nd generation), and Apple Pencil (1st generation) are not universally interchangeable.
For example, Apple Pencil Pro is supported by certain newer iPad Pro and iPad Air models and the iPad mini with A17 Pro, while older iPads may require a first-generation, second-generation, or USB-C Apple Pencil. Do not automatically buy the newest Pencil without checking compatibility.
Is there a student or education version of Procreate?
There is no free student edition of Procreate. Procreate’s education information says there is one version of the app rather than a separate education build. A school email address does not automatically make an individual App Store purchase free.
Schools and other educational institutions may qualify for a discount through Apple School Manager. Procreate’s education site describes 50% off institutional licensing, with bulk purchasing options; its support information says the bulk route is intended for institutions purchasing 20 or more licenses.
Rank #4
- WHY IPAD PRO — iPad Pro with the Apple M5 chip delivers extraordinary performance for effortless productivity on a stunning display. Take on pro workflows with Neural Accelerators for AI and a redesigned iPadOS with game-changing capabilities.*
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — iPad Pro with M5 brings next-generation speed and the power of on-device AI to all your tasks.* Featuring up to 2TB of storage, 16GB of memory, and Neural Accelerators for next-level AI performance.*
- IPADOS — Run pro apps and get more done with iPadOS 26 with Liquid Glass design and game-changing capabilities.* With an intuitive and flexible windowing system, you can control, organize, and manage your workflows like never before.
- APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you communicate, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly with groundbreaking privacy protections at every step.*
- 11-INCH ULTRA RETINA XDR DISPLAY — The world’s most advanced display, featuring extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone.* Nano-texture display glass available in 1TB and 2TB configurations
That is different from an individual student discount. If you are a student buying Procreate for your own iPad, check with your school to find out whether it participates in an institutional purchase program, rather than assuming your personal account qualifies.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not confuse Procreate with Procreate Dreams
Procreate Dreams is a separate app. It focuses on animation and motion content, while Procreate is the painting and illustration app. Procreate’s official FAQ says the two apps are developed and sold separately.
Buying Procreate does not make Procreate Dreams free, and buying Procreate Dreams does not unlock Procreate. They are independent one-time purchases. This distinction matters when both apps appear in App Store search results.
How to buy Procreate safely
- Open the official listing. Use the App Store link from Procreate’s website or verify that the App Store seller is Savage Interactive.
- Confirm the local price. The researched U.S. listing showed $12.99, but your country’s storefront may show a different amount.
- Check your iPadOS version. The researched current version, Procreate 5.4.12, requires iPadOS 16.3 or newer.
- Check the iPad model. This is especially important if you own an older iPad or are buying used hardware.
- Decide whether you need a Pencil. Touch works, but Apple Pencil pressure and tilt can be valuable for serious drawing.
- Match the Pencil to the iPad. Confirm compatibility on Apple’s support page before buying an accessory.
- Check education purchasing separately. Institutional discounts are not the same as a free personal student version.
Bottom line for iPad artists
Procreate is not free on iPad. The official U.S. App Store listing currently shows a $12.99 one-time purchase, and Procreate says there is no subscription. There is no standard free trial advertised in the official sources reviewed, and an Apple Pencil is optional rather than required.
Before paying, verify three things: the live price in your country, whether your iPad supports the current app requirements, and which Apple Pencil—if any—matches your iPad. Schools may be eligible for institutional discounts, but individual students should not expect a free edition.
Best Value
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Procreate completely free on iPad?
No. Procreate is a paid iPad app. The U.S. App Store listing researched for this article showed a $12.99 one-time purchase, although prices vary by region.
Does Procreate offer a free trial?
No standard free trial is advertised in the official sources reviewed. Check the live App Store listing for any current regional promotion before purchasing.
Does Procreate require a monthly subscription?
No. Procreate says the iPad app has no subscriptions. It is normally purchased once through the App Store.
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Do I need an Apple Pencil for Procreate?
No. Touch input works, but Apple Pencil pressure and tilt support make it especially useful for drawing, painting, and lettering. You must match the Pencil model to your specific iPad.
Can students get Procreate for free?
There is no separate free student edition. Educational institutions may qualify for 50% off through Apple School Manager, with bulk purchasing intended for institutions buying 20 or more licenses.
The Bottom Line
Procreate is not free on iPad. The U.S. App Store price is currently $12.99 at research time, charged as a one-time purchase with no subscription. Check your local price and iPadOS compatibility before buying.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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