What’s actually slowing this PC down?
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Adobe Fresco is the better choice if you need supported Windows, iPhone, and iPad access, Adobe Creative Cloud workflows, simulated watercolor or oil brushes, or motion-path animation. Procreate is often better for iPad-focused artists who value deep brush customization, QuickShape, 3D painting, and a one-time purchase. The right app depends on your device, workflow, and the features you use most.
Here is how the two apps compare across platforms, brushes, animation, exports, and cost so you can choose for your own work rather than rely on a universal “best” claim.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet: Enjoy industry leading tablet performance in superior control and precision with Wacom's EMR, battery free technology that feels like pen on paper
- Works With All Software: Wacom Intuos tablet can be used in any software program to explore new facets of digital creativity; draw, paint, edit photos/videos, create designs, and mark up documents
- What the Professionals Use: Wacom's industry leading pen technology and pen to paper feeling makes it the preferred drawing tablet of professional graphic designers
- Software and Training Included: Only Wacom gives you software with every purchase. Register your Intuos tablet and gain access to some of the best creative software and Wacom's online training
- Wacom is the Global Leader in Drawing Tablet and Displays: For over 40 years in pen display and tablet market, you can trust that Wacom to help you bring your vision, ideas and creativity to life
Where Adobe Fresco stands out
It works across more platforms
Fresco runs on iPhone, iPad, and supported Windows devices; Procreate is an iPad app. Fresco is the more flexible option if you want to work across those devices. On Windows, Fresco is not generally available on other ARM devices beyond Adobe’s supported list, and Live brushes require a current graphics driver.
Watercolor brushes are not supported on Surface Pro X and Surface Pro 9 ARM devices. Fresco timelapse is also not supported on those Surface devices, so check compatibility if either feature matters to your workflow.
It combines pixel, vector, and simulated-media brushes
Fresco has three brush categories:
- Pixel brushes are raster brushes suited to sketching, textured illustration, and digital painting.
- Live brushes simulate watercolor and oil. Watercolor can bloom and spread, while oil brushes simulate thick, blended paint.
- Vector brushes create scalable artwork for clean edges and output at different sizes.
The free plan includes all Fresco brushes, imported brushes, premium shapes, and 5 GB of cloud storage. Creative Cloud subscribers also get access to more than 1,000 additional brushes, premium Adobe Fonts, and 100 GB of storage. Fresco also supports imported Photoshop brushes.
Fresco suits an Adobe production workflow
Fresco documents can sync as Creative Cloud documents and work with Photoshop. Adobe also documents transferring Fresco artwork to Illustrator as PDFs that preserve artwork layers. These handoffs are useful if you already work in Creative Cloud, but Fresco remains a drawing and painting app rather than a replacement for Photoshop or Illustrator.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallTo export a still image from Fresco:
- Open the artwork and tap Share in the title bar.
- Tap Export image.
- Choose the format and tap Export.
Adobe documents PNG, JPG, PSD, and PDF export. Choose PSD for a Photoshop workflow or PDF for an Illustrator handoff.
Rank #2
- Word-first 16K Pressure Levels: The upgraded stylus features 16,384 levels of pressure sensitivity and supports up to 60 degrees of tilt, delivering smoother lines and shading for a natural drawing experience. With no battery or charging needed, it operates like a real pen, making it easy for beginners to create effortlessly. This functionality helps novice artists develop their skills and explore their creativity without the intimidation of complex tools
- Designed for Beginners: This drawing pad desinged with 8 customizable shortcuts for both right and left-hand users, express keys create a highly ergonomic and convenient work platform
- Perfectly Adapted for Android: The XPPen Deco 01 V3 art tablet supports connections with Android devices running version 10.0 and above. It is recommended to download the XPPen Tools Android application, which adapts to your smartphone's screen aspect ratio, ensuring accurate mapping. It also supports mapping on Android screens with different aspect ratios in portrait mode
- Large Drawing Space, Bigger Bold Inspiration: This expansive drawing pad has10 x 6.25-inch helps you break through the limit between shortcut keys and drawing area
- Easy Connectivity for Beginners: The Deco 01 V3 offers USB-C to USB-C connectivity, plus adapters for USB C. This ensures easy connection to various devices, allowing beginner artists to set up quickly and focus on their creativity without compatibility concerns. Whether using a laptop, tablet, or desktop, the Deco 01 V3 provides a seamless experience, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their digital art journey
Fresco offers motion paths as well as frame animation
Both apps support frame-by-frame animation. Fresco also lets an object follow a drawn motion path without necessarily changing its appearance. Its motion features include onion skinning, playback controls, speed, easing, rotation, scaling, fade-in and fade-out, and path alignment. It can export animation as GIF, MP4, or a PNG sequence.
To animate in Fresco, select a layer, choose Motion, then use the frame-by-frame controls or choose Path. For animation exports, use Share > Export motion. PNG sequences can be useful for further editing in apps such as After Effects.
Procreate’s animation workflow is primarily layer- and frame-based. Choose Actions > Canvas > Animation Assist to use its timeline, onion skinning, playback, and frame options. Fresco is the stronger fit when you need objects to travel along paths as well as frame animation.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhere Procreate has the advantage
Procreate is designed around iPad and Apple Pencil, with a mature illustration workflow and no subscription for the app itself. Its current version is 5.4.12 and requires iPadOS 16.3 or later.
It offers extensive brush customization
Procreate’s Brush Studio exposes more than 100 settings for brush shape, grain, behavior, color, responsiveness, opacity, and taper. To edit a brush, tap it once to select it, then tap it again to open Brush Studio. To import a brush or set, open the Brush Library, tap the import button, and choose Import from Files.
Rank #3
- Customize Your Workflow: The 6 customizable press keys on Huion H640P drawing tablet for pc let you assign your most-used commands—like undo, zoom, brush switch, or save—so you can keep your hands on the tablet and your mind on the art. Whether you're a digital painter switching brushes, or a comic artist zooming in and out, these keys keep your workflow smooth and uninterrupted. Plus, the Huion driver lets you save different shortcut profiles for different apps, so you never have to reconfigure when switching software.
- Professional Pen Performance: Huion H640P drawing pad for computer comes with the battery-free PW100 stylus that's always ready when inspiration strikes. With 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, every light sketch, or bold stroke responds naturally to your hand—just like a real pen. The 5080 LPI resolution and 233 PPS report rate deliver lag-free, precise strokes, so you can draw confidently without second-guessing your cursor. The pen side buttons help you switch between pen and eraser instantly.
- Compact and Portable: Huion H640P computer graphics tablet features a compact, ultra-portable design at just 0.3 inches thin and 0.61 lbs light, so it slides easily into your backpack—perfect for sketching in coffee shops, taking notes in class, or editing on the go between home and studio. The 6x4 inch active area offers enough room for natural pen movements while fitting comfortably on crowded desks, or lecture hall seats.
- Stable Compatibility: Huion H640P graphic drawing tablet works seamlessly with Mac, Windows, Linux PCs, and Android smartphones/tablets (OS version 6.0 or later). Left-handed friendly, and you just need to flip the tablet and adjust the settings in the driver. Please note: H640P does NOT support iPhone/iPad.
- Move Beyond the Mouse: Huion Inspiroy H640P is a pen tablet that replaces your mouse for more natural, precise control. Freehand draw, take notes, or even play OSU—everything you do with a mouse, you can do better with a pen. The precise tip makes it ideal for detailed photo editing, graphic design, or signing PDF. Meanwhile, the ergonomic pen grip helps you avoid the strain that comes from hours of using a mouse.
Fresco has capable brush controls and Photoshop-brush importing, but artists who want to build highly customized brushes may prefer Procreate’s Brush Studio.
Its illustration tools are well developed
Procreate includes QuickShape, Drawing Assist, perspective and symmetry guides, clipping masks, blend modes, Liquify, Warp, color adjustments, vector text, and PDF import and editing. With QuickShape, draw a line or shape and hold the Apple Pencil or finger on the canvas to regularize it. Holding a second finger can turn a rectangle into a square or an oval into a circle.
QuickShape settings are at Actions > Prefs > Gesture Controls > QuickShape. Fresco has drawing aids, shapes, Snap to Shape, and vector layers, but it does not use the same QuickShape gesture system.
It includes 3D painting
Procreate has built-in 3D Painting tools, Lighting Studio, and model export. Its documented model export paths include Actions > Share > Procreate, Actions > Share > USDZ, and Actions > Share > OBJ.
There is a hardware limitation: on iPads with less than 4 GB of RAM, Procreate cannot use 3D models with texture detail above 2K. Importing a higher-detail model can produce the message: “The artwork exceeds this device’s capabilities. A more powerful device is required to import this file.”
Rank #4
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Cost and requirements
| Detail | Adobe Fresco | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad, and supported Windows devices | iPad only |
| Cost | Free starter plan; paid plans add benefits | $12.99 one-time purchase in the U.S. |
| Cloud storage | 5 GB on the free plan; paid plans include 100 GB | Artwork is stored locally by default |
| Current iPad requirement | iPadOS 18 or later on supported iPads | iPadOS 16.3 or later |
Fresco’s free plan includes its brushes and drawing tools, but the 5 GB limit applies to cloud storage. Adobe account registration and internet access are required for activation, subscription validation, and online services. Reaching the storage limit means deleting older cloud projects or upgrading storage.
Procreate costs $12.99 in the U.S. and has no ongoing subscription or in-app purchases for Procreate itself. Artwork is stored locally by default; an iCloud account alone should not be treated as automatic artwork backup. To move to another iPad, export .procreate files, use device transfer, or restore a backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Hardware limits to consider
In Procreate, available layers depend on canvas dimensions and iPad RAM. On compatible newer iPad Pro models, Procreate documents a maximum total canvas size of 134 megapixels and a longest edge of 16,384 pixels; older devices have lower limits.
On Windows, outdated graphics drivers can make Fresco Live brushes fail or behave incorrectly. Apple Pencil Pro features depend on compatible hardware and brush type. Fresco’s barrel-roll settings differ by brush category: for pixel and Live brushes, use Brush settings > Shape dynamics > Angle Control > Roll; for vector brushes, use Brush settings > Tilt > Tilt & barrel roll.
Which app should you choose?
| Choose Fresco if you… | Choose Procreate if you… |
|---|---|
| Need to work on supported Windows devices, iPhone, and iPad | Want an iPad-only workflow |
| Already use Photoshop, Illustrator, or Creative Cloud | Prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription |
| Want vector and raster painting together | Want extensive Brush Studio customization |
| Prioritize simulated watercolor or oil brushes | Use QuickShape and illustration guides heavily |
| Need motion paths as well as frame animation | Want an integrated iPad frame-animation workflow |
| Want to try a full-featured painting app before paying | Need built-in 3D painting and model export |
Fresco is a sensible primary app for a Windows user, a Creative Cloud artist, or someone who prioritizes live-media brushes and motion paths. Procreate is a strong fit for iPad artists who value brush customization, QuickShape, 3D painting, and a one-time purchase.
Best Value
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
FAQ
Is Adobe Fresco better than Procreate for painting?
Fresco is a strong choice for simulated watercolor and oil, cross-device access, Creative Cloud workflows, and vector-plus-raster artwork. Procreate may suit iPad-focused artists better if they prioritize brush design, QuickShape, 3D painting, and a one-time purchase.
Can Adobe Fresco replace Procreate?
Fresco can cover many drawing and painting workflows, but it does not duplicate Procreate’s Brush Studio, QuickShape gestures, or built-in 3D painting tools. Compare the apps against your own devices, brushes, canvas sizes, and export needs.
Is Adobe Fresco free?
Fresco has a free starter plan that includes all Fresco brushes, imported brushes, premium shapes, and 5 GB of cloud storage. Paid plans add benefits such as premium Adobe Fonts and 100 GB of storage.
Does Procreate work on Windows?
No. Procreate is an iPad app. Fresco is the relevant option between these two if you need to draw on a supported Windows device.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallQuick 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.
