Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
On August 18, 2024, Procreate CEO James Cuda made an unusually blunt declaration: “I really f**king hate generative AI.” He said Procreate would not introduce generative AI into its products, positioning the iPad-focused art company against the creative-software industry’s rapid move toward prompt-based image generation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The statement was not a rejection of every algorithmic tool or form of machine learning. It was a specific refusal to add generative AI features, framed as a commitment to human-made art and greater control for artists.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What James Cuda actually said
In a video published by Procreate, Cuda criticized what generative AI was doing to artists and said the company would not follow the prevailing industry direction. He described Procreate’s products as tools designed around a human creating something, rather than a system generating an image from a prompt.
#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
His conclusion was both personal and corporate: Procreate believed it was supporting human creativity by refusing to build generative AI into its products. The announcement was reported by TechCrunch and VentureBeat on August 19, 2024.
That date matters. This was a 2024 announcement, not a new statement made in August 2026. It continues to resurface because it offered a clear contrast with software companies that were rapidly adding image generation, automated editing and AI assistants.
Procreate’s formal argument against generative AI
Procreate expanded on Cuda’s comments on its AI position page. The company argued that generative AI undermines the humanity of creative work and threatens artists. It also objected to how many image-generation models were trained, particularly concerns that artwork collected from the internet may have been used without artists’ consent, compensation or clear attribution.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Procreate acknowledged that refusing generative AI could make it appear to be falling behind. Its position was that this was a deliberate choice: the company would prioritize human creativity over matching every new feature introduced by competitors.
Those are Procreate’s ethical and philosophical claims, not settled legal findings. It is inaccurate to state as an established fact that all generative AI is “built on theft,” that every model used copyrighted work unlawfully, or that AI-generated images are legally invalid. Artists, companies and rights holders have made competing arguments, while major questions about training data, copyright, fair use and output ownership have remained contested.
Rank #2
- 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
Why the announcement resonated with artists
Many artists were already frustrated by image generators trained on enormous collections of online artwork. Their concerns included the use of work without permission, the possibility of stylistic imitation, pressure on freelance opportunities and the lack of transparency about what data entered commercial models.
At the same time, major creative applications were promoting features such as image generation, generative fill, object replacement and automated expansion. Procreate users therefore saw the announcement as a promise that their primary illustration workflow would not be redesigned around generated output.
The response was enthusiastic among many digital artists and designers, but it was not unanimous. Some people argued that generative tools can assist rather than replace artists, and that human direction, selection, editing and composition remain important. The announcement’s popularity should not be turned into a claim that all artists oppose generative AI.
Is Procreate anti-AI?
“Procreate hates AI” is too broad. The company’s public position targeted generative AI, not every use of computation, automation or machine learning.
| Term | Meaning in this debate |
|---|---|
| Generative AI | Systems that create or substantially transform images, text, audio or video from prompts or other inputs. |
| Machine learning | A broader category that can support recognition, prediction, classification, stabilization and other functions. |
| Digital-art tools | Brushes, selections, blending, color adjustments, pressure sensitivity and raster operations that do not generate new artwork from a trained model. |
Procreate’s published language distinguished machine learning from the current direction of generative AI. The company did not promise to remove every algorithmic feature from its software, nor did it establish that no internal process could ever involve machine learning.
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.
Likewise, the pledge should be stated precisely: Procreate said it would not introduce generative AI into its products. It should not automatically be expanded into a guarantee that the company will never use any AI-related technology, that the policy can never change, or that artwork exported from Procreate can never be processed by a separate AI-enabled service.
Procreate versus Adobe’s AI strategy
The clearest comparison is with Adobe. Procreate is primarily associated with iPad illustration and painting. Adobe operates a much wider ecosystem spanning Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Premiere, InDesign, web tools and mobile applications.
Adobe has chosen to integrate generative features into that ecosystem. Its current Creative Cloud pages advertise tools including Photoshop’s Generative Fill, Adobe Firefly features and generative credits. Adobe’s U.S. pricing page lists Photoshop at US$22.99 per month on an annual-billed-monthly plan and Creative Cloud Pro at a regular US$69.99 per month, subject to promotions, plan terms and eligibility. Check the official Adobe pricing page before subscribing.
| Priority | Procreate’s approach | AI-integrated suite |
|---|---|---|
| Creative process | Emphasizes manual drawing and painting. | Adds prompt-based generation and assisted editing. |
| Product scope | Focused illustration workflow, primarily on iPad. | Broad desktop, web and mobile ecosystem. |
| Business model | Historically associated with a one-time purchase; verify current regional terms. | Subscription-based plans with feature and credit differences. |
| Best fit | Artists who want hands-on iPad creation and no built-in generative features. | Users who need Adobe applications, interoperability and generative tools. |
This is not a simple ethical ranking. Adobe says its Firefly products and policies are designed around responsible use, while artists continue to debate training data, consent, attribution and control. “Procreate is ethical and Adobe is unethical” is no more defensible than the reverse.
Was the announcement also a marketing move?
The policy clearly created a powerful brand distinction. “No generative AI” aligned Procreate with artists who were skeptical of image generators, reinforced its hands-on creative identity and separated it from subscription-based suites adding AI features.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #4
- 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
That does not prove marketing was the company’s primary motive. Outside commentary, including VentureBeat’s coverage, treated the stance as potentially savvy positioning, but commentary is not evidence of Procreate’s internal strategy. The most defensible conclusion is that the position could be both a genuine ethical commitment and effective branding.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.The legal and ethical debate was—and remains—separate
Procreate’s announcement landed amid lawsuits and public disputes over whether AI companies could lawfully train models on copyrighted or otherwise protected work. Artists argued that the use of online images without consent or payment was unfair. AI companies and their supporters have offered different legal and technical defenses.
A lawsuit moving forward, reaching discovery or attracting public attention does not establish that all AI training is unlawful. Nor does a company’s policy statement resolve questions about copyright infringement, fair use, authorship or the ownership of generated outputs. Ethical objections can be serious even when the law has not delivered a final answer, but readers should keep those categories distinct.
What this means if you are choosing painting software
Procreate is a strong fit if you:
- Primarily work on an iPad.
- Want a focused painting, illustration, lettering or sketching workflow.
- Prefer a vendor that publicly rejects built-in generative AI.
- Value direct manual control over prompt-based generation.
Before buying, verify current iPad compatibility, regional App Store pricing, export formats and whether you need desktop or Windows access. Procreate’s public pledge does not make it a replacement for every part of a professional production pipeline.
Adobe is a stronger fit if you:
- Need Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, Premiere, InDesign or cross-application workflows.
- Work across desktop, web and mobile devices.
- Want tools such as Generative Fill or Firefly integrated into the workflow.
- Accept a recurring subscription in exchange for a broad suite and cloud services.
Adobe Fresco may also suit drawing and painting users, but it does not represent Procreate’s focused iPad-first approach or its public rejection of generative AI.
Best Value
- Working Area Configuration - HUION art tablet equips with a 10 x 6.25 inches working area, providing the user with the most comfortable size to work; the 10mm slim structure and minimalist design of appearance make the drawing tablet more attractive.
- Tilt Function Battery-free Stylus: This computer graphics tablet come with a battery-free stylus PW100, no need to charge, allowing for constant uninterrupted drawing. ±60° tilt support enables imitation of lines input with diverse drawing gestures, with accuracy ensured.
- Press Keys:12 programmable press keys plus 16 programmable soft keys, you can set shortcut keys on drawing tablet's driver based on your preferences, such as erase, zoom in/out, scroll up and down, and so on.
- Compatibility: HUION graphics tablet supports Windows 7 or later/ macOS 10.12 or later/ Android 6.0 or later/ Linux (Ubuntu). A USB adapter is required to connect to a Mac computer. H1060P supports various mainstream design and drawing software, including PS, SAI, AI, CDR, etc. (Please note: The H1060P is compatible with Ubuntu, but it requires the use of the Xorg display server. Wayland is not supported.)
- NOTE: You can easily connect your phone to the art tablet via the OTG connector; while iPhone and iPad are NOT at the moment. The cursor will not show up in the SAMSUNG Galaxy S series at present. If you are not sure whether the product is compatible with your Phone or any help, please contact us.
Other software requires current policy checks
Affinity may appeal to users comparing broader creative tools and licensing models. Clip Studio Paint is particularly relevant to illustration, comics, manga and animation. However, AI features, ownership, licensing and vendor policies can change. Do not label either product permanently “AI-free” without checking its current documentation.
The strongest criticisms of Procreate’s position
Procreate’s argument simplifies a complicated boundary when it contrasts human creativity with generative systems. People still direct prompts, choose results, edit images, compose scenes and make aesthetic judgments. The real disagreement is not whether humans are involved, but what role they should have and whether the system’s training and output processes are acceptable.
There is also a practical trade-off. Refusing generative tools may protect a hands-on workflow, but it can mean slower ideation, cleanup, image extension and variation for users who find those features valuable. A public pledge can also function as brand positioning, even when the underlying principle is sincere.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Finally, avoiding built-in generative AI does not make every other part of the creative-technology ecosystem ethically neutral. Artists still need to consider cloud storage, data handling, licensing, export pipelines, stock assets and any third-party service connected to their workflow.
The bottom line for artists
Procreate did not simply say that it disliked technology. On August 18, 2024, James Cuda and Procreate made a high-profile refusal to add generative AI features, presenting that choice as a defense of human authorship and artist control.
Adobe and other competitors made the opposite product decision: integrate generative assistance into larger creative ecosystems. Neither approach settles the law or ends the ethical debate. It gives artists a meaningful product choice between a deliberately manual painting workflow and software that treats generation and automation as part of the creative toolkit.
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.
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 minute
