Choose Affinity if you want
Illustration in a free desktop app.
A free illustration app with vector and pixel tools in one document, on Windows and macOS. It is built for design and layout as much as painting, and an iPad version is still in development.
Choose Procreate if you want
Pay-once painting on iPad.
A pay-once iPad painter with brushes, layers and Apple Pencil support, plus companion apps for animation. It runs only on iPad, so Windows and Android artists need another app.
The main differences
- Only Affinity runs on Windows.
- Only Affinity runs on macOS.
- Affinity can be used for free; Procreate requires payment.
Side by side
 Affinity |  Procreate | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 84.5 | 92.5 |
| Rank in list | #4 of 6 | #1 of 6 |
| Price | FreeFree with a Canva account; Canva AI tools need a premium plan | One-time purchaseOne-time purchase with no subscription |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | WindowsmacOSWindows, macOS | iPadOSiPadOS |
| Made by | Canva | Savage Interactive |
| Best for | Illustration in a free desktop app | Pay-once painting on iPad |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Affinity vs Procreate
- Is Procreate better than Affinity?
- Procreate ranks higher in our list of digital painting software (#1 against #4, score 92.5 against 84.5). Affinity is best for: illustration in a free desktop app. Procreate is best for: pay-once painting on iPad.
- Which is cheaper, Affinity or Procreate?
- Affinity: Free with a Canva account; Canva AI tools need a premium plan. Procreate: One-time purchase with no subscription.
- Do Affinity and Procreate run on the same platforms?
- Affinity supports Windows, macOS. Procreate supports iPadOS.