GIMPLinux
vs
ProcreateWindows
GIMP as a Linux alternative to Procreate
Updated
Our verdict
GIMP can serve as a replacement for Procreate for users who need a free, native Linux tool with a solid brush engine and layer support. It lacks the iPad‑centric UI and some of Procreate's streamlined workflow, but it covers the essential painting and editing features. Artists who are comfortable with a more traditional desktop interface and who need extensibility or batch processing will find GIMP adequate, while those who rely on Procreate's touch‑first design and integrated animation tools may feel limited.
- License
- GPL-3.0+ AND LGPL-3.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.2.6 (September 10, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Layer‑based editing with masks and blending modes
- Customizable brush engine with pressure sensitivity
- Support for standard image formats (PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, etc.)
- Color management and mixing tools
What is different
- Procreate is optimized for touch and Apple Pencil on iPad; GIMP uses mouse/keyboard or generic tablet input
- Procreate includes built‑in animation and time‑lapse recording, which GIMP lacks out of the box
- User interface is designed for quick, gesture‑driven workflow in Procreate; GIMP has a more traditional desktop UI
- Procreate’s brush library is curated for digital painting; GIMP requires manual brush import or plug‑ins for comparable variety
Opening your Procreate files
GIMP does not natively understand Procreate's .procreate or .brush files. You can export artwork from Procreate as PNG, PSD, or TIFF and open those in GIMP without issue. Importing Procreate‑specific brush packs would require conversion tools or manual recreation, which are not officially supported.
Switching from Procreate to GIMP, step by step
- Export your Procreate canvas as PSD or PNG on the iPad.
- Copy the exported files to your Linux machine via USB, cloud storage, or network share.
- Open the files in GIMP and verify layers and colors appear as expected.
- Recreate any custom brushes in GIMP using its brush editor or import compatible .abr files.
- Adjust brush dynamics to match your tablet's pressure settings in GIMP's preferences.
Key features of GIMP
- Layer-based editing with masks, blending modes, and transparency
- Advanced brush engine for digital painting and retouching
- Support for Photoshop-compatible plug-ins (via compatibility layers)
- Batch processing and scripting with Script-Fu, Python, or GEGL
- Non-destructive editing possible through plug-ins like G'MIC
- Extensive format support: PNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, WebP, and more
- Customizable interface with dockable panels and themes
- Color management with ICC profile support
How to install GIMP on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.gimp.GIMPsudo apt install gimpsudo apt install gimpsudo dnf install gimpsudo pacman -S gimpsudo zypper install gimpFrequently asked questions
Can GIMP use my drawing tablet's pressure sensitivity?
Yes, GIMP works with most Wacom‑style tablets on Linux; enable pressure in the brush dynamics panel.
Is there a way to get Procreate‑style brushes in GIMP?
You can import Photoshop .abr brush packs, which many Procreate brushes are also offered as, or create brushes manually in GIMP's brush editor.
Will I lose layer information when exporting from Procreate to GIMP?
If you export as PSD, layers are preserved. Exporting as flat PNG or JPEG will flatten the image, so use PSD for a lossless transfer.
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