KritaLinux
vs
ProcreateWindows
Krita as a Linux alternative to Procreate
Updated
Our verdict
Krita is a solid native Linux replacement for Procreate, especially for artists who need a full‑featured, open‑source painting suite. It covers most Procreate workflows—brush customization, pressure sensitivity, layer management, color mixing, and export to common formats. It is best suited for users who already use Linux and want a free alternative; it may feel heavier on older hardware and lacks the iPad‑specific touch UI Procreate offers.
- License
- GPL-3.0-only
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 5.3.4.1 (October 7, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support pressure‑sensitive tablets and a wide range of brushes
- Both provide robust layer systems with masks and groups
- Both allow color mixing in RGB and CMYK and export to PNG, JPEG, TIFF
- Both can export to PSD format for cross‑platform use
What is different
- Krita runs on desktop Linux, not on iPad; no touch‑only interface
- Procreate offers a streamlined, touch‑first UI with gestures; Krita uses a traditional desktop layout
- Procreate’s brush engine is tuned for iPad hardware; Krita’s engine is more flexible but may need tweaking
- Krita supports 16/32‑bit float channels and HDR painting, beyond Procreate’s 8‑bit limit
- Procreate’s file format (.procreate) is proprietary; Krita cannot open it directly
Opening your Procreate files
Procreate uses a proprietary .procreate file format that Krita cannot read natively. To transfer work, export from Procreate as PSD, PNG, or TIFF and import into Krita. Krita can export to PSD, preserving layers, but complex Procreate features may not translate perfectly.
Switching from Procreate to Krita, step by step
- Export your Procreate artwork as a PSD file.
- Open the PSD in Krita; check that layers and masks are intact.
- If any layers are missing, adjust Krita’s PSD import settings or flatten them in Procreate first.
- Re‑apply any custom brushes by importing them into Krita’s brush library.
- Save the file in Krita’s native .kra format for future editing.
- Export the final image to the desired format (PNG, JPEG, TIFF).
Key features of Krita
- Advanced brush engine with dozens of preset brushes
- Full CMYK, RGB, and HDR color space support
- Layer groups, masks, and vector layers
- HDR painting and 16/32‑bit float channels
- Resource manager for brushes, gradients, and palettes
- Python scripting for custom tools
- Docker panels for quick access to tools and filters
- Export to PSD, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, and OpenRaster
How to install Krita on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kritasudo apt install kritasudo apt install kritasudo dnf install kritasudo pacman -S kritasudo zypper install kritaFrequently asked questions
Does Krita support Procreate brushes?
Krita can import Procreate brushes if you export them as .abr files and then use a converter, but native support is limited. Most brushes will need to be recreated manually.
Can I use Krita on a tablet?
Yes, Krita runs on Linux tablets and supports pressure sensitivity, but the UI is designed for desktop use; you may need to resize panels for a tablet screen.
Is Krita free?
Krita is open‑source under GPL‑3.0‑only and is free to download and use on all major Linux distributions.
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