PintaLinux
vs
ProcreateWindows
Pinta as a Linux alternative to Procreate
Updated
Our verdict
Pinta is not a direct replacement for Procreate. It is a simpler, Paint.NET-style editor meant for quick edits and basic drawing, not complex digital painting. If you need Procreate’s advanced brush engine, color mixing, or professional-grade tablet workflows, Pinta will feel limiting. However, if you just need a lightweight, native Linux tool for simple raster edits, basic layering, and light sketching, Pinta is a solid, free choice. It lacks the depth for serious artists but serves casual users well.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.1.2 (March 29, 2026)
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
What works the same
- Both support raster graphics editing with layer management
- Both allow freehand drawing and basic shape tools
- Both are available on Linux (Pinta natively, Procreate via Wine/VM or not at all)
- Both support exporting to standard formats like PNG and JPEG
What is different
- Pinta lacks a custom brush engine and pressure-sensitive tablet optimization
- Procreate has advanced color mixing and blending modes; Pinta has basic color adjustments
- Pinta’s interface is simpler and less feature-rich than Procreate’s pro-oriented tools
- Procreate is optimized for touch/tablet workflows; Pinta is mouse/keyboard-centric
Opening your Procreate files
Pinta can open and export common raster formats like PNG, JPEG, BMP, and TIFF, which Procreate also uses for exports. However, Pinta cannot open Procreate’s native .procreate file format. You must export your work from Procreate as a PNG or JPEG before importing it into Pinta.
Switching from Procreate to Pinta, step by step
- Export your Procreate artwork as a high-resolution PNG or JPEG
- Install Pinta via your package manager or Flathub
- Open the exported image file in Pinta
- Recreate any necessary layers or adjustments using Pinta’s tools
- Save your work in a standard format for future editing
Key features of Pinta
- Simple toolbar with freehand, shapes, and line tools
- Unlimited layers for organizing edits
- 35+ built‑in effects (blur, distort, color adjustments)
- Supports common raster formats (PNG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF)
- Keyboard shortcuts similar to Paint.NET
- Cross‑platform (Linux, Windows, macOS)
How to install Pinta on Linux
flatpak install flathub com.github.PintaProject.Pintasudo dnf install pintasudo pacman -S pintasudo zypper install pintaFrequently asked questions
Can Pinta handle pressure-sensitive tablets?
Pinta has basic tablet support, but it is not optimized for pressure sensitivity like Procreate. It may work with Wacom or other tablets, but the experience is less refined.
Is Pinta suitable for professional digital painting?
No. Pinta is designed for simple edits and casual drawing. For professional digital painting, consider GIMP or Krita instead.
Does Pinta support Procreate’s brush library?
No. Pinta has its own set of basic tools and effects. It cannot import or replicate Procreate’s custom brushes.
3 other alternatives to Procreate
KritaKrita is a full‑featured open‑source digital painting and illustration program.Open sourceFreeFlatpakKrita vs Procreate
MyPaintMyPaint is a fast, free, open‑source raster painting program focused on brush dynamics and tablet use.Open sourceFreeFlatpakMyPaint vs Procreate
GIMPGIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor for photo editing, digital painting, and image composition.Open sourceFreeFlatpakGIMP vs Procreate