Windows · Graphics
Best Linux alternatives to Procreate
Procreate is a popular iPad raster drawing app for digital painting, lacking a native Linux version.
Updated
Quick answer
The best Linux alternative to Procreate is Krita. Other strong options: MyPaint, GIMP, Pinta.
4 Linux alternatives to Procreate
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Krita is a full‑featured open‑source digital painting and illustration program.
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…
Feature parity85% -
MyPaint is a fast, free, open‑source raster painting program focused on brush dynamics and tablet use.
MyPaint can replace Procreate for users who need a free, open‑source raster painting tool on Linux and who are comfortable with a minimal interface. It offers robust brush dynamics, pressure sensitivity, layers, and export to common formats, making it suitable for illustrators, concept artists, and…
Feature parity70% -
GIMP is a free, open-source raster graphics editor for photo editing, digital painting, and image composition.
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…
Feature parity62% -
Pinta is a free, open‑source bitmap editor that mimics Paint.NET with a simple interface and layer support.
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…
Feature parity35%
What is Procreate?
Procreate is a raster graphics editor designed for digital painting and illustration. It targets artists, designers, and hobbyists who want a natural, gesture-based drawing experience. The interface is optimized for touchscreens, making it a staple for iPad users creating concept art, comics, and detailed digital paintings.
The software is developed by Savage Interactive and is available on iOS and iPadOS. It operates on a one-time purchase model rather than a subscription, which has been a significant factor in its popularity among independent artists. There is no free trial version, but the cost is a single upfront payment for a lifetime license.
Users look for Linux alternatives because Procreate is strictly confined to Apple's ecosystem. Linux users who prefer open-source tools or run Linux on their hardware cannot use Procreate natively. While some may attempt to run it via virtualization, the lack of official support and the need for specific touch hardware make finding a native Linux replacement a common priority for cross-platform artists.
What a replacement for Procreate must do
- Native raster graphics editing
- Pressure-sensitive tablet support
- Custom brush engine
- Layer management
- Color mixing tools
- Export to standard image formats
Can you run Procreate on Linux?
There is no native Linux version of Procreate. It is an iOS/iPadOS application, so it will not run directly on Linux. Using Wine or Proton is not a viable solution because these tools are designed for Windows executables, not iOS apps. Running an iPad emulator on Linux is technically possible but highly complex, resource-intensive, and lacks official support, making it impractical for daily professional use.
Which alternative should you choose?
Krita is the strongest direct alternative for digital painting, offering a robust brush engine and animation tools similar to Procreate. MyPaint is better suited for users who want a minimal interface focused purely on painting without complex project management. GIMP is more general-purpose and better for photo editing or complex compositing rather than direct painting. Inkscape is a vector editor, so it only fits if you need scalable graphics, not raster painting. Pinta is a lightweight option for quick edits but lacks the depth of Krita for serious illustration.
Moving your Procreate files and habits
Procreate uses its own proprietary .procreate file format. You cannot open these files directly in Linux applications. To migrate your work, you must export your artwork from Procreate to a standard format like PNG, JPEG, or PSD before moving to Linux. Note that Procreate's PSD export may not preserve all layer effects or specific brush data perfectly, so you should test exports to ensure your workflow remains intact after the switch.
Side-by-side comparison
Procreate: frequently asked questions
Can I run Procreate on Linux with Wine?
No. Wine runs Windows software, not iOS apps. Procreate is an iPad app, so Wine is not a compatible solution.
Which Linux app is closest to Procreate?
Krita is the closest match. It is designed for digital painting, supports pressure tablets, and has a similar focus on brush customization.
Does Procreate have a subscription model?
No. Procreate is a one-time purchase. You pay once and own the app, though updates may require a new purchase if a major version is released.
Can I import Procreate files into Krita?
Not directly. You must export your work as a PNG or PSD file from Procreate first, then open that file in Krita.
How important is Procreate to you?
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