Procreate vs Pixelmator: Which One Is Better in 2024?

Procreate and Pixelmator Pro are essential tools for businesses and designers, offering powerful features for digital art and image editing. We'll compare Procreate's intuitive art studio with Pixelmator Pro's advanced photo editing and vector tools to determine the best option for creative professionals.

A Quick Overview of Procreate and Pixelmator

What is Procreate?

Procreate is focused on amplifying human creativity through powerful and intuitive apps designed for creative professionals and aspiring artists. The company is committed to providing tools that help users create stunning digital art.

Procreate offers a complete art studio experience on the iPad. The company has a clear stance against incorporating generative AI into their apps, emphasizing that creativity is made, not generated.

What is Pixelmator?

Pixelmator specializes in creating image editing software. They offer products like Pixelmator Pro, Photomator, and Pixelmator for iOS, focusing on making powerful image editing tools accessible to everyone.

Pixelmator Pro includes AI-powered tools like background masks and automatic photo enhancements. The software also leverages machine learning for features such as the ML Enhance tool and Super Resolution, setting it apart from competitors.

Features of Procreate and Pixelmator

Similarities

Procreate and Pixelmator Pro share several key features that make them both powerful tools for creative professionals. Despite their different focuses, they offer a range of similar functionalities that cater to artists and designers alike.

• Advanced Painting and Drawing Tools: Both applications provide a variety of brushes and support for graphics tablets, enabling detailed and expressive artwork.
• Vector Graphics Support: Each tool includes features for creating vector graphics, allowing for resolution-independent designs and support for various vector file formats.
• User-Friendly Interfaces: Designed to be accessible to both beginners and advanced users, both Procreate and Pixelmator Pro offer intuitive and professional-grade features.
• Customizable Workspaces: Both applications allow users to tailor their workspaces to fit their specific needs, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Extensive Learning Resources: Each platform provides comprehensive educational materials and support options to help users get the most out of their tools.

Differences

Procreate and Pixelmator Pro cater to different creative needs, each offering unique features that set them apart. Here are the most significant differences:

• 3D Painting: Procreate allows users to paint in 3D, a feature not available in Pixelmator Pro.
• Generative AI: Pixelmator Pro leverages AI for tasks like background removal and photo enhancements, while Procreate explicitly avoids generative AI.
• Time-Lapse Recording: Procreate offers time-lapse recording of artwork, enabling artists to capture their creative process.
• Machine Learning Enhancements: Pixelmator Pro includes ML Enhance and Super Resolution, which are not found in Procreate.
• Integration with Photos App: Pixelmator Pro integrates fully with the Photos app, enhancing its functionality within the macOS ecosystem.

User Interface and Usability

Procreate's user interface is clean and straightforward, designed to be intuitive for both beginners and professionals. The app's layout is minimalistic, focusing on essential tools and features without overwhelming the user. This simplicity extends to the user experience, where the emphasis is on ease of use and accessibility. The overall usability is enhanced by the app's responsive design and the availability of extensive learning resources.

Pixelmator Pro, on the other hand, offers a more feature-rich interface with a variety of tools accessible through well-organized menus and toolbars. The user experience is tailored for those who need advanced editing capabilities, supported by machine learning features and seamless integration with macOS. The overall usability is bolstered by customizable workspaces and comprehensive support options.

Neither company has a clear advantage in user interface and usability; it depends on the user's specific needs and preferences.

Collaboration

Procreate does not emphasize collaboration features, focusing instead on individual creativity and powerful tools for artists. The platform lacks specific tools for teamwork, such as real-time co-editing or cloud-based collaboration, making it less suitable for projects requiring multiple contributors.

Pixelmator Pro also does not highlight direct collaboration features. While it supports file sharing and compatibility with various formats, it lacks real-time co-editing and other collaborative tools. This suggests that Pixelmator Pro is designed more for individual use rather than team-based projects.

Neither Procreate nor Pixelmator Pro stands out as better for collaboration.

Procreate and Pixelmator Pricing

Procreate is available for a one-time fee of $12.99 USD, making it an affordable option for digital artists. There are no subscriptions or ongoing costs, which adds to its appeal for those looking for a cost-effective solution for their creative needs.

Pixelmator Pro, on the other hand, is priced at $49.99 USD for a one-time purchase. While it offers a range of advanced features, the higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious users.

Procreate offers better pricing for those seeking a more affordable option.

Comparing Procreate and Pixelmator to Piktochart

Piktochart transforms complex ideas into captivating visuals that inform and engage your audience. With Piktochart AI, you can create stunning infographics, reports, and presentations in seconds, perfectly aligned with your brand. No design experience required.

Pros of Piktochart

• AI-Powered Design Generator: Piktochart's AI-powered design generator allows users to create stunning visuals quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
• Extensive Range of Visual Tools: From infographic makers to video tools like screen recorders and social media video makers, Piktochart offers a comprehensive suite of tools to meet diverse creative needs.
• Customizable Templates: Piktochart provides a wide array of customizable templates, making it easy to create professional-quality visuals tailored to specific use cases.
• Support for Multiple Sectors: Whether you're in education, marketing, healthcare, or nonprofits, Piktochart offers features and templates designed to support various industries.
• User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive interface and extensive support resources like tutorials and webinars, Piktochart ensures a smooth user experience for both beginners and professionals.

Piktochart's Pricing

• Free Plan: $0 (Free forever)
• Pro Plan: $14 per member/month, billed annually
• Business Plan: $24 per member/month, billed annually
• Enterprise Plan: Custom Pricing
• Campus Plan: Custom Pricing (Minimum 3000 seats)

What Are Others Saying?

Procreate Reviews

Overall, users have given Procreate a rating of 5.0 out of 5. While many appreciate its intuitive interface and variety of brushes, some find it frustrating due to occasional crashes and limitations with file size.

• "The app crashes when working on larger files, which is quite frustrating." - John D., 3.5 out of 5
• "Procreate lacks vector graphic capabilities, which limits its use for certain projects." - Sarah L., 3.8 out of 5
• "It can be overwhelming for beginners due to the sophisticated tools." - Alex P., 3.9 out of 5

Find more of Procreate reviews on G2!

Pixelmator Reviews

Pixelmator has received an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. Users appreciate its photo editing capabilities but find its design limitations and lack of advanced AI features frustrating.

• "Good, with limitations." - Brian B., 3.0 out of 5
• "A simplified Photoshop app for those that do not like getting anxiety from Adobe's convoluted UX, UI." - Law S., 3.0 out of 5
• "Very good value for the money." - Martin O., 3.0 out of 5

Find more of Pixelmator reviews on G2!

Piktochart Reviews

Our users have given Piktochart an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5. They appreciate its ease of use, intuitive design, and the variety of templates available. Here are some of the sentiments from our customers:

• "Easy to create content even if you're not a designer." - Jessica D.
• "Piktochart is very easy and simple to use online graphics creation tool." - Jakub J.
• "Excellent, easy way to create infographics." - Megan B.

Find more of our reviews on G2!

Why choose one over the other?

Why Choose Procreate Over Pixelmator:

• Procreate is ideal for creative professionals and aspiring artists who need a complete art studio experience with powerful sketching and painting tools. Its intuitive interface and focus on individual creativity make it perfect for those who prefer creating art on the go using their iPad or iPhone.

Why Choose Pixelmator Over Procreate:

• Pixelmator Pro is suited for professional photographers and graphic designers who require advanced photo editing capabilities and vector tools. Its AI-powered features and seamless integration with macOS make it a top choice for users needing sophisticated editing options and machine learning enhancements.

Why Choose Piktochart Over Pixelmator and Procreate:

• Piktochart is perfect for content creators, educators, and marketers who need an easy-to-use platform for creating infographics, presentations, and videos. Its user-friendly interface and extensive range of customizable templates make it accessible for those without advanced design skills.

Procreate, Pixelmator, or Piktochart: Which is the best platform for you?

Whether you're an artist, a photographer, or a content creator, Procreate, Pixelmator Pro, and Piktochart each offer unique strengths to suit your creative needs. While all three are excellent choices, we believe Piktochart stands out for its ease of use and versatility, making it perfect for anyone looking to create stunning visuals without the need for advanced design skills. Give Piktochart a try and see how it can transform your ideas into captivating visuals effortlessly.