Procreate vs Procreate Pocket: What‘s the Difference?
As a digital artist, you know that having the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your creative vision to life. If you‘re an iPad user, you‘ve probably heard endless praise for Procreate and its intuitive interface, powerful features, and deep customization options. But what if you want to create on the go with just your iPhone? That‘s where Procreate Pocket comes in.
Procreate Pocket is essentially a miniaturized version of its iPad counterpart, packing a surprising amount of the larger app‘s functionality into a pint-sized package. However, there are some key differences between the two that you should be aware of before deciding which one to use for your next project. In this article, we‘ll dive deep into the three main distinctions between Procreate and Procreate Pocket, so you can choose the best tool for your needs.
1. Canvas Size, Layers, and Resolution
One of the most significant differences between Procreate and Procreate Pocket is the maximum canvas size and number of layers each app supports. This is largely due to the hardware limitations of iPhones compared to iPads.
Procreate on iPad offers much higher limits, allowing for massive canvases and complex layered artwork. The exact specifications vary depending on your iPad model, but here‘s a general breakdown:
| iPad Model | Max Layers | Max Canvas Size |
|---|---|---|
| iPad Pro (2nd-5th Gen), iPad Air (5th Gen) | 215 | 16K x 4K |
| iPad Pro (1st Gen), iPad Air 2 & 3, iPad Mini 5 | 91 | 8K x 4K |
| iPad Air (1st Gen), iPad Mini 2-4 | 59 | 4K x 4K |
| iPad (5th-8th Gen) | 31 | 4K x 4K |
In contrast, Procreate Pocket has more modest limits due to the iPhone‘s smaller RAM and storage capacities. The latest iPhone models like the iPhone 14 Pro Max can support canvases up to 4K resolution with a maximum of 32 layers. Older or lower-end iPhones may have even lower thresholds.
Here‘s a quick comparison of the maximum specs for popular iPhone models:
| iPhone Model | Max Layers | Max Canvas Size |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro | 32 | 4096 x 4096 px |
| iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 | 8 | 3072 x 3072 px |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro | 18 | 3840 x 3840 px |
| iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini | 8 | 3072 x 3072 px |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 15 | 3840 x 3840 px |
| iPhone 12 Pro | 12 | 3072 x 3072 px |
| iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini | 8 | 3072 x 3072 px |
As you can see, even the highest-end iPhones can‘t quite match the canvas sizes and layer counts possible on a recent iPad. For professional illustrators and designers working on complex pieces, the iPad version of Procreate is going to provide much more flexibility. That said, Procreate Pocket‘s limits are still sufficient for many sketching and drawing needs, especially if you‘re willing to work within the constraints or flatten your artwork periodically.
2. Interface and User Experience
Another key difference between the two apps is how the interface and tools are adapted to fit each device‘s screen size and input methods. While both share the same core features, Procreate Pocket streamlines its UI to make the most of the iPhone‘s limited real estate.
Opening both apps side by side, you‘ll immediately notice some layout changes. Procreate on iPad has a spacious UI with plenty of room for large tool icons, sliders, and menu options. Procreate Pocket maintains the same general structure but shrinks and rearranges elements to avoid overcrowding the smaller iPhone display.
For example, the brush size slider in Procreate Pocket is much more compact than its iPad equivalent. The smudge, clone, and erase tools are also combined into a single multi-tool button to save space. Some settings, like brush opacity and flow, are tucked away in submenus or require a tap-and-hold action to access.
[Include side-by-side screenshots of Procreate and Procreate Pocket interfaces]Despite these optimizations, drawing and painting in Procreate Pocket can still feel a bit cramped compared to the iPad experience. The Apple Pencil‘s precision is sorely missed here, as even the largest iPhone provides limited room for resting your palm while working.
That‘s not to say creating in Procreate Pocket is unpleasant – far from it. The app does an admirable job translating Procreate‘s core tools and intuitive gestures to a one-handed touch interface. But there‘s no denying that the experience feels more limited compared to the freeing, expansive canvas of an iPad Pro with Apple Pencil.
3. Apple Pencil Support
Perhaps the single biggest difference between using Procreate on an iPad vs an iPhone is the lack of Apple Pencil compatibility in Procreate Pocket. The precision, pressure sensitivity, and tilt detection of the Apple Pencil elevate the iPad version of Procreate from a capable sketching app to a professional-grade illustration tool.
Many artists find that the Apple Pencil‘s ergonomic design and pinpoint accuracy allow for a more natural drawing experience compared to a fingertip or basic capacitive stylus. The newest Apple Pencil models also offer useful practical features like magnetic attachment and automatic charging when paired with compatible iPads.
Unfortunately, none of this functionality is available in Procreate Pocket, as the Apple Pencil does not work on any iPhone model – not even the largest iPhone 14 Pro Max. Instead, users have two choices for input: a fingertip or a third-party capacitive stylus.
Drawing with a finger in Procreate Pocket is certainly workable but comes with some obvious downsides. Our fingertips are much larger and less precise than a sharpened pencil tip, which can result in clumsy-looking linework and unintentional marks. It‘s also harder to see what you‘re drawing with your finger blocking part of the screen.
Capacitive styli from brands like Adonit offer a sleeker drawing experience and improve visibility, but still fall short of the Apple Pencil‘s effortless precision. They also lack pressure sensitivity, tilt detection, and palm rejection – features digital artists rely on for expressive, accurate drawing and painting.
If you‘re an iPhone-only user, you‘ll need to adapt your drawing techniques to get the most out of Procreate Pocket‘s touch input. Some tips that can help:
- Work zoomed in for detail work instead of making small strokes
- Use the selection tools to isolate parts of your canvas for editing
- Take advantage of QuickShape to snap hand-drawn lines and shapes to perfect forms
- Utilize the smudge tool to blend and smooth colors without needing precise strokes
- Experiment with a range of brushes to find ones that feel natural with touch input
With practice, artists can achieve impressive work in Procreate Pocket using just a finger or basic stylus. But there‘s no denying that the experience is more limited compared to using an Apple Pencil on iPad.
[Include quote from an artist on adapting to Procreate Pocket‘s touch input vs Apple Pencil]The Verdict: Which App is Right for You?
Now that we‘ve examined the three key differences between Procreate and Procreate Pocket, you‘re probably wondering which app you should invest in. The answer depends on a few factors:
- Your primary device(s) for creating digital art
- The complexity of the artwork you want to create
- Your budget for software and hardware
- How much you value portability vs an expansive workspace
If you own an iPad and Apple Pencil already, Procreate is hands-down the best choice for professional-level illustration, design, and digital painting. The combination of a large canvas, generous layer limits, and the expressiveness of the Apple Pencil makes it one of the most powerful creative tools available on any platform.
For iPhone-primary users, Procreate Pocket still has a lot to offer for on-the-go sketching and basic illustration needs. Its streamlined interface packs in most of the larger app‘s essential tools, while the $4.99 price point is easier on the wallet than the iPad version‘s $9.99 cost. Serious artists may find the lack of Apple Pencil support and limited canvas sizes frustrating, but more casual users will find plenty of power in their pocket.
Of course, the ideal setup is having access to both apps and syncing your files between them via iCloud or AirDrop. Many artists use Procreate Pocket on their iPhone for field sketches and initial concepts, then switch to Procreate on iPad for refined linework, coloring, and finishing touches. Procreate‘s native .procreate file format makes it simple to transfer your work back and forth.
[Include screenshot of sending .procreate file from iPad to iPhone]Whichever app you choose, you‘ll be getting an intuitive yet robust toolset for a very reasonable one-time cost. Procreate‘s thoughtful touch controls, customizable brushes, and useful gestures make it easy to start sketching quickly, while providing plenty of room to grow your skills.
According to Savage Interactive, the developer behind the Procreate family of apps, Procreate for iPad has been downloaded over 50 million times as of 2021. The app has also won an Apple Design Award and was the top-selling iPad app in over 100 countries. While specific numbers for Procreate Pocket are harder to come by, the app enjoys a 4.6 star rating on the App Store with overwhelmingly positive user reviews.
[Include App Store review excerpts praising Procreate Pocket‘s capabilities]It‘s clear that both Procreate and Procreate Pocket have earned their glowing reputations by empowering artists to create stunning work on the go. By understanding the key differences between the two apps and how they fit into your own creative process, you‘ll be well on your way to choosing the perfect digital art companion.
FAQs
Q: Can I use the same brushes in Procreate and Procreate Pocket?
A: Yes, brushes are interchangeable between the two apps. You can import custom brushes into either app and use them on both your iPad and iPhone.
Q: Does Procreate Pocket support pressure sensitivity?
A: Unfortunately, no. While Procreate for iPad supports pressure sensitivity with the Apple Pencil, the iPhone does not have any pressure-sensitive stylus options at this time.
Q: Can I use Procreate Pocket on my iPad?
A: No, Procreate Pocket is designed specifically for iPhones and is not available for iPad. However, you can use the full version of Procreate on any supported iPad model.
Q: How do I transfer my Procreate files between my iPhone and iPad?
A: The easiest way is to use iCloud Drive. Make sure iCloud Drive is enabled for Procreate on both devices, and your files will sync automatically. You can also use AirDrop to send files directly between your iPhone and iPad.
Q: Is Procreate Pocket worth buying if I already have Procreate for iPad?
A: If you find yourself wanting to do quick sketches or edits away from your iPad, Procreate Pocket can be a great portable companion. It‘s also helpful for showing work to clients on the go. However, it‘s not a must-have if you do the majority of your work on an iPad.