When Procreate launched on iPad in 2011, professional illustrators were sceptical that a touchscreen app could replace a desktop drawing setup. By 2024 it had become the tool of choice for concept artists at Disney, Marvel, and Pixar. Procreate 6 continues that trajectory.
What Is New in Version 6
Procreate 6 introduces Storyboards for planning sequential art and multi-panel compositions. AI-powered Reference replaces the manual reference panel with a live style-aware reference that automatically adjusts suggested palettes based on your current canvas.
Four Months as Primary Creative Tool
Our illustrator tester with 12 years of Adobe Illustrator experience spent four months using Procreate 6 as her sole creative tool for client projects. She completed three commercial commissions, a 24-page zine, and a series of character designs. Her assessment: for 70 percent of what she does, Procreate 6 is better than Illustrator.
Final Verdict
Procreate 6 is a masterclass in software value. $12.99 for a professional illustration tool is almost absurdly good value for any artist with an iPad.
Procreate 6 Review 2026: Still the Best iPad Drawing App by a Wide Margin
Procreate 6 is the single most cost-effective purchase available for any visual artist with an iPad. One payment of $12.99 unlocks a professional-grade illustration tool that rivals software costing $600+ per year.
