For digital artists relying on iOS devices, Procreate’s top-tier sketching and illustrative capabilities make it a clear winner. Conversely, Canva’s user-friendly, multi-platform, comprehensive suite is ideal for content marketing across companies of all sizes. For absolute versatility in design, go with Canva; for iOS-specific professional illustrating, opt for Procreate.
Key Differences Between Canva and Procreate
- Platform: While Canva functions on multiple platforms and has mobile apps, Procreate is exclusive to iOS.
- Pricing Structure: Canva offers tiered plans including free options, whereas Procreate demands a one-time license fee of $9.99, with no free version.
- User Base: Canva targets a broader audience including businesses, nonprofits and educators, while Procreate is focused on digital artists.
- Additional Tools: UNLIKE Procreate’s compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva operates independently, bolstered by its drag-and-drop design, ready-made templates and data-chart options.
- Accessibility: Canva’s extensive pre-built templates make it accessible for non-designers while Procreate provides tools for skilled artists and requires an Apple Pencil for efficient use.
| Comparison | Canva | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Sydney, Australia | Hobart, Tasmania |
| Products | Canva Free, Canva for Education, Canva Pro, Canva Enterprise | Procreate |
| Special Features | AI-powered copywriting assistant, Prebuilt templates, Customizable designs | Animation Assist tool, Customizable brushes and effects, Accessibility focus |
| Pricing | Free to $30 per month | One-time license, $9.99 |
| Overall Rating | 4.7 | 4.8 based on 101 reviews |
| Mobile Availability | Yes, two mobile apps | Yes, for iOS devices |
| Security | Suffered data breach impacting roughly 139 million users in 2019 | No known issues |
| Special Challenges | Competition from Google and Microsoft | Maintaining accessibility with functionality growth |
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What Is Canva and Who’s It For?
Canva is an online graphic design platform, headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Since its launch in 2013, under the leadership of Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams, it has served to democratize high-quality design. With an impressive user base of 100 million, Canva is utilized by companies of all sizes to efficiently create compelling marketing content, presentations, infographics and more.
Its easy-to-use drag-and-drop design, range of custom fonts and shapes, photo editing tools, and pre-built templates cater to all-level creators. Furthermore, advanced features like custom charts and diagrams using internal data make it a go-to tool for visually showcasing information. Its versions include Canva, Canva Pro, Canva for Enterprise, Education and Not-for-Profit.
Pros of Canva
- Easy-to-use functionality, even for beginners
- Wide variety of design options and templates
- Accessible through mobile apps
- Expansive user-base
- AI-Powered copywriting assistant, Magic Write.
Cons of Canva
- Data breach in 2019, affecting around 139 million users
- Paid versions can be fairly expensive for individuals and small businesses
What Is Procreate and Who’s It For?
Procreate, a cloud-based solution for digital sketches and illustrations, is a tool cherished by designers for its seamless integration with iOS devices. Known for its commendable word of recall, it has won the coveted Apple Design Award twice. Procreate provides a platform for shape drawing, image color correction, and incorporates various modern features like Animation Assist for time-lapse recording and a range of customizable brushes and effects.
Its focus lies in making digital design accessible and user-friendly, evinced by features like Quick Shape and the support options like VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, and AssistiveTouch. Despite an entry barrier of needing an Apple Pencil and an iOS device, the Procreate team in Tasmania has endeavored to localize the app in 16 languages, opening the door for creators globally.
Pros of Procreate
- Intuitive features and user-friendly interface
- Effective for detailed artworks and illustrations
- Diverse selection of customization options
- One-time license payment
Cons of Procreate
- Exclusive to iOS
- Requires Apple Pencil for efficient usage
- Limited layering based on canvas size and quality
- No free trial or version
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Benchmarking Creativity: Canva vs Procreate
Deciding between Canva and Procreate? Let’s drill down per audience need.
Graphic Design Enthusiasts and Content Marketers
For web content creators needing a vast template range, and marketing teams on a quest for branding finesse, Canva indisputably takes the lead. With its drag-and-drop UI, expansive font catalogue, photo-editing capabilities, all wrapped up in an accessible pricing model, it’s a no-brainer.
Digital Artists and Illustrators
When the canvas matters more than the convenience, Procreate soars. With its robust brush customization, paint filter options, advanced sketch and note-taking features, it is an artist’s muse. Its one-time pricing model is the cherry on top.
AR/VR Designers and Game Makers
The Procreate platform is a masterstroke for AR/VR designers or game makers. Its stunning layering technology, coupled with its focus on intricate detail and control, makes it a veritable pick. Added value comes with its compatibility with Photoshop brushes for import.
Condensing it all in one easy snippet: Canva rules marketing design with wide-ranging templates and accessibility, while Procreate is a digital artist’s companion, excelling in intricate detailing and customization.
