Krita vs Procreate
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The verdict
Both Krita and Procreate are credible graphic design tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Krita if you want a lower starting price (free), a free plan to start on and broader platform coverage. Free, open-source painting.
Choose Procreate if you'd rather have a higher overall rating (4.8/5). Powerful illustration for iPad.
Krita vs Procreate: side by side
| Dimension | Krita | Procreate |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $12.99 once |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Open source | One-time |
| Best for | Artists, Illustrators | Illustrators, Artists |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, LinuxWinner | Ios |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.8/5Winner |
Krita key facts
- Vendor
- KDE
- Pricing
- Open source — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux
- Best for
- Artists, Illustrators
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Open source
Procreate key facts
- Vendor
- Savage Interactive
- Pricing
- One-time — From $12.99 once
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Ios
- Best for
- Illustrators, Artists
- Editor rating
- 4.8 / 5
- Founded
- 2011
- Headquarters
- Hobart, Australia
Frequently asked questions
Is Krita better than Procreate?
Neither is universally better — Procreate edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Krita or Procreate cheaper?
Krita is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Krita starts at free; Procreate starts at from $12.99 once.
Can Krita replace Procreate?
Yes for most teams — both are graphic design tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.