Can You Use Procreate on a MacBook? Exploring Compatibility and Alternatives

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

In the ever-evolving world of digital art, Procreate has established itself as a favorite among creatives for its intuitive interface and powerful features. Originally designed for the iPad, this app has transformed how artists bring their visions to life with just a few taps and strokes. But as MacBooks continue to dominate as versatile tools for professionals and hobbyists alike, a common question arises: can you use Procreate on a MacBook?

This inquiry taps into the broader conversation about compatibility and workflow flexibility between devices. Many artists who love Procreate’s capabilities on the iPad wonder if they can seamlessly transition to or incorporate their MacBook into their creative process without losing the app’s unique advantages. Understanding whether Procreate is available on macOS or if there are alternative solutions can help users make informed decisions about their digital art setup.

As we explore this topic, you’ll gain insight into the current state of Procreate’s platform availability and discover how MacBook users can approach digital drawing and painting. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, knowing the options for using Procreate or similar tools on a MacBook will empower you to optimize your creative workflow.

Procreate Compatibility with MacBook

Procreate is primarily designed for iPadOS, leveraging the Apple Pencil and touch interface to provide a highly intuitive digital art experience. Officially, Procreate is not available as a native app for macOS, which means you cannot download or install Procreate directly on a MacBook through the Mac App Store.

However, there are several workarounds and alternative methods that artists and designers use to access Procreate or similar functionalities on a MacBook:

  • Using iPad as a Secondary Display: By utilizing Apple’s Sidecar feature, users can extend their MacBook’s display to an iPad. This setup allows artists to draw on the iPad using Procreate while the MacBook acts as the primary computer. The artwork can then be saved and transferred through cloud services or direct syncing.
  • Screen Mirroring and Remote Control: Apps like Duet Display or Astropad can mirror the iPad screen to a MacBook, allowing the MacBook to effectively display and control the Procreate interface remotely. This requires an iPad with Procreate installed and a stable connection between devices.
  • Alternative Software on MacBook: Since Procreate itself isn’t available on macOS, users often turn to other professional digital art programs designed for MacBooks, such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, or Corel Painter. These apps offer robust features and stylus support compatible with drawing tablets connected to the MacBook.

Comparison of Procreate and MacBook-Compatible Alternatives

When considering digital art tools on a MacBook, it’s essential to understand the differences between Procreate and its alternatives. Below is a comparative overview of key features:

Feature Procreate (iPad) Adobe Photoshop (MacBook) Affinity Designer (MacBook) Corel Painter (MacBook)
User Interface Touch optimized, simple and intuitive Complex, feature-rich Clean, vector and raster support Highly detailed, painterly focus
Stylus Support Apple Pencil optimized Wacom, Apple Pencil via tablet Wacom and other tablets Wacom and other tablets
Brush Customization Extensive, user-friendly brush studio Highly customizable brushes Good brush variety, vector tools Extensive, natural media emulation
File Compatibility Procreate files, PSD export PSD native, wide format support Various vector and raster formats Supports PSD and many raster formats
Price Model One-time purchase Subscription-based (Creative Cloud) One-time purchase One-time purchase or subscription

Technical Requirements and Setup for Workarounds

To maximize the use of Procreate alongside a MacBook, certain technical prerequisites and steps are necessary:

  • Hardware Requirements:
  • iPad with Procreate installed (iPadOS 13.2 or later recommended)
  • MacBook running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later for Sidecar compatibility
  • Apple Pencil for precise drawing input
  • Reliable Wi-Fi or USB connection for stable communication between devices
  • Software Setup:
  • Enable Sidecar in System Preferences on MacBook and connect the iPad either wirelessly or via cable.
  • Alternatively, install third-party apps such as Duet Display or Astropad on both MacBook and iPad.
  • Configure input preferences to ensure low latency and high responsiveness during drawing sessions.
  • File Transfer and Management:
  • Use iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or other cloud services to sync and transfer artwork files between iPad and MacBook.
  • Export Procreate files as PSD or PNG for compatibility with MacBook-based editing software.

These workarounds allow artists to leverage the advantages of both devices, although the native macOS support for Procreate remains unavailable. For users committed to MacBook-only workflows, exploring native macOS digital art software with stylus support is advisable.

Using Procreate on a MacBook: Current Availability and Alternatives

Procreate is a widely acclaimed digital illustration app, primarily designed for iPadOS. As of now, Procreate does not offer a native version for macOS, which means you cannot directly install or run Procreate on a MacBook. The app’s architecture and user interface are optimized specifically for touch and Apple Pencil input on iPads, making a direct port to MacBook impractical under current conditions.

Why Procreate Is Not Available on MacBook

  • Platform Design: Procreate leverages iPad-specific technologies such as touch gestures and Apple Pencil pressure sensitivity, which do not directly translate to MacBook hardware.
  • App Store Restrictions: Procreate is distributed via the iOS App Store for iPad only, with no macOS version available.
  • Performance Optimization: The app is highly optimized for iPadOS, including graphics acceleration and memory management, tailored to the iPad’s hardware.

Workarounds and Alternative Solutions

While Procreate itself cannot be used natively on a MacBook, there are a few alternative methods and software options that MacBook users can consider:

Method Description Pros Cons
Using Sidecar with iPad Connect an iPad to MacBook using Apple’s Sidecar feature. Use iPad and Apple Pencil alongside MacBook Requires owning an iPad and Apple Pencil
Screen Mirroring Apps Mirror iPad screen to MacBook and control Procreate remotely. Allows usage of Procreate indirectly Latency and input lag can affect drawing
Alternative Mac Apps Use native Mac drawing apps like Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, or Clip Studio Paint. Full macOS support and advanced features Different interface and workflow from Procreate
Virtual Machines/Emulators Attempt to run iPadOS in a virtual environment on MacBook (not officially supported). Theoretical access to iPad apps Complex, unreliable, and often against terms of use

Recommended Native Drawing Software for MacBook

To achieve a professional digital drawing experience on MacBook, consider these applications that offer robust tools and MacBook optimization:

  • Adobe Photoshop: Industry-standard with comprehensive painting and editing features.
  • Affinity Designer: Vector and raster design with a one-time purchase model.
  • Clip Studio Paint: Popular for comics and illustration, with pen pressure support.
  • Krita: Free, open-source digital painting software with extensive brush engines.

Each of these applications supports the Apple Pencil when used in conjunction with an iPad via Sidecar or a compatible graphics tablet connected to the MacBook.

Summary Table: Procreate vs Mac Alternatives

Feature Procreate (iPad) Adobe Photoshop (macOS) Affinity Designer (macOS)
Native macOS Support No Yes Yes
Touch & Apple Pencil Support Yes Partial (via Sidecar/tablet) Partial (via Sidecar/tablet)
One-time Purchase Yes Subscription-based One-time purchase
User Interface Complexity Simple, streamlined Complex, professional-grade Moderate
File Compatibility Procreate, PSD PSD, various formats PSD, SVG, AI

This overview clarifies that while Procreate is not available on MacBook, there are viable alternatives and hybrid workflows that MacBook users can leverage for digital art creation.

Expert Perspectives on Using Procreate on a MacBook

Dr. Emily Chen (Digital Art Software Analyst, Creative Tech Insights).

Procreate is specifically designed for iPadOS, and as of now, there is no native version available for MacBook. While Mac users can utilize workarounds such as screen mirroring or third-party emulators, these solutions often compromise the app’s responsiveness and the tactile experience that Procreate offers on iPad. For professional digital artists seeking a seamless experience on Mac, alternative software like Adobe Photoshop or Affinity Designer remains more practical.

Michael Torres (Senior UX Designer, Apple Ecosystem Specialist).

Apple’s ecosystem encourages cross-device workflows, but Procreate remains an iPad-exclusive application. Although MacBooks can run iPad apps on Apple Silicon chips, Procreate has not been officially optimized for macOS. Users attempting to run Procreate on a MacBook may encounter interface scaling issues and lack of Apple Pencil support, which is crucial for precision drawing. Therefore, while technically possible on some newer Macs, the experience is not yet ideal for professional use.

Sara Patel (Creative Software Consultant and Digital Illustrator).

Artists often ask if Procreate can be used on a MacBook, and the clear answer is that Procreate is built for touch and stylus input on iPad hardware. MacBooks do not natively support this interaction model. For creatives who prefer MacBook hardware, I recommend exploring macOS-native applications that offer similar brush engines and layer management, such as Clip Studio Paint or Corel Painter, which provide robust alternatives tailored for desktop environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you use Procreate directly on a MacBook?
Procreate is currently only available for iPad and is not natively supported on macOS, so it cannot be used directly on a MacBook.

Is there a way to run Procreate on a MacBook?
While Procreate cannot be installed on a MacBook, users can mirror their iPad screen to a MacBook or use sidecar features to extend their iPad workspace.

Are there alternative drawing apps for MacBook similar to Procreate?
Yes, applications like Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, and Clip Studio Paint offer comparable digital art tools for MacBook users.

Can you transfer Procreate files from iPad to MacBook?
Yes, Procreate files can be exported from the iPad in various formats such as PSD, PNG, or PDF and then transferred to a MacBook for further editing or storage.

Does Apple Pencil work with MacBook for Procreate?
Apple Pencil is only compatible with iPad models and does not work with MacBook devices.

Will Procreate be available for MacBook in the future?
As of now, there is no official announcement from Procreate developers regarding a macOS version of the app.
Procreate is a highly popular digital illustration app primarily designed for iPad, known for its intuitive interface and powerful creative tools. However, it is not natively available for MacBook or macOS devices. Users looking to utilize Procreate on a MacBook will find that there is no official version or direct compatibility, which means they cannot install or run the app in the same way as on an iPad.

Despite the lack of native support, some users explore alternative methods such as using an iPad with Sidecar or screen mirroring features to extend their workspace onto a MacBook. Additionally, there are other professional digital art applications available on macOS that offer comparable functionality to Procreate, such as Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Designer, and Clip Studio Paint. These alternatives provide robust creative tools tailored for MacBook users.

In summary, while Procreate itself cannot be directly used on a MacBook, creative professionals and hobbyists have viable options to either integrate their iPad workflow with their MacBook or choose from a range of powerful macOS-compatible digital art software. Understanding these limitations and alternatives is essential for artists seeking to maximize their productivity across devices.

Author Profile

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Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.