How to Develop a Procreate-like Digital Painting App?

What makes the Digital painting app, like the Procreate app, so addictive that millions of artists can’t imagine creating without it? Is it the sleek canvas experience, the endless brushes, or the way it transforms an iPad into a full-fledged studio?

Instead of just using the Procreate drawing app, what if you could build your own drawing app like Procreate, an artwork application that not only empowers creators but also becomes a profitable business in the booming digital painting app market?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through:

Why are apps like Procreate thriving in 2025?
The industries where a space drawing app or iPad drawing app can create a real impact
Key features you must include to rival Procreate
The drawing app development cost and timeline
And how a trusted mobile app development company can bring your vision to life

By the end, you won’t just know what Procreate is, you’ll know exactly how to build something even better.

Before we talk about building your own version, let’s understand why the Procreate drawing app has achieved cult status.

What is Procreate App & Why It’s So Popular?

At its core, Procreate is an artwork application designed for iPad users. It allows artists to paint, sketch, and illustrate with an experience that feels as natural as pen on paper.

What sets it apart?

Wide variety of brushes – from watercolor to texture-heavy brushes.
Layer system – just like Photoshop, but optimized for touch.
Real-time rendering – no lags, even for complex artwork.
Portability – artists can create from anywhere, without needing bulky hardware.

Procreate isn’t just a space drawing app; it’s a creative ecosystem.

Why Build a Drawing App Like Procreate in 2025?

Demand is skyrocketing.

The digital art market is growing as more artists shift from traditional tools to develop iPad drawing apps.
Creative professionals are looking for flexible, affordable, and portable solutions.
Businesses are investing in apps like Procreate to tap into industries like design, fashion, and education.

Plus, monetization opportunities are tremendous:

Subscription models
Premium brush packs
In-app purchases
Cloud storage upgrades

If you’re planning a new custom digital painting app development, 2025 is the perfect time.

Must-Have Features in an iPad Drawing App like Procreate!

When building apps like Procreate, the features will decide whether your app becomes a success or just another forgotten download.

Core Features

Customizable Brushes – must feel realistic.
Layering System – with blending modes.
Cloud Sync – store work securely across devices.
Gesture Controls – pinch, tap, and undo with simple motions.
Multi-format Export – PNG, PSD, PDF, TIFF, JPEG.

Advanced Features for iPad Drawing App like Procreate:

AI-assisted tools – auto-coloring, background removal, sketch completion.
3D model support – beneficial for animators and designers.
Collaboration Mode – multiple artists working on the same canvas.

Procreate has set the bar high, but with innovation, your drawing app like Procreate can stand out.

How to Create a Drawing App for iPad like the Procreate App?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown that any mobile app development company would follow while building a Procreate drawing app alternative:

#1. Define Your Users & Unique Selling Proposition

The first step is understanding who will use your iPad drawing app:

Professionals need a powerful digital painting app with advanced brushes, multiple layers, and high-resolution support.
Students and hobbyists prefer a more straightforward artwork application with easy-to-use tools.
Creative industries (fashion, gaming, architecture) often need niche features, like a space drawing app or storyboard templates.

Your USP could be affordability, innovative AI features, or unique brushes that set your drawing app like Procreate, apart from other apps like Procreate.

#2. Choose the Right Tech Stack

Performance matters. The Procreate app is loved because it’s fast and lag-free. To achieve that:

Swift & SwiftUI – Ideal for building a native iOS/iPadOS app.
Metal API – Apple’s rendering engine for smooth drawing and painting.
Cloud integration – For saving and syncing artwork across devices.

Choosing the right tech stack also impacts your drawing app development cost. Advanced rendering engines may increase cost, but they also ensure your iPad drawing app matches the performance of the Procreate drawing app.

#3. Design an Intuitive UI/UX

A digital painting app must feel fluid and natural. Keep it:

Simple for beginners – clean interface, easy navigation, tutorials.
Powerful for pros – customizable workspaces, gesture shortcuts, and advanced layer management.
Inspiring for creatives – make your artwork application visually engaging with beautiful themes and responsive layouts.

Great design is one reason the Procreate app dominates among apps like Procreate.

#4. Do Extensive Testing

Testing is critical for a Procreate drawing app alternative. Focus on:

Performance – zero lag while sketching or painting.
Compatibility – smooth experience across different iPad models.
Stability – handle large canvas sizes without crashes.

A poorly tested artwork application may initially save money on drawing app development costs, but it will ultimately fail in the market.

Which Industries Need a Digital Painting App?

When most people think about a Procreate app or other apps like Procreate, they immediately associate them with artists sketching on an iPad. But in reality, the scope of a digital painting app is much broader.

Let’s look at where a drawing app like Procreate can make the most significant impact:

Creative professionals – illustrators, comic book artists, graphic designers.
Fashion & textile design – sketching and pattern-making.
Gaming & animation – concept art and storyboarding.
Architecture & interior design quick concept sketches.
Education – art schools and e-learning platforms.

If you launch an artwork application, your audience isn’t limited to just digital painters; it’s much broader.

Also Read – How AI Development Services Can Boost Your Business in 2025?

How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Drawing App Like Procreate?

One of the most common questions is What is the drawing app development cost?

Here’s what affects it:

Features & complexity (basic vs. Procreate-level).
Platform (iPad-only vs cross-platform).
Custom UI/UX design.
Backend (for storage & collaboration).
Location of the mobile app development team.

Average range

MVP version – $40,000 – $70,000
Full-featured Procreate alternative – $100,000 – $200,000+

Working with a trusted mobile app development company like TechRev ensures your investment creates a scalable, secure, and market-ready solution.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Drawing App Like Procreate?

A basic MVP can be ready in 3–4 months.
A feature-rich app like Procreate may take 9–12 months.
Timeline also depends on team size, features, and iterations.

Agile development helps reduce risks and keeps progress transparent.

Why Choose TechRev as Your Mobile App Development Partner?

At TechRev, we specialize in building iPad drawing apps and other creative applications. Here’s why businesses choose us:

Expertise in artwork applications and apps like Procreate.
End-to-end development: from idea to launch.
Secure & scalable apps (SOC 2 certified).
Experience with startups, enterprises, and global brands.

Whether you want a simple space drawing app or a full-fledged Procreate-level platform, TechRev can bring your vision to life.

Also Read – Building Custom AI Chatbot for Healthcare, Finance, and Legal!

Conclusion

The rise of digital creativity means drawing apps like Procreate are no longer optional, they’re in demand across industries.

If you’ve ever thought about launching your own iPad drawing app, now is the time.

At TechRev, we help businesses turn creative ideas into world-class artwork applications. From design to development, we deliver apps that inspire artists and drive business growth.

FAQs

1. What is Procreate App?

Procreate is a popular digital painting app for the iPad, renowned for its high-quality brushes, intuitive layers, and seamless user experience.

2. How to Create a Drawing App?

Define your audience, pick the right tech stack, design intuitive UI, build features like brushes & layers, and test thoroughly before launch.

3. Which Industries Need Drawing Apps?

The fashion, gaming, architecture, education, and creative industries widely utilize iPad drawing apps.

4. How Long Does it take to create a Drawing App like Procreate?

A basic MVP may take 3-4 months, while a Procreate drawing app alternative with full features can take up to a year.