Procreate Pocket
The iPhone version of Procreate, for sketching, painting and simple animation on the go
by Savage Interactive Pty Ltd · listed Nov 2, 2026
Quick verdict
For a small one-time price, it is one of the most complete painting apps on iPhone, and it is an easy buy if you already use Procreate on iPad. Read recent reviews first, given its middling rating.
Best for iPhone artists and Procreate iPad users who want a capable sketchbook in their pocket without paying a subscription
Reviewed by AppsPicks on Nov 2, 2026. How we review
Procreate Pocket review
Procreate Pocket is the iPhone edition of the well-known iPad painting app. It covers sketching, finished illustration, photo draw-overs and short animations. It comes with a large library of brushes and a proper layer system with masks, clipping, groups and blend modes. It suits illustrators who already use Procreate on iPad, and hobbyists who want a serious art tool on their phone rather than a toy.
In daily use it is built for quick sessions: jotting down an idea on the train, roughing out a composition, or marking up an image. The gesture controls carry over from the iPad version, so existing users will feel at home fast. Brush customization runs deep, and you can import Photoshop brushes. You are working with a finger on a small screen, though, so detailed line work takes patience and plenty of zooming.
Why we picked it: It is a one-time purchase that puts a real layer-based painting app on the iPhone, and its files work with Procreate on iPad.
Watch out for: The App Store rating is mixed at about 3.8, so check recent reviews of the current version before buying.
What we like
- One-time price with no subscription
- Hundreds of brushes with deep customization and Photoshop brush import
- Full layer system with masks, clipping, groups and over 25 blend modes
- Familiar gestures and file format for Procreate iPad users
- Handles photo draw-overs and document markup as well as painting
What could be better
- iPhone only, with no Android version
- The small screen and finger input limit precise detail work
- Mixed App Store rating of around 3.8 from about 12,900 reviews
- Procreate for iPad is a separate purchase
Questions about Procreate Pocket
How much does Procreate Pocket cost?
It is a one-time purchase of 5.99 USD on the App Store. There is no subscription.
Is it available on Android or iPad?
No. Procreate Pocket is made for iPhone and there is no Android version. iPad users need the separate Procreate app.
Can I move my work to Procreate on iPad?
Yes. Both apps use the Procreate file format, so you can start a piece on your phone and finish it on an iPad.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Drawing happens on the device, so you can work without a connection.
What are the alternatives?
Ibis Paint X and Adobe Fresco both run on iPhone and offer free tiers. Procreate Pocket stands out for its no-subscription pricing and its compatibility with the iPad app.
From the developer: how Procreate Pocket describes itself
App of the Year winner Procreate Pocket is the most feature-packed and versatile art app ever designed for iPhone.
Procreate Pocket has everything you need to create expressive sketches, gorgeous illustrations, design concepts, enhanced photos, and beautiful animations. Offering hundreds of handmade brushes, a suite of intuitive artistic tools, and an advanced layer system. Work on the couch, on the train, at the beach, or while waiting in line for coffee. It’s a creative companion in the palm of your hand.
Highlights:
• Sketch ideas when inspiration strikes • Create engaging photo collages and draw-overs • Add filters and captivating effects to your images • Mark-up documents and give feedback on the fly
Breakthrough brushes:
• Packed with hundreds of beautifully crafted brushes • Organize your brushes into sets and libraries • Over 100 customizable settings for every brush • Import and export custom Procreate brushes • Import Adobe® Photoshop® brushes, and run them faster than Photoshop®
Full-featured layering system:
• Layer your art for precise control over details and composition • Create Layer Masks and Clipping Masks for non-destructive editing • Stay organized by combining layers into Groups • Select multiple layers to move or Transform objects simultaneously • Access over 25 layer blend modes for industry-grade compositing
Color without compromise:
• Fill your line work with ColorDrop and SwatchDrop • Disc, Classic, Harmony, Value, and Palette color panels • Import color profiles for color matching • Assign Color Dynamics to any brush
Precision design tools:
• Revolutionary QuickShape feature for perfect shapes • Add vector text to your illustrations • Easily import all your favorite fonts • Crop and resize your canvas for perfect composition • Perspective, Isometric, 2D, and Symmetry visual guides • Drawing Assist perfects your strokes in real time • StreamLine and stabilization smooths strokes for beautiful calligraphy and expert inking
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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