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Developer Tools · head to head

Eclipse vs Procreate

Eclipse logo

Eclipse

Developer Tools

The Eclipse Foundation - home to a global community

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit EclipseFull review
Procreate logo

Procreate

Design

Digital illustration app made for iPad

From
$12.99/one-time
Free plan
No
Visit ProcreateFull review

The short version

  • Procreate is a raster graphics editor app for digital painting.
  • Eclipse is free; Procreate starts at $12.99 one-off.
  • Only Eclipse lists java development environment; only Procreate lists digital painting.
  • Where Eclipse falls short: high memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed.
  • Where Procreate falls short: iPad-only application with no desktop version for Windows or macOS.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Eclipse and Procreate actually diverge.

Attributes where Eclipse and Procreate differ
AttributeEclipseProcreate
Starting priceFree$12.99/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxiOS
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign
Founded20012010

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Eclipse

  • Java development environment
  • Extensible plugin architecture
  • Integrated debugger
  • Code refactoring
  • Version control integration
  • Build automation
  • Multi-language support
  • Rich client platform

Only in Procreate

  • Digital painting
  • Brush library
  • Layer management
  • Selection tools
  • Time-lapse recording
  • Apple Pencil
  • iPad Pro
  • Cloud services

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Eclipse

  • Java application developmentnot Procreate
  • Enterprise software developmentnot Procreate
  • Web application developmentnot Procreate
  • Plugin developmentnot Procreate
  • Educational programmingnot Procreate

Procreate

  • Digital illustrationnot Eclipse
  • Concept artnot Eclipse
  • Character designnot Eclipse
  • Educational artnot Eclipse
  • Hobby drawingnot Eclipse

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Eclipse

  • High memory consumption and CPU usage, especially with multiple plugins installed
  • Slow startup times and performance degradation with large projects or many open editors
  • Requires configuration of eclipse.ini file to optimize heap sizes for adequate performance
  • User interface considered outdated compared to modern IDE alternatives
  • User base fell from 39% of Java developers in 2024 to 28% in 2025, indicating market decline

Procreate

  • iPad-only application with no desktop version for Windows or macOS
  • Requires Apple hardware investment (iPad and Apple Pencil)
  • Cannot export to cloud storage natively, limiting cross-device workflows
  • High upfront cost when accounting for required iPad hardware

Pricing, plan by plan

Eclipse

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Eclipse review.

Procreate

$12.99/one-time
  • Procreate$12.99 one-off
    • 200+ brushes
    • Unlimited layers
    • Advanced blending modes
  • Procreate Pocket$5.99 one-off
    • iPhone version
    • Touch-optimized interface
  • Procreate Dreams$19.99 one-off
    • Animation tool
    • Frame-by-frame animation

Which should you pick?

Choose Eclipse if

  • You need java development environment.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want extensible plugin architecture.
Eclipse review

Choose Procreate if

  • You need digital painting.
  • You work on iOS.
  • You also want brush library.
Procreate review

Questions people ask

Is Eclipse or Procreate better?
Neither clearly leads. Eclipse starts at Free and Procreate at $12.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Eclipse or Procreate?
Eclipse has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Eclipse and $12.99/one-time for Procreate.
Does Eclipse or Procreate run on more platforms?
Eclipse runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Procreate runs on iOS.
Can I use Eclipse for free?
Yes. Eclipse has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Procreate starts at $12.99/one-time.
What is Eclipse best used for?
Eclipse is most often used for java application development, enterprise software development, web application development, plugin development. Of those, java application development and enterprise software development are not what Procreate is typically brought in for.
What can Eclipse do that Procreate cannot?
Eclipse covers Java development environment, Extensible plugin architecture, Integrated debugger, Code refactoring. Procreate covers Digital painting, Brush library, Layer management, Selection tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Eclipse: How much does Eclipse IDE cost?

Eclipse IDE is completely free and open-source, released under the Eclipse Public License 2.0.

Source
Procreate: Does Procreate work on desktop or only iPad?

Procreate is iPad-only. There is no desktop version for Windows or macOS, requiring users to purchase iPad hardware and Apple Pencil for use.

Source
Procreate: What companion apps are available for Procreate?

Procreate Pocket is an iPhone version at $5.99, and Procreate Dreams is an animation tool at $19.99, both one-time purchases.

Source
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