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Developer Tools · head to head

Helm vs Procreate

H

Helm

Developer Tools

The package manager for Kubernetes

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Visit HelmFull 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

  • Helm is a Kubernetes package manager, licensed Apache 2; Procreate is a raster graphics editor app for digital painting.
  • Helm is free; Procreate starts at $12.99 one-off.
  • 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 Helm and Procreate actually diverge.

Attributes where Helm and Procreate differ
AttributeHelmProcreate
Starting priceFree$12.99/one-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebiOS
CategoryDeveloper ToolsDesign

Not yet recorded: pricing model for Procreate, founded for Helm.

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 Helm

Nothing recorded that Procreate does not also cover.

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.

Helm

  • Kubernetes package manager and deployment toolnot Procreate

Procreate

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

Where each one falls short

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

Helm

  • Contributors must sign commits under the Developer Certificate of Origin to have them accepted, per helm.sh, a process requirement not all Kubernetes tools impose

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

Helm

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Helm 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 Helm if

  • You want to start without paying.
Helm review

Choose Procreate if

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

Questions people ask

Is Helm or Procreate better?
Neither clearly leads. Helm 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, Helm or Procreate?
Helm has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Helm and $12.99/one-time for Procreate.
Does Helm or Procreate run on more platforms?
Helm runs on Web. Procreate runs on iOS.
Can I use Helm for free?
Yes. Helm has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Procreate starts at $12.99/one-time.
What is Helm best used for?
Helm is most often used for kubernetes package manager and deployment tool. Of those, kubernetes package manager and deployment tool is not what Procreate is typically brought in for.
What can Helm do that Procreate cannot?
Procreate covers Digital painting, Brush library, Layer management, Selection tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Helm: How much does Helm cost?

Helm is free and open-source. It is a graduated project in the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) with no commercial pricing model.

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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