Softwr

Software · head to head

Procreate vs Vectr

Procreate logo

Procreate

Software

Digital illustration app made for iPad

From
$12.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Vectr logo

Vectr

Software

Free vector graphics editor for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Vectr has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Procreate iPad-only application with no desktop version for Windows or macOS; Vectr performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • They diverge on capability: Procreate covers Digital painting, Vectr covers Vector drawing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Procreate and Vectr actually diverge.

Attributes where Procreate and Vectr differ
AttributeProcreateVectr
Starting price$12.99/one-timeFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsiPadWeb, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook
Founded20102014

Identical on both: pricing model (Unknown), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Procreate

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

Only in Vectr

  • Vector drawing
  • Shape tools
  • Typography
  • Gradient tools
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Cloud storage
  • Export options
  • Simple interface

What people use each for

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

Procreate

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

Vectr

  • Logo designnot Procreate
  • Vector illustrationnot Procreate
  • Web graphicsnot Procreate
  • Learning designnot Procreate

Where each one falls short

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

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

Vectr

  • Performance issues: slowness during edits is a recurring complaint, especially problematic for complex designs
  • Limited advanced features: lacks some features available in paid tools like Adobe Illustrator including complex shape manipulation
  • Internet dependency: requires constant internet connection with no offline capabilities limiting use in unreliable connectivity areas
  • Limited export options: fewer export formats compared to other vector graphics software
  • Limited integration: does not offer seamless integration with other design tools and lacks third-party extension support

Pricing, plan by plan

Procreate

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

Vectr

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1GB storage
    • Basic tools
    • Limited AI credits
  • Plus$1.99/month
    • 1GB storage
    • 600 AI credits
    • Single-session access
  • Premium$4.99/month
    • 5GB storage
    • 2,400 AI credits
    • Three concurrent sessions

Which should you pick?

Choose Procreate if

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

Choose Vectr if

  • You need vector drawing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
  • You also want shape tools.
Vectr review

Questions people ask

Is Procreate or Vectr better?
Neither clearly leads. Procreate starts at $12.99/one-time and Vectr at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Procreate or Vectr?
Vectr has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $12.99/one-time for Procreate and Free for Vectr.
Does Procreate or Vectr run on more platforms?
Procreate runs on iPad. Vectr runs on Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook.
Can I use Vectr for free?
Yes. Vectr has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Procreate starts at $12.99/one-time.
What is Procreate best used for?
Procreate is most often used for digital illustration, concept art, character design, educational art. Of those, digital illustration and concept art are not what Vectr is typically brought in for.
What can Procreate do that Vectr cannot?
Procreate covers Digital painting, Brush library, Layer management, Selection tools. Vectr covers Vector drawing, Shape tools, Typography, Gradient tools.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Vectr: Is Vectr free to use?

Vectr offers a free plan with 1GB storage, basic tools, and limited AI credits for essential vector editing. Paid Plus and Premium plans provide additional storage, AI credits, and concurrent sessions.

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
Vectr: Can you collaborate in real-time with Vectr?

Yes, Vectr features built-in real-time collaboration with live workspace sharing through custom URLs and integrated chat for team communication, enabling distributed creative teamwork.

Source
Vectr: Does Vectr require an internet connection?

Yes, Vectr requires constant internet connection as it is cloud-based. It does not have offline capabilities, which can be limiting for users in areas with unreliable connectivity.

Source
Vectr: What file formats can you export from Vectr?

Vectr supports exporting in SVG, PNG, JPG, and Vectr SVG formats. Compared to other vector graphics software, export options are somewhat limited.

Source
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Procreate

More on Vectr

Keep looking

Other head to heads