What is Procreate? What parents need to know

Procreate is a digital art software, which lets users create illustrations, paintings and animations on their iOS device. With a user-friendly interface, it feels like drawing on a real canvas with a brush. This makes it easier for beginners (including children) to learn how to use the app.

The full version of Procreate is only available on iPad. This version allows users to draw using the Apple Pencil and can be purchased from the App Store for a one-time fee of £12.99.

A different version, Procreate Pocket, is available for the iPhone. This version has most of the same features as the iPad version, but it does not support the use of the Apple Pencil, meaning users must draw with their finger or with a 3rd-party stylus. Procreate Pocket costs £5.99 from the App Store.

Procreate has a 4+ age rating on the app store, but the app’s creators recommend it for ages 13+. This is due to its professional level features, rather than it containing any inappropriate content.

Users can simply open the app, choose the size of blank canvas they would like, select a brush to use and then begin drawing on the canvas with their Apple Pen the exact same way they would draw on paper with a pencil.

There’s a choice of over 200 brushes and with adjustable sizes, opacity and smoothing. You can also create a custom brush or download one online and then import it into the app. The Procreate YouTube channel has several tutorials to help users learn about these different brushes.

Completed works can be saved to the device or exported directly to social media. Users can also choose to record the screen as they draw the art piece and then receive a time-lapse video of the drawing.

In addition to still artwork, users can also create animations using frame-by-frame animation tools.

Procreate does not have any in-built parental controls. However, as it is only available on iOS, parents can set controls using the device’s parental control settings. The iOS device’s controls will allow you to limit how long your child can use the app each day, to prevent excessive screen time.

Other controls like content filtering and spending restrictions can also be set, but these are not needed for Procreate, as it contains no in-app transactions or mature content.

iPhone and iPad parental controls guide

Learn how to set controls on your child's device.

• Nurtures artistic creativity
• Child friendly – no inappropriate content
• Beginner-friendly interface
• Relatively affordable one-time purchase
• Ability to create drawings and animations

Procreate does not have any social features, and is overall a very safe app. However, users can share their artwork directly from the app to social media, which could result in them receiving negative comments on their art. Be ready to talk with your child if they receive any negative comments, and if needed, help them report the user.

While Procreate does not have in-app purchases, users can buy third-party brushes online to use in the app. This can benefit their art by giving them more tools for drawing, but children must be careful not to overspend. Explore our Online money management hub to learn how you can support your child in developing healthy spending habits.