Quick answer
📋 Key differences:
Astropad Studio: Turns your iPad into a drawing tablet for desktop apps (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
Procreate: Standalone iPad painting app with simple interface
Best approach: Many artists use both - Procreate for sketching, Studio for finishing work
Resolution: Studio uses your computer's power, Procreate is limited by iPad hardware
🖥️ What is Astropad Studio?
Astropad Studio turns your iPad into a professional drawing tablet by mirroring your Mac or PC screen. It gives you access to full-featured desktop creative programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Clip Studio Paint, right from your iPad.
💡 Key benefit: You get the power of your computer with the precision of your Apple Pencil, without the need for expensive pen displays.
Studio includes productivity tools like:
Customizable Magic Gestures
Adjustable Pressure Curves
On-screen Quick Keys
Customizable Sidebar Shortcuts
⚠️ Important: While some iPad versions of apps exist (like Photoshop for iPad), they are often simplified. With Studio, you're using the full desktop version with more features and power.
🎨 What is Procreate?
Procreate is an iPad-only painting and illustration app known for its clean interface and ease of use. It's affordable, fast, and great for sketching, painting, and simple animation.
✅ Best for: Artists who want a standalone app with no desktop connection required
❌ Limitations: Doesn't support vector work or advanced photo editing tools like desktop programs
📐 Resolution Limits: Procreate vs. Studio
Procreate limits your canvas size and layer count based on your iPad's hardware. High-resolution pieces may restrict you to a single layer, limiting flexibility on complex projects.
Astropad Studio uses your computer's processing power, so layer count and canvas size are determined by your desktop program, not the iPad. This allows for much larger files and more detailed projects.
🤔 Can You Use Procreate with Astropad Studio?
Not directly. Procreate is iPad-only and doesn't run on your desktop. Since Astropad mirrors your computer screen, you can't use iPad-only apps like Procreate within Studio.
🔄 Using Both in Your Workflow
Many artists use both apps at different stages. Here's a typical workflow:
Start sketching or doing thumbnails in Procreate while on the go
Export your file from Procreate (PSD or PNG)
Finish the piece in a desktop app like Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint using Astropad Studio
💡 Result: You get the best of both worlds - Procreate's simplicity and speed, with the full power of desktop tools through Astropad.