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Procreate vs PureRef

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

Procreate icon
Procreate
PureRef icon
PureRef

Procreate vs PureRef: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Procreate PureRef
Sugggest Score
Category Photos & Graphics Photos & Graphics
Pricing Free

Product Overview

Procreate
Procreate

Description: Procreate is a popular digital illustration app designed specifically for the iPad and Apple Pencil. It features a simple, intuitive interface and a wide range of professional-grade drawing tools for sketching, inking, and painting.

Type: software

PureRef
PureRef

Description: PureRef is a free, lightweight application for Windows that helps artists and designers quickly view visual references without cluttering their workspace. It's useful for keeping photos, drawings, webpages, etc. easily accessible while working on graphics, illustrations, presentations, documents, and more.

Type: software

Pricing: Free

Key Features Comparison

Procreate
Procreate Features
  • Over 190 brushes
  • Layer system
  • Animation and video timeline
  • Perspective and nondestructive transformations
  • Vector and raster support
  • PSD import/export
  • Apple Pencil and iPad touch support
PureRef
PureRef Features
  • Tabbed interface to organize references
  • Resizable panels
  • Zoom and pan images
  • Minimal UI
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Search references
  • Fullscreen mode
  • Portable app
  • Dark mode

Pros & Cons Analysis

Procreate
Procreate
Pros
  • Intuitive and easy to use interface
  • Powerful drawing and painting tools
  • Great Apple Pencil integration and support
  • Can create complex and high quality illustrations
  • Constantly updated with new features
Cons
  • Only available on iOS
  • No desktop version
  • Less features than full desktop software like Photoshop
  • File management could be improved
PureRef
PureRef
Pros
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Clean and simple interface
  • Easy to use
  • Good for quick reference viewing
  • Free with no ads or limitations
Cons
  • Limited features compared to full reference managers
  • No cloud sync
  • Windows only

Pricing Comparison

Procreate
Procreate
  • Not listed
PureRef
PureRef
  • Free

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