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Procreate vs xNormal

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

Procreate icon
Procreate
xNormal icon
xNormal

Procreate vs xNormal: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

Procreate: 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.

xNormal: xNormal is a free and open-source 3D mapping software used to bake high-quality normal, ambient occlusion, curvature, and other maps for texturing 3D models. It has an intuitive interface and advanced tools for automatically generating optimal maps.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature Procreate xNormal
Sugggest Score — —
Category Photos & Graphics Development
Pricing — Open Source

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

xNormal
xNormal

Description: xNormal is a free and open-source 3D mapping software used to bake high-quality normal, ambient occlusion, curvature, and other maps for texturing 3D models. It has an intuitive interface and advanced tools for automatically generating optimal maps.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

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
xNormal
xNormal Features
  • Baking normal, ambient occlusion, curvature and other maps
  • Intuitive interface
  • Advanced auto-mapping tools
  • Supports high-poly and low-poly models
  • Can export maps in various formats
  • Has cage-based baking
  • Good for hard surface models

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
xNormal
xNormal
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Easy to use
  • Produces high quality maps
  • Saves time compared to manual mapping
  • Very customizable settings
  • Active community support
Cons
  • Limited to baking maps, not a full 3D app
  • Steep learning curve for advanced features
  • Can be slow on high-poly models
  • Lacks some features of paid apps
  • Occasional bugs/crashes

Pricing Comparison

Procreate
Procreate
  • Not listed
xNormal
xNormal
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

Procreate
Procreate
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
xNormal
xNormal
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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