Digital illustration software company Procreate has recently announced the launch of Procreate Dreams, its new 2D animation app for iPad. The aim of the app is to provide animation tools that are accessible to anyone, regardless of their animating experience. Procreate Dreams will be available globally to download from the App Store on November 22nd for a one-time purchase of $19.99. This pricing model is quite rare in the industry, as most companies have transitioned to subscription pricing models.
Procreate Dreams is designed specifically for touch interaction. It offers a range of tools, including Performing, which allows users to add keyframes to a project using gestures. The tool records the animator’s actions in real time, allowing them to instantly respond to their project as it plays. This feature is said to “forever change the way creatives animate.” The app also includes a Multi-touch Timeline, which serves as a central hub for various animation techniques such as drawing, cel animation, keyframing, video editing, and compositing. These actions can be performed using gestures, which are claimed to be faster than using traditional mouse and keyboard inputs.
One of the standout features of Procreate Dreams is the Flipbook tool, which pays homage to traditional animation. It offers a user-friendly interface that is similar to the popular Animation Assist feature found in Procreate’s first app. This tool is perfect for creating short looping GIFs and complex character animations. Additionally, the app supports the use of onion skins, which allow animators to see multiple frames simultaneously. These frames can be customized with different colors, opacity levels, and more.
For techniques like rotoscoping, which involves animating by tracing over video frames, Procreate Dreams supports the import of ProRes footage up to 8K in resolution. The app also introduces a new audio engine, enabling users to add character voiceovers, atmospheric music, and other sound effects to their animated projects.
Procreate Dreams preserves the legacy of the original Procreate app by supporting all brushes from its predecessor. These brushes have been optimized for use with the Apple Pencil. The app also offers larger canvases and more layers, with complete support for files created in Procreate. In fact, a specialized Procreate file format has been introduced for iCloud synchronization. This format allows for the opening of 1TB files instantly, with no loading, saving, or export times. Moreover, these files store the entire undo history of a project, giving artists the freedom to experiment without the fear of losing their work.
Procreate has established itself as a leader in the digital illustration space, and it is confident that Procreate Dreams will be an industry game-changer. The original Procreate app played a significant role in the adoption of iPads by both professional artists and hobbyists. Its powerful features and user-friendly interface have made it the bestselling paid iPad app for over six years. Procreate’s refusal to move to a monthly subscription model, unlike competitors such as Adobe and Clip Studio Paint, has garnered a dedicated user base that appreciates the affordability and accessibility of its software.
In conclusion, Procreate Dreams promises to revolutionize the animation industry with its intuitive touch interface, powerful tools, and affordable pricing. Aspiring animators and professionals alike will have access to a wide range of features that allow for seamless and creative animation projects. With Procreate’s successful track record and commitment to user satisfaction, it’s no wonder that the company is confident in its ability to disrupt the market once again.