Procreate is a digital illustration app designed exclusively for the iPad. It’s not a "kids' app" in the way PBS Kids is. It’s a professional tool used by Pixar concept artists, Marvel illustrators, and that person on TikTok who draws hyper-realistic portraits of Bluey characters.

The reason it’s taking over middle schools is that it’s incredibly powerful but feels like a game. You have "layers," "brushes," and "filters," but the interface is clean enough that a motivated ten-year-old can figure out the basics in an afternoon. It’s the digital equivalent of giving your kid a 128-pack of Prismacolor markers and an infinite supply of high-end cardstock—without the $300 price tag or the permanent stains on your dining room table.

If you’ve walked past your kid’s room and heard them talking about "line weight," "alpha lock," or "shading," they’ve officially entered the digital art rabbit hole.

Kids love Procreate because it offers a level of perfection that physical paper can’t. The "Undo" button (a two-finger tap) is the ultimate safety net for perfectionist kids. If they mess up a drawing of a "Skibidi Toilet" character or a "Sigma" wolf (don't ask, it’s just what they’re drawing right now), they don't have to crumble up the paper and cry. They just tap and try again.

It’s also deeply social. Digital art culture is huge on YouTube and TikTok. Kids watch "speedpaints" (timelapse videos of drawings) and want to replicate those styles. Procreate even has a built-in timelapse feature so they can export a video of their work and show it off, which provides a massive hit of "creator" dopamine that is way healthier than the "scroller" dopamine they get from Instagram.

Learn more about the difference between active and passive screen time

While Procreate is the king, it’s not the only player in the game. Depending on your kid’s age and the hardware you already own, you might want to look at these:

The gold standard. It costs a one-time fee (around $12.99), which is refreshing in an era of endless subscriptions. It requires an iPad and, ideally, an Apple Pencil. If your kid is serious about art, this is the one. It teaches them how to use layers, blending modes, and digital file management—skills that actually translate to career paths in graphic design or animation.

Formerly known as Autodesk Sketchbook, this is a fantastic alternative if you don't have an iPad. It works on Android tablets, Windows, and Macs. It’s a bit more intuitive for younger kids who might find Procreate overwhelming. It’s great for "sketching" rather than "full-scale digital painting."

This is the newer, animation-focused sibling to the original app. It’s complex. Like, "I need to watch five hours of tutorials" complex. If your kid wants to make their own cartoons or YouTube shorts, this is the tool. But be warned: it’s a professional animation suite, not a toy.

While not a "drawing" app per se, many kids use Canva to make posters for school, YouTube thumbnails, or even digital stickers. It’s a great introduction to graphic design and layout.

If you have a younger child who just wants to "paint" on your iPad without accidentally changing the brush opacity to 4% and having a meltdown because "the pen isn't working," this is the app. It’s beautiful, simple, and makes very satisfying "marker" sounds.

Check out our guide on the best tablets for young artists

We talk a lot about "brain rot" at Screenwise—those mindless, low-effort loops of content that keep kids paralyzed on the couch. Digital drawing is the literal opposite of that.

However, there is a "consumer" side to Procreate. You’ll likely hear your kid ask for "Brush Packs." These are digital files made by other artists that change the texture of the digital "paint." Some are free, but many cost $10-$30 on sites like Gumroad or Etsy.

Is this a scam? Usually, no. It’s how the digital art community supports itself. But before you drop $20 on a "Sparkle and Fur" brush pack, encourage your kid to learn how to use the 200+ brushes that come with the app for free.

The Entrepreneurship Angle: Many kids are using these tools to start "commissions." They’ll draw someone’s Roblox avatar or a pet for $5. It’s a cool way to learn about the value of their time and work, but it also opens up the "internet safety" conversation. If they’re selling art, they’re interacting with strangers.

Ask our chatbot about how to safely manage online commissions for teens

Digital art is generally a "Green Light" activity, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

If you’re going to support this hobby, you don't need to be an artist, but you should know the lingo.

Procreate and its competitors are the "good" kind of screen time. It’s a tool, not a toy. It requires patience, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness.

If your kid is showing an interest, lean into it. It’s one of the few digital activities where they actually have something to show for their time at the end of the day. Plus, a digital canvas never runs out of blue paint, and it definitely won't leave a permanent "masterpiece" on your sofa.

Learn more about setting up a digital art station for your kid