Adobe has made a strategic move to attract more illustrators to its creative software ecosystem by making its dedicated drawing and painting app, Fresco, entirely free. This bold step aims to compete directly with popular alternatives like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, which offer a range of tools for digital art and simulate traditional media like pencils and watercolors.
Previously, Fresco required a subscription to unlock its full feature set, including access to the entire Adobe Fonts library, a wider selection of brushes, and the ability to import custom brushes. While the subscription cost was relatively affordable, it couldn’t match the one-time purchase model of Procreate.
By removing this paywall, Adobe hopes to entice more users to try Fresco. The app, designed for touch and stylus-supported devices, is available on iPad, iPhone, and Windows PCs. It offers unique features like reflective and rotation symmetry and quick animation presets, setting it apart from competitors.
Fresco’s free availability could be particularly appealing to artists who value affordability and ease of use. While Procreate has a strong following due to its pricing and commitment to avoiding generative AI tools, Fresco offers advantages like desktop compatibility and cloud storage. By making its app completely free, Adobe is taking a significant step to challenge the dominance of other popular digital art platforms.