Adobe is making a bold move to attract illustrators by offering Adobe Fresco entirely free for everyone. This dedicated drawing and painting app competes with popular alternatives like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, providing users with various tools for creating digital art and simulating traditional materials like sketching pencils and watercolor paints.
Features of Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco works seamlessly on touch and stylus-supported devices. You can find it on iPad, iPhone, and Windows PCs. The app previously offered a free-to-use tier, but users needed a $9.99 annual subscription to access premium features. These features included access to the full Adobe Fonts library and a wider brush selection. Although that pricing was relatively affordable, it still couldn’t compete with Procreate’s $12.99 one-time purchase model.
Starting today, Adobe has made all of Fresco’s premium features accessible without any payment. Although it first launched in 2019, Adobe Fresco has not gained as much popularity compared to established apps like Photoshop and Illustrator. However, it boasts unique features such as reflective and rotation symmetry that mirror artwork as you draw. Additionally, users can quickly animate drawings using motion presets like “bounce” and “breathe.”
Competing with Established Apps
Adobe Fresco faces stiff competition from apps like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita, which already hold favor in the digital art community. These apps are not only affordable but also user-friendly, making them appealing options for illustrators. Many fan art, web comics, and illustrations from hobbyists and indie designers come from these tools rather than Adobe’s offerings, including Fresco.
Procreate, in particular, has cultivated a devoted user base. Its pricing model, combined with a commitment to avoid integrating generative AI tools, resonates with artists concerned about the technology’s implications on job opportunities. This loyalty presents a challenge for Adobe Fresco, which has yet to include any generative AI features.
The Appeal of Free Access
Despite the challenges, Adobe Fresco offers certain advantages over Procreate. It includes a desktop app and cloud storage support, while Procreate files remain saved only on-device. By making the app completely free, Adobe aims to attract new users to its platform. This strategy may help address the wider issues Adobe faces with segments of the creative community.
In conclusion, Adobe Fresco now stands as a compelling choice for illustrators seeking a free and versatile drawing app. With its unique features and the elimination of subscription fees, it has the potential to gain traction in a competitive landscape.
