Adobe is making a major move to attract more illustrators by offering its drawing and painting app, Fresco, completely free for all users. Fresco, Adobe’s response to popular apps like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint, provides a range of tools designed for digital art and simulating traditional mediums like pencils and watercolors.
Available on iPads, iPhones, and Windows PCs, Fresco was previously accessible with a free tier, but many of its premium features, such as full access to Adobe Fonts, a broader selection of brushes, and the ability to import custom brushes, were locked behind a $9.99 annual subscription. While this price was considered relatively affordable for an Adobe product, it still couldn’t compete with Procreate’s one-time fee of $12.99.
Starting today, all of Fresco’s features are unlocked and free, including those that were previously only available through a subscription. Launched in 2019, Fresco hasn’t gained the same recognition as Adobe’s more established programs like Photoshop or Illustrator, but it offers unique tools like reflective and rotational symmetry (which mirrors artwork as it’s being created) and quick animation options through motion presets such as “bounce” and “breathe.”
Other apps like Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita have long dominated the digital art space due to their affordability, ease of use, and support for iPads, which are generally more cost-effective than purchasing a computer and professional drawing tablets. Many hobbyists, indie designers, and online illustrators have turned to these tools rather than Adobe’s software, including Fresco.
Fresco also lacks integration with Adobe’s generative AI features but does offer advantages over some competitors, including a desktop app and cloud storage options, which Procreate doesn’t have, as its files are saved directly on the device. By removing the paywall, Adobe hopes Fresco’s now free model might entice new users, even as it faces ongoing skepticism from parts of the creative community.
