What You Should Know About the Procreate Animation Buzz

In today’s digital art scene, animation isn't just a trend; it's a vital form of expression and storytelling. 

That's where Procreate, a favorite tool among digital artists, really shines. Now, they've upped the ante with Procreate Dreams, a new app that's entirely focused on animation. 

This is big news for anyone who uses Procreate for animation or wants to start. 

^{Image via Bardobrush}

In this blog, we’re going to dive deep into what makes Procreate an amazing tool for animation. More importantly, we'll give you the top 5 things you need to know about Procreate animation.

We'll show you why it's quickly becoming a must-have for animators, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet in the world of digital animation.

1. What is Procreate Dreams?

Procreate Dreams is the newest member of the Procreate family, specifically designed for animators. It’s not just another update; it’s a whole new app that focuses on bringing your animations to life with ease and flair. 

Procreate Dreams builds on Procreate's strong foundation by adding animation-centric features that are both powerful and easy to use.

This app transforms your iPad into a mini Procreate animation studio. It's packed with features that cater to all aspects of animation, from drafting the initial storyboards to perfecting each frame. 

^{Video by Procreate via YouTube}

Whether you're working on a personal project or a professional assignment, Procreate animation streamlines the process. It lets you focus on the creative part without getting bogged down by the technicalities.

For those embarking on their Procreate animation journey, Procreate Dreams offers an inviting platform. It simplifies complex animation tasks, making Procreate animation more accessible to beginners while still offering the depth required by professionals. 

The app's focus on the upgrade to Procreate animation means every tool and feature is tailored to bring your animated visions to life, effortlessly and with stunning results.

2. Using Animation Assist

When it comes to Procreate animation, Procreate Dreams' Animation Assist feature is a true game-changer. It transforms the complex process of animating into something far more manageable and intuitive. 

With Procreate Animation Assist, you get an advanced yet user-friendly interface that streamlines your workflow. It includes features like onion-skinning, which lets you see several frames at once for smoother transitions and instant playback to review your work on the fly. 

^{Video by Procreate via YouTube}

This tool is a boon for Procreate animation, enabling animators to focus on their creativity without getting lost in technical details.

3. Enhanced Workflow and Interface in Procreate Dreams

Procreate Dreams takes the Procreate animation experience a step further with its enhanced workflow and interface. The app is designed to make procreate animation as seamless as possible. 

Activating Animation Assist is straightforward, bringing a robust set of tools right at your fingertips. The animation-specific interface is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that both new and seasoned animators can navigate through features with ease. 

From creating new frames to adjusting timelines, every aspect of Procreate animation is made more efficient with Procreate Dreams.

4. Advanced Frame Management and Playback Options

Frame management is at the heart of Procreate animation, and Procreate Dreams offers an array of advanced options that set it apart. 

The Frame Options menu is intuitively designed for quick access to crucial tasks like duplicating or deleting frames, allowing animators to modify their animations with ease. 

Adjusting the hold duration of frames is a key feature here; it gives animators the ability to control the timing and flow of their animations precisely, which is essential in creating natural and fluid motion in procreate animation.

Moreover, Procreate Dreams' playback options are diverse and adaptable to various animation styles. 

With modes like One Shot, Loop, and Ping Pong, animators have the flexibility to preview and refine their animations in different contexts. These playback modes are especially useful in Procreate animation for testing and perfecting loop sequences, ensuring that animations are smooth and engaging.

5. Sharing and Exporting Animations with Procreate Dreams

The ability to share and export animations effectively is crucial in Procreate animation, and Procreate Dreams excels with its versatile exporting options. Catering to different needs and platforms, the app allows animators to export their creations in several formats. 

GIFs are perfect for quick sharing on social media or for smaller files, while PNG sequences offer high-quality frame-by-frame control. MP4 and HEVC formats are ideal for full-quality animations, suitable for professional presentations or integration into video projects.

Procreate Dreams also simplifies the process of choosing the right format for your Procreate animation work. 

Procreate Dreams also simplifies the process of choosing the right format for your Procreate animation work. 

^{Image via Procreate}

Depending on the final use—whether it's for web viewing, client presentations, or part of a larger video project—the app guides you toward the most suitable export option. 

This feature ensures that your animations not only look great but are also in the right format for your intended audience or use.

BONUS: Pros and Cons of Using Procreate Dreams

Although it seems like a no-brainer to use Procreate Dreams, it’s still worth it to consider the pros and cons carefully. After all, this is an investment into your animation business that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Pros:

1. User-Friendly Interface: Procreate Dreams is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced animators in Procreate animation.
2. Flashy Animation Features: Features like onion-skinning, instant playback, and diverse frame management options enhance the animation process.
3. Versatile Export Options: The app supports multiple formats like GIF, PNG, MP4, and HEVC, offering flexibility for various uses and platforms in Procreate animation.
4. Seamless Integration with Procreate: For those already familiar with Procreate, Procreate Dreams integrates seamlessly, making the transition smooth and intuitive.
5. Cost-Effective: As a part of the Procreate suite, Procreate Dreams is an affordable option compared to other professional animation software. That is if you already own an iPad.

^{Video via Procreate}

Cons:

1. Limited to iPad Users: Currently, Procreate Dreams is available only for iPad users, limiting access for animators who use other devices.
2. May Lack Some Advanced Features: While Procreate Dreams is robust, it might not have all the advanced features found in specialized animation software.
3. Learning Curve for New Users: New users, especially those unfamiliar with Procreate, may face a learning curve in mastering the app for Procreate animation.
4. iPad Hardware Limitations: The performance and capabilities might be constrained by the specifications of the iPad being used. If you’re still using an old iPad, things might get slow or not work at all.
5. File Size and Format Restrictions: Depending on the project, animators might find limitations with file sizes and formats, especially for large-scale or highly detailed animations.

Should You Jump on the Procreate Animation Train?

Procreate Dreams is undeniably a significant step forward in the world of Procreate animation. 

With its user-friendly interface, advanced animation features, and versatile export options, it opens up new possibilities for animators of all skill levels. 

Whether you're a seasoned animator looking for a more efficient workflow or a beginner eager to dive into the world of animation, Procreate Dreams offers a compelling blend of features that cater to a wide range of creative needs.

You could argue that it democratizes animation, making it more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience.

^{Image via Procreate.}

While it does have its limitations, such as being exclusive to iPad users and potentially lacking some advanced features of specialized software, the benefits it brings to procreate animation are substantial. 

Embracing tools like Procreate Dreams can enhance your skills and open up new avenues for creative expression and professional growth as an animator. 

If you’re an animator who’s looking to start your own studio or grow your career, check out our blog on How to Start an Animation Studio and GET FREE TRAINING to kickstart your animation career today.