Adobe has made a significant move in the digital art space by making its drawing and painting app, Adobe Fresco, completely free for all users. This strategic decision aims to attract illustrators and digital artists who might otherwise lean towards competing applications like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint.
What is Adobe Fresco?
Launched in 2019, Adobe Fresco is designed for touch and stylus-supported devices, making it particularly appealing to users on iPads, iPhones, and Windows PCs. The app has always aimed to replicate the feel of traditional art mediums, offering a range of tools for digital painting and drawing that mimic materials such as sketching pencils, watercolors, and oils.
Previously, Fresco offered a free version but limited access to its features. Users had to pay a $9.99 annual subscription to unlock premium capabilities, including access to the complete Adobe Fonts library, an extensive selection of brushes, and the ability to import custom brushes. While this pricing was competitive for an Adobe product, it still paled in comparison to Procreate’s one-time purchase fee of $12.99.
The Shift to Free
Starting today, all of Fresco’s premium features are now available without any subscription fees. This move positions Fresco as a more attractive option for artists who are looking for a versatile drawing app without the financial commitment associated with Adobe’s traditional subscription model.
Fresco is equipped with unique features that set it apart from its competitors. For instance, it offers tools like reflective and rotational symmetry, which allow users to create mirrored artwork as they draw. Additionally, the app includes quick animation features with presets such as “bounce” and “breathe,” enabling artists to bring their creations to life with minimal effort.
Competing in a Crowded Market
Despite its advantages, Fresco faces tough competition from well-established applications in the digital art community, including Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, and Krita. These apps are popular for their affordability and ease of use, especially on iPads, which are often more accessible than high-end computers and professional drawing tablets.
Procreate, in particular, has garnered a loyal user base due to its straightforward pricing model and its commitment to not integrating generative AI features. This stance resonates with many artists concerned about the ethical implications of AI in creative work and its potential impact on job opportunities.
Advantages of Adobe Fresco
Although Fresco has not yet adopted any generative AI tools, it does have some distinct advantages over Procreate. One notable feature is its availability as a desktop application, which allows for a more robust working environment compared to Procreate’s iPad-only model. Additionally, Fresco supports cloud storage, enabling users to access their work from multiple devices. In contrast, Procreate saves files solely on-device, which can be a limitation for some users.
The Impact of Adobe’s Decision
By removing the subscription barrier, Adobe hopes to entice new users to its platform and increase Fresco’s visibility in the competitive digital art landscape. This change could be pivotal in changing perceptions about Adobe’s offerings among hobbyists and indie designers, many of whom have historically favored alternative tools for their ease of use and affordability.
In conclusion, Adobe’s decision to make Fresco completely free marks a significant shift in its approach to attracting digital artists. While the app may not yet enjoy the same level of recognition as Adobe’s flagship products like Photoshop or Illustrator, this move could help it gain traction among those seeking a powerful, cost-effective drawing solution. As the digital art community continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this change impacts user adoption and engagement with Adobe Fresco.
