Procreate Rejects Generative AI to Protect Human Creativity

In a bold move that sets it apart from industry giants like Adobe and Canva, the popular illustration and animation app Procreate has announced that it will not incorporate generative AI features into its products. This decision reflects Procreate's commitment to supporting human creativity, even as other digital art platforms increasingly embrace AI-driven tools.

Procreate's Firm Stance on AI

Procreate’s CEO, James Cuda, has been vocal about his opposition to generative AI in digital art. In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), Cuda passionately stated, “We’re never going there. Creativity is made, not generated.” He expressed his concerns about the negative impact of generative AI on artists, emphasizing that Procreate's products are designed with the belief that a human, not a machine, should be at the center of the creative process.

This stance has resonated strongly with the digital art community, many of whom have voiced their support for Procreate’s decision. As AI tools become more prevalent in creative industries, Procreate’s commitment to human-centric design has earned it praise from artists who feel threatened by the rise of AI-generated content.

Industry Contrast: Competitors Embrace Generative AI

While Procreate has chosen to resist the AI trend, competitors like Adobe and Canva are moving in the opposite direction. Adobe has integrated generative AI into its creative suite through its Firefly models, while Canva has introduced AI-powered tools via its Magic Studio. These companies argue that AI can enhance creativity by automating certain tasks, but they also face criticism from artists concerned about the implications of AI on their work.

Adobe, in particular, has faced backlash for its updated terms of service, which initially suggested that user content could be used to train AI models. Although Adobe later clarified that it does not train AI models on customers’ content, the incident highlighted the tension between AI advancements and artists' rights.

Procreate's Commitment to Artists

Procreate’s decision is not without precedent. Japanese illustration app Clip Studio Paint initially launched an AI image generator palette but reversed its plans following significant backlash from its user base. This move underscored the challenges that digital art platforms face as they navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.

Despite the risk of being perceived as lagging behind in the tech race, Procreate remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering genuine human creativity. “We don’t exactly know where this story is going to go, how it ends. But, we believe that we’re on the right path, supporting human creativity,” Cuda said.

As Procreate continues to reject generative AI, it raises important questions about the future of creativity in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Will other companies follow Procreate’s lead, or will the allure of AI-driven innovation prove too strong to resist?