It is strongly recommended that all BFA and MFA students studying in Digital Arts acquire a laptop to be used during class time and homework. A robust laptop will serve the student during years of study at Pratt and beyond. Below are tailored recommendations for each area of study within the department. Students may choose Mac or PC, but the system should meet or exceed the following specifications.
Students Studying BFA in Game Arts
Primary Needs: Real‑time rendering, game engine support (Unity, Unreal), 3D modeling, texturing, and interactive media.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 (or higher)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (or higher)
- Memory (RAM): 32 GB minimum
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 15”+ high‑resolution screen (1920×1080 minimum; 4K preferred)
- Software: Adobe Suite, Blender, Unreal
Students Studying BFA in Art and Technology / MFA in Interactive Arts
Primary Needs: Creative coding, physical computing, interactive installations, mixed media, and cross‑platform experimentation.
- Processor: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7 (or higher) / Apple Silicon M2 or better
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050/3060 or Apple Silicon M2 (integrated GPU acceptable for most workflows)
- Memory (RAM): 16–32 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 14–16” display
- Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Arduino, Processing, TouchDesigner
Students Studying BFA in 2D Animation
Primary Needs: Asset creation, animating, experimental techniques, compositing
- Processor: Intel Core i5/i7 / Apple Silicon M2 or better
- Graphics: Integrated graphics are acceptable; discrete GPU optional but useful for compositing
- Memory (RAM): 16–32 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Display: 15”+ high‑resolution screen (1920×1080 minimum; 4K preferred)
- Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom Harmony, After Effects
- Hardware: Consider pairing with a Xencelab pen display tablet
Students Studying BFA or MFA in 3D Animation and Motion Arts
Primary Needs: Asset creation, animating, experimental techniques, compositing, simulation and visual effects
- Processor: Intel Core i9 / AMD Ryzen 9 / Apple Silicon M2 Max (or higher)
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (or higher, with at least 12 GB VRAM) or Apple Silicon with high‑core GPU
- Memory (RAM): 32–64 GB
- Storage: 1–2 TB SSD
- Display: 16”+ screen; 4K preferred
- Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, Nuke, ZBrush
- Hardware: Consider pairing with a Xencelab pen display tablet
General Recommendations
- Operating System: newest Windows or macOS
- External Storage: At least 2 TB external SSD for projects and backups
- Ports: USB‑C/Thunderbolt for fast data transfer and external displays
- Warranty/Support: Consider extended warranty/AppleCare for coverage across 4 years of study.
The Dell Pratt Store is a dedicated educational portal for Pratt Institute students and faculty that offers exclusive education discounts, typically up to 10% off (with additional savings available through Dell Rewards) on laptops, desktops, monitors, and accessories.
The Pratt Store at Apple is a customized college-education storefront tailored for Pratt Institute students and faculty, offering special pricing on Mac, iPad, and accessories, including limited‑time promotions like free AirPods or eligible accessories with qualifying Mac or iPad purchases
Recommended Storage Solutions
Note: all Pratt students have limited Google Drive capacity.
Recommended Software
Adobe Creative Cloud (FREE to all Pratt Students)
Adobe Premiere Pro will be used during your first year. Follow the instructions below to acquire and install the Creative Cloud suite on your personally-owned computer:
- Visit adobe.com and login using your Pratt OneKey
- Choose ENTERPRISE ID if prompted to choose an account, then login once more with your OneKey
- Once redirected to your Adobe Dashboard, click DESKTOP DOWNLOADS in the upper left under Creative Cloud Apps
- Download the Creative Cloud desktop application, and you will then be able to install Adobe CC software from the Apps Tab
To ensure you meet all system requirements. If you need help or have questions or comments please contact the Service Desk at services@pratt.edu, 718.636.3765.
Autodesk Maya is freely available for Pratt students.
SideFX Houdini Apprentice is freely available.
ToonBoom is freely available for 2D animation students (please check with the department on how to acquire the license).