Paint iPad pro. 14 Best Drawing Apps for iPad in 2023

Best Apple iPad For Digital Drawing in 2023

The iPad is not just a device for watching movies, taking notes, or snapping pictures. It is now a powerful tool for artists, illustrators, and designers. When paired with the Apple Pencil, the iPad can unleash your creativity and help you design your next masterpiece. In a previous blog post, I discussed my thoughts on the iPad Pro being an excellent choice for digital drawing. Now, with all new iPads supporting the Apple Pencil, the question arises: which iPad is best for digital drawing? The answer is that any of the current generation iPads will work for creating digital art, but they are not all the same. Let’s find out.

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What To Pay Attention To

Apple Pencil Support

TL;DR: Save on anything, but your iPad must support Pencil 2.

In my opinion, the Apple Pencil is the best stylus for iPad drawing. However, there are two generations of the Apple Pencil available and it is important to keep this in mind when choosing an iPad. Both generations of the Pencil are similar, but the 2nd generation has some additional benefits. Firstly, it has a more convenient charging method, as it magnetically attaches to the side of the iPad, unlike the 1st generation Pencil which required inserting it into the Lightning port. Secondly, the 2nd generation Pencil is more comfortable to use as it is lighter, shorter and has a non-glossy finish, which prevents it from slipping. Overall, both Pencils are great options for enhancing the drawing experience. If I had to choose one, I would likely go with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil.

Display Size and Resolution

When it comes to digital drawing, having a spacious and high-resolution canvas is crucial for capturing intricate details and providing an immersive drawing experience. Apple offers a range of iPad models with varying display sizes and resolutions to cater to different artists’ needs. The iPad Mini, with its compact 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and 2266 x 1488 resolution, is a great option for artists seeking portability and convenience. On the other hand, the larger iPad Air (10.9 inches) and iPad Pro models (11 inches and 12.9 inches) boast stunning Liquid Retina displays with resolutions of 2360 x 1640 and 2388 x 1668 (11-inch) / 2732 x 2048 (12.9-inch), respectively. These provide ample screen real estate and exceptional visual clarity for more serious artists and professionals. Ultimately, choosing the right display size and resolution will depend on your artistic preferences, portability requirements, and budget.

Display Technology

The technology behind an iPad’s display can significantly impact the digital drawing experience, as it affects color accuracy, refresh rates, and overall visual quality. Apple equips its iPads with advanced display technologies that cater to the needs of artists and designers. One such feature is the ProMotion technology, exclusive to iPad Pro models, which delivers a 120Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth drawing and seamless navigation. This can be especially beneficial for artists who require fluid pen strokes and real-time responsiveness. Another key technology is True Tone, available in iPad Air and iPad Pro models, which adjusts the color temperature of the display based on ambient lighting, providing a more accurate and consistent viewing experience. Additionally, most iPads support a wide color gamut (P3) for richer, more vibrant colors, allowing artists to create and view their work with impressive color fidelity. When selecting an iPad for digital drawing, it’s essential to consider these display technologies and their impact on your creative process.

Memory (not storage)

TL;DR: Get as much memory as you can.

Generally speaking, memory is good. So, the more memory the happier you are because it will allow your device to work faster, and in apps like Procreate and Adobe Fresco more memory means more layers to work with. So, I would say that if you are someone who completes complex and elaborate art projects that require an extensive palette and many layers on your iPad, then you might want to go with more available memory. If art is more of a hobby, no need to stick with the best memory option.

Storage

Just like with the memory, more storage is always good. I currently have an iPad Pro with 256GB of storage that I have been using for 2 years, and the app that I use the most – Procreate – takes up only about 30GB.

Battery

Battery life is one of the most important criteria for digital artists when choosing a tablet. After all, we don’t want our device to die after a few hours of drawing. Well, the good news is that all iPads have a pretty long battery life. Apple assures that full single charge will last about 10 hours if you surf the web. However, when you draw on an iPad, it will use more resources and power, so it will last a little less, but still enough to finish a drawing. In general, I get about 6-7 hours of drawing on my iPad Pro before I need to charge it.

Connectivity

TL;DR: USB-C or Thunderbolt is great. Any modern Wi-Fi is fast enough.

In today’s interconnected world, seamless connectivity is vital for artists who need to share their work, collaborate with others, or transfer files with ease. Apple’s iPad lineup offers various connectivity options to ensure that digital artists can stay connected and productive. All iPad models come with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect to the internet, access Cloud storage, and sync your work across devices. For those who require connectivity on the go, cellular models are available, providing internet access even without Wi-Fi. In terms of port availability, the iPad Pro models feature a versatile USB-C port, which allows for faster data transfer, charging, and connecting to a wide array of peripherals, such as external displays, storage devices, or drawing tablets. The iPad Air also utilizes USB-C, while the iPad Mini retains Apple’s proprietary Lightning port. When choosing the best iPad for digital drawing, consider your connectivity needs and preferences, as they can significantly impact your workflow and overall experience.

Cellular support

TL;DR: You don’t need cellular in your iPad.

5G/LTE feature is not really necessary for digital artists and won’t affect your work. While it is useful especially if you are drawing outside or generally in a place with no Wi-Fi available, it is not that critical. If you need the internet you can always get it through your phone’s hotspot. And if you have an iPhone, the last iOS updates made it so easy to connect to your iPhone’s hotspot. So, LTE is actually a feature that you can save money on by buying an iPad with no built-in LTE.

Apps Compatibility

There are so many great drawing apps available these days. And you might wonder which of them will work with your iPad. Well, the answer is all of them. It seems like all the major apps like Adobe and Procreate as well as smaller apps like ArtRage and Graphic, will work just fine on all iPads. I myself have used different iPads and drawing apps and have never run into any compatibility problems.

Current iPads

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch 6th Gen 2022

In short, the best iPad ever made just got even better. The new iPad Pro 12.9 inch, armed with an M1 chip, fantastic display, and up to 2TB of storage, is probably the best tablet you can buy today.

While there is not much difference between the design of the new iPad Pro 12.9 and its predecessor (other than the new model is 0.5mm thicker, nothing changed), the display is one area where the iPad Pro was truly improved. The new iPad Pro 12.9inch screen features new Mini LED technology or Liquid Retina XDR. The Liquid Retina XDR display was engineered with a new mini-LED design technology with over 10,000 LEDs across the back of the display. Overall, the result is a beautiful visual experience, super crisp image, and improved brightness. As an illustrator, where the screen of my tablet is my canvas, I am so excited to try out this new technology.

Another big update is that the powerful and impressive M1 chip is now in the iPad Pro, making it the fastest device of its kind and bringing the performance of the iPad Pro to a whole new level. I am not sure if that is even possible, but apparently, everything feels and looks even smoother. It also comes with either 8 or 16GB of RAM, which is something to consider because drawing apps are very resource-consumption. But the only way to get 16GB RAM is to buy either the 1TB or 2TB storage options because the 128, 256, and 512GB variations all come with 8GB. Of course, not everyone needs so much memory, but you might want to go the hights amount of memory available if you use the iPad as a professional tool. However, there is also a small catch – as of right now, it is very clear if Apple allows using all RAM for application needs. Let’s say you have an older iPad Pro with 4GB of RAM that lets you create 20 layers in Procreate. It does not mean that you would be able to create 80 layers on iPad Pro with 16GB of RAM.

Some were expecting an update to the Apple Pencil; however, there was no new stylus this year. But to be honest, the Apple Pencil 2 is already is the best stylus on the market today for artists, designers, creators, or anyone who prefers hand-written notes. And while it would be fun to see what Apple can come up with to improve this pencil, I am not complaining that it did not happen this year.

Overall, the new iPad Pro 12.9inch is a fantastic tablet. But that does not, however, mean that it is for everyone. Don’t get me wrong, this iPad is the best of the best, and I would definitely suggest it to anyone who does their work – illustration, video editing, photography – on iPad because you won’t find a better tablet explicitly made for creators. But if you are looking for an affordable and portable because you are always on the go, then there better iPads for you.

Finish: Space Gray or SilverStorage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBMemory: 8GB/16GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Updates:– A12Z Bionic chip– 6GB memory on all storage versions– LiDAR Scanner– Studio-quality microphones– Additional 10MP Ultra Wide cameras– Wi-Fi 6

Best for: iPad Pro 12.9 is the most powerful iPad ever made. It would work excellent for professional and full-time artists, designers, and illustrators.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen 2022

As a digital illustrator, the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen 2022 stands out as an exceptional tool, offering advanced features and top-tier performance in a sleek and portable package. The 11-inch Liquid Retina display, with its 2388 x 1668 resolution, provides ample space for illustrating complex scenes and capturing fine details, while the ProMotion technology ensures buttery-smooth strokes and seamless navigation with its 120Hz refresh rate. True Tone technology and a wide color gamut (P3) further enhance the visual experience, delivering accurate and vivid colors that help bring illustrations to life.

The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen’s compatibility with the second-generation Apple Pencil is a game-changer for digital illustrators, as it enables precise control, minimal latency, and a natural drawing experience that closely emulates traditional media. With storage options ranging from 128GB to 2TB, artists can comfortably store a vast library of creative projects, high-resolution resources, and illustration apps without running out of space.

The impressive battery life of up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular means illustrators can work on their projects for extended periods without being tethered to a power source. The iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen’s Wi-Fi and optional cellular connectivity, along with its versatile USB-C port, facilitate seamless file sharing, collaboration, and connection to peripherals such as external displays or storage devices.

In conclusion, the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch 4th Gen 2022 is a remarkable choice for digital illustrators seeking a powerful, feature-rich device that can elevate their creative process. Its blend of display size and resolution, display technology, Apple Pencil support, storage, battery life, and connectivity options make it an invaluable tool for professional and aspiring illustrators alike.

Finish: Space Gray or SilverStorage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TBMemory: 8GB/16GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Updates:– A12Z Bionic chip– 6GB memory on all storage versions– LiDAR Scanner– Studio-quality microphones– Additional 10MP Ultra Wide cameras– Wi-Fi 6

Price: starting at 799

Best for: This iPad, just like its bigger version, is excellent for professional artists and designers who want a slightly smaller tablet for mobility purposes.

Apple iPad Air 5th Gen 2022

Okay, this time, Apple truly impressed me – they made the whole new iPad Air. In September of 2020, Apple updated the iPad Air with a fourth-generation model with a complete redesign that makes it look more like the iPad Pro. Now the iPad Air features a 10.9-in edge-to-edge display and a design with rounded corners that wrap around the display. The display is slightly larger than in the previous model, but I don’t think that 0.4 inches change will make that much difference. However, the design might – the edge-to-edge display and no Home button definitely makes the display appear bigger, and the overall iPad more modern and sleek. It is available in five different colors, which definitely adds some fun: silver, space grey, rose gold, green, and sky blue. But what is truly new about the new iPad Air is that the Touch ID sensor is now integrated into the top button, and that is the first time we see something like that in Apple devices. And probably the most exciting update for the iPad Air lovers is that now it is compatible with the second-generation Apple Pencil and the new Magic keyboard with a trackpad.

Overall, I think Apple revolutionized the new iPad Air design with an edge-to-edge 10.9-inch display, Touch ID power button, a brand-new A14 Bionic chip, and new and fun color options. And I can’t even think of any downfalls or anything that I don’t like about this iPad.

Finish: Silver, Space Grey, Rose Gold, Green, and Sky BlueStorage: 64GB, 256GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Updates:– Whole new design– New colors– Apple Pencil 2nd generation support (!)– Magnetic connector for Apple Pencil– USB-C connector– No home button– Touch ID (in power button)

Price: starting at 599

Best for: The new iPad Air 2020 got a significant performance and design update. All these changes make this iPad a perfect option for those in the market for a tablet but are not ready to spend money on a pricey iPad Pro just yet.

Apple iPad 10th Gen 2022

The Apple iPad 10th Gen 2022 is an excellent entry-level option for digital artists looking for a balance between performance, affordability, and functionality. With a 10.2-inch Retina display and a resolution of 2160 x 1620, this iPad offers a reasonably sized canvas for drawing and sketching while maintaining crisp visuals. The display incorporates True Tone technology for accurate color representation and a wide color gamut (P3) for vibrant, true-to-life colors.

In terms of compatibility, the iPad 10th Gen supports the first-generation Apple Pencil, allowing artists to create detailed and precise artwork with ease. With ample storage options starting from 64GB and going up to 256GB, the iPad 10th Gen offers artists sufficient space for their creative projects and apps.

The iPad 10th Gen is designed for extended use, with a battery life of up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi or 9 hours on cellular, ensuring that artists can work on their projects without constantly worrying about recharging. Connectivity-wise, this model comes with Wi-Fi and optional cellular versions, as well as a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. This enables artists to stay connected, share their work, and sync their projects across devices with ease.

Overall, the Apple iPad 10th Gen 2022 is a worthy consideration for those seeking an affordable yet capable device for digital drawing, offering a solid combination of display size and resolution, display technology, Apple Pencil support, storage, battery life, and connectivity options.

Finish: Blue, Pink, Silver, YellowStorage: 64GB, 256GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 1st Generation

Apple iPad 9th Gen 2021

In the September 2021 presentation, along with the iPad mini 6, Apple also introduced an updated iPad 9th generation. The new iPad 9th gen has several improvements over the previous model, including the A13 Bionic chip, True Tone, a better front-facing camera with Center Stage mode.

The new iPad comes with the same 10.2-inch Retina display and 500 nits of brightness. Compared to last year’s model, the 2021 iPad has True Tone functionality for the first time. Compared to Apple’s more expensive iPads, this iPad lacks a laminated construction, an anti-reflective coating, and Wide color support. And while it does miss some of the features, I do not think that this display is terrible, not at all. And the fact that it works with Apple Pencil 1st gen is a plus.

The nice thing about this iPad is that you get a boost in performance for the same price as the previous model – iPad 9th gen is available for 329 (299 for schools) for the Wi-Fi model and 459 for the Wi-Fi Cellular model. The only thing that is disappointing a bit is that there is absolutely no change in design. With its Touch ID sensor and Home button below the display, the new iPad looks a bit out-of-date compared to other iPads available. But I guess it is what you get for such a low price.

Overall, I think that the new iPad 9th gen is excellent for its price. I believe this is the kind of iPad designed for everyone, and whether you are an amateur or professional illustrator/designer/artist, you will enjoy working on it.

Finish: Space Gray, Silver, or GoldStorage: 32GB, 128GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 1st Generation

Price: starting at 329Amazon Price: starting at 299

Best for: If art is more of a hobby for you, I would suggest getting this iPad. It is a good place to start for a relatively low price.

Apple mini 6th Gen 2021

In 2021 Apple introduced the new, refreshed, and fully redesigned iPad mini 6. And I am not going to lie, even though I was never a mini fan, I was really excited to try it out. After all, the new mini comes with a larger display, Touch ID, A15 Bionic chip, USB-C port, 5G, and Apple Pencil second-generation support. And of course, the new design is a great bonus too. The iPad mini 6 was entirely redesigned, and now it comes with flatter edges, rounded corners, edge to edge display, really putting this iPad in line in terms of the design with the iPad Pros, iPad Air, and even iPhones.

But as an illustrator, I was most excited about two things: the bigger display and Apple Pencil 2nd gen. Because Apple moved the Touch ID from the front of the device to the power button, it created more space for the screen itself. So, now the new iPad mini has an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display. And while it does not seem like much of an upgrade from the 7.9-inch display of the iPad Mini 5, I think it is a pretty noticeable change. Because when you work on an iPad every day, all day long, every fraction of an inch makes a difference – you want to get the biggest screen possible.

And, of course, the Apple Pencil 2nd gen! I would say that Apple PEncil 2nd gen is the best digital pencil you can get today, so having it working with the mini is pretty impressive. I did a few illustrations on iPad mini 6 using the Apple Pencil, and there was no lagging at all. The Apple Pencil works so smoothly. So, no complaints here.

In terms of the internal changes, the iPad mini 6 is powered by A15 Bionic chip, which is a more powerful chip than in my iPad Pro 2018. So, this little table is powerful and capable. But its downfall is a smaller battery. While it can last 10 hours, you would need to charge it pretty much every day if you do power-intensive things.

Overall, the iPad mini 6 is a great tablet. It is very capable, powerful, beautiful, and portable. I can totally see myself using it, especially when I travel. But it would never replace my iPad Pro. The smaller display is the biggest downfall for me. It is excellent for sketching or quickly adjusting an already made illustration, but drawing on a tablet that small might be a bit inconvenient. And in my opinion, an iPad that I would use for sketching on the go for 499 is a bit expensive.

So, it comes to what you value the most in the iPad. If you need portability and power in one device, the iPad mini is a good option. But if you prefer a bigger screen, then maybe look at other tablets such as iPad Air or even the new iPad 10.

Finish: Space Gray, Silver, or GoldStorage: 64GB, 256GBConnectivity: Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi CellularApple Pencil Support: Apple Pencil 2nd Generation

Price: starting at 399

Best for: iPad Mini is a great starting point for amateur artists because it is a pretty powerful iPad with great specs and Apple Pencil support. iPad Mini also works for artists who continually draw on the go.

Best Drawing Apps for iPad in 2023

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Learn about the best drawing apps for iPad to kickstart your career.

When an artist gets down to bring their imagination onto paper, it takes the form of art. This art can showcase the deepest desire or a story in a remarkable way that needs an eye for detail to understand.

However, we live in an era of digital gadgets and applications that have made artists opt for one instead of paper, pen, and paint. The super tools or drawing apps are the go-to solutions for tech-savvy artists who want to reap digitalization benefits.

The powerful drawing tools come with features like the ability to create raster or vector images, special effects, and 3D modeling. Several tools are available in sketch apps, painting apps, art apps, and drawing apps dedicated to mimicking hand drawing and image manipulation.

There are ample art-driven applications for mobile phones, tablets, and desktops. Earlier, iPads were limited to basic computing activities and streaming, but now it explores almost all fields. iPad supports Apple Pencil, becoming an ideal way for artists to settle for designing.

However, there are instances when Apple Pencil isn’t enough for the artist, and they require something concrete to start the digital art. It is essential to distinguish between the tools for the professionals and amateurs planning to create art.

With this said, here are the best drawing apps for your iPad that can help you kickstart your career.

ArtWorkout

If you are planning to get a personal drawing trainer to practice art, you could start using ArtWorkout instead. This app can teach you technical aspects of drawing along with how to draw specific pictures with a step-by-step guide. Here, you can practice doodling, drawing, painting, sketching, and even handwriting.

It uses a gamified approach for teaching and also evaluates your drawing efforts. Using ArtWorkout, new artists can easily learn through bite-size pieces in a stress-free manner. Apart from 500 lessons, it offers drawing tips and tricks, useful for both kids and adults.

This app also supports Apple Pencil, which artists can use for next-level performance. As someone draws, it also measures their accuracy and evaluates the stroke quality. The lessons are a combination of some theory and a lot of practice. Its skill trainer feature also provides instant feedback.

Procreate

Get the creative experience with the proper digital art studio, Procreate. The software works on whole new dimensions for artists, making it easy for them to create something extraordinary. Artists can use Procreate to create, sketch, and paint beautiful animations and illustrations.

The tool is packed with intuitive, creative, and unique features allowing users to handcraft their imagination. It includes a library of brushes consisting of ink, pencils, charcoals, and whatnot to give painterly textures to the artistic brushes. The artists can paint and draw with color harmony, dynamics, and history giving several color choices and unprecedented control.

The color companion option also allows users to pick the perfect color that can fit their requirements. The touch or multi-touch gestures make it easy to create workflow and interface at a minimum. It comprises 3D model painting, stroke stabilization, and page assist, along with the Valkyrie engine and 120hz performance.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe is a popular design tool for photo and video creation, including Adobe Illustrator for iPad, a drawing tool for artists. Adobe Illustrator allows artists to naturally draw their imagination into the tablet with smooth curves and crisp lines using the Apple Pencil.

The artists can create beautiful patterns and color pop with gradients with a simple touch, point, or tap. One can also transform monograms, wordmarks, and other text into the design. The software has 17,000 fonts to explore more design options and outline them in the illustrators. Artists can leverage creative Cloud libraries to access color palettes.

Several features are included in the Adobe Illustrator, such as easy vectorizing, optimization for Apple Pencil, changing tools, Bezier curves, calligraphic brushes, blob brush, and easily layer up the drawing. With Adobe Illustrator Template (AIT) files, artists can start with the illustrations to bring characters to life and create whimsical environments.

Adobe Fresco

Another primary Adobe tool is Fresco, allowing artists to instantly paint their favorite space and draw. Adobe Fresco connects artists with canvas with touch devices and the latest stylus. It gives access to comprehensive raster and vector brushes and delivers realistic painting and revolutionary new live brushes.

Everyone can leverage the Adobe tool to discover the joy of painting and drawing, from animators to illustrators, sketches to artists. The brushes can help in smoothening up the oils and watercolors, harnessing the power of Sensei. It brings a look and feel of handmade drawing, blending and blooming colors. For a 3D effect, it can smudge and swirl creamy oils on the canvas for thickness.

With this software, artists can isolate the parts and use selections to the layers and masks to customize the UI. It will eliminate distractions in full-screen mode and offer better touch with a stylus. Due to its Cloud documents, the designs will automatically sync with easy integrations with fonts, brushes, and stock.

snowCanoe

If you want to get inspired, snowCanoe Inspire Pro for iPad can be a great platform. snowCanoe Inspire Pro offers a fast and realistic drawing, painting, and sketching experience, offering inspiration to strike. The platform allows artists to design compelling and intuitive art using intriguing features and countless hours without requiring any manual.

The tool is easy to learn to create the art without any challenges affecting its quality. It is easy to reach the next level with its top-quality paint brushes and strokes to add soft blur and graze the canvas creating new designs. The ultra-fast rendering keeps up with 30 frames per second with 120 FPS brush strokes.

Inspire Pro allows users to save paintings in their gallery, give them a hooking title, record a playback video, and swipe through the thumbnails. Artists can start by choosing canvas size or customizing it, importing an image from different sources, and scaling, rotating, and positioning it to the canvas.

Astropad Studio

Start with a professional drawing tablet using an Astropad Studio that offers full customization features. Astropad Studio helps artists instantly adapt to their unique workflow with fully-customizable tap gestures and changing tools.

It also offers pre-app shortcuts, uses elements for every stroke, custom pressure curves to accommodate drawing style, and smooth designs. The artists can use the free trials of 30 days before opting for the paid version. The tool is designed for customizable minds allowing artists to personalize their workspace and build features to obtain results.

Launch the app, connect your computer and tablet via USB and Wi-Fi, and mirror your desktop to your tablet to draw in the tool directly. LIQUID technology offers responsiveness and quality to the image with Retina resolution and color-corrected output. It provides crystal clear images, velocity control, GPU, 60 FPS, and unlimited upgrades.

Linea Sketch

Get the better results with Linea Sketch, which offers control to draw effortlessly and provides a balance with digital art. It is packed with premium features allowing artists to select from a wide range of pre-defined colors, generates shades or tints, use simplified set o flayers, and get started with a supercharged sketchbook.

Linea Sketch allows artists to adjust, merge, and rearrange designs to attain flexibility for the project. It works on ZipShade rules making it easy to draw shapes and make changes on the final placements as required without using stencils or rulers. Artists can resize, reuse and reposition the art to transform layers.

Organically, artists can fill the sketches or paint the canvas with painterly strokes, simple textures, and textured splats. It is easy to add labels and text to the painting, choosing from scale text dynamically, fonts, set colors, adjust alignments, and much more. It can also record the creative process if you want to publish it on social media platforms.

ArtRage Vitae

With the realistic painting application of ArtRage Vitae, it is possible to draw realistic drawings. It is packed with textured canvas using oil paints, uses realistic paper with pastels or pencils, and a delicate gradient with blended watercolors. The digital utilities include blend modes, layers, references, training, and Preset tools that are ideal for professionals and kids.

ArtRage Vitae supports expressive features of the Apple Pencil and Samsung S-Pen. It features larger canvases, tools, new cloner, color blending, layers, countless variations, airbrushes, special effect tools, utility tools, and many more. It is possible to store settings as custom presets, apply texture, layer effects, color blending, and use a digital brush to get ideal results.

Affinity Designer

Don’t just draw; bring your imagination to reality and beyond using Affinity Designer. It is feature-packed that allows professionals to create branding, illustrations, UI/UX designs, icons, concept arts, typography, and print projects, to name a few.

Affinity Designer is an application for professionals with no subscription but the need to buy the product. The artists can craft perfect vectors with complex boolean operations and combine shapes/objects to form robust designs. One can create offset paths and abstract shapes using the contour tool.

It covers everything from isometric plants to applying grid, Grayscale to CMYK, and blend modes to layers. The software allows users to quickly add multiple strokes, fill in an object, and organize the artboard. Using OpenType, one can include text capabilities into the mix giving their design marketing a whole new look.

Lake

Be creative but don’t be aware of a relaxing environment. Lake allows artists to color the designs and unwind from stress and tension. Lake is your first step forward if you want to relieve your anxiety, exercise mindfulness, and establish a bedtime routine.

Coloring can help you practice mindfulness and relax your brain, similar to meditation, to keep the tension and stress at bay. It ensures that users can FOCUS on the present scenario without any judgment. It immerses and engages senses in brain experiences and the process of coloring, gaining attention, and learning the flow state.

Consider it as a community of talented people that offers artwork to allow users to paint them and unveil a unique story. It covers all the themes for color, such as fun, lovely houses, fancy, and other 800 illustrations. The subscription fees go to the Lake artists as a mode to help them earn.

WeTransfer Paper

Think out of the box and start creating top designs at your fingertips. It is possible with WeTransfer Paper that will polish up the ideas with a swipe, tap, and pinch, mirroring natural gestures. The 3D interactions offer a top-notch experience to the users, along with life-like journals.

WeTransfer Paper, one of the best drawing apps for iPad, works with effortless expressions that can keep design perfectly tuned to write, sketch, draw, and paint the ideas. It offers tricks and tips to create drawings that can help you to kickstart your career. It gives a new image to the blank pages without any complex layers to get ideas flowing.

The tool allows artists to bring the ideas into reality on paper by writing, sketching, drawing and painting. It can cover everything, such as storyboards and moodboards, to get ideas flowing. One can also organize pages with journal features allowing them to list down the ideas when inspiration strikes.

Pixelmator

If you want to kickstart your career in digital art, you need to find one of the best drawing apps for iPad. It is best to start with Pixelmator, which helps artists design full-featured images instantly. Artists can edit, create, and enhance images now from their tablets.

Pixelmator supports a trackpad, Magic keyboard, and mouse with significant features and more than 70 new keyboard shortcuts. It is a powerful tool that comes with pre-designed color adjustment presets. The tool includes features like Curves, Levels, and more color adjustments and has the potential to add breathtaking effects.

Enrich the experience with the pre-designed templates to create unique collages, and add effects and frames. Some of the most prominent features of this tool are innovative color-picking, double-texture brushes, Pixel Brush, and Apple Pencil.

Drawing Desk

Give your inspiration a new look with the Drawing Desk consisting of more than 3500 coloring pages and more than 30 sketching tools, and give your creativity a whole new look. It is one of the best drawing apps for iPad that offers some top-notch features at your fingertips.

• than 100 instant shapes library
• Powerful Apple Pencil to create fine-tuned work
• Unlimited layers with an advanced system
• Brand-new updates of 3D brushes
• A fresh set of stamps and stickers

The app is ruling the market with its top-class features allowing users to create a realistic drawing experience.

Concepts

Start with flexible and infinite sketching to share top ideas instantly using Concepts apps. It will help bring in new designs quickly to grow over time using sketching paper for digital art. The natural tool work as a traditional sketchbook for faster iteration of creative, flexible art.

Concepts come with several features such as:

• A high-performance 120Hz display using Surface Pen and Apple Pencil offers a paper-like experience
• Multi-threaded rendering and sharp strokes with hybrid vector-raster Fluid Engine
• No-commitment sketching that can copy measure and change the color and line weight with traditional tools and powerful vector

Concepts allow artists to start sketching to create topmost digital art with powerful addons, precision tools, advanced transforms, high resolution, and infinite layers.

Start with the Best Drawing Apps for iPad

Now, you know the best drawing apps for iPad available in the market to meet any significant requirements. Learning new applications to kickstart digital art is fun, and enjoying yourself with time. Knowing the stellar applications to create personal and professional projects is essential. So, get down to unleash your potential and creativity.

Learn more with these best online drawing courses and practice on these best drawing apps for iPad.

Best drawing apps for iPad with Apple Pencil in 2023

iPad is undoubtedly a device that unlocks your creativity. With an ideal accessory like the Apple Pencil, you can transform your iPad into a digital notebook with an infinite supply of paper and ink. To aid your quest for thought-provoking art, we have chosen the finest drawing apps for your iPad.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or a total novice, these apps would be of great help. So, without further ado, here are the best drawing apps for iPad and Apple Pencil.

ArtWorkout – Editor’s choice

ArtWorkout is a unique drawing app for your iPad that acts as your personal drawing trainer and works exceptionally well with the Apple Pencil. Unlike other apps, it combines the elements of a game-like experience and performance evaluation to teach you how to draw.

The app offers over 500 lessons in various categories, such as doodling, sketching, drawing, painting, and handwriting. These interactive courses provide step-by-step guides, making them stress-free and easy to learn. The lessons are designed in bite-size pieces, perfect for adults as well as kids. Additionally, the app provides valuable drawing tips and tricks to enhance your skills.

What sets ArtWorkout apart from other drawing apps is its ability to measure your accuracy and evaluate the quality of your strokes. You can also track your progress and identify areas for improvement with the app. Additionally, the comprehensive lessons offered in the app combine theory and practice, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

With Apple Pencil support, you can enjoy the precision and control needed for creating beautiful artwork as the app goes beyond simple line tracing exercises. It offers skill trainers with immediate feedback, allowing you to refine your drawing techniques.

Whether you are a novice who’s looking to learn the basics or an experienced artist wanting to polish your skills, this app caters to all skill levels. While the monthly subscription is priced at 7.99, there’s an annual subscription which brings it down to just 3.5 per month – making the latter a sweet deal!

• A vast pool of exercises to choose from.
• Exercises are simple to understand and follow
• Progress tracking is available

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 7.99)

Procreate

With numerous functionalities and a dynamic interface, Procreate has taken the digital art world by storm. This digital illustration software is easy to use and one of the best free iPad drawing apps for beginners as well as experienced artists.

The app’s USP is its flexible and adjustable UI, allowing personalization. Powered by the Valkyrie engine and 120hz speed, the tool includes 3D model painting, stroke stabilization, and page aid.

Procreate also supports a wide range of file types, including PSD, TIFF, GIF, PDF, and others. In addition, your work may be imported or exported to other applications, Cloud services, and your desktop. Procreate also works with the Apple Pencil and other styluses, making it ideal for individuals who wish to create intricate and precise artwork.

Additionally, you may utilize keyboard shortcuts when linked to an iPad keyboard while using the software. Although the program is pricey, it is compensated by capabilities such as time-lapse replay, animation, page help, and so on.

• Available in multiple languages
• Value for money
• Compatible with keyboards and Apple Pencil

Price: 12.99

Sketchbook – The free drawing app

Sketchbook, a powerful and user-friendly tool, is the top contender for our list of the best drawing applications for iPad. The app is accessible to both novices and experts due to its user-friendly UI. According to the developer, the award-winning software is capable of following your imagination wherever it leads.

Some of the app’s most notable features include adjustments of size, shape, and opacity from a wide variety of brushes. These enable you to create a range of effects and styles, from accurate graphics to loose, expressive drawings. To complement the modifications available, the app also has symmetry features that make it easier to make symmetrical patterns like kaleidoscope patterns and mandalas.

Sketchbook lets you export your work as a video or GIF and supports a number of file types, including JPG, PNG, and PSD. This makes it simple to cooperate with others on a project or to post your work on social media. To my astonishment, the app syncs flawlessly with Apple Pencil.

Furthermore, if you choose to purchase the premium version of the software, you’ll get access to a ton of fresh features, including extra color harmonies, personalized gradients, layer grouping, layer masking mix modes, exporting the work as a PDF, and much more.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 1.99)

Adobe Fresco – Like a canvas

Adobe Fresco is an exceptional iPad app for digital painting and drawing. The software contains a huge selection of brushes, tools, and functions, which is practically everything you need for digital painting.

The brushes can assist in smoothening up the oils and watercolors, unleashing the energy of Sensei. It has the look and feel of handmade artwork, with colors combining and blooming. You can smudge and swirl creamy oils on the canvas to add thickness and create a 3D effect.

Because the designs are kept in the Cloud, they immediately sync. Aside from that, the software allows them to isolate components and change the UI by selecting layers and masks.

While you use it in full-screen mode, it provides better touch with a stylus. The app makers also give you a variety of other functions with the premium edition of the app, which is essentially accessible for in-app purchases.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 9.99)

Lake – The organized drawing app

Lake is a terrific iPad and iPhone Apple Design Award winner app that provides a unique and exciting way to relax, unwind and express your creative side. This software is a fantastic blend of coloring books and journaling, offering an all-in-one solution.

The app’s audio component is responsible for the modest brush sounds heard while using the paintbrush. Furthermore, when using the spray paint tool, you can hear a ball bearing rattling as if you were shaking a paint can.

Another enticing feature of the app is its ability to keep the colors inside the lines while adding extra shades and color effects. This lets you be more creative rather than focused on the mistakes while filling the color. over, you can consider the colors from the extra color palette provided by the artist if in case unsure about the colors.

Furthermore, if you are confused about the colors, you may use the supplementary color palette offered by the artist. The free version gives you nine free coloring pages every day. However, if you upgrade to the premium, you’ll receive access to all of the coloring pages, additional color choices in the wheel, and the ability to use a blank canvas.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 2.99)

Paper by WeTransfer – Multipurpose

Paper by WeTransfer is a simple and easy-to-use app that lets you quickly and amusingly create and organize your ideas, sketches, and notes. Users who appreciate organizing and jotting down their ideas while also exhibiting their creativity will benefit most from the app’s various modifiable themes.

Along with mind maps, sketchpads, and note-taking pages, the software also includes a number of drawing and sketching tools like pens, markers, and brushes. Additionally, a broad range of pressure sensitivity is available, providing you with total control over the appearance and feel of your artwork.

For those who wish to produce accurate and intricate artwork, the software supports Apple Pencil. Additionally, people from all around the world may utilize the app because of its multilingual support.

Much like the other applications on the list, Paper by WeTransfer offers an in-app payment option for users to access more features. You may get this innovative software by tapping the download button below.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 1.99)

Adobe Illustrator – Beginner-friendly drawing app

Adobe Illustrator for iPad is a potent vector graphics editing software and one of the best free iPad drawing apps for both beginners and experienced designers. What differentiates the app from the competition is its wide selection of tools and features that make it easy to create high-quality graphics and illustrations.

The USP of the software is the ability to generate and modify vector graphics composed of mathematical equations rather than pixels. This makes the images ideal for usage in print, online, and mobile design projects since they can be resized to any size without losing resolution.

Users may simply transition between projects while working on many ones at once, thanks to the app’s support for multiple artboards. Along with a wide range of tools and features, the app supports the Apple Pencil, allowing for more accurate sketching and editing, and it can import and export files in a number of different file types.

Since the app has live streaming capabilities, you can watch and learn from leading designers every day. Additionally, if you choose the software’s premium edition, you’ll gain a few extra capabilities.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 9.99)

MediBang Paint – Comic art sketching app

MediBang Paint is a well-known program for creating digital paintings and comics. The software provides a number of brushes, tools, and effects that can be tailored to fit individual preferences, all with an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

A panel ruler, text balloons, and a sound effects editor are just a few of the additional tools available in the software that include standard brushes to make it simple to produce comic-style artwork. In order to make comics and manga that seem professional, you also receive a range of pre-made layouts, backgrounds, and other materials.

What draws my attention to the sketching software is its multi-layer capability. You may work on various aspects of your artwork on separate levels using the functionality and then change the opacity or blend mode of each layer to get the result you want. This tool makes it simple to make changes to a specific area of the design without impacting the artwork.

Keeping in mind the designers who work across platforms, the manufacturers have included Cloud storage. Furthermore, you can quickly publish your work on social networking channels to gain feedback.

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 2.99)

Astropad Studio – Multi-monitor syncing app

Astropad Studio makes use of cutting-edge technology to deliver fast and responsive connectivity between the iPad and the Mac, allowing users to work seamlessly across both platforms. The drawing app is aimed at creative professionals that demand a high-performance graphics tablet, such as graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers.

The software has a customizable toolbar that can be adjusted to include the most commonly used features and shortcuts. It also features gesture controls, which let users accomplish routine tasks like zooming and panning with simple finger gestures.

Another notable feature of the sketch app is its support for multiple monitors. Users may utilize this feature to expand their Mac desktop onto the iPad, giving them extra screen real estate to work with. This capability is very beneficial for users who need to work on many documents at the same time.

It also supports pressure-sensitive stylus input, which is an extra plus. Users may now work with the same accuracy and control that they would with a typical graphics tablet. The app’s functionality for hotkey customization allows users to create their own shortcut keys for certain tools or tasks. This can save a lot of time and improve workflow efficiency.

• Can sync with multiple monitors
• Compatible with Apple Pencil
• Highly customizable

Price: Free (In-app purchases start at 14.99)

FAQ

Yes, the iPad is an excellent gadget for digital art. It boasts a huge, high-resolution display and a number of pen alternatives, including the Apple Pencil, for sketching and painting.

Yes, professional artists use iPads. Because of its large, high-resolution display and variety of pen options, the device is a popular choice for creating digital art.

So which app are you using?

This was my list of the best drawing apps for iPad. I hope these apps will enhance your drawing experience while on iPad. Did I miss your favorite app? Let me know in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев below.

Surface Pro 9 vs iPad Pro for Drawing Art (Compared) | 2023

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When comparing the Surface Pro 7, 8, or 9th gen models vs iPad Pro for drawing and digital art creation, there are a few differences to compare. The main differences between the two stem from the operating system as well as the type of device: laptop touchscreen vs tablet touchscreen.

When deciding between the Surface Pro 7, 8 or 9, vs the iPad Pro and which is best for Digital Art; it’s important to understand that each device has it’s clear pros and cons. For example, the iPad Pro is great for 2d Art, graphic design, drawing and digital paint. While the Surface Pro is best for those who need a laptop in addition to just a drawing tablet.

The iPad Pro and iPad Air is lighter, more portable and can run unique apps such as Procreate app, which is arguably one of the best apps for digital art. It also have a strong improvement in UI, navigation, shortcut gestures and many features when used with the Apple Pencil.

The below comparison list will help you choose which is the better choice. Here’s the key differences between the Surface Pro models or the iPad Pro/Air:

• If you want more of a laptop feel, the surface pro wins because of the Windows OS keyboard combo.
• You can run additional laptop based apps on the surface pro, the iPad Pro runs tablet apps only (iOS).
• If you prefer Windows operating system, go with the Surface, if you’re used to using an iPhone, the iPad is similar.
• If you need an iPad for Procreate (one of the best drawing apps), then iPad is your only option since it’s not available on surface
• As far as drawing goes, both have superb pressure sensitivity and can handle top tier level drawing and animation apps.

Below, you’ll see each of the models we tested and can recommend to Artists. We also included the latest models to help you choose between the iPad surface Pro 9.

Product and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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On the flip side, the Surface Pro has similar functionality as the iPad and is just as capable for creating top tier level artwork. It has the Surface Pen the Surface slim Pen as stylus options vs the Apple pencil.

One thing the Surface Pro 7, 8, and 9 gen models has over the iPad Pro or Air is that it has full laptop functionality and is not just a tablet. Both devices have very similar drawing functionality and are capable of pro level art.

Since the Surface Pro 7, 8, and 9 are all Windows based, it is capable of running Windows-only apps and has a broad software compatibility that is useful for those in college such as engineering or 3d Animation and Art.

In this post, I’m going to cover all aspects surrounding the pros and cons of the iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 7, 8, and 9th gen models for all types of digital art: Graphic design, animation, 2d art, drawing/sketching, digital painting, and even photography.

• Which is Better for Drawing: iPad Pro or Surface Pro for Artists?
• Surface Pro models vs iPad Pro for Drawing and Digital Art (Artists)
• Design Features Comparison
• Precision Stylus (Surface Pro vs iPad Pro Drawing)
• Weight Size differences
• Compatibility: Drawing Software Apps
• Multi-tasking: iPad Air vs Surface Pro for Professional Artists
• Why Procreate is the Best Drawing App? The iPad Advantage vs. Surface Pro
• Battery Life Charging
• Connectivity: Surface Pro vs iPad Pro for Professional Creators
• Which is better for Animation Graphic design: Surface Pro 7 or iPad Pro?
• Which is better for Photography: iPad Pro/Air or Surface Pro?
• What is the Best Surface Pro for Drawing?
• Is there a difference between which iPad I choose for drawing and digital art?
• Backing Up Digital Art on the Surface Pro and iPad
• Software differences between the Surface Pro and iPad
• Stylus differences
• Can you get Procreate on Surface Pro?
• Bottom Line

Which is Better for Drawing: iPad Pro or Surface Pro for Artists?

Between the iPad Pro and the Surface Pro models, the iPad Pro has the clear drawing advantage when it comes to pure sketching and drawing. This is not only because it can utilize the Procreate App, but because it’s companion device (Apple Pencil) has native ‘gestures’ and shortcuts that allow for a seamless and free flowing drawing experience.

When it comes to 3d animation modeling or tasks that requires more cpu-intensive software, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, 8 or 9 is ideal, but not always necessary because most who do this use a stronger laptop with a drawing tablet attached.

For advanced 3d modeling and 3d animation, you may require a complete workstation with more RAM and graphics chip; in which neither the iPad Pro or surface Pro would suffice… and an alternative such as the MacBook Pro or Asus Zephyr with a Wacom drawing tablet connected to it may work even better.

In short, if you need something more portable, lightweight, and only for graphic design/sketches, then the iPad Pro is the best choice for those who prefer Apple iOS over Microsoft Windows devices.

If you’re more interested in having a fully functional laptop to both draw and perform daily tasks, internet browsing, and perform non-art related work tasks (such as google sheets), then the Surface Pro 7 is without a doubt the most effective choice.

Surface Pro models vs iPad Pro for Drawing and Digital Art (Artists)

The overall build, design, and feel of the two devices for drawing rather than simply the tech specs listed. This is because for artists, which device you choose is largely influenced by the overall interface, design, and flow of the creation experience.

Here are the differences for drawing in comparison of the iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 7:

Let’s take a deeper look at the different features compared between the iPad Pro/iPad Air and the Surface Pro 7, 8 and 9.

Design Features Comparison

Although drawing capabilities are the most crucial feature for graphic designers and artists, a tablet should also be an ultimately portable device. Likewise, Apple and Microsoft have developed their tablet flagships by combining top-tier performance and flexibility.

When it comes to design, both tablets are beautiful and have a high-quality, professional look. Nevertheless, the latest MacBook Pro has a slightly more modern design, with tiny bezels around the 12.9″ screen, and it is also slimmer than Surface Pro.

Display Color Accuracy

iPad Pro has a slightly brighter Retina display with a 2732×2048 resolution and a perfect (up to 100%) color gamut. Thus, although both brands included top-tier displays, Apple managed to create the best one for artists and editing software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

Another significant difference between the two devices is the operating system. Microsoft has included the full Windows 10 version, meaning the Surface Pro acts as a full desktop computer.

On the other hand, the iPad Pro uses the latest, tablet-exclusive iPadOS, which acts more like a tablet. Thus, it all comes up to what you need as a designer/artist.

For example, if you need a tablet that offers a fantastic portable drawing experience, the iPad is simply the best. However, if you want a hybrid, 2-in-1 device to use as a computer, then Surface is the best way to go.

If you’re not looking to use either and want an alternative, check out the best drawing Tablet with screen built-in. These can often work well for designers who want a workflow with two screens.

• During our review, we noticed that Surface Pro heats a lot, whereas the iPad Pro doesn’t. This might be alarming, but Microsoft’s device is still known to be reliable.

Finally, we should mention that the iPad Pro requires you to buy more extras if you want to feel like drawing on paper (e.g., a matte screen protector and an adjustable stand).

Now that we have analyzed our general thoughts on design and available features, let’s dive deeper into the drawing (and editing) experience.

Precision Stylus (Surface Pro vs iPad Pro Drawing)

Drawing with an active pen directly on the screen is one reason why those two tablets are so popular between designers, photographers, and artists. Our review might be different if we compared the first-generation Apple Pencil with the Surface Pro pen or older models of the surface pro before the 7th 8th, 9th generations.

Although the Surface Pro pen’s drawing experience is also unique, Apple Pencil 2 has all the features a creator needs, the most natural feel (and traditional pencil look), and more. This realistic feel was further improved when Apple released the iPadOS. See our full post: Apple Pencil vs Surface Pen: which is better?

Due to the new OS, the pen’s delay was reduced to 9ms, making the overall drawing experience on the iPad Pro unique.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that Microsoft’s pen isn’t suitable for professional, top-tier drawing. By utilizing all the essential features an artist needs (like tilt shading), Surface Pen is a great stylus that comes in two different versions (regular and slim). Many professional creators prefer this active pen over Apple’s.

Still, when it comes to the overall drawing experience, Apple Pencil 2 is the best active stylus on the market. Even though the surface pen used to have the lead, now that Apple integrated a smaller, easier-to-control pen along with high compatibility, it is Microsoft’s time to bounce back.

Weight Size differences

While the iPad Pro 12.9 inch is less bulky and more portable at a weight of 1.5 pounds, the iPad Pro 11 inch is lighter at 1.03 pounds. The Surface Pro on the other hand is slightly less ‘sleek’ at 1.7lbs for the 12.3 inch model.

However, while the Surface Pro is heavier… it does have the power of a full, complete laptop workstation so the differences in weight and size go a long way; especially if you also plan on using your drawing device as a workstation for emails, google docs sheets, and work documents.

The different dimensions of the two devices aren’t significant for those drawing or creating Art. However, I will say that the iPad Pro felt more sleek, less heavy, and more portable than the surface Pro when it was in my hands for testing

Compatibility: Drawing Software Apps

As mentioned above, iPad Pro and Surface Pro run different Operating Systems. Likewise, we had to examine iPadOS and Windows compatibility separately. Although Windows always had better compatibility with an enormous number of apps and software, Apple has done a great job expanding its store’s creative apps.

Apart from this Apple Store expansion, the latest iPad can also seamlessly connect to MacBook. This means that if you need to access the full version of software like Adobe Illustrator, you can now do it in no time.

over, Apple has developed improved tablet versions of Photoshop and Illustrator to the point where you can easily distinguish the full versions. In fact, the newest Apple creator apps can’t easily compete with standalone drawing tablets like the Wacom studio pro, which is a fully portable drawing tablet device.

Finally, the brand-new version of Procreate is simply the best drawing app on the market, and it is Apple-exclusive. To be more precise, it becomes evident that iPad Pro has everything a designer needs.

Even though it is developed as a tablet and not a computer, there are apps for any creative project, from photo editing and graphic design (Adobe Suite) to advanced drawing tasks (Procreate).

But before we analyze the main advantages of Apple’s Procreate app over software for Surface Pro, let’s look at a crucial parameter for any creator; Multi-tasking.

Multi-tasking: iPad Air vs Surface Pro for Professional Artists

Given the fact that most artists and designers use more than just one software at the same time, multitasking is crucial. Fortunately, iPad Pro and Surface Pro might be the best tablets on the market, but not the only suitable ones for drawing apps and multitasking.

To be more precise, the latest iPad Air is also very powerful and has a more affordable price tag than the Pro version. Although the Surface Pro is one of the fastest tablets for multitasking, iPad Air is also powerful enough to simultaneously handle your main drawing app and internet tabs at the same time.

Of course, the Surface Pro is a better solution if you want to open different apps while browsing and listening to music simultaneously. As with Surface Pro, you won’t face any problem while multitasking on the iPad Pro. However, this doesn’t mean the Air version isn’t sufficient for an artist.

You can even use a surface pro or iPad for graphic design, for example there are tablets that work well with apps like cricut and other design apps.

Apart from that, iPad Air is a fantastic choice for professional artists. Its 10.9″ screen is impressive, and even though it is smaller than Surface’s, it has a sufficient size for drawing or Photoshop editing.

With a slight compromise in design and screen size, iPad Air can easily cope with pretty much everything an artist asks. Thus, if you want a fast and reliable tablet for drawing or photo-editing, the latest Air is a great, more affordable alternative.

Why Procreate is the Best Drawing App? The iPad Advantage vs. Surface Pro

Most artists that draw on iPads use the Apple-exclusive app called Procreate. We believe that this software is one of the main reasons why the latest iPad Pro outshines the Surface Pro.

Although Sketchable, Microsoft’s alternative to Procreate, is excellent for drawing, too, Procreate is by far the best drawing app on the market. Both apps are perfect for quick brush customization, exporting in different formats, and drawing on many layers. However, the latest Procreate version combined with the brand-new Apple Pencil 2 offers the ultimate drawing experience. You can organize your existing projects quickly and efficiently, transform your portfolio inside the app.

However, the feature that iPad’s Procreate is by far better than Sketchable is working in a complex drawing environment and making the process easier by applying finger gestures. Thus, although Sketchable is excellent for drawing professionally, the Procreate app is the best way to speed up your art experience.

Now that we have analyzed iPad Pro’s superiority around leading drawing apps let’s compare the two flagships’ batteries.

Battery Life Charging

For those of you who are Apple fans, you will be happy to hear that iPad Pro wins in this category. Even though both the iPad Pro and Surface Pro have a fantastic battery life compared to other tablets, the iPad’s battery is simply better.

During our review, the iPad’s battery lasted around 10 hours of continuous browsing and 8 hours of drawing on Procreate with the 2nd gen Apple pencil. If we consider that Procreate and the use of Apple Pencil raise the consumption rate, this is an astonishing performance.

On the other hand, Surface’s battery offered 8 hours of web surfing and 6 hours of drawing on Sketchable with the Surface pen. The main reason behind the iPad’s better battery life is its less power-hungry A12Z chipset. Although Surface’s i7 CPU offers similar, top-tier performance, it is less efficient in battery consumption.

Accordingly, if battery-life is a high priority for you as an artist, and you use your tablet for drawing on-the-go, iPad Pro is the best way to go.

Connectivity: Surface Pro vs iPad Pro for Professional Creators

Connectivity used to be a high priority for designers and artists. Although the appearance of online storage platforms like Google Drive and iCloud proved to be helpful, most creators still store their art projects in external hard-drives.

Although the latest iPad Pro has a USB-C port, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and can be seamlessly connected to other Apple devices, that’s pretty much what you get.

On the other hand, Microsoft has included all the connectivity extras a digital artist might ask for. Apart from the similar USB-C port and Bluetooth 5.0, the Surface Pro also supports the brand-new Wi-Fi 6, a standard Surface Connect port, a MicroSD slot, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Likewise, even though iPad Pro has the essential USB-C port for external devices, Surface Pro 7, 8th, and 9th generation models outshines it on both connectivity technology and port variety. It’s crucial to note that both are wireless… as many graphics and pen tablets are not.

Best Drawing Apps for iPad in 2023

Which is better for Animation Graphic design: Surface Pro 7 or iPad Pro?

For animation, the surface pro proves to have few slight advantages because it’s more built like a full desktop computer workstation than the iPad that runs on tablet operating system (iOS).

Even though the iPad is great for pro-level digital art of most types, the Surface Pro can run very specific Windows-only tools/software that animators may require depending on the style of digital art. The majority of animators and 3d animation creators that use software such as Toon Boom or Adobe illustrator in a studio prefer Windows as they claim it’s what themselves and their team is used to navigating.

If you’re running 3d Art the Surface Pro is the ideal between the two, however a powerful laptop or desktop workstation with a Wacom attached to it is likely your best bet for animation scenarios.

As far as graphic design performance between the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro go, the iPad holds a similar level of functionality, performance, and has the advantage of being more portable and also being compatible with the Procreate app; which is iOS only.

Which is better for Photography: iPad Pro/Air or Surface Pro?

For Photographers, the best choice between the two may favor the Surface Pro because it doubles as a full laptop with a keyboard built in to email clients, utilize the creative Cloud for photos, and perform other basic tasks.

However, the iPad air or Pro on the other hand could also have the magic keyboard attached and utilize the functionality as you would with the Surface Pro. This would be an extra cost that the Surface Pro already has built in. See our post: Best Tablets for Lightroom and Photo Editing.

As far as performance the two are functionally similar with one slight difference for photography; the iPad Pro and iPad Air uses the iOS version of lightroom and photoshop; which have been significantly improved over the previous versions on iOS. It’s still fully functional, but does not have the same exact navigation and UI as the desktop version.

If you’re performing photography and art for remote learning, then check out the best Document camera stands for iPad.

What is the Best Surface Pro for Drawing?

There’s a few different models of the Surface Pro, but which is best for drawing? The Surface Pro is the tablet of choice for drawing by many artists because of how closely it rivals other laptops. The difference is it has a touchscreen that works similar to that of an iPad, but is Windows based.

Can you use a Surface Pro as a drawing tablet?

All models of the Surface Pro are good for drawing as it uses the Surface Pen or Surface Slim Pen to create Pro level Art. As far as performance the Surface Pro 7, 8, and 9 gen are extremely similar to that of the iPad Pro regarding functionality with the few app compatibility differences.

The advantage of the Surface Pro for drawing is that it’s a complete touchscreen laptop with Windows operating system and not a tablet operating system like the iPad Air or Pro. It’s for this reason as well as having an intel processor with laptop-class functionality that it’s ideal for work professionals or those who need a laptop and a tablet combination.

The objective truth is that the microsoft surface Pro is great for drawing and will suit your needs. Some claim that it can be jittery or lag, but these were for the older models. Since then, the Surface Pro has evolved, especially with the introduction of their battery rechargeable Surface Slim pen, which rivals the Apple Pencil. See more on this here: Apple Pencil 2 vs Surface Pen: Which is Better for Drawing Note Taking?

Compared to the Surface Pro, which is controversial by many for drawing, the surface Pro 7 is the best Surface Pro for drawing as it’s designed with artists and performance in mind. With an intel Core-i5 or higher and a 10.5 hour battery life, the Surface Pro laptop/tablet hybrid models allows for 4096 pressure sensitivity levels when paired with its surface pen or surface slim pen.

Related: See the Best Laptops for Sketchup if you are considering using the surface pro for apps like this.

It also has ram up to 16GB; which is very strong for a touchscreen laptop; enough to run most apps needed for 2d drawing, sketching, some animation apps as well as nearly all graphic design apps I’ve used.

Is there a difference between which iPad I choose for drawing and digital art?

Yes, the iPad Pro is the strongest and top performing iPad amongst the models. The iPad Air is more affordable and can run most of the same apps just as well as the Pro; but with less multi-tasking capability since it has slightly less RAM and less powerful processor chip than the iPad Pro. they both can use the Apple Pencil or Apple Pencil 2 depending on which model you have.

While it’s possible to use the standard iPad for drawing, the more pricey models provide more speed, ram and other crucial specs for artists. See our post: 7 Best iPad Air stylus for drawing and note taking.

Backing Up Digital Art on the Surface Pro and iPad

I’ve tested both the iPad and Sruface, pro 7, 8, and 9 for years and not once have I ever lost all my work on either tablet.

I also have never felt frustrated from some thing like an app crashing or my drawings being deleted on either device.

Let’s compare both the surface pro models and iPad models in regards to the ability to backing up data.

• If you’re on iPad.you can back up from iCloud for backing up your art or notes.
• If you’re on Surface Pro, you can use microsfot one drive as well as several choices you have for data recovery, including dropbox.
• The iPad Pro on the other hand does not have a USB port like the Surface pro does… but you can use an adapter to connect or add a micro SD to your iPad Pro (and iPhone) via an adapter for additional storage and backup.
• The Surface Pro offers a full-sized USB port, allowing you to connect external storage devices or peripherals – iPad does not offer this and this is an advantage for the surface pro 7, 8, and 9 models.

If you’re working on something very important, Windows has optional software that will let you back up your art, notes, and more.

iPad on the other hand has a Cloud storage called iCloud, which allows you to back up all of your work, including those on drawing apps, such as procreate. This means you may not need that fast micro SD card after all.

I personally have never had an issue with procreate as well… Both tablets, the surface pro an iPad Pro are very rare to actually have you lose Your data without causing physical harm to your device.

Software differences between the Surface Pro and iPad

In comparison to the Surface Pro, the iPad Pro offers different software options. The iPad is the only device that supports Procreate. iPad runs on iOS, which is an operating system from Apple, while Surface Pro runs on a desktop operating system.

There are quite a few Windows only based drawing apps, but theres also many that work on both devices – leaving you to choose your device based on whether you’d like to further invest embed your workstation into microsoft or Apple.

For example, Adobe Creative Cloud is available on both devices, but the iPad Pro offers a more intuitive user experience with Apple Pencil with Procreate.

Some drawing apps include, but are not limited to: Krita, SketchBook, Medibang paint, and toonboom.

When it comes to drawing softwares, the iPad Pro and Surface Pro offer different options. On the other hand, the Surface Pro runs on a desktop operating system and offers a variety of Windows-only drawing apps.

Stylus differences

When it comes to digital art, drawing, and sketching, the Apple Pencil and Microsoft Surface Pen are two of the most popular tools. Both pens offer pressure sensitivity and tilt control for creating detailed artwork. However, there are some key differences between them that make them better suited for different tasks.

The Apple Pencil is specifically designed for use with the iPad Pro and offers a few unique features that make it ideal for digital art. It has pressure sensitivity that is known to compete with Wacom (over 4096 pressure levels), which allows you to create very precise lines and shades.

Additionally, it has tilt recognition so you can easily create subtle shading effects without having to adjust your grip on the pencil. The Apple Pencil also has gesture functions such as tapping the pencil to change your color palette or swap to the eraser tool.

The Microsoft Surface Pen is designed for use with Surface tablets and touchscreen laptops. It offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity which makes it perfect for both beginners and professionals alike.

It has tilt control and palm rejection just like the Apple pencil. The only downside to both digital pens is their relatively high price compared to other alternative pens.

Can you get Procreate on Surface Pro?

There is not an official app for Procreate on the Surface Pro because Surface pro runs on Windows.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use workaround methods such as launching an emulator and making it work. It’s an important warning that getting Procreate on Windows via your Surface pro is not easy or straightforward and the results are not as smooth – meaning the app does not run as easily as it does on iPad if you can manage to get it on.

The Procreate app for Windows works just like the iPad app, but it may have some small flaws since it is not natively supported on Windows or laptops in general. Also the Surface Pen is not designed to work with Procreate the way the Apple pencil is.

What makes Procreate so good? It is an extremely intuitive, easy to use drawing app on iPad with some of the most complex features that allow artists the potential to create pro-level digital art and graphic design faster than most apps.

Procreate also has a small learning curve, making it great for both beginner and professional artists.

An iPad paired with the Apple Pencil 2 grants the user a very unique drawing experience that feels very natural on Procreate.

Bottom Line

The iPad Pro vs the Surface Pro For drawing, digital art, and artists depends primarily on which type of art you are creating and what utility you expect to achieve out of using the device.

If you are strictly just drawing, sketching and want to use the Procreate app with full portability, then the Apple iPad Pro or Air is ideal. If you need a laptop as well as a drawing device, then the Surface Pro works best.

The Surface Pro is also useful over the iPad Pro or Air in the scenario that you are in school and using very niche softwares required for 3d animation, architecture, or engineering that may be available on only Windows.

Also see alternatives to the iPad if you’re looking for a somewhat similar device, but not made by Apple.

Between the two you’ll need to decide whether you need a digital art tablet, or a digital art 2-in-1 touchscreen device. You’ll also need to know which operating system you prefer, which is based on your previous experience, UI/interface and the app compatibility you prefer.

For drawing, the iPad Pro or iPad Air is better in most scenarios. The Surface Pro wis just as functional and has the added benefit of having 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop functionality for artists.

Posted on Last updated: 06/28/2023

Best drawing apps for iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and other styluses

What are the best drawing apps for iPad Pro? Artists love the iPad Pro, and so do the app developers who cater to them. I tried a whole bunch and picked these–it’s a pretty long list, because not every app will appeal to everyone.

Mobile art apps of 2017 and 2018 offer advanced features once found only in desktop apps. Some have Android and desktop Mac and/or PC versions as well. iOS 11 has made it easier to transfer files from app to app, in case one doesn’t do something that another does.

Most of the best art apps for iPad Pro strongly integrate the Apple Pencil and multitouch gestures. Most also support other drawing styluses, including Adonit and Wacom. (See the top drawing styluses for iPad and Android). These iOS apps also work on regular iPad and iPhone.

What should you look for in a mobile art app?

Mobile art apps run a gamut, with some strongly enabling drafting or constructing and including features like perspective grids, ellipses, rulers, and shapes, while others FOCUS more on painterly effects, brushes, customizations. And some have all of these. Do you need comic panels? Shapes? Perspective? 3D? Good text tools? Vector? Realistic oil brushes? Replay? Most people will probably want a good pencil and pen tool, the ability for high-res paintings, layers, and easy sharing.

Links go to the app’s Web sites, which you can find links to the various app versions including AppStore, Google Play Store, and desktop.

Procreate

Procreate Apple Pencil settings

Procreate is probably the most popular app with professional iPad Pro artists, and comes only on iOS. It has a stellar array of brushes, or make your own from a library of shapes and textures. You can also upload textures or use brushes made by other users. The app also cleverly uses iOS 11 by letting you do timesaving tasks such as dragging a custom brush off the Web or emailing a layer.

You can use huge canvases and unlimited layers, adjust Apple Pencil settings, and record and play back paintings. Some find it easy to learn while others may not find it that intuitive. If your needs are only light drawing and painting, then Procreate may be like splitting peas with a sledgehammer.

The current version lacks a ruler and grid, and doesn’t have vector brushes, symmetry, ellipses, or an easy way to make paper textures.

Autodesk Sketchbook and Sketchbook Pro

Autodesk Sketchbook apps’ appeal is an easy, intuitive interface combined with a lot of power. Sketchbook by Autodesk has many brush textures, and you can create your own. Its Copic marker library makes it perfect for manga. It has, radial symmetry (perfect for mandalas!), guides, and ellipses to help with perspective.

Drawing on the iPad with Sketchbook Pro is nice and uncluttered, as you can hide the UI. The free version, Sketchbook, gives you limited tools and just a few layers, while Pro, which is by annual subscription, adds a lot more. It’s a very simple app to use, without much learning curve. It’s an excellent drawing app for beginners.

Sketchbook doesn’t have things like wet paper, blending, or specific simulation of types of paint. The selection tools are there, but they could be more intuitive.

Freemium. Great art app for beginners.

Tayasui Sketches and Sketches Pro

Tayasui Sketches/Sketches Pro has a pleasant, airy feeling the company describes as Zen. Its interface is wordless, so language isn’t a barrier. This is a fun and easy app popular among illustrators.

Tayasui’s UI keeps brushes and tools out in the open. You can change the icons to look more like real tools. You can set the tools to remember color. There’s a cool pattern brush that includes a set delicate hand-drawn patterns. The free version is great for sketching (you get the Rotring Pen and a handful of other brushes that emulate real-world tools, such as Acrylic Brush.) Supports gestures, Apple Pencil, and other Bluetooth styluses. It’s a nice, simple and easy drawing experience. Though it’s not the most extensive app, it’s smooth and works great.

Freemium. Great art app for beginners.

Adobe Photoshop Sketch

Adobe Photoshop Sketch appears minimal at first glance, showing just 5 brushes–pencil, marker, watercolor, ink, and acrylic. But each one has lots of settings like desktop Photoshop, including pressure, flow, size, and velocity. Tap on the “plus” and a plethora of new brushes appear, including Kyle T. Webster brushes. The app also as layers, shapes, grids, a wide variety of premade formats, and the ability to save to the Adobe Creative Cloud. You can a timelapse, share, and send to Behance. Adobe Photoshop Sketch manages to offer a lot while still keeping it simple and intuitive. This app has grown into one of the best free art apps for Apple Pencil and iOS out there.

This is one of the best drawing apps for iPad Pro if you’re just starting but want expressive brush options and are ready to tackle some more meaty features.

Adobe Illustrator Draw

Adobe Illustrator Draw is a powerful vector app. No more fussing with Bezier curves and handles, you can just take your Apple Pencil and have completely natural control, turning out tapered, pressure-sensitive lines. Or just finger paint.

You can also do things like upload your own textures which, zap, get turned into vectors. So your art is all fully scalable. You can even export your files over to the desktop version of Illustrator, layers included. Adobe Illustrator Draw can streamline your workflow as an illustrator. You’ll need to have an Adobe Creative Cloud account to use it.

ArtRage

ArtRage a fine art painting app that lets you express yourself in truly painterly ways. It’s got brushes that emulate oil, impasto, pastels, rollers, pencil, crayon, airbrush, eraser, even glitter. You can even squeeze paint out of a tube. You can use layers, different paper textures, view brushes in a close-up window, and export to png, jpg, or the native ptg app, but not to psd. The app focuses on being close to painting in real life. One interesting thing this artist is doing in ArtRage is using the tools to hand-transform photos into paintings complete with brushstrokes. ArtRage settings for Apple Pencil and Bluetooth styluses.

The mobile version lacks selection tools, though, so you’ll need a workaround.

Infinite Painter

Infinite Painter states, “We are not Sketchbook. We are not Photoshop. We are not Procreate.”

The app aims to distinguish itself, and it does. Popular with Android users, there’s also an iOS version. The UI is nearly invisible, you use a pulldown menu. There are pattern tools–Path, Symmetry, Quilt, and Tile as well as brush masking for filters. There are built-in paper textures, and brushes act on them as they would in the real world–how cool is that? Also, you can paint with a brush on the canvas and it picks up the color. Infinite Painter also has features borrowed from Photoshop, like Clipping Masks and Curves. It also has canvas textures, symmetry, and ellipses. It lets you import photos from free photo site Pixabay, so you can bring an image in as inspiration, or use one on your iPad.

Infinite Painter does not have specific customizations for Apple Pencil or other styluses, nor does it have PSD import or replay, but we still think it’s one of the best free drawing apps for iPad and a good free alternative to Procreate–most of the free ones do not do as much as this one.

Sketch Club

SketchClub is a fun, popular, sophisticated, and cheap iPad art app. I has a large, engaged community you can share your work with, as well as community-made brushes. It even has its own zine. It’s got plenty of advanced features, including Smudge and vector tools; bristle brushes; layer transform, customizable color theme, a fast brush and compositing engine, gif export and up to 64 layers. It has autosave and HD canvas recording and playback. Its inking and coloring panels are perfect for creating comics. It even lets you upload T-shirt designs directly to Snaptee. Sketch Club is about the users.

Inspire Pro

Inspire Pro is something like Painter and ArtRage, with oil paint, airbrushes, markers. It’s got a wide array of brushes, divided by media into sets. Like Procreate, you can make dual-texture brushes from shapes and textures. Inspire Pro has extensive customization of the UI and brush strokes. It’s designed as an Apple Pencil drawing app in that it lets you customize settings for that and other styluses as well. If you want brushes that simulate traditional media plus the ability to make extensive customizations, then this is for you.

Alas, Inspire Pro allows only one layer, so that may be an issue, bringing the experience closer to real-world painting. After buying it, there are still in-app purchases.

ArtStudio Pro

The update of the old ArtStudio is packed with features that utilize the Apple Pencil in this new version. The company is on its way to adding support for other styluses but right now it’s one of the best Apple Pencil apps in 2017. ArtStudio Pro lets you create stunning art. There are 450 brushes (150 of them free). There are also 40 filters, such as Gaussian Blur, Render Clouds, and Elastify. So you can edit photos and utilize text: it’s got 150 fonts and support for TTF fonts that you can add. If you have the old ArtStudio, you can upgrade to this one.

Medibang Paint

Medibang for iPad has almost as much going for it as its desktop version, and both are free. It offers so much it’s kind of dizzying. Similar to Paint Tool SAI, Medibang is a great app for comics and cartooning, since it lets you easily make panels of different shapes and layouts. There are also free comic book fonts. There’s a library of tones, word balloons, and other goodies. It has interesting pens like Symmetry, Turnip, and Sumi. You can also do layer masks and customize shortcuts. There’s autobackup in case of crashes. Supports Apple, Wacom, and Adonit styluses (remember to turn on pen pressure). It’s a fun ride. Users can create an account to save their work to the Cloud.

I do wish it had better selection tools.

Paintstorm

Paintstorm is extremely versatile and perfect for app geeks who love to experiment. Its devotees put up with some glitches here and there to enjoy this fun (though memory-intensive) program. The app may be a work in progress, but some glorious art is made with it. One of its more unusual features is being able to blend multiple layers together. There are all sorts of oil brushes, gradient brushes, shortcuts, Incredible options for customizing brushes, support for PSD and ABR, full support for Apple Pencil, rulers, ellipses, perspective brush tools, and the ability to correct brush strokes for any parameter. It’s something like Corel Paint. The mobile app offers the same exact features as the desktop Mac version. The free version (the one I tried) allows you to work in up to 10 layers but only to save to one and to open a single-layer file. The paid one allows PSD import and export. The app could use more type and comics-panel options.

Conclusion

There a lot of great art apps but these are some of the best drawing apps for iPad Pro and other styluses. So if you’re still using Paper by Fifty Three (a classic that’s not bad to get started with), don’t be afraid to try something new. All of them offer different versions of analogue art supplies, which are, in short, brushes, colors, and surfaces. Just think, this guy does his art in Excel!

end of Best drawing apps for iPad Pro

About Vicky

I’m an author and illustrator who has used drawing tablets since the early days. I love how flexible and forgiving they make everything. I’m also fascinated by the technology. I started this site to bring knowledge to everyone. I want this to be the only place you need to go to learn about drawing tablets.