12 Awesome Drawing Apps for iPad with Apple Pencil
If you're an artist or designer, choosing the right tools is crucial. With the Apple Pencil and iPad, drawing has become an essential tool for digital artists. However, to make the most of your Apple Pencil, you'll need some great drawing apps. In this article, we've compiled a list of the best drawing apps for iPad with Apple Pencil. Whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, these apps will help you unleash your creativity.
1. Procreate
Procreate is a popular choice for iPad drawing apps. It's a feature-packed drawing app that allows you to create digital art on your iPad. With Procreate, you have access to a variety of tools like dual-texture brushes, grids, pencils, and more. You can even create custom brushes if you can't find the right one. The Apple Pencil works seamlessly with Procreate's gesture controls, pressure sensitivity, and drawing assist tools. Procreate is available for $12.99. Make sure to check Procreate compatibility with your iPad. You can easily learn how to transfer Procreate files to a new iPad.
2. Adobe Illustrator
If you're looking to create logos, illustrations, and other vector-based graphics, Adobe Illustrator is the way to go. This app brings all the essential tools from its desktop version to the iPad. With brushes, shape transformation, fonts, and more, you'll have everything you need to create stunning designs. Adobe Illustrator is free to download but requires a subscription at $9.99/month.
3. Sketchbook
Ideal for product sketching, Sketchbook offers a minimal user interface that allows you to focus on your sketches. It provides essential drawing tools like brushes, pens, and pencils, along with customizable styles. You can even pin your favorite tools for easy access. Sketchbook supports the Apple Pencil and is free to download. However, the Premium Bundle, available for $1.99, unlocks additional features like custom brushes and layer grouping.
4. Adobe Fresco
For the best of both worlds – Photoshop and Illustrator – choose Adobe Fresco. This app combines realistic brushes from Photoshop with vector capabilities like Illustrator. It's perfect for both beginners and professionals. Adobe Fresco supports the Apple Pencil and offers a free version. However, to unlock its full potential, you'll need a premium subscription for $9.99/month.
5. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is an excellent choice for new artists who want to start their journey. It offers features similar to Photoshop, with a slightly different user interface. You'll find a wide range of brushes, layer management, and more. MediBang Paint is free to use, but you can unlock additional features by subscribing to MediBang Premium for $2.99/month.
6. Affinity Designer 2
If you primarily work with vector graphics, Affinity Designer 2 is the app for you. It mimics the desktop interface and capabilities of its desktop version on the iPad. With features like infinite canvas size and advanced illustration tools, Affinity Designer 2 is perfect for creating illustrations, logos, and typography. You can try it for free for 30 days, and then pay a one-time fee of $19.99.
7. ArtStudio Pro
ArtStudio Pro is an Apple Pencil-optimized drawing app that takes advantage of iCloud Drive and Metal. It supports gestures, pressure sensitivity, and tilt. With essential tools and a smooth workflow, ArtStudio Pro is perfect for creating artwork. The app is free to use, with a Pro subscription available for $9.99/year or a one-time purchase of $39.99.
8. Comic Draw
If you love drawing comics, Comic Draw is the app for you. It allows you to create panels and plan your drawings before putting them on paper. With various brushes, typefaces, and balloons for dialogue, Comic Draw has everything you need to create stunning comics. The app is free to use with limited features, with a paid version available for a one-time fee of $9.99.
9. Linea Sketch
Linea Sketch offers a clutter-free user interface, making it perfect for casual artists. With various tools for drawing shapes, colors, and more, Linea Sketch is easy to use. The app is free to use with limited features, and you can unlock everything for $0.89/month or $9.99/year.
10. Concepts
Concepts is an advanced drawing app designed for professionals. With a minimal and distraction-free interface, Concepts is perfect for architects, illustrators, and product designers. It offers an infinite canvas, responsive vector drawing engine, and supports various formats. While the app has a free plan, you can unlock all the tools with a $4.99 monthly subscription.
11. Tayasui Sketches
Featuring realistic brushes and a distraction-free interface, Tayasui Sketches is great for casual artists. You can choose from various tools like pencils, pens, and more. The app is free to use, with the option to unlock additional features for a one-time purchase of $5.99.
12. Paper by WeTransfer
For a clutter-free drawing experience, Paper by WeTransfer is the way to go. With a minimal interface and daily prompts for beginners, Paper provides a distraction-free environment. The app is free to use, with a Pro subscription available for $11.99/month.
Make the Best Use of Drawing Apps with Apple Pencil
Whether you're a beginner or a professional artist, these drawing apps for iPad with Apple Pencil will help you unleash your creativity. Try a few apps and choose the one that best suits your needs. So grab your Apple Pencil and start creating amazing art on your iPad!
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”