iPads come complete with a liquid retina display, a tilt and pressure-sensitive stylus, and a number of innovative art apps. When the 2nd gen version was released almost exactly three years later, it continued to catch the eye of creatives all over the globe. Both versions offer exceptional pressure and tilt sensitivity as well as palm rejection and a whole heap of customization settings. Now, the Apple Pencil is recognized as an essential accessory for creatives who want to make a seamless transition from real life to digital art.
This product includes a magnetic, paper-feel iPad screen protector and two ballpoint Apple Pencil tips. Matte Texture: Subtle friction mimics the feel of paper (no more slippery glass!)
It is unique because it has a thick padded exterior that allows artists to rest their wrists while they illustrate, create graphics, and brainstorm ideas. We know that this is a list of the best iPad drawing accessories, but even creatives have to type out the occasional email.
It features a floating cantilever design, meaning you can attach your iPad to the magnetic board and adjust it to whichever angle feels comfortable. On top of that, the modern backlit keys operate on a scissor-switch mechanism, meaning you get a quiet, satisfying typing experience. Lots of creatives use this accessory for art, but it is also great for people who want to watch their favorite shows, reply to emails, and play games. Lots of people struggle with the smooth, slippery texture of Apple Pencils, which is where stylus grips come in.
On top of guaranteeing a comfortable grip, silicone also protects against dust, dirt, and grime. Our Compact Easel is a lightweight, ergonomic stand that allows users to adjust the angle of their iPad or laptop. The aluminum alloy structure supports up to 10 kg, while the silicone padding stops your iPad from sliding while drawing. Most gloves are made from soft lycra and nylon, which enhances breathability and reduces friction.
The 9 Best iPad Accessories for Artists and Creatives
I use my iPad for lots of different things including taking notes, typing out my blog posts, drawing and painting with Procreate, and creating printables in either Affinity Designer or Canva. Today I thought I’d share the different accessories I use every day with my iPad. I wrote a blog post on selecting the best iPad for using Procreate recently and highly recommend the iPad Pro 1 TB version because it maxes out the RAM and therefore gives you a ton of layers. If you’re interested in things like creating sketchbooks or using a digital planner in Procreate, you really should consider getting an iPad with the most amount of RAM so you can have a lot of layers/pages.
I’ve never had the 11 inch so I can’t comment on that; but I love the size of the 12.9 screen for creating art. I also love the opportunity to tweak and refine my projects using layers.
If you end up lovng using the iPad you’ll eventually want to get the Apple Pencil anyway. Even though there are some people who can draw beautiful complex art using their finger on their iPhone in Procreate Pocket, that seems like way more work than it’s worth.
For more information on the best iPad case for drawing, click here (coupon included). You can adjust your iPad in several different angles allowing you to create a comfortable position for drawing or writing.
It isn’t a comfortable position for my arms and tends to flare up my tendonitis. Since I originally wrote the post, I started to use a Zugu case for my iPad which makes it so I no longer need to use the lapdesk.
The Sketchboard has built in legs so that you can set it on a table and have your iPad at the perfect angle for drawing. For more info, see my Sketchboard Pro Review blog post or the video below: I like that I can adjust my screen angle to have it perfectly aligned how I want it whether it’s on my desk or whether I’m using it with my lapdesk. I’ve also found the ability to adjust the angle really helpful when laying in bed watching videos.
The keyboard is a sturdy setup for having my iPad stand up so I can view the screen when I’m on the go or at my desk. The only reason I bought both is because I didn’t think the new iPad fit in the old keyboard.
Although I used to print them off on cardstock and stick them to a magnet board and use them that way, I wanted to find a better way to keep track of the parts of the pattern I was working on. I found an app that would automatically select the symbols and color code them, so I wanted to use my iPad for this.
Recently I wasn’t feeling well but wanted to watch a video while laying on the couch. I was able to put my iPad in this holder and adjust it so that while I was laying on my back the screen was directly above my face. No craning my neck and the stand rolled away pretty easily when I wanted to get up. Since I watch a lot of videos on my iPad in the living room, I often use the Airpods Max headphones.
I love that the noise cancellation feature allows me to focus on what I’m doing without distraction from the television. During the summer months I like to spend time outside listening to the sounds around me while working on my blog or playing with my iPad.
When I have the headphones on with transparency mode I can still hear all of the birds, the blowing of the wind in the trees, etc.
My only complaint about these is that sometimes if I’m listening to them while outside, or while doing something like cleaning, they feel hot and make me sweaty.
I’ve recently been trying out the Rock Paper Pencil set from Astropad. I don’t use these very often though because I think it’s annoying ot have to pull them off when I want to charge them.
It’s comfortable to use and the only gripe I have about it is that you have to remove it if you want to charge your pencil.
The 33 Best iPad Accessories for Artists in 2023 (October) – Artlex
Best iPad Stand Sketchboard Pro An iPad stand designed for artists to provide comfort for prolonged drawing sessions, with a special compartment for Apple Pencil. As an avid iPad user and an artist myself, I know just how useful and convenient these accessories can be in enhancing your tablet experience. Whether you’re a seasoned artist looking to take your digital creations to the next level with Procreate or Clip Studio Paint or simply someone who loves to stay connected and productive on the go, there’s an iPad accessory out there for you.
From stands, keyboards, and cases to styluses and chargers, we’ve compiled a list of the top iPad accessories that will help you make the most of your device. Whether you’re looking for something practical or just want to add a touch of personal style to your iPad, we’ve got you covered. The greatest accessory to your iPad as an artist is definitely the Apple Pencil. It has the best compatibility (Obviously) and will take your art to another level; however, it is expensive, and we wouldn’t be recommending it if it weren’t a must-have. The Keyboard Folio is an interesting option since, after many months of use, it’s the most versatile and easy-to-use apple accessory that allows me to work, draw and stream my favorite series with a single extra accessory.
However, it is also a bit pricey, not as comfortable as other dedicated stands and the quality of the cover is not the best (It ripped after months of use).
The apple keyboard accessories are also a magnet for oily fingerprints and stains, which are quite hard to remove.
Although Apple native accessories are designed to work with the iPad directly, I must say they don’t offer the most significant level of protection. iPads are on the expensive side of the tablet market, and simply thinking of scratching, bumping, or damaging the screen or structure makes my heart cry and my pockets hurt.
In order to avoid that, you definitely need a screen protector, and if you’re an artist, you need one that doesn’t affect the Apple Pencil sensitivity and that has some grip to it so your stylus won’t slide on the screen like jelly. Also, your iPad won’t have the same ports and features as a desktop computer or laptop, so you’re probably going to need a hub of any kind to connect your peripherals, especially if you plan on using external monitors, SSD Drives, SD cards, etc. Lastly, there are many interesting other accessories that can help you build an aesthetic setup or make your life easier and get the most out of your iPad.
The magnetic cover quality is excellent and allows you to use your iPad in landscape and portrait mode while still keeping it protected on all sides, it has a magnetic protective clasp to keep your Apple Pencil secure and attached to your iPad, and the price is just fantastic. It’s not designed for extreme use, and it doesn’t protect all the borders of your iPad, but it does the job. Best iPad Cover/Case With Multiple Viewing Angles — ZUGU Slim Protective Case Finally, we have the ZUGU Case, which protects your iPad’s borders, offers multiple viewing angles, and is also great for multiple drawing positions, it has a pocket for the Apple Pencil in the back, so it won’t get lost in your bag and has pretty strong magnets that will keep your iPad on the same position and its military drop certified. Many will tell you that the best cover that exists for the iPad is the Apple Smart Folio, but they’re wrong!
Especially if you’re an artist or a student that needs to carry their iPad around, the amount of times my iPad has slipped from the cover due to the pressure I apply while drawing and when I tipped it in the wrong direction made me stop using the folio almost as soon as I got it. It also doesn’t offer any other layer of protection to the sides, so if you bump your iPad too hard, it’s going to get scratched. And if, by any chance, you carry your iPad on your arm and bump into a person accidentally, your Apple Pencil will slide, fall, scratch, and even lose the tip. Nothing can boost your productivity more than a keyboard, especially if you write, blog, create content or use your iPad as a small workstation.
The Logitech Combo Touch is the perfect combination that will give your iPad protection, versatility, and portability. This keyboard cover is pretty light, detachable, and has an adjustable kickstand to use your iPad from multiple viewing angles.
It has backlit keys and connects through Apple’s Smart Connector in the back for instant power and pairing.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is an interesting alternative for those who love Apple’s instant pairing and premium products but don’t want something heavy and bulky.
The keys won’t be to everybody’s liking, but they are soft and easy to use, and there is a special version for the iPad mini. It deteriorates easily and doesn’t offer protection to the iPad’s borders or the Apple Pencil
This is the ultimate keyboard for any iPad, with the best compatibility and aesthetics and its greatest addition, the charging port on the side of the hinge. It also feels a bit thick and heavy, and it doesn’t offer any level of protection to the sides or to the Apple Pencil.
It’s not a premium product, the keys are not that nice, and taking the Apple Pencil out of the cover is a bit of a hassle. The AOIKTYE Keyboard is a great addition for digital artists and designers that use procreate or any app with customizable shortcuts.
It gives you space to work on a wider canvas since your hand won’t be touching the screen that much, it improves dramatically your workflow, it connects via Bluetooth, it has +20 shortcut functions, and it comes in three colors. This upgraded design is an excellent keyboard to improve your drawing efficiency since it has more than 30 shortcut key functions.
It’s compatible with multiple devices, and although it is a bit larger than the AOIKTYE keyboard, more experienced artists might find an advantage in that. This is not a small and portable keyboard, but if you come from a bigger digital art setup, you might still be used to the traditional shortcuts and key combinations.
This keyboard is the perfect solution since it’s not expensive at all, it comes in various nice-looking colors, and you can connect it with up to three devices, switching quickly with the press of a button.
The iPad screen is generally quite durable and can withstand everyday use and handling.
Besides that, if you’re an artist, you for sure know that the iPad glass screen is not the best drawing and painting surface. The Apple Pencil slides easily through the glass screen, making it difficult to achieve the desired level of control and precision.
The presence of fingerprints and smudges on the screen can also affect the drawing experience, as they can make the surface feel slippery and obscure the view of the artwork. To address these issues, some people have turned to screen protectors like Paperlike, which claims to provide a more paper-like drawing surface.
They hold very well, are easy to install, the texture doesn’t affect the screen quality, and they are super cheap! The Apple Pencil’s sensitivity and responsiveness suffer with thick screen protectors made of ceramic and glass.
The Bersem screen protector is textured and offers enough friction to comfortably draw on without sanding down your Apple Pencil tips. As soon as the iPad Pro launched, Paperlike came into the market with their paper-feel screen protectors that promised an authentic drawing experience.
They managed to lure many artists and creatives since there weren’t really that many options; however, after some disastrous reviews where it was revealed how Paperlike destroyed the Apple Pencil tips and scratched easily, the hype died down. After the disaster that caused its reputation to go down the drain, Paperlike reinvented its product, making it much better than the previous version. Whether it’s the first or second generation, the Apple Pencil has the best compatibility, pressure sensitivity, and responsiveness of all the “iPad Styluses” in the market. The Apple Pencil is relatively thin and somewhat slippery, so if you’re used to the Wacom and Huion thick pens, you’ll probably miss the friction and ergonomics. Some of us have gone through the horrible experience of leaving our Apple Pencil unattended and then finding it all chewed up by our pets or losing it entirely on the couch or bed, only to send it flying when looking for it. Get some accessories for your Apple Pencil that will keep it safe and make the overall drawing experience more enjoyable for you.
If you’re a fan of the thicker Wacom Pens and love a reliable full cover for your Apple Pencil, this is for you. The MoKo holder case is very thick and solid, protects your Apple Pencil entirely, and is retractable.
The major downside is that you need to take the Apple Pencil out of the case in order to charge it; however, the ergonomics of a thicker stylus reduce hand cramps and make it all worth it. The Slim iPencil Grip is perfect for the 2nd generation Apple Pencil because it doesn’t obstruct the double tap function, is compatible with magnetic charge, and is still thick and comfortable in our hands. Although we labeled it as a grip for the 1st gen Apple Pencil, it obviously also fits the second-gen, so if you’re one of those artists who like to deactivate the double tap function and like a thick uniform grip, then this product is perfect for you. There is no better stylus for the iPad than the Apple Pencil, however if I had to recommend you any less expensive stylus, this would be the first choice: The ZAGG Neo Pro Stylus is not an Apple Pencil, yet it does support tilt sensitivity, offers palm rejection, and is supported through most digital art apps plus notes apps and native apple software.
This stylus is on the expensive side, however, is proved to be one of the best alternatives for the Apple Pencil in regards to writing, note-taking, and even drawing. It doesn’t need to charge long periods of time in order to work, pairs automatically, and has a very ergonomic shape. It also offers palm rejection and tilt sensitivity and has a simple yet nice design. You can get back pain if you’re sitting for long periods of time while drawing on the iPad. This is especially true if you’re not sitting in an ergonomically correct position or if you’re using a chair that doesn’t provide proper support. To help mitigate these issues, taking breaks and stretching regularly while drawing on the iPad is important as trying to maintain good posture and an ergonomically correct workspace.
It may also be helpful to invest in a stand or case that allows you to adjust the angle of the iPad, which leads us to recommend you the following accessories: The Sketchboard Pro is designed to be comfortable enough to draw for hours and give your wrist and arm a surface to rest on and more real state for gestural drawing or traces that requires you to use your whole arm.
This stand will also be the best companion for those who are transitioning from big bulky digital tablets to iPads since it offers the same levels of comfort and ergonomics. The Darkboard is a product designed for those who love to draw on the bed, the couch, the floor, etc. It provides you with an extra level of comfort; it’s incredibly light and soft to the touch. It’s quite sturdy and although it doesn’t offer arm and wrist support, it is not as expensive as the two previous options.
The last option on our list is not a tablet stand for drawing but for more ergonomic writing and viewing experience, especially for those who plan on using their iPads as a second monitor for video calling or content creation. This stand is quite solid, it won’t let your iPad tip or fall, and it has multiple viewing angles as well.
It uses a USB-C connector which will make the transfer easier, especially with the latest iPad Pro and also includes and USB-A adaptor. If you’re also a content creator who wants to use your iPad as a small workstation but has the limitation most of us have (only one port), then this is for you.
We all know that in order to get the most out of our work, we need multiple ports to stay connected to our storage units, to see the photos in our cameras, and sometimes to have an extra monitor and visualize our work better so the best HUB has to have all the right ports and connectors and be more than an accessory. This base hub is also an iPad stand, which will allow you to stay connected and work on your desk while keeping it all organized.
HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, SD Card Reader & Earphone Jack Although it is on the expensive side, it’s compatible with multiple devices like a MacBook air and desktop computers and has everything you would need as a content creator and artist. HDMI, VGA, USB-C, USB-A, SD Card Reader & LAN However, with all the movement and things we usually carry around (especially is you’re a student or a traveler), nothing guarantees you your iPad and your accessories will be safe and won’t get lost or damaged. Here we present you two options, very minimalistic choices to carry your iPad and some of your accessories in the same place while keeping it all safe and organized. This iPad sleeve is relatively thin and will fit in any bag, it has enough padding to keep your iPad or tablets safe from bumps and crashes, and it has a single pocket with enough compartments to keep your charger, apple pencils, and other accessories in hand.
This sleeve is not as slim as the previous one, which makes it perfect to use as a bag as well, it has a bit more storage space and extra padding. It’s made with high-quality materials and an extendable pocket to store and carry your accessories. This last section is for all digital artists, but especially for those whose hands keep getting stuck on the screen or who hate the fingerprint marks on their iPads. We’ve selected two very affordable options since, like most clothing items, you’ll probably need to replace them after a period of time, and it’s not worth spending $30 on a single-hand glove. Yes, most gloves can fit everybody, but some people have really big or small hands, and this brand gives you three options and two colors to choose from. Whether you are a professional artist looking to take your work to the next level, or a hobbyist looking to explore new creative avenues, the iPad offers a wide range of accessories that can enhance your experience and help you achieve your goals. From styluses and pens that allow for precise drawing and writing to stands and keyboards that provide a comfortable and ergonomic workspace, there is an accessory out there for every artist’s needs.
The 21 Best iPad Accessories (2023): Cases, Keyboards, Chargers, and Hubs
You can stick it into your iPad’s USB-C port and have it sit flush and firm with the edge or swap to a flappy, short cable. That means access to an external SSD, along with two USB-A jacks, one 100-watt USB-C pass-through charging port, and a 4K HDMI at the same time. This simple, aluminum USB-C to Ethernet dongle delivered around 700 Mbps download speeds on the iPad Pro in my home, which is what my desktop PC usually hits.
The Ultimate List Of Best iPad Drawing Accessories For 2024
So, you’ve just bought a brand new iPad and are ready to begin your journey as a digital artist. The only problem is, that finding the best drawing accessories for iPad can be a bit overwhelming.
I’ve also divided this list into different categories to help you browse through this ultimate iPad drawing accessories more easily. Not to mention, for a digital artist, having a stylus for your iPad is an absolute necessity.
For that reason, I’ve included the 1st Gen Apple Pencil which is another great stylus for your iPad. But that wouldn’t affect your drawing experience at all as its touch controls are very precise.
Just like the Apple Pencil, it seamlessly connects with your iPad and doesn’t require any setup. The stylus itself is sturdy, precise, and responsive, and has a great battery life of over 7.5 hours. The best part is that it’s half the price of the Apple Pencil making it perfect for anyone who’s on a tight budget. It has a pressure-sensitive fine tip which gives a natural drawing experience. The Bamboo Sketch stylus also comes with customizable pen tips and a convenient carrying case. A screen protector is an essential accessory for an iPad regardless of whether you’re using it for drawing or media consumption.
Overall, I feel this is the best screen protector for iPads especially if you’re a digital artist who’ll be using a stylus regularly and need a smooth drawing experience. That’s because gloves help you draw for longer hours and prevent your hands from getting sweaty. Another advantage of using artist gloves is that it reduces the friction between your palms and the iPad screen making it easy to move your hands over while drawing. So, if you have a few extra bucks to spend, gloves for iPads are a good-to-have accessory that will enhance your drawing experience.
It has an anti-fouling design that prevents any scratches or smudges on your iPad screen. It’s the best bang for the buck and can be a perfect addition to your iPad drawing accessories. It’s made with premium heavy steel which means it’s very sturdy and doesn’t move when you’re drawing on your iPad. Although the stand is very strong and sturdy, it weighs only 0.8 lb making it ideal for travel.
There are anti-slip pads attached to the bottom of the stand to avoid unnecessary skidding while drawing. They not only protect your iPad from dust and scratches but also make them easier to carry around. It attaches magnetically to your iPad and is highly adjustable giving you multiple viewing angles. The Apple Magic Keyboard also comes with a trackpad giving you the ability to have a mouse pointer on your iPad.
Moreover, the Apple Magic Keyboard also has a USB-C port for charging and backlit keys. Best Case for iPad Apple Smart Folio If having a keyboard is not important to you, then you can consider the Apple Smart Folio which is a case that can fold into different positions giving you multiple drawing angles. In this sleeve, you can store your iPad, Apple Pencil, chargers, cards, and more. It has both USB-C and micro USB input making it ideal for both your iPad and smartphone.
Well, having Apple AirPods can be helpful to listen to music, podcasts, or whatever you like while working. It’s also compatible with Apple’s iPad sleeve and you can charge your Pencil without removing the grip.
It’s basically a mobile version of Adobe Illustrator with all the features you’ll need for creating vector graphics and art. Notion is more like a productivity app where you can add tasks, manage projects, track habits, and do a lot more.
You can also mirror your iPad apps to your laptop/desktop to enjoy a bigger display while drawing. It has thousands of brushes and different advanced features perfect for artists, illustrators, animators, etc. Before I conclude this guide, I also wanted to share some learning resources that will help you get started in your journey as an artist using the iPad. When I was starting out, these resources helped me a lot to learn how to use different apps for drawing on iPad.
Art Made Easy: Draw and Paint with the iPad Pro (Course) This course on SkillShare is a great starting point for anyone wanting to draw on the iPad.
If you’re a complete beginner, this course will provide massive value to you as you’ll learn the fundamentals of drawing. You can learn Procreate yourself but watching a course can speed up that process and help you get started with drawing much faster. I love Haze Long’s YouTube channel as she shares helpful tutorials and guides on digital drawing. Her work is marvelous and I highly recommend her content as you’ll learn a lot from it.
This is another YouTube channel I watch regularly because the tutorials are very helpful and you get to learn a lot from them. Bardot Brush is also a great YouTube channel for beginners who are learning digital art and drawing. The tutorials shared on this channel are very simple and easy to follow making them perfect for beginners.
Add and edit drawings in Pages on iPad
Tap the selection tool, then drag around the part of the drawing you want to separate.
iPad Pro vs graphic tablet for drawing? Which one is better for artists?
People entering the world of digital art for the first time often ask if they should first invest in a drawing tablet or an iPad Pro. Both pen tablets and iPads allow for a natural drawing experience thanks to accurate style and vivid screens with little delay. iPads provide everyday functionality, enabling you to handle daily tasks with their robust hardware.
If you are a technology novice or simply desire a device that is uncomplicated to configure with a myriad of features, an iPad is an excellent option.
A combination of high responsiveness, adequate pressure sensitivity, and accurate colors makes drawing tablets worthy alternatives to the physical canvas, paintbrush, and paint. Having an iPad offers notable advantages, one of which is its ability to operate independently without needing a connection to a computer. It can conveniently be placed in a backpack, allowing you to venture to a park or café and continue sketching while savoring your preferred coffee. The iPad also offers impressive battery life, providing several hours of drawing time without the need for charging, making it an ideal, lightweight, portable digital sketchbook. A drawing tablet requires a connection to another device, like a desktop or laptop, implying it cannot operate independently. Drawing monitor models, such as the XPPen Artist series, necessitate a connection to a computer to reflect the display as they are merely screens, devoid of processing power or battery.
Your iPad Pro isn’t limited to just drawing; it’s also a versatile all-in-one device, allowing you to engage in a variety of activities beyond art creation, such as browsing the internet, gaming, and watching movies, among others. It proves to be handy in numerous other life situations, like managing emails, posting pictures on social media, editing videos, and much more!
While drawing tablets excel at producing artwork, they fall short when it comes to serving general purposes. Drawing tablets offer a diverse range of sizes, extending up to 32 inches, providing you with a plethora of options. The advantage of employing a large drawing tablet lies in the capability to craft with enhanced detail. Concurrently, the drawing tablet from XP-Pen boasts an impressive 16K level of sensitivity, and some artists have adapted to this standard and will accept nothing below it.
There isn’t much difference between the first- and second-generation Apple Pencil when it comes to sensitivity (the latter only works on the iPad Pro lineup). The average professional drawing tablet can be paired with a Windows PC or a Mac to run high-end graphics software for anything from architecture to fashion design to animation.
The majority of professional drawing tablets, regardless of their size or cost, are equipped with a range of programmable features that users can tailor to execute various functions. Non-display drawing tablets offer highly affordable basic models, ideal for newcomers or seasoned artists in search of a cost-effective alternative. iPad Pro for sketching and drawing on the go and the big XP-Pen screen tablet and my PC for professional work. Spending my days at a desk means I prefer to distance myself from one as much as possible once I’m home, often opting to casually draw on my iPad while in bed or on the sofa.
The pressure sensitivity is impeccable, capturing my lightest strokes and promoting proper posture, essential for extended drawing sessions. You will likely experience noticeable latency issues while using your iPad as a drawing pad connected to your Windows PC or Mac with these five options.
It is finely tuned for drawing with the Apple Pencil, allowing customization of the iPad’s touch gestures to access various tools and shortcuts in Windows/Mac applications. This device, available in USB-C or Mini DisplayPort, connects to the user’s computer port (compatible with Windows and Mac) and relays information to a specialized iPad app, Luna Display.
Luna converts the iPad into a touch-enabled secondary display, either wired or wireless, that is highly compatible with the Apple Pencil. With the introduction of Catalina on Mac and iPadOS on the tablet, Apple now provides built-in secondary display capabilities through Sidecar, although it is limited to recent hardware models.
When utilizing Sidecar, the Apple Pencil acts as an alternative to a mouse for various on-screen controls, serving as a creative tool for art creation, photo editing, and more, combining the interactivity of the Apple Pencil with the power of the Mac. Easy & Light’s solution offers extended display capabilities, suitable for dual, triple, or higher monitor setups.
It fully accommodates “Palm Rejection,” “Pen Pressure,” and “Tilt” of the Apple Pencil, and a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth screen and stylus movement. Ultimately, the choice between convenience and screen real estate is subjective, with no right or wrong answer— you should choose what aligns best with your needs and preferences.
Is the Apple Pencil Really Worth Buying?
Since its first release in 2015, Apple’s high-tech, low-profile input device has changed the way iPad users interact with their favorite apps. In this guide, we’ll help you cover the basics of the Apple Pencil and whether it’s worth buying for your specific needs. In short, the Apple Pencil is a touch-sensitive, precision selection tool that functions as a replacement for tapping the screen when used with a compatible iPad.
Some users even prefer to buy female port adapters for the lightning connector — like this one on Amazon — to avoid charging the Apple Pencil via the iPad.
#alt#Architect Luis Furushio’s desk set up including two iPads, an Apple Pencil, glasses, and a cup of coffee. Hands and fingers are great for a lot of things, but they’re clumsy and awkward when compared to the precision that we get from using specialized tools.
Combined with the Apple Pencil, drawing and writing on your iPad feels just like working in a sketchbook or physical notebook. Teardowns of Apple Pencil units have shown that the device isn’t capacitive — meaning that it doesn’t conduct a charge through the screen like your finger does when you touch the iPad. That’s a major difference between what you’ll see in third party styluses for Android and iPad devices, which may only provide limited pressure sensitivity — if they even offer it at all.
Because the tip of the Apple Pencil understands how hard or soft you press against the screen, it’s possible for iPad users to create everything from handwritten text to incredible digital artwork, like lettering and calligraphy, without any other specialized tool. With creative apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco (comparison here), artists can adjust the size, texture, and consistency of the brushes and erasers they use to paint and draw. Notetakers using GoodNotes 5 or Notability (comparison here) can emphasize key points in their notes by pressing down harder while using the fountain pen tool.
#alt#Image of an iPad with a design that says, “Forever Bettering My Lettering” with a hand holding an Apple Pencil over it. #alt#Image of an iPad with a drawing of snails wearing sunglasses in a car, with a hand holding an Apple Pencil over it. The Apple Pencil gives artists almost everything they need to sketch, draw, and colorize artwork on their touchscreen device.
This is because the Apple iPad supports technologies like palm rejection and pressure sensitivity, both of which are fundamental to most digital artists.
Combine that with an active imagination and a few powerful artistic apps like Procreate, Affinity Photo, or Photoshop for iPad and you’ve got everything you need to start creating amazing digital art. You can even grab a Screen Protector by Paperlike to make the surface of the iPad feel like real paper.
This combination of hardware and software makes your Apple devices powerful enough to compete with dedicated drawing tools like the Wacom Cintiq. The iPad apps, combined with features built into the iPadOS software, save Apple users from a hefty investment into specialized hardware.
That’s especially true when you use the macOS Sidecar feature or an app like Astropad Studio (for increased low latency performance) to transform your iPad into a graphics tablet for your Macbook while still using the Apple Pencil as your primary stylus. Keeping professional artists out of unnecessary investments and allowing hobbyists to improve their craft by utilizing technology that they already own makes the Apple Pencil a worthwhile purchase for millions of iPad users.
It can help young students explore their creative side, stay organized, and learn using interactive tools. For high school and college students, leveraging the iPad with notetaking apps like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote (comparison here!)
Accessories like our own Paperlike for iPad can improve this experience further by helping students take neater and more precise notes. A great example of an app packing this tech is Froggipedia, which allows students to use the Apple Pencil as a scalpel to digitally dissect and explore the inner workings of frog anatomy all through the view of the high-resolution retina display.
Taking a step in the opposite direction, apps like Showbie help teachers run a paperless classroom while the Apple Pencil allows them to mark up homework and grade quizzes without leafing through endless stacks of paper. Thanks to creative app developers and their initiatives in education, the Apple Pencil is worth buying for teachers and students who want the best tools possible for an efficient and immersive classroom experience. Beginning pianists and professional musicians alike love the iPad for its ability to store sheet music and connect with modern electronic instruments like keyboards and guitars. Any musician will tell you that writing the fingerings for a tricky chord or highlighting a change in time signature is a major help when committing those details to memory.
The Apple Pencil works in conjunction with sheet music apps like forScore to make annotations simple, easy, and convenient. With the Apple Pencil, you’ll simply add your notations to an empty page and StaffPad’s handwriting recognition will transform your marks to a professional-looking musical score.
For maximum flexibility, a Paperlike can make this process even better by replacing the slick, glassy surface of the iPad with something that feels like real paper so that your strokes stay quick and precise. Used for notetaking (especially with an Apple Pencil and a Paperlike to round out the experience), the iPad can serve as a middle ground where notes can be made without obstructing the user’s line of sight. Plus, the iPad’s lighter weight and enhanced mobility, coupled with the ability to connect to large monitors and display devices, make it an ideal candidate as a meeting presentation tool. Suddenly it’s easy to mark up, redesign, and digitally sign PDF documents on the fly, whether you’re meeting with business partners, negotiating with clients, or trying to get a little more work done while lounging in your favorite recliner at home.
One of our Paperlike artists, Guillaume Wiatr, uses the Apple Pencil and iPad Pro to help business leaders better understand how to refine their messaging through a process known as “graphic facilitation.” Outside of singular use cases where your favorite apps have really taken advantage of the technology, it’s impossible to say whether or not the Apple Pencil would be a great fit for you.
However, users across various forums have complained that the battery on the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) dies more quickly than the previous model.
This downside is largely offset by the fact that the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) is designed to adhere to the side of the iPad and charge magnetically.
You’ll find several aftermarket options, but we’re partial to our own Paperlike Pencil Grips, which are designed for maximum comfort and precision while writing and drawing. Take care with 3rd party options, however, as they may be made of different materials and could potentially damage your devices.
You can find a ton of variety on Amazon and through tech accessory shops, but make sure that what you pick up won’t damage your device or stop it from charging properly. In our view, the Apple Pencil turns the iPad from a luxury multimedia device into a robust productivity and learning tool.
Whether you’ve got an Apple Pencil, a Logitech Crayon, or any other compatible iPad stylus, you can make your iPad screen feel like real paper with a Screen Protector by Paperlike and improve your writing and drawing experience with a set of Paperlike’s Pencil Grips.
Best iPads for Drawing of 2023
The iPad Mini’s smaller screen (8 inches diagonally) means it’s not as well suited to larger drawings, but its compact size makes it perfect for travel and use on the go. If you want a tablet that is super responsive and can perform detailed editing tasks quickly, get an M2-based model and as much RAM as you can afford. Battery life and charging options: All the latest-generation iPads have the same battery-life rating from Apple at 10 hours.
The newer M1 and M2 processors are incredibly efficient, but their added power means that sustained high load will drain your battery faster than sporadic, lightweight tasks on older iPad designs.
That may not be much of an issue if you have older iPhones with Lightning connectors and have lots of handy chargers, but if you’re trying to move all your devices to USB-C, it won’t do.
The best iPad accessories for digital artists
Step up your digital art game by snagging our personal favorite iPad accessories geared toward artists. With outstanding art apps like Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer available for iPadOS, many artists supplement their workflows with the iPad. Instead, these products are designed to take your Apple hardware to the next level by making drawing, painting, and modeling easier. If you’re the kind of artist that spends hours every day drawing on the iPad, you probably already know that it can be a pain in the neck — and the back, arms, etc. All you’ll need to do is press your iPad into the rubber recess, and it will securely fit in, with the screen sitting flush with the rest of the Sketchboard Pro. On the back of the Sketchboard Pro are four legs that can be popped out, tilting it up 20 degrees, giving it a familiar drawing desk feel.
Procreate is so quick and easy to use, but we wind up with tired arms after drawing and navigating the UI with our dominant hand. It features more than 20 shortcuts, ranging from toggling on and off the full-screen mode, accessing and hiding the layers panel, increasing and decreasing the brush size, undo and redo, and more.
The best iPad accessories in December 2023
For instance, an iPad keyboard transforms it into a brilliant, lightweight hybrid laptop, a good stylus makes it a bona fide notepad or canvas, and cases and covers help to protect the device. We’ve tested a lot of different iPad accessories, judging them based on performance, quality, brand trustworthiness, and value, and below you’ll find a list featuring the best of the best from our experiences, as well as customer reviews. Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.
Adding a keyboard to your iPad gives your tablet an extra dimension, turning it into a real alternative to a laptop and meaning you can truly work on the move.
Getting an iPad stand makes your tablet more versatile, and the best ones allow you to use it in both portrait or landscape orientation. Twelve South HoverBar Duo View at Amazon The best iPad stand + Highly adjustable
– Not ideal for drawing Twelve South’s HoverBar Duo can hold your tablet in portrait or landscape at a range of different angles and heights thanks to its highly adjustable holder, making it very versatile. It’s unusual-looking, but it’s surprisingly strong and the rubber feet hold the unit in place.
– Small This stand from AmazonBasics is a great value product that’ll support anything up to a 10-inch tablet (with a maximum weight of 4.9kg), has multiple viewing angles and a removable rubber pad so it won’t scratch your iPad.
If you’re using your iPad as a drawing tablet, and why wouldn’t you, because it works extremely well with the Apple Pencil and apps like Procreate, then you’ll probably notice that the surface doesn’t feel exactly like paper. Created to give the feel of paper under your stylus, the Paperlike screen protector’s surface is filled with tiny microbeads that give the perfect amount of or bite: enough to feel what you’re doing, but enough to damage the Apple Pencil’s tip. Using tempered glass construction it filters out a lot of blue light, making it easier and more comfortable to use your iPad at all times of day without ruining your sleep.
Investing in the Apple Pencil or an alternative stylus is also a great addition to your tablet as it opens up a wide array of creative opportunities and makes note taking super easy. A good case and screen protector are also great investments as they will ensure your device is safe from any costly damage. In short, you don’t need accessories to get started on your iPad – but it’s definitely not a bad idea to check out your options.
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