Looking for the best drawing apps for iPad? Check out our top picks, including Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Autodesk SketchBook, to enhance your artistic skills and creativity.Digital drawing on iPad requires the use of functional apps that are not too complicated to use. Here is a list of the best ones.
From a simple device for enjoying content, the iPad has transformed into a perfect tool to bring out your artistic skills. All thanks to its ultra-intuitive touch interface, the presence of well-made accessories, such as Apple Pencil, and a wide range of apps dedicated to creativity. In this in-depth analysis, we want to focus on the latter by listing some of the best apps for drawing on iPad . Whether you are a professional illustrator or a beginner who is approaching the world of digital art, you should know, in fact, that there are numerous applications that can help you express your artistic potential. Each of these apps offers unique tools and features, ranging from detailed illustrations to the creation of quick sketches.
As you may notice, some are free or semi-free, others are paid. Of course, deciding which (or, eventually, which) apps to download and/or buy is up to you. In any case, once you have identified the ones that are right for you, download them from the Apple App Store and try them on your iPad to test them out for yourself.
Procreate (paid)
Procreate is one of the most powerful and popular apps in the world of digital drawing on the iPad and, not surprisingly, it is also used by professional illustrators. It offers a vast and varied set of tools, which includes customizable brushes, advanced blending modes and complete support for Apple Pencil. Ideal for both professionals and beginners, Procreate allows you to work on very high definition canvases, also allowing video recording of each step of the creation (to be published, if necessary, on social media in the form of a time lapse). It also includes ad hoc functions for creating real animations. Although it is a paid app, the cost of 9.99 euros is justified by the complete features it provides, making it a real must-have for illustrators and designers who love creating digital works on their iPad.
Adobe Fresco (freemium)
Adobe Fresco combines the power of Photoshop with an intuitive and accessible interface, designed for digital drawing. The app offers a wide range of brushes, including pixel and vector brushes, which allow users to create complex works or quick sketches. The free version includes the essential features for creating digital drawings but, for those who want to unlock additional tools and advanced options, a Premium version is available starting at 10.99 euros per month . Fresco stands out for its perfect integration with the rest of the Adobe ecosystem, offering a complete solution for those who also work on Photoshop or Illustrator.
Paper (freemium)
Another app that deserves a mention is Paper . It is a simple and versatile solution, which has fewer tools than apps designed for professionals (such as the aforementioned Procreate) and which, therefore, may be more suitable for beginners in digital painting. With a series of realistic drawing tools, which respond based on the pressure and tilt of the Apple Pencil, Paper simulates the experience of drawing on paper very well. The app is free for basic use, but access to advanced features and tools requires in-app purchases, starting at 6.99 euros .
Tayasui Sketches (freemium)
Tayasui Sketches is an application that has become famous for its elegant, minimal and easy-to-use interface, which provides realistic tools such as pencils, brushes, watercolors and tempera. This app is suitable for both those who like to experiment with different artistic techniques and those who prefer a tidy and intuitive work environment. It is without a doubt an excellent choice for those who want a pleasant and well-designed drawing experience. Although the app can be downloaded for free, many of its more advanced features are only accessible in its Pro version, which costs 8.99 euros .
Sketchbook (freemium)
Sketchbook is an app developed by Autodesk and is a great semi-free solution for anyone who wants to try their hand at drawing on the iPad. Designed for both quick sketches and detailed artwork, the app offers a wide selection of brushes, layers and editing tools. It supports the use of Apple Pencil, making drawing fluid and precise. Its interface is designed not to distract the user from the creative process, putting all the tools at hand without overloading the screen. Access to all the advanced tools requires the purchase of the Premium package, which costs 2.99 euros .