Best Graphic Design Apps for iPad Pro

When it comes to graphic design, the iPad Pro has become a powerful tool for both amateur and professional designers. With its high-resolution display, robust processing power, and the versatility of the Apple Pencil, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional design setups. This article will delve into the best graphic design apps available for the iPad Pro, highlighting their features, strengths, and use cases.

1. Procreate

Procreate is widely regarded as one of the best drawing and painting apps available on the iPad. Its user-friendly interface and extensive range of brushes and tools make it ideal for creating intricate digital illustrations. Key features include:

• Intuitive Brush System: With over 200 brushes and the ability to create custom ones, Procreate offers a high degree of flexibility for artists.
• High-Resolution Canvases: Supports canvases up to 16k by 4k, which is ideal for large-scale prints.
• Layering and Masking: Provides advanced layering options and masking techniques for complex designs.
• Time-Lapse Recording: Automatically records your design process, allowing you to review and share your work’s evolution.

2. Adobe Fresco

Adobe Fresco is tailored for those who use a mix of raster and vector graphics. Its brush engine simulates real-world media with incredible detail. Notable features include:

• Live Brushes: Mimic natural media like watercolor and oils, blending and mixing in realistic ways.
• Vector Brushes: Allows for smooth, scalable vector lines, ideal for logo design and clean illustrations.
• Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud, making it easier to switch between devices and software.

3. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer offers a robust suite of tools for vector and raster design. It is especially favored for its precision and performance. Highlights include:

• Vector and Raster Tools: Provides a comprehensive set of tools for both vector and raster graphic design.
• Performance: Designed to handle complex projects with a smooth workflow.
• Customizable Workspaces: Users can tailor the interface to fit their specific needs, enhancing productivity.

4. Adobe Illustrator on iPad

Adobe Illustrator on iPad brings the classic vector graphics editor to the tablet with several key features:

• Precision Tools: Retains many of the desktop version’s precision tools and features.
• Cloud Sync: Integration with Creative Cloud allows for easy access to files across devices.
• Shape Builder and Path Tools: Advanced tools for manipulating shapes and paths, essential for detailed vector work.

5. Concepts

Concepts is a flexible app designed for sketching and design. It excels in its infinite canvas and customizable tools:

• Infinite Canvas: Allows for an unbounded workspace, which is perfect for brainstorming and sketching large ideas.
• Precision Controls: Offers detailed control over brushes and shapes, making it ideal for detailed designs.
• Layered Workflow: Supports complex layering, essential for detailed and intricate designs.

6. ArtRage

ArtRage focuses on realistic painting and drawing techniques. It is particularly useful for artists who prefer a traditional media experience:

• Realistic Tools: Simulates natural media tools such as oil paints, watercolors, and more.
• Textured Canvas: Offers a textured canvas that mimics real-world materials.
• Blend Modes: Provides various blending options to achieve realistic results.

7. Vectornator

Vectornator is a powerful vector graphic design app that’s optimized for the iPad Pro:

• Advanced Vector Tools: Includes features like vector brushes, gradients, and path editing.
• Multi-Platform Support: Works across iPad, iPhone, and Mac with seamless file synchronization.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed with a modern, intuitive interface that simplifies the design process.

8. Tayasui Sketches

Tayasui Sketches is ideal for artists who focus on sketching and drawing:

• Simple Interface: Easy to use with a clean and straightforward interface.
• Realistic Brushes: Offers a range of brushes that simulate traditional drawing tools.
• Layering Options: Provides basic layering features suitable for sketches and quick designs.

9. Autodesk SketchBook

Autodesk SketchBook is known for its powerful drawing and sketching capabilities:

• Comprehensive Brush Library: Includes a vast range of brushes and tools for diverse drawing styles.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate.
• PSD File Support: Allows for compatibility with Adobe Photoshop files, which is useful for those who work across different platforms.

10. MediBang Paint

MediBang Paint is a versatile app that caters to both comic creation and general digital painting:

• Comic Creation Tools: Includes features specifically for manga and comic creation, such as panel creation and comic fonts.
• Cloud Storage: Supports cloud storage for easy access to your projects from different devices.
• Customizable Brushes: Offers a range of brushes and tools that can be customized for various styles.

Comparison Table

App Name	Key Features	Strengths	Ideal For
Procreate	Intuitive brush system, high-resolution canvases	Flexibility, large canvases	Digital illustration
Adobe Fresco	Live brushes, vector brushes	Realistic media simulation, cloud sync	Mixed media, vector design
Affinity Designer	Vector and raster tools, performance	Precision, performance	Complex projects, vector design
Adobe Illustrator	Precision tools, cloud sync	Retains desktop features, cloud access	Vector graphics
Concepts	Infinite canvas, precision controls	Unbounded workspace, detailed tools	Sketching, brainstorming
ArtRage	Realistic tools, textured canvas	Traditional media simulation	Traditional painting
Vectornator	Advanced vector tools, multi-platform support	Vector tools, seamless file sync	Vector design
Tayasui Sketches	Simple interface, realistic brushes	Ease of use, traditional drawing tools	Sketching, drawing
Autodesk SketchBook	Comprehensive brush library, PSD support	Versatility, compatibility	Drawing, sketching
MediBang Paint	Comic tools, cloud storage	Comic creation, customization	Comic creation, digital painting

In conclusion, the iPad Pro offers a diverse range of apps that cater to various graphic design needs, from detailed illustrations to vector graphics and realistic painting. The choice of app often depends on the specific requirements of the project and the preferred style of the designer. By leveraging these tools, designers can take full advantage of the iPad Pro’s capabilities to produce high-quality, professional designs.