Best Apps to Design on iPad: A Comprehensive Guide

Designing on an iPad has become increasingly popular due to its portability and the advancement of app technology. With a plethora of design apps available, choosing the best one can be challenging. This guide will explore the top design apps for iPad, highlighting their features, strengths, and use cases. Whether you're a graphic designer, illustrator, or simply someone who enjoys creating digital art, these apps offer a range of tools to help you bring your creative visions to life.

1. Procreate
Procreate is a highly acclaimed app that has become a favorite among artists and designers. Its intuitive interface, powerful tools, and extensive brush library make it an excellent choice for digital painting and illustration.

• Features:

  • Customizable Brushes: Over 200 brushes and the ability to create custom brushes.
  • Layer System: Supports multiple layers with various blending modes.
  • High Resolution: Ability to create artwork at high resolutions up to 16k by 4k.
  • Animation: Basic animation tools to create simple animations and motion graphics.

• Strengths:

  • User-friendly and responsive.
  • Regular updates with new features and improvements.
  • Strong community and support.

2. Adobe Illustrator for iPad
Adobe Illustrator is a professional-grade vector graphics editor that is now available on iPad. It brings the power of Illustrator to a portable device, making it an excellent tool for graphic designers and illustrators.

• Features:

  • Vector Editing: Precision vector tools for creating scalable graphics.
  • Integration: Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Artboards: Multiple artboards to work on different designs simultaneously.
  • Cloud Storage: Access and sync projects across devices.

• Strengths:

  • Professional-grade tools and features.
  • High level of precision for detailed designs.
  • Integration with Adobe ecosystem.

3. Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a robust alternative to Adobe Illustrator, offering a range of vector and raster design tools. It's known for its smooth performance and versatility, making it suitable for various design tasks.

• Features:

  • Vector and Raster Tools: A combination of vector and raster tools for versatile design work.
  • Precision: Advanced snapping and alignment tools for accurate designs.
  • Export Options: Multiple export formats and options for different uses.
  • No Subscription: One-time purchase with no subscription fee.

• Strengths:

  • Affordable price for the value offered.
  • Powerful features for both vector and raster design.
  • No recurring costs.

4. Sketchbook
Autodesk's Sketchbook is a popular choice for digital sketching and drawing. It's known for its natural drawing experience and extensive brush options.

• Features:

  • Brush Library: Wide variety of brushes and customization options.
  • Natural Drawing Experience: Smooth and responsive drawing tools.
  • Layer Support: Ability to work with multiple layers and blending modes.
  • Perspective Tools: Tools to create accurate perspective drawings.

• Strengths:

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
  • Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
  • Free version available with essential features.

5. Concepts
Concepts is a flexible sketching app that allows designers to create everything from quick sketches to detailed designs. It’s known for its infinite canvas and precision tools.

• Features:

  • Infinite Canvas: Ability to work on an unlimited canvas for expansive designs.
  • Precision Tools: Advanced tools for accurate sketching and design.
  • Layer System: Multiple layers with various blending options.
  • Vector-based: Scalable vector-based drawing tools.

• Strengths:

  • Great for brainstorming and concept development.
  • Flexible and versatile for different design needs.
  • High precision and control.

6. ArtRage
ArtRage is designed to mimic traditional art tools, offering a more tactile experience for digital painting. It’s perfect for artists who enjoy a more traditional approach to digital art.

• Features:

  • Realistic Brushes: Brushes that simulate traditional art media like oil paints and watercolors.
  • Texture: Canvas and paint texture tools for a realistic feel.
  • Layer Options: Basic layer tools with blending modes.
  • Customizable Tools: Ability to adjust and customize brushes and tools.

• Strengths:

  • Great for artists who prefer a traditional painting experience.
  • Realistic media simulation.
  • Easy to use and intuitive.

7. Graphic
Graphic is a vector design app that offers a range of tools for creating detailed graphics and illustrations. It’s known for its precision and flexibility.

• Features:

  • Vector Tools: Comprehensive vector editing tools for precise designs.
  • Layer Management: Advanced layer management with blending modes and opacity adjustments.
  • Typography: Tools for advanced typography and text manipulation.
  • Import/Export: Various import and export options for different file formats.

• Strengths:

  • Detailed vector editing capabilities.
  • Suitable for professional design work.
  • Robust feature set for advanced users.

8. Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches is a straightforward and user-friendly sketching app that offers a variety of brushes and drawing tools. It’s ideal for quick sketches and casual drawing.

• Features:

  • Brush Variety: Range of brushes and drawing tools.
  • Simple Interface: Easy-to-navigate interface suitable for quick sketches.
  • Layer Support: Basic layer options with blending modes.
  • Color Palettes: Customizable color palettes for easier color selection.

• Strengths:

  • Simple and intuitive for quick sketching.
  • Suitable for casual and hobbyist artists.
  • Affordable with a free version available.

9. MediBang Paint
MediBang Paint is a free app that offers a range of tools for creating manga and illustrations. It’s popular among manga artists and illustrators for its specialized features.

• Features:

  • Manga Tools: Tools and templates specifically for manga creation.
  • Cloud Integration: Save and sync projects across devices.
  • Brush Customization: Customizable brushes and drawing tools.
  • Community: Access to a community of artists for inspiration and sharing.

• Strengths:

  • Specialized tools for manga artists.
  • Free with a robust set of features.
  • Strong community support.

10. Assembly
Assembly is a vector graphic design app that focuses on creating graphic designs using shapes and symbols. It’s known for its ease of use and quick design capabilities.

• Features:

  • Shape-Based Design: Create designs using a library of shapes and symbols.
  • Vector Editing: Precision vector tools for clean designs.
  • Layer System: Basic layer management with blending modes.
  • Templates: Various templates for quick design creation.

• Strengths:

  • Quick and easy design process.
  • Suitable for creating graphic designs and layouts.
  • User-friendly with a focus on simplicity.

In conclusion, the iPad offers a wide range of design apps that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a powerful vector editor, a natural drawing experience, or a simple sketching tool, there's an app for you. Experiment with these options to find the one that best fits your design style and workflow.