Best Graphic Design Drawing Apps for iPad in 2024

The iPad has become a go-to device for graphic designers, offering a blend of portability and powerful features. The combination of high-resolution screens, Apple Pencil support, and a range of sophisticated apps has made it a favorite tool for creatives around the world. But with so many apps available, choosing the right one can be daunting. This article will explore some of the best graphic design drawing apps for iPad in 2024, covering their features, pricing, and suitability for different types of designers.

1. Procreate

Procreate is arguably the most popular drawing app for the iPad, and for good reason. It's a robust tool packed with features that cater to both beginners and professionals. The app supports various brush styles, layers, and blending modes, making it a versatile option for different styles of digital art.

• Features:

  • Customizable brushes
  • High-resolution canvases
  • Time-lapse recording
  • Layer system with blend modes
  • Brush stabilizers for smoother lines

• Pricing:

  • One-time purchase of $9.99

• Who It's For:

  • Procreate is ideal for illustrators, digital painters, and anyone looking for a powerful yet intuitive drawing app.

2. Adobe Fresco

Adobe Fresco is Adobe's answer to the demand for a robust drawing app on the iPad. It offers a mix of vector and raster brushes, making it a great tool for illustrators who need the flexibility of both. The app also integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, allowing for a smooth workflow.

• Features:

  • Live brushes that mimic the behavior of real paints
  • Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Vector and raster brushes
  • Layer support with blend modes
  • Cross-platform support (iPad and desktop)

• Pricing:

  • Free basic version
  • Premium version at $9.99/month or included with Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

• Who It's For:

  • Adobe Fresco is suitable for professional illustrators, especially those who are already invested in the Adobe ecosystem.

3. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphic design app that rivals Adobe Illustrator. It offers a full range of features, from vector editing to raster painting, all within a single app. Its performance is optimized for the iPad, making it a favorite among professional graphic designers.

• Features:

  • Full vector toolset
  • Advanced typography tools
  • Real-time effects
  • Unlimited layers with layer effects
  • Seamless transition between vector and raster modes

• Pricing:

  • One-time purchase of $21.99

• Who It's For:

  • Affinity Designer is perfect for graphic designers who need a powerful vector toolset on their iPad.

4. Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is a versatile drawing app that’s particularly popular among comic artists and illustrators. It offers a comprehensive set of tools, including vector layers, 3D models, and an advanced brush engine. Its feature set is comparable to desktop software, making it a favorite for professionals.

• Features:

  • Vector layers for clean lines
  • 3D model integration for accurate poses
  • Extensive brush customization
  • Time-lapse recording
  • Animation support

• Pricing:

  • Free 3-month trial
  • Monthly subscription starting at $0.99 for basic features

• Who It's For:

  • Clip Studio Paint is ideal for comic artists, illustrators, and animators who require a robust toolset.

5. ArtStudio Pro

ArtStudio Pro is a lesser-known but powerful drawing app that offers a range of features at an affordable price. It includes a vast collection of brushes, filters, and effects, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and professionals.

• Features:

  • Extensive brush library
  • Layer support with masks and blend modes
  • Advanced selection tools
  • Real-time filters and effects
  • Customizable user interface

• Pricing:

  • One-time purchase of $11.99

• Who It's For:

  • ArtStudio Pro is a great option for artists and designers who want a powerful app without a subscription model.

6. Concepts

Concepts is a unique drawing app that focuses on vector-based design with an infinite canvas. It's ideal for sketching, mind mapping, and creative brainstorming. The app's flexibility makes it a favorite among architects, designers, and illustrators who need a freeform tool.

• Features:

  • Infinite canvas with adjustable paper types
  • Vector-based drawing with scalable lines
  • Layer support with grouping
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Export options in multiple formats

• Pricing:

  • Free basic version
  • In-app purchases for additional features

• Who It's For:

  • Concepts is ideal for designers who need an infinite canvas and the flexibility of vector-based drawing.

7. Sketchbook

Sketchbook by Autodesk is a well-rounded drawing app that offers a comprehensive set of tools for artists of all levels. Its intuitive interface and powerful features make it a great choice for sketching and digital painting.

• Features:

  • Customizable brushes
  • Layer support with blend modes
  • Time-lapse recording
  • Perspective guides and rulers
  • Import and export options for PSD files

• Pricing:

  • Free with optional premium features

• Who It's For:

  • Sketchbook is perfect for artists and designers looking for a free, yet powerful, drawing app.

8. Vectornator

Vectornator is a free vector graphic design app that rivals some of the paid options in terms of features and usability. It offers a wide range of tools for creating vector illustrations, UI designs, and branding materials.

• Features:

  • Full vector editing toolset
  • Pen tool with precision controls
  • Layer support with masks and effects
  • Integration with Adobe Illustrator
  • Export options in multiple formats

• Pricing:

  • Free

• Who It's For:

  • Vectornator is ideal for designers looking for a powerful, free vector editing app.

9. Tayasui Sketches

Tayasui Sketches is a simple yet powerful drawing app that's great for beginners. It offers a range of tools that mimic traditional drawing materials, making it a favorite for sketching and quick illustrations.

• Features:

  • Watercolor brush with realistic blending
  • Layers and layer effects
  • Brush editor for customization
  • Pen pressure sensitivity with Apple Pencil
  • Import and export options for multiple formats

• Pricing:

  • Free basic version
  • Pro version at $5.99

• Who It's For:

  • Tayasui Sketches is perfect for beginners and artists who prefer a simple, intuitive interface.

10. Inspire Pro

Inspire Pro is a lesser-known drawing app that offers a range of features for digital painting. It’s optimized for performance, providing a smooth drawing experience with minimal lag. The app includes a variety of brushes and tools that cater to different styles of art.

• Features:

  • High-performance engine with low latency
  • Extensive brush library with customization options
  • Layer support with blending modes
  • Realistic paint blending
  • Import and export options for multiple formats

• Pricing:

  • One-time purchase of $9.99

• Who It's For:

  • Inspire Pro is ideal for digital painters looking for a smooth, responsive drawing app.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drawing app for your iPad depends on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're a professional graphic designer, an illustrator, or a hobbyist, there's an app that can cater to your requirements. Procreate, Adobe Fresco, and Affinity Designer are standout options for professionals, while apps like Sketchbook and Tayasui Sketches offer great value for beginners. With the wide variety of choices available, you can find the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life.