The best drawing apps for iPads will enable you to sketch or draw different types of digital art with ease. They are compatible with Apple iPad Pencils on different iPad tablets like the Apple iPad Air or iPad Pro.
In this post, we have selected the best applications for a smooth drawing experience. We have included both free and paid options for artists.
All these applications offer seamless performance, powerful features, and are compatible with Apple Pencil 1 and 2. If you prefer an Android application for drawing, check our last post.
Key features to consider for the best drawing apps for iPad
Before we go into the specific applications, it is important to consider the below factors. The best drawing application depends on your skill level and personal preference.
Choose an application with a clean and organized interface. This look will improve your workflow and make it easy for you to learn the application. Layer support and organization are two of the key signs an application is well organized.
A good interface and easy usability go hand in hand. Check whether the application of choice allows import and export options for various file formats. An application that opens and exports more file formats is more preferable.
An application with many customization options will help set the application to different options, hence improving user experience. A good drawing application features customizable brushes and tools.
Make sure to consider your application’s compatibility with Apple Pencil or Oyster styluses used with your iPad tablet. Additionally, choose a stylus pen with high pressure sensitivity and tilt recognition. This provides more precision and control.
Top Drawing Apps for iPad
- Procreate
- Adobe Illustrator for iPad
- Adobe Photoshop for iPad
- MediBang Paint
Procreate

Procreate is the best overall application for drawing on iPads. It stands out for its user-friendly and very customizable interface. This design and layout make it intuitive and improve the overall workflow.
Procreate is affordable at only £8.99/$9.99 for a one-time purchase, making it a top choice for digital artists. It offers an extensive color library with innovative 3D features that are compatible with different tools like ZBrush and Blender.
Procreate offers flexible options like brush size options and color palettes. Unfortunately, it only works with iOS and is not compatible with Android OS. The best alternative for Android devices is the Infinite Painter.
Adobe Illustrator for iPad: Vector Based Drawing Apps

Adobe Illustrator has been a popular drawing application for many years. Illustrator is compatible with both Android and iOS. You can download it for free, but you have to pay for in-app purchases such as radial, grid, and mirror repeat. Illustrator is a native desktop application.
This iPad version picks the best specs to make a perfect simple application with all important drawing specs. Adobe Illustrator for iPad is compatible with both iPad Pro (M1, 2021) and Apple Pencil 2, offering a smooth and precise digital art experience. Illustrator is a subscription service and requires iOS 14 or higher to work smoothly.
MediBang Paint: Top comic and manga Application

If you are looking for a specialized application for iPad, we recommend Medibang Paint. It is the best for comic and manga creation. Additionally, this versatile application is compatible with both iOS and Android OS.
The application works with Apple Pencil and other styluses and also offers many free customizable brushes and tools. For the interface, it supports layers layout and organization, which makes it a user-friendly option for both pros and beginners. Finally, you have free comic and manga templates to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular drawing application for iPads?
Procreate is the most common drawing application for iPads. It offers a comfortable drawing experience thanks to a friendly user interface and Apple Pencil compatibility.
Can you get Procreate for Free?
No, Procreate does not come for free. However, it is affordable at a one off purchase at only $12 for the 1.1 Procreate version. The price is affordable especially considering its very powerful specifications.