If you’re an artist that likes to work digitally, then you know how important it is to have the right tools. An iPad can be a great device for digital art, but there are some accessories that you’ll want to make sure you have as well.
In this blog post, we will discuss the best iPad accessories for digital artists. We’ll cover everything from apps to styluses and more! So whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, read on for the best iPad accessories for digital artists!
The best drawing apps for the iPad
To know which accessories you will need, first you have to decide which app you want to explore for your art. There are so many drawing apps available for the iPad, and it can be tough to know which ones are worth your time. If you’re looking for a great drawing app, we recommend Procreate. Procreate is an incredibly powerful app that offers a wide range of features for digital artists. It’s also user-friendly, so it’s great for beginners.
Here is a list of my top 3 drawing apps:
- Procreate ($9.99) – This app is one of the most popular ones for digital artists. It has a lot of features and brushes that are great for artists of all levels. Check out this post for an in-depth look at the Procreate app.
- Adobe Illustrator (free w/in-app purchases) – This app is a vector drawing and animation app. It’s perfect for those who want want to create illustrations or logos.
- Clip Paint Studio – Primarily an illustration, manga, and animation app with uniquely natural-feeling, expressive brush strokes with support for Apple Pencil.
Now that you’ve chosen an app to work with, let’s take a look at the must-have accessories to pair with your iPad
iPad case
The first accessory you’ll want to pick up is an iPad case. This will help protect your device from scratches and other damage. You will likely be taking your iPad on the go a lot, so you will want to keep it safe.
There are a variety of cases available, so choose one that fits your style and needs. Here are my favorite iPad cases:
- Timecity Case for iPad 9th/ 8th/ 7th Generation, Case for iPad 10.2-Inch 2021/2020/ 2019 with Screen Protector Pencil Holder Kickstand Hand/Shoulder Strap
- Arae for iPad Air 4 Generation 10.9 Case (2020) / iPad Air 5 Generation 10.9 Case (2022) Auto Wake / Sleep Feature Standing Cover, Green
- JETech Case for iPad 10.2-Inch (2021/2020/2019 Model, 9/8/7 Generation), Auto Wake/Sleep Cover (Black)
iPad Pencil
If you’re serious about digital art, then you’ll need an Apple Pencil. This is the best stylus for use with iPad Pro and it’s essential for procreate brushes. Any Procreate brush that has pressure sensitivity will require an Apple Pencil. Any third-party stylus, like the Logitech crayon, will not always work with pressure sensitivity or be as reliable.
Both the 1st generation and 2nd generation pencil will work with the same features, you just need to get the model that is compatible with your iPad.
Wait, but which Apple pencil is compatible with my iPad?
There are two generations of Apple pencils. You can check this list to check which iPad pencil will work with your device.
Screen protector
A screen protector is a must-have for any iPad user. This will help keep your screen free from scratches and other damage. Your iPad’s screen will take a beating with the repetition of drawing on it with your Apple Pencil. It can also feel unnatural to be writing on a glossy screen for long periods of time.
My favorite iPad screen protector is Paperlike. It has a matte finish that feels more like paper and it really does help reduce screen glare. I have had mine on for over a year and haven’t noticed any scratches or dullness to my Apple Pencil nib. Your iPad’s screen protection is going to be important when you are drawing on it for hours on end.
If your Apple pencil nib does start to wear down, they’re fairly cheap to replace, you can pick up a pack of 4 here.
Procreate App
The Procreate App ($9.99) is one of the best apps for digital art. It has a wide variety of brushes and features that artists will love. If you’re starting out, I would recommend getting the Procreate Pocket app. It’s a great way to get started with digital art without all of the bells and whistles.
You can do a variety of art mediums on Procreate like watercolor, gouache, pencil, graffiti, pixel, etc. There are many Procreate brushes to use that come straight in the app so you can start out without any additional purchases.
Keyboard
A keyboard can be a great accessory for digital artists as it allows you to have a physical keyboard for inputting text. If you include text in your designs on Procreate or Canva, having a keyboard will speed up the process.
- Arteck Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard Compatible with iPad 10.2-inch/iPad Air/iPad 9.7-inch/iPad Pro/iPad Mini, iPhone and Other Bluetooth Enabled Devices Including iOS, Android, Windows, Black
- Keyboard Case for iPad 9th/8th/7th Generation 2021/2020/2019, Detachable Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Pencil Holder Stand Folio Protect Cover Case for iPad Pro 10.5″ 2019/iPad 10.5″ Air 3rd Gen
iPad Stand
An iPad stand can be helpful for propping up your device while you work. This way, you can have both hands free to create your masterpiece! I spend many nights drawing on the couch, not always sitting up properly, so an iPad stand is a lifesaver. iPad stands come in all shapes and sizes, so find one that fits your needs.
- Tablet Stand Adjustable, Lamicall Tablet Stand : Desktop Stand Holder Dock Compatible with Tablet Such as iPad Pro 9.7, 10.5, 12.9 Air Mini 4 3 2, Kindle, Nexus, Tab, E-Reader (4-13″) – Silver
- Tablet Stand Holder, Gooseneck Tablet Mount – Lamicall 360 Degree Rotating Adjustable Desktop Stand for 4.7″-12.9″ iPhone, iPad Air Mini Pro 10.2/9.7, Kindle, Nexus, Tab, Galaxy, eBook Reader – Black
What is the best iPad for digital art?
The best iPad for digital art is the iPad Pro. It has the most features and accessories available to support digital artists. With its generous storage and a larger screen to draw on, it is the obvious choice.
The iPad Pro is also the most expensive option, so if you’re starting out, I would recommend the iPad Air. It’s a great middle-ground option that won’t break the bank. The iPad Air also has all the same features as the Pro, but the screen size is smaller, lower display quality and shorter battery life.
All iPads that were released after 2015 are compatible with the newest version of Procreate. So check your model and you should be good to go!
- 2021 Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Wi‑Fi, 256GB) – Silver
- 2022 Apple iPad Air (10.9-inch, Wi-Fi, 256GB) – Space Gray (5th Generation)
How to check your iPad model?
Check out this page from the Apple website to find out which model iPad you have or are looking at to make sure that it will be compatible if you choose to go with Procreate.
There you have the best apple iPad accessories for digital artists. Am I missing something that I should add to the list? Share your favorites below in the comments!