You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
Apple Pencil

6 Best Apps For Apple Pencil

January 28, 2023

If you have a passion for drawing and want to tap into your creative side, you really need to get yourself an Apple Pencil. This ingenious little tool transforms your iPad into a digital sketchpad.

The Apple Pencil allows you to draw, paint, and sketch without getting your hands dirty or running to the art supply store. It gives you that pen-and-paper feel without the mess. Not sure if your iPad supports Apple Pencil? Find out which Apple Pencil works with which iPad.

Let your creativity run wild with these fun apps for iPad and Apple Pencil.

Linea Sketch

Linea Sketch

Linea Sketch lets you write and draw in an uncomplicated way. It’s perfect for those new to digital sketching but will also impress professionals. The app has a simple and intuitive interface. Its suite of powerful tools utilize the Apple Pencil perfectly.

The app comes with a wide range of pre-defined colors or you can quickly customize your own colors. It also gives you colors that complement your selected hue so you don’t have to. You’re able to do split-screen, layers, annotations, time-lapse, and more.

Linea Sketch is free to download with limited features and watermarks. To get full access and remove watermarks you can opt for one of the subscriptions. Choose from $0.99 per month, $9.99 per year, or pay $29.99 once. If you’re not quite sure, right now there is a 14-day free trial giving you full premium access.

Free
Linea Sketch
Linea Sketch
The Iconfactory

Procreate

Procreate

Procreate is one of the most powerful full-featured drawing apps out there. It was designed for professionals and works seamlessly with Apple Pencil.

It acts as a complete art studio that you can take with you everywhere. It has tools for almost anything you can think of. If you’re unable to find the right tool for the job you can simply create your own within the app. Procreate has very high-resolution canvases so you can print your creations in big sizes without sacrificing quality.

You name it, Procreate has it, and for a one-time fee of $12.99 its a lot of bang for your buck.

$12.99
Procreate
Procreate
Savage Interactive Pty Ltd

Sketch Club

Sketch Club

Sketch Club lets both amateurs and pros create amazing works of art. The app has a ton of brush tools including smudging, blurring, filling, procedurals, text, and vector tools. 

The pen and vector tools provide smooth lines for those with shaky or unsteady hands. You can also use the shape tools with automatic ratio snapping to give you the perfect shape each and every time.

Sketch Club costs $2.99, making it much more cost-effective than other apps while still providing lots of features.

$2.99
Sketch Club
Sketch Club
Jim Scott

Pixelmator

Pixelmator

Pixelmator offers an all-in-one Photoshop experience. It’s the perfect fit if you’re in need of a powerful photo editor or you work with digital graphics.

The app is designed exclusively for iOS and iPadOS and takes full advantage of the latest features and technologies. The layer-based image editor includes over 100 brushes and double-texture brush technology. It also does an incredible job of replicating the wetness effect which is useful when using the watercolor and crayon brushes.

Create stunning works of art with pixel-perfect precision for a one-time fee $9.99.

$9.99
Pixelmator
Pixelmator
UAB Pixelmator Team

Paper by WeTransfer

Paper by WeTransfer

Paper is great go-to note-taker, sketchbook, and diagramming tool. It’s incredibly easy for anyone with or without an art background to just pick up and use. Paper will have you thinking with your hands.

You’re able to truly get creative and put your thoughts to paper. If you’re not sure where to start, you can get tips and tricks from top artists.

You’ll get the basic feature set for for free, so go ahead and try it out. Otherwise you’ll need a Pro subscription for $11.99 a year to get full access to all tools and features.

Free
Paper by WeTransfer
Paper by WeTransfer
WeTransfer BV

Bamboo Paper

Bamboo Paper

Bamboo Paper lets you sketch or capture notes on-the-go. It has a beautifully designed interface that is incredibly easy to use.

It’s ideal for professionals looking to create fine art or complex handwriting. When you pair Bamboo Paper with your Apple Pencil you’re able to get precision every time. You can use the finest point to draw the most intricate details. Even beginners can get professional results with this simple yet powerful app.

Bamboo Paper is free to use with limited tools and features. There are a variety of in-app purchases to unlock different packs and tools starting at $0.99.

Free
Bamboo Paper
Bamboo Paper
Wacom Europe GmbH

When Inspiration Strikes

When Inspiration Strikes

The Apple Pencil is designed with artists in mind but it can be used for all sorts of things. It’s great for note-taking, making memos, or scribbling down ideas.

So whether you’re an artist, student, or business pro, get out your iPad and Apple Pencil and put your imagination to the test with these amazing apps.