Arek Dvornechcuck
Branding Expert
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
I'm a branding expert and graphic designer based in NY. I specialize in the development of brands: brand strategy, identity & web design. Need help with your project?—Get in touch
The Apple company has already built a strong and reputable identity, especially for creatives.
Most professional designers are using the iPad for drawing and illustration because it boasts excellent quality and display.
However, here comes the question,
What is the best drawing iPad for creatives?
In this article, I will be featuring the best buy iPad for graphic designers.
I tried to include everything that you are looking for to use for your creative designs.
If you’re looking for the most popular and latest iPad available today, then the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) is highly suggested for you.
I also included a drawing iPad for starting artist, which is the iPad Mini (2021), perfect for students and beginners.
The iPad 10.2 (2019) on the other hand, is a great choice for graphic designers that are looking for the best budget drawing iPad.
So if you’re interested to know more, check out this list of my top 7 best iPad for drawing and illustration
Although there are other brands of tablets that you can use for your creative work, using an iPad is one of the best choices.
Apple iPads are widely used and suggested by professional designers, and here’s why:
And to better understand the advantages of using an iPad as a creative tool, here is a further explanation:
If you want to be a graphic designer, an iPad can help you turn your ideas into beautiful art.
With the Apple pencil, it is now easier to make sketches and letter art with the help of apps for making graphics.
With all the different colors that are free and available, you can make any kind of art, whether it's 2D or 3D graphics.
If you have an iPad and an Apple pencil, you can now start a business that makes graphics for other people, too.
If you want to design book covers, 2D art for social media, logos, comic characters, and more, buying an iPad is a great choice for you.
Regardless of whether you’re doing photo or video editing, an Apple iPad is a must-have for you.
The iPad, like every other Apple device, has a very good camera.
You may see your subjects on a larger screen while also editing them.
You may also take photos and videos and edit them using editing software like Procreate and Adobe.
It will allow you to produce the same results as editing on a laptop or desktop computer.
Since the iPad is paired with an Apple pen, it can be perfect for doing drawing and animation.
It also boasts great display and resolution, which allows you to have a more detailed view of your creative work.
Aside from drawing and animation, you can also use iPads for doing logo design, illustrations, fashion design, and etc.
So if you’re an artist that aligns with the field of drawing and animation, using an iPad will be an excellent choice for you.
If you have a job task that needs to be completed but are on vacation, an iPad can be your best partner.
You may now finish your work faster than ever before thanks to Apple accessories such as iPad keyboards.
You can also easily make designs, drawings, and illustrations without bringing a heavy laptop.
With this, you can now travel confidently at any time and from any location.
If you’re a creative that is looking for the most popular drawing iPad today, then the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2021 is a must-buy iPad for you.
The best overall iPad for drawing and animation.
It is the best large drawing iPad, ideal for doing various kinds of creative work such as animation, drawing, graphic design, and etc.
The iPad Pro 12.9 2021 is the latest iPad for graphic designers since it boasts amazing speed and excellent graphics.
It also has an all-day battery life, so you can work on your drawings and designs without interruption.
And since this iPad has a wider and larger screen than others, you can have a better viewing experience of the artwork that you are working on.
The iPad Pro 12.9 2021 is also perfect for viewing and editing high-brightness and high-contrast content like HDR photos and videos.
So if you’re looking for a great drawing iPad to use for your creative work, then the iPad Pro 12.9 2021 is the best iPad to buy for you.
Screen size: 12.9-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 14
CPU: Apple M1 chip
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Buy iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) on Amazon
Looking for an iPad that is really worth its price? Then go for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 which is the best value iPad for drawing.
The best value drawing iPad for creatives.
Despite the fact that it is much more expensive compared to other iPads, you can be sure that you will be getting the best quality drawing iPad.
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This iPad for drawing has an impressive battery life, in which it can last up to 10 hours of continuous usage.
It is much cheaper than the 2021 version, so it is ideal for creatives that want the best iPad for drawing on a budget.
The iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 is one of the most high-ends iPads available today.
By using this iPad, you will be able to showcase your talent and skills in drawing and illustration.
So if you’re looking for the best value iPad for drawing and illustration, then the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020 is a great choice.
Screen size: 12.9-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
Resolution: 2048 x 2732 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 13.4
CPU: A12Z Bionic
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Buy iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) on Amazon
If you’re an artist that is looking for the best professional iPad to use for your creative work, look no further, because the iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 is for you.
The best drawing iPad for professionals.
It is a drawing iPad, perfect for use with creative software such as Procreate, Adobe, and etc.
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Not every creative can’t afford to buy a larger display iPad like the iPad Pro 12.9-inch, that’s why I included this 11-inch iPad that can also be used for graphic design.
The iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 is a great choice for professionals who are looking for the best iPad to use.
It is built and designed to be durable, so rest assured that you will benefit from it for a long time.
Basically, since it is a smaller version compared to the 12.9-inch iPad, it is much cheaper, so it’s ideal if you are on a budget.
So, if you're looking for the best drawing iPad for professionals, the iPad Pro 11-inch 2021 is a must-have iPad.
Screen size: 11-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
Resolution: 1668 x 2388 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 14
CPU: Apple M1 chip
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB
Buy iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) on Amazon
If you’re a starting artist that wants to start with an iPad to enhance your skills, then the iPad Mini 2021 is a great choice for you.
The best drawing iPad for beginners.
It is the best drawing iPad for students, beginners, as well as hobbyists in the field of doing creative work.
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Since it is not necessary to spend too much on buying an iPad, especially for beginners, I am including the iPad Mini 2021.
It is the latest version of the iPad mini and it is built to be ideal for beginner artists’ use.
This drawing iPad boasts an all-screen design with a Liquid Retina Display that allows you to easily create your drawings and illustrations.
It comes in four different colors (Pink, Purple, Spacegray, and Gold), so you can also match your iPad with your style.
So if you’re looking for the best beginner iPad for drawing and illustration, go for the iPad Mini 2021.
Screen size: 8.3-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
Resolution: 1488 x 2266 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 15
CPU: A15 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Buy iPad Mini (2021) on Amazon
As the fifth iPad on my list, I feature the best everyday drawing iPad, which is the iPad Air 4 2020.
The best mid-range drawing iPad for drawing.
It is not only perfect to use for drawing and digital art, but you can also use this iPad for gaming since it boasts a very good display.
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The iPad Air 4 2020 has a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone and P3 wide color.
It has advanced features and it is the most versatile iPad for drawing available today.
You can easily secure your log-in and payment with this drawing iPad's Touch ID features.
It also has an A14 Bionic chip that will allow you to use it every day and still perform as well as if it were newly bought.
Additionally, the iPad Air 4 2020 is one of the best iPads with a pen that you can use for creating your designs and illustrations.
Screen size: 10.9-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 2
Resolution: 1640 x 2360 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 14
CPU: A14 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Buy iPad Air 4 (2020) on Amazon
Budget is one of the most important things to consider when buying an iPad, that’s why I also feature the iPad 10.2 2019 which is the best cheap drawing iPad.
The most affordable iPad for drawing.
You can’t underestimate this iPad because, even though it is the best budget iPad, it can provide you with the best drawing experience as well.
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It is the most budget-friendly iPad on my list so, you can have your drawing iPad without breaking the bank.
Even though it is an older version compared to others, it can still provide you with the best quality possible.
While it may be a great budget option, it is a basic iPad without many of the features you’ll find on newer models.
The iPad 10.2 2019 also boasts a great resolution, which makes it perfect for drawing and illustrations.
So if you’re on a budget but still want an iPad to use for your creative needs, then the iPad 10.2 2019 is for you.
Screen size: 10.2-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 1
Resolution: 1620 x 2160 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 13
CPU: A10 Fusion
Storage: 32GB/128GB
Buy iPad 10.2 (2019) on Amazon
Lastly, if you’re looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry iPad to use as a creative tool, the iPad Mini 2019 is the best buy iPad for you.
The best portable drawing iPad for artists.
Due to its portability, it can be easily put even in a small bag, so you can use it whenever and anywhere you want.
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This drawing iPad is obviously an older version of the iPad Mini 2021.
Although having the latest version may be a good advantage, it is not necessary to buy one,especially if you’re on a tight budget.
The iPad Mini 2019 is the best compact drawing iPad for creatives, and it now supports Apple pencil function.
Because of its thin and light design, along with its excellent battery life that can last up to 10 hours, you can do your artwork anywhere you want.
So if you’re looking for the most portable iPad for drawing and illustration, look no further, because the iPad Mini 2019 is the right choice for you.
Screen size: 7.9-inch
Stylus support: Apple Pencil 1
Resolution: 1536 x 2048 pixels
Operating system: iPadOS 14
CPU: A12 Bionic
Storage: 64GB/256GB
Buy iPad Mini (2019) on Amazon
Using an iPad for drawing and illustration is a great choice for creatives such as graphic designers, animators, and illustrators.
Since it is a drawing iPad that comes with an Apple pen, it will allow you to draw and work conveniently and accurately.
However, Apple has a lot of versions and models of the iPad, so it is not that easy to choose which one of them should you buy.
That’s why I created this list of the 7 best iPad for drawing and illustration for you to have a better idea of which one fits your needs and budget as well.
For example, if you’re looking for the best value iPad, then the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) is a must-buy iPad for you.
Additionally, if you want an iPad that you can take wherever you go, choose the iPad Mini (2019) which is the best portable iPad for graphic design.
The iPad Pro 11-inch (2021) on the other hand, is an ideal choice if you’re a professional creative that is looking for a perfect iPad for your needs.
I hope this article helps you decide which iPad is perfect for graphic designers.
Now that' I'm done highlighting my top picks, which do you think is the best iPad for drawing and illustration?—Don't forget to leave a comment.
