If you’re an iPad user looking to unleash your creativity, there are a plethora of apps available on the App Store that can help you kickstart your artistic journey. While the iPad was initially known for its entertainment and browsing capabilities, Apple has transformed it into a powerhouse for digital art creation and video editing. Here, we’ve curated a list of some of the best iPad apps for creativity that might not be as well-known as Adobe’s offerings.
Procreate
Procreate stands out as one of the most popular drawing apps for the iPad. It provides a wide array of brushes for creating digital paintings, sketches, and illustrations. The app boasts a user-friendly interface, built-in gesture controls, and supports high-resolution canvases up to 16K by 8K on compatible iPad Pros. Procreate also offers features like QuickShape, StreamLine, Drawing Assist, and ColorDrop to enhance your creative process. You can access Procreate with a one-time payment of $12.99.
LumaFusion

For those looking to up their video editing game, LumaFusion is a fantastic choice. This app allows for multiple layer edits with 4K ProRes and HDR media, various effects, transitions, voice-over recording, and more. You can create projects with different aspect ratios and even send your project to Final Cut Pro on Mac. LumaFusion is available for a one-time payment of $29.99, with additional features available for purchase.
Canva

Canva is a versatile platform that enables users to create visual content without the need for graphic design experience. With over 250,000 templates, you can design presentations, infographics, videos, and more. Canva features tools for photo editing, personalized content creation, and AI-powered features like Magic Switch and Magic Media. While Canva is free to use, a $12.99 monthly subscription unlocks unlimited access to premium features.
Affinity Designer 2

Affinity Designer 2 is a comprehensive graphic design app that blends vector design, pixel-based textures, and retouching capabilities. It caters to professional illustrators, web designers, and game developers. The app supports Apple Pencil’s functionalities, offers customizable keyboard shortcuts, and allows for precise zooming. Affinity Designer 2 can be accessed with a one-time payment of $18.49.
Concepts

Concepts is an excellent app for brainstorming ideas, sketching plans, and creating designs. It features realistic pens, pencils, and brushes, along with scale and measurement tools. Concepts offers basic features for free, with a $4.99 monthly subscription unlocking additional tools for brush creation and editing.
Tayasui Sketches

Tayasui Sketches is a user-friendly sketching and drawing app that provides realistic brushes, tools for blending colors, and the ability to upload images for incorporation into creations. The app is free to use, with a $2.99 monthly subscription offering unlimited layers, new brushes, and backup capabilities.
Dudel Draw

Dudel Draw offers a unique approach to creativity by providing a new shape every day as a starting point for sketches. Users can explore different shapes and angles, share their creations with friends, and challenge themselves to create something new daily. Dudel Draw is available for free.
Sketchbook

Sketchbook is a user-friendly app for sketching and drawing, aiming to replicate the experience of drawing on paper. The app offers customizable brushes, predictive stroke features, and the ability to adjust canvas size mid-work. While Sketchbook is free, a one-time payment of $2.99 unlocks premium features.
Explore these apps to unlock your creative potential on your iPad. Whether you’re into drawing, painting, video editing, or design, there’s an app to cater to your artistic needs. Let your imagination run wild and create stunning visuals with these innovative tools.

