The iPad has evolved from a simple entertainment device into a powerful creative machine capable of supporting digital artists, designers, videographers, and hobbyists. While Adobe’s popular creative apps are widely known, this list highlights lesser known yet highly effective options that can help you unlock your creativity.
Procreate
Procreate remains one of the best drawing and illustration apps on the App Store. It offers dozens of brush types, high-resolution canvases up to 16K by 8K on capable iPad Pros, and tools such as QuickShape, StreamLine, ColorDrop, and Drawing Assist. You can also create animations, GIFs, and detailed storyboards.
Its 30-second time-lapse “Replay” feature makes sharing your artistic journey easy. The app costs a one-time fee of $12.99.
LumaFusion
LumaFusion is a powerful video-editing app for those ready to level up from iMovie. It supports 4K ProRes, HDR editing, multilayer timelines, transitions, voiceovers, and advanced audio tools like Graphic EQ and Voice Isolation.
You can export in multiple aspect ratios, including widescreen and vertical formats. LumaFusion costs $29.99, with optional add-ons like multicam editing.
Canva
Canva provides an easy way to create graphics, presentations, videos, websites, and more using over 250,000 templates. It includes AI features like Magic Switch and Magic Media for quick transformations, plus tools for editing photos, customizing designs, and producing short videos.
Canva is free, with a $12.99 monthly plan for premium content and AI features.
Affinity Designer 2
Affinity Designer 2 blends vector graphic design, pixel editing, and digital illustration into one professional workflow. The app supports Apple Pencil’s precision and features customizable shortcuts, gesture controls, and extreme zoom up to 1,000,000%.
Great for illustrators, product designers, and UI/UX creatives, the app costs $18.49 as a one-time purchase.
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Concepts
Concepts is ideal for brainstorming, sketching ideas, making mind maps, and creating storyboards. With tools like Nudge, Slice, and Select, you can adjust any part of your drawing without starting over. Realistic brushes, precision measurement tools, and a customizable tool wheel make it highly flexible.
The app is free with a $4.99 monthly upgrade for premium features.
Tayasui Sketches
Tayasui Sketches offers a simple, intuitive drawing experience, featuring realistic watercolor brushes, acrylic tools, blending options, and gradient effects. It supports multitasking and has a distraction-free “Zen Mode.”
Basic tools are free, while the $2.99 monthly plan unlocks layers, new brushes, backups, and more.
Dudel Draw
Dudel Draw introduces a fun creative twist by giving you a new shape every day as the starting point for a sketch. You can flip or rotate the shape, compare drawings with friends, and challenge yourself with daily creativity exercises.
The app is completely free.
Sketchbook
Sketchbook mimics the feeling of drawing on paper with realistic brushes and clean tools. It allows custom brush settings, predictive stroke smoothing, and a clutter-free workspace.
The app is free, with a $2.99 optional upgrade for features like additional brushes, PDF export, and adjustable canvas size.
