7 Things to Know About iPad as a Drawing Tablet

Apple iPads are popular for myriad reasons. Known as all-rounders, they offer access to hundreds of apps and are packed with features to cater to all activities and users. The iPad is not classed as a dedicated drawing tablet, but how does it perform in comparison to other makes and models on the market, and what should you know before buying a tablet with a screen for drawing?

7 Things to Know About the iPad as a Drawing Tablet

If you’re shopping for a drawing tablet, it’s wise to research and consider the pros and cons of different types of tablets before making your decision. Here are 7 things to know about the iPad:

1. Is iPad a Drawing Tablet?

If you’re interested in art, animation, and drawing, and you’re looking for a tablet, you may be wondering if the iPad will cover all bases. Apple iPads are among the most versatile tablets, but do they offer all the benefits and features of graphics tablets, and are they good for drawing?

The iPad is not strictly a drawing tablet, but it delivers high levels of functionality for aspiring artists, as well as professionals. You can create digital art on drawing tablets and iPads, and they offer access to brilliant apps, which are suitable for animation and drawing manga. The iPad Air and Mini are good for rough sketches and putting ideas down on the screen, while the iPad Pro offers a step up in terms of class. Many manga artists may still prefer a dedicated drawing tablet, but the iPad Pro is definitely an option worth considering.

Drawing with an iPad is easy and simply requires the use of the Apple Pencil. Once you have the stylus, you can create a huge range of artistic products and ideas via apps and programs and creative freestyling. Most of the newer iPads are suitable for beginners and those who like to draw for fun. Professionals may gravitate towards the more advanced models, including the iPad Pro.

2. iPad vs. Others

The range of drawing tablets is diversifying and increasing in size all the time. Consumers now have more choice than ever, so how does the iPad stack up against other leading products?

Apple and Microsoft are tech giants, but neither is known specifically for drawing tablets. Both the iPad and the Microsoft Surface are impressive in terms of their all-around capabilities and functions, but the iPad Pro is more powerful, the drawing screen is larger, the color accuracy is better, and the spectrum of apps is likely to appeal to artistic buyers. When comparing these products, it’s also important to factor in personal choice. Some people are very familiar with particular operating systems and prefer to stick with one over the other.

Another option to consider is the Samsung range of tablets. If you’re looking for an Android tablet with a pen, Samsung’s Galaxy tablets may be of interest. The newest models are great for drawing, but they don’t quite hit the dizzy heights of the iPad Pro at a similar price.

Wacom has dominated the drawing tablet market for years and is still considered the name to beat in the realms of professional digital pen displays and drawing tablets. The iPad is getting closer to models like the Wacom Cintiq, especially with the newer versions of the iPad Pro, but Wacom may still win out for buyers who are looking for drawing tablets, rather than devices for other uses. Wacom tablets are ideally suited to people who like to work in front of a computer, multitask, and utilize advanced programs like Creative Cloud from Adobe. The iPad range suits people on the go and those who prefer to draw directly onto a screen.

For digital art, iPad users can benefit from Procreate, a fantastic illustration app. Some digital artists prefer to use Procreate over Wacom. In this case, buying an iPad Pro may be a better option.

3. Price Comparison

One of the main disadvantages of buying an iPad for drawing is the cost. Even the cheapest iPads are much more expensive than other drawing tablets, which is why it’s best to think about how you want to use your tablet before you set a budget. The best iPad for drawing is the iPad Pro, but this is also at the top of the price range at over $999. More affordable iPad options, which are also good for drawing, animation, and digital art include:

iPad Air + Apple Pencil (from $799)
iPad Mini + Apple Pencil (from $649)

Learning to draw with the Apple Pencil is easy once you get used to the device. The iPad Pro offers access to a vast array of features and apps for artists, making it suitable for graphic design, editing, animation, drawing, and sketching.

4 - Digital vs. Paper

Is drawing on paper better than drawing on a tablet? Advances in technology give artists the chance to explore different ways of creating art. Some people prefer the traditional feel of drawing on paper, while others enjoy the digital experience of drawing on a tablet like the iPad Pro. Many artists even use a mix of both. If you enjoy sketching and are open to new ideas, trying out drawing on an iPad can be a fun and worthwhile experience.

5 - Connectivity

When comparing tablets, connectivity is a key factor. Some drawing tablets need to be connected to a computer or laptop, while others can be used on their own. For example, passive tablets like those from Wacom and Huion require a computer connection. On the other hand, standalone tablets like the Simbans Picasso and PicassoTab X14 work independently. Apple iPads, Samsung tablets, and Microsoft Surface devices are also portable, letting you draw wherever you go.

It's generally best to use the tools and apps designed for your specific tablet. For instance, an iPad user can't use a Wacom Stylus unless it's specially made for the iPad. However, you can still use apps like Adobe Animate on iPads with the sidecar function and pair Procreate with a Wacom Stylus. Note that the Wacom Intuos doesn't support iOS, but you can buy a Wacom Stylus specifically for the iPad.

6 - Beginners or Professionals?

Some drawing tablets are perfect for beginners, while others are packed with advanced features for professionals. The iPad range caters to everyone from beginners looking to develop their drawing and animation skills to seasoned pros. However, it might not be the first choice for every professional artist. For those focused solely on drawing and digital art, beginners might want to opt for a more affordable device since iPads can be pricey. The Simbans PicassoTab XL is a great choice for beginners—it's affordable, easy to use, and doesn't need to be connected to a computer.

7 - Apple Pencil

When choosing a tablet, consider the quality, functionality, and connectivity of the drawing pen. The Apple Pencil is highly rated and works well with Apple devices but not with Android devices like Samsung tablets. Latency is an important factor; the latest iPad Pro models (2017 and later) have the lowest latency. In comparison, the Samsung S Pen feels more like a real pencil and offers a pleasant drawing experience. The Apple Pencil is generally easier to use and better for drawing than Microsoft's Surface Pen, which is more suited for note-taking. If you have an iPad, you can also use a Wacom Stylus.

Summary

The iPad is an excellent option for drawing and animation, especially if you want a tablet that can also be used for work, watching movies, listening to music, and socializing online. However, it may not be the best choice for all professional artists and is quite expensive, which makes it less appealing for beginners or those seeking a dedicated drawing tablet. Wacom is a market leader and is popular among experienced artists, while beginners might prefer more affordable options like the Simbans PicassoTab X14.