Best IPad For Procreate
Choosing the best tablet for your needs can be difficult and intimidating. The sheer number of models, advanced features, and price points can make the choice overwhelming. It’s no wonder we look like deer in headlights when we walk into the store. When looking for a tablet for Procreate, you’ll need an Apple product. But which iPad is the right iPad? Do you need an Apple iPad Pro or can you get away with a regular iPad? Let’s walk through some of the most important things to understand when looking for the best iPad for Procreate. While we’re at it, let’s look at an alternative for those who are concerned about the price tag and on a budget.
Tech Made Simple for the Artist or Crafter
I looked just like that deer in the headlights when I went shopping a few Christmases ago. I knew that I needed a new iPad to run the Procreate app, and that’s how the conversation- started with the salesperson hiding behind the counter, avoiding eye contact with me. “The what app?” he said.
I wanted to say that I’d heard Procreate was one of the best drawing apps around (and could be used to make stickers, trace photos, design brushes, create those perfect padded sticker borders everyone loves, and even make engraving designs).
But I held back, noticing the Christmas rush had already taken a toll on him. After asking a few questions about floor models and receiving shoulder shrugs, it was clear I was on my own. “Thanks,” I said, “I’ll figure it out. Merry Christmas!”
And I did.
To save you that experience, I wanted to share with you what I figured out all those Christmases ago…
iPad Models
The first thing we need to do is understand the different iPad versions that are out there. There are four different models to choose from. Each model has a generation number associated with it.
Every time Apple upgrades a particular model, they bump the generation number up by one. It’s safe to assume that a higher generation number of a particular model is better in some way than a lower generation in that same model (for example, the iPad Generation 8 has a faster CPU than the iPad Generation 7).
This is the original iPad model that started it all. In general, this is the most basic and cheapest iPad available at a starting price of under $350 USD. The current version is Generation 9, which has a 10.2″ screen a minimum of 64 gb of memory, and supports the Generation 1 Apple Pencil (more on this later).
iPad Mini
The iPad Mini is a smaller version of the iPad and the current version has a compact 8.3″ display. While the screen is smaller, it is a better display than the iPad in terms of color and contrast. The iPad mini also supports the Generation 2 Apple Pencil starting with the 6th generation (more on this later).
iPad Air
The iPad Air is thinner, lighter, and more powerful than the iPad. Its display is a bit larger at 10.9″, but the display itself is much better than the iPad and iPad Mini.
Not only is the color and contrast better on the iPad Air, but the picture is sharper and clearer. In addition, the computing power within the iPad Air is better than the iPad as well, and it supports the Generation 2 Apple Pencil (more on this later).
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro is the flagship of the iPad models. It’s the mother of all iPads. It’s more powerful than most laptop computers and could be a laptop replacement for some folks out there. Okay, I’ll stop now.
But in terms of computing power, it does have a faster CPU than the other iPad models.
It sports two different screen size options (the 11-inch and the 12.9-inch), and both models support the Generation 2 Apple Pencil (more on this later).
iPad Pro 11-inch Next to an iPad Pro 12.9-inchiPad Pro 11-inch
As its name suggests, the iPad Pro 11-inch has an 11” display. The screen quality is better than the iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Mini with better color and contrast.
The picture is sharper and has a higher refresh rate (meaning everything will move smoother).
iPad Pro 12.9-inch
As the name suggests, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch has a 12.9″ display. The screen on the 12.9-inch iPad is even better than the screen on the 11-inch screen.
It also has a higher resolution and uses a different back-lighting system that makes the picture more dynamic and true-to-life. In terms of screen quality, this is as good as it gets.
Important Features
When looking at an iPad for use with Procreate, there are specific features that we want to take into account. The point is to avoid regrets in the future.
Let’s face it, iPad tablets can be expensive, and finding out you purchased the wrong one months later is not going to be a highlight for anyone.
Screen Size
The Procreate app is primarily a graphical design application, so the iPad screen essentially becomes an artistic canvas.
In general, artists would like their canvas to be as large as possible, which means they want a large display. This allows the artist to see the full composition of their piece and as much of it as possible at one time.
However, the price may become a more important “feature” than screen size depending on your budget limitations.
In general (when the price isn’t the most important factor) screen size matters and tends to be the most important feature to consider.
Get as big as you can afford.
An iPad Pro 12.9-inch Next to a SketchpadThe screen of the iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen touts a large piece of real estate. It’s the size of a piece of paper (8 ½” x 11”) and is the largest screen available.
Note: Screen sizes are measured diagonally, so while the screen is 8 ½” x 11”, when you measure it on the diagonal it measures 12.9”.
The screen size of the iPad Pro 11-inch and the iPad Air (10.9”) are so close in size that they are indistinguishable.
The iPad Pro 11-inch screen is technically wider by 0.02”. If we’re talking about playground bragging rights, that extra width on the Pro will make you feel like the cool kid- and king or queen of all you survey.
But the iPad itself is “close enough” to these with a 10.2” screen. Its width is reduced by 0.22” compared to the iPad Pro-11-inch.
The screen size of the iPad Mini is obviously smaller. It would be tough to call it a “mini” otherwise. The current version has a compact 8.3” screen.
If portability is your primary concern and you want to have the feeling of sketching in a compact notebook, this could be the iPad for you.
However, if you want to be able to see your entire canvas in detail as you create, or you have vision issues, then using the smaller screen could frustrate you.
Saving up a bit more to purchase a larger iPad is really something to consider if portability isn’t at the top of your list.
About the Apple Pencil
Ever since the iPhone was invented, we’ve learned that our fingers could be our pointers and our mice, so we threw away our styluses for the digits we already carry with us.
However, our fingers are really too large and inaccurate and not the best stylus to use on Procreate, so we may need to go back to the early 2000s and find ourselves a stylus. Or do we?
Yes, you can use any old stylus on your iPad, but none will quite measure up to the Apple Pencil. The Apple Pencil is really the best iPad stylus out there and Procreate is designed to be used with this stylus.
Using it in Procreate will make your brush strokes precise down to the pixel, something that may not be possible with another stylus.
The most amazing thing is that it senses both the tilt of the pencil and the pressure you are exerting on the pencil.That means, that when you are drawing with the side of your Apple Pencil, Procreate will be able to recognize that and respond accordingly.
The pressure sensitivity means that when you press harder on the screen, Procreate will darken your brush stroke, or conversely lighten your stroke if you are using a light tough.
The normal stylus can’t do that. You’ll just get a brushstroke that has had its stroke manually defined. This makes the Apple Pencil the closest thing you can get to drawing with a pencil on paper.
Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?
There are two separate versions of the Apple Pencil, and your choice may dictate which iPad you purchase, so let’s take a look at them both.
Generation 2
2nd Generation Apple PencilThe Apple Pencil 2nd Generation has a number of features. First, it attaches to the side of your iPad magnetically, and while attached it charges wirelessly.
This is terribly convenient, because not only do you have a place to put it, but when you pick it up next time to use it, it’ll be charged and ready to go.
It’s also perfectly weighted and the right length so it feels like a natural extension of your hand- much like a normal pencil or brush would feel.
As long as we’re talking about wireless things, the second-generation Apple Pencil can also pair with your iPad wirelessly.
All you need to do is attach it to the side of the iPad. The iPad recognizes it and begins using it. It’s seriously so cool.
Lastly, but definitely not least, the second-generation Apple Pencil allows you to double-tap the side of the pencil to change the tool you’re using.
In Procreate, you can define which tool is associated with that double-tap. By default, you can move between your drawing tool and your eraser. (You’ll get so used to this feature you’ll find yourself doing it even when you’re using regular pens or pencils. )
The current models of the iPad Pro, the iPad Air, and the iPad Mini support the Generation 2 Apple Pencil. Some older generation models are supported as well.
Generation 1
1st Generation Apple PencilWhile the Apple Pencil 1st Generation has the precision, tilt, and pressure features that the second-generation pencil has, it does lose the features described above.
In order to pair and charge the first-generation Apple Pencil, you’ll need to take the cap off the back of it, revealing a lightning plug, and plug it into the lightning port at the bottom of your tablet.
If you have an iPad model that uses a USB-C connector, you’ll need an adaptor of some kind (not sold by Apple). This is not recommended.
Of course, the loss of features means that the price of the 1st Generation pencil is less. In terms of compatibility, the iPad supports the Generation 1 Apple Pencil. Some older gratin models of the various iPads are supported as well.
Memory (RAM)
When we’re talking about memory or RAM (Random Access Memory for those who want to geek out with me), we aren’t talking about storage capacity.
We are talking about the hardware needed for the app to run. Normally, we don’t really care so much about how much RAM is in an iPad.
The operating system (iOS) is really pretty good about hiding that from us. It turns out, though, that Procreate does care in some respects and that might make you care as well.
Procreate uses a concept called Layers, which allows you to stack changes onto your design. For example, I might have a picture on one layer and add text to that picture by placing the text on another layer that sits on top of the picture.
The text is on the picture, but the picture is undisturbed and in its original format. I can make whatever changes I want in the layers above without modifying the picture. It’s a way of adding to your original image without being destructive, a key advantage to creating digitally.
The number of layers you can create depends on the amount of RAM available and also the size and quality of the Procreate canvas.
The larger the canvas and dots per inch (dpi) in use by the canvas, the more RAM consumed when a layer is added. When you create a canvas within Procreate, it will tell you the maximum number of layers you can create on that canvas.
To give you a frame of reference, an iPad with 4 GB of RAM using Procreate with a 10” x 10” 300 dpi canvas can create 55 layers. While this may seem like all the layers you could ever want, they tend to go fast when you start to depend on them and you’re creating large projects.
Especially if you’re using the animation capabilities of Procreate, where each animation cell is a separate layer. Each time you group layers it’s a separate layer as well. You’ll notice you run out of all those layers fast.
The current versions of iPads have the following RAM sizes:
iPad 9th Generation3GBiPad Mini 6th Generation4GBiPad Air 4th Generation4GBiPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation8GB or 16GB (see note below)iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th Generation8GB or 16GB (see note below)Memory SizesCanvas Size
Within Procreate, there is a maximum size to the canvas you can create on each model. Here are the maximum sizes in pixels for each of the latest iPad models.
iPad 9th Generation7,327 x 7,327iPad Mini 6th Generation8,192 x 4,096iPad Air 4th Generation16,384 x 4,096 or 8,192 x 8,192iPad Pro 11-inch 3rd Generation16,384 x 4,096 or 8,192 x 8,192iPad Pro 12.9-inch 5th Generation16,384 x 4,096 or 8,192 x 8,192Maximum Canvas SizesModel-Specific Features
There are some Procreate features that are only available on certain models of iPads. Here are the features that are affected by the iPad model.
Color Panel History
Within the Color Panel, you can create whatever color you can dream up. A history of the last ten colors used is available on the iPad Pro only.
Color Pallet History on the iPad ProFacePaint
The FacePaint feature takes a canvas and maps it to your face using augmented reality (AR). This feature can be found in the Reference Companion window. It’s available only on the iPad Pro, the iPad Air, and iPad. While fun, this isn’t a key feature when creating digital art.
FacePaint is Part of the Reference Companion
Now the moment of truth. We’ve taken in quite a bit of information to get this far, and we’ve considered it all when looking at the different iPad models and different iPad options.
Which iPad is our top pick for Procreate? Drum roll please…
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro 8 GB! (That was a little anticlimactic, wasn’t it? We all kinda knew it was coming.)
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is the best choice of iPad for Procreate (and we recommend the 8gb version).
Before you think the iPad Pro is only for professionals, let me reassure you it’s not just the digital artists and graphic designers who will benefit from using it.
Here are the reasons we made the iPad Pro our top choice-
* The 8 1/2″ x 11″ screen is the same size as a sketchbook. If you’re used to sketching, the transition will be almost seamless. When it comes to screen size, you could be disappointed by going too small. Yes, you can still get the job done with a smaller screen, but you’ll find that you will wrestle more with repositioning the canvas on the screen than you would with a larger screen.
* It supports the superior Generation 2 Apple Pencil. The convenience of charging and storing the Apple Pencil by attaching it magnetically to the side of the iPad is hard to pass by. You won’t lose it and it will always be ready to go when you want to use it.
* Choosing the reduced 8 GB option is based on usage and cost. Unless you are a power user, the 8GB version is going to be good enough for most users. In addition, the 16 GB version is significantly more expensive than the 8 GB version (due to the additional storage that comes in that model as well), making the 16 GB version less attractive.
* The maximum canvas size and the model-specific features did not weigh heavily on our decision. While having a history of color palettes is convenient, it wasn’t a reason to choose the iPad Pro, and neither was the FacePaint feature. But they are fun to have.
Runner-up Best iPad for Procreate (and for Those on a Budget)
Let’s face it, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is expensive – plain and simple. For those of us who are looking for a budget-conscious option, we have a runner-up for the best iPad for Procreate… the iPad Air.
Here are the reasons why the iPad Air is a great choice and makes the most sense for those on a budget:
* The iPad Air starts at almost half the price of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and is a few hundred dollars cheaper than the 11-inch iPad Pro.
* As mentioned before, the screen size between the 11-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air is indistinguishable.
* You have compatibility with the superior Generation 2 Apple Pencil.
* The 4 GB of memory (RAM) available in the iPad Air will be enough for the average user. The Procreate power users may find it inadequate, but most people won’t fall into this category.
* If you’re on a budget, the maximum canvas size and the model-specific features likely won’t be enough to sway you to purchase an iPad Pro. They’re convenient and fun, but probably not worth the extra money.
Best iPad Accessories for Procreate
Jen’s Take as an Artist
Aside from the Apple Pencil (which seems mandatory and less of a choice), our top choice for the best iPad accessory for Procreate is the Zoegga Paper Screen Protector.
I’m not really one for screen protectors, but this brings an aspect to the iPad screen that was never there before. It makes it feel like and act like paper. The problem with a naked screen (or glass protector) is the surface.
This glass screen is extremely slippery, so your stylus wants to glide across the screen. Before I got this screen protector, my hand would feel fatigued from gripping the stylus and limiting the movement on the glass.
This also made my marks seem less natural and loose.
Using a protector with a paper-type texture solved these issues and brings us yet another step closer to the feel of using an actual canvas or sketchbook. Leaving you free to slip into that creative flow and just enjoy the experience.
Another accessory you may consider is getting a protective case for your iPad.
Sitting by the lake drawing on a summer afternoon? Oh yes, you can if you’ve got a good case! Be sure to get one with a place for your stylus- it works really well to have them together at all times.
My favorite cases are Fintie brand. This brand has lots of models and designs, plus it does a great job of protecting your investment. It also allows you to travel with your iPad.
But, if you want a case that’s going to protect your iPad from all kinds of tumbles (5′ drop protection) and even guarantees to cover your repair costs if your screen breaks, then you’ll want to check into the Zugu iPad cases. They aren’t as pretty as the Fintie brand, but they are more robust and have a selection of solid colors to choose from.
Designing Stickers in Procreate is SO Easy and Fun!
More Questions About the Best iPad for Procreate?
I’d love to help answer your questions! Here are a few I’ve been asked, but feel free to leave your own questions in the comments below.
Is Procreate ONLY available for iPad?
Yes… and no. Currently Procreate has said it has no plans to create a current version for either Windows or Android users. However, you can purchase a version of Procreate that is designed for use with the iPhone. (Procreate Pocket)
Is Procreate worth buying an iPad?
Yes! IF you’re interested in creating digital art or designing digitally then Procreate is arguable the best drawing app for any tablet. But, it’s only available on iPad. Drawing digitally is a game-changer for many of us, it channels are creativity from a stylus to our screen in a way that feels natural. Especially, if you’re used to creating with a pencil and paper.
Drawing digitally has all kinds of amazing benefits and once you’ll start you and see how easy it is, you’ll love it. Just the ability to undo my actions is life-changing.
What is the Cheapest iPad for Procreate?
The iPad 10.2 is the cheapest iPad for Procreate at under $350 USD. This is the most basic iPad.
Is the iPad or the iPad Air better for Procreate?
The iPad Air is a better choice for Procreate than the iPad. The iPad Air is probably the second best choice after the iPad Pro. See more about all the models in the post above.
Do You Have to Pay Monthly for Procreate?
No. Procreate is a one-time app purchase of $9.99 USD. All updates are free and there are currently no in-app purchases.
Does Procreate Take Up a Lot of Storage?
It does, but any image file takes up more than text space. But, if you keep your layers to a minimum, and you turn off the time-lapse feature you’ll significantly reduce the file size.
You can save your Procreate designs to a separate storage site as well, either an iCloud site, dropbox, Onedrive etc. Or you can save to an external drive. I regularly do back ups of my iPad to an external hard drive.
Are there Updates for Procreate?
Yes! Procreate does come up with some GREAT updates and they’re all free. To update your version of Procreate check the App Store.
Curious About What You Can Do with Procreate?
Check out our Procreate tutorials! We’ve made tons of stickers, taken sketch notes, created designs for engraving, card making, and more. and even made gifs and posts for social media.
Legit, the iPad Pro was THE best Christmas present ever, with the Apple Pencil Gen 2 being the second best.
If you’re new to Procreate, be sure to check out my post, Beginners Guide to How to Use Procreate!
I also love how easy it is to create designs for my Cricut projects, in my post, How to Make a Leather Hair Barrette with the Cricut Desbossing Tool, I talk about how amazed I was to go from a quick sketch in Procreate to a cut and debossed leather barrette on my Cricut in less than 20 minutes.
This program will rock your world and makes learning a complicated graphic design program a nonissue for those who’d like to create their own original designs. It’s absolutely amazing.
Thanks for reading this article on the best iPad for Procreate. I hope that it helped demystify the tech for you. If you have any more questions, please feel free to comment below. And if you’d like to remember this post for easy reference later don’t forget to pin the image below!
Thanks for Reading,
Like to refer back to this post, Best iPad for Procreate [2021]? It’s easy- just Pin it!
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