Designing on an iPad used to be thought of as having limitations due to the available programs and features within those programs. Nowadays, though, that is rarely the case. Popular design software now offer many of the same features we already use and are comfortable with on their desktop versions, now in the iPad software.

In some instances though, problems can come about. Shortcut keys, for example, are all but not available, which can throw a wrench into the flow and speed at which designers produce work. Even if you do manage to add in a few shortcut keys, the odds of a designer having a keyboard attached to their iPad aren’t high, especially if they are using it on the go. In the article below we have compiled the 8 best graphic design softwares for iPad and highlighted the pros and cons of each.

Top 8 best graphic design softwares for iPad

  1. Photoshop Express Photo Editor – Best for collecting, creating collages of and editing photos on the go
  2. Canva – Best graphic design software for beginners
  3. Autodesk Sketchbook – Best graphic design software to practice your sketching skills
  4. Paper by WeTransfer – Best graphic design software for getting inspired
  5. ProCreate Pocket – Best graphic design software for creating with different brushes
  6. Affinity Designer – Best graphic design software for advanced users
  7. Vectornator X – Best graphic design software on a budget
  8. Adobe Illustrator – Best graphic design software for designing vector art

1. Photoshop Express Photo Editor – Best for collecting, creating collages of and editing photos on the go

PRICING: Free to download, however some features require a Creative Cloud membership which costs $34.99/year.

Photoshop Express carries over many great basic editing tools that are available in the desktop version of photoshop. When it launched, it was a very simplistic editing tool and has come a long way from that, many of the new upgraded tools are aimed at social media presence. You do, however, need to have a Creative Cloud membership in order to use some of the most popular features..

KEY FEATURES

  • Cropping
  • Filters and effects
  • Themes and collages

REASONS TO BUY

  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Many great basic tools and edits available for free

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Only basic tools are free to use
  • If you’re looking for a retouch tool, there are not a lot of retouching options available

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2. Canva – Best graphic design software for beginners

PRICING: Free to download, optional to pay for premium elements to use in your designs.

Canva has presented itself as the design software for everyone, with their many drag and drop style design elements, and easy to use interface. Canva for iPad brings all the features of the desktop app to the iPad and allows you to design from wherever you are.

KEY FEATURES

  • Share and design with friends
  • Choose from a wide library of images and fonts or upload your own

REASONS TO BUY

  • No design experience required to use
  • Easy to use interface
  • Free library of elements

REASONS TO AVOID

  • App can crash when using certain tools like background removal
  • Scrolling through the expansive library can cause lagging

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3. Sketchbook – Best graphic design software to practice your sketching skills

PRICING: Free to download

Sketchbook is a sketching, painting, and drawing app for anyone. Artists and illustrators are drawn to Sketchbook for its feature set and customizable tools. The easy to use interface and organic drawing experience make it the perfect app for those sketching for themselves, for work or on the go on their iPad.

KEY FEATURES

  • Easy to use and beginner friendly
  • Works with Apple pencil

REASONS TO BUY

  • Can detect the difference between your palm resting on the iPad and your pencil tool when sketching
  • Great tool selection

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Lacks some more in-depth features
  • Occasionally have to close the app and restart

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4. Paper by WeTransfer – Best graphic design software for getting inspired

PRICING: Free of charge, upgraded features are available to purchase within the software.

Paper is a polished, easy to use sketching app that can help you take your ideas to new levels. This software also comes with ample inspiration from other artists to help block out the intimidation of starting a project.

KEY FEATURES

  • 3D interactions
  • Sketch
  • Journal
  • Collage

REASONS TO BUY

  • Easy to use
  • Organized
  • Great for the everyday artist

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Has been known to crash on occasion
  • ‘Premium’ features you have to pay for are free with other software downloads

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5. ProCreate Pocket – Best graphic design software for creating with different brushes

PRICING: $9.99

ProCreate is a one stop for all things graphic design. Geared more toward industry professionals, this software pretty much does it all, from sketching, to illustrating to digital painting.

KEY FEATURES

  • Brush selection
  • Multi-touch gestures

REASONS TO BUY

  • Great for drawing of any kind, organic movement when sketching
  • 3D model painting tool

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Steeper learning curve
  • Saving artwork can be confusing since there is no folder organization system

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6. Affinity Designer – Best graphic design software for advanced users

PRICING: $21.99 one time purchase.

Affinity designer was created with speed, interface and extra features in mind. This software is perfect for the designer on the go, the iPad available version has the same features as the desktop application. The three personas you can work in are a big selling point for many designers, giving alternate views to projects. This in addition to the nearly unlimited amount of times you can press the undo button, make it a top contender for many professionals.

KEY FEATURES

  • Unlimited artboards
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Saveable history

REASONS TO BUY

  • Ability to save/export to multiple industry standard formats
  • Not subscription based, purchase one time and you have access for life
  • One of the best professional design apps

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Steep learning curve, tools geared more toward industry standards
  • No natural perspective grid available

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7. Vectornator X – Best graphic design software on a budget

PRICING: Free to download

Vectornator is free to download, and doesn’t skimp on the tools or extra features. The vast library of brushes, typography tools, pdf editing capabilities and more make this a great tool for anyone in the design space.

KEY FEATURES

  • PDF editing feature
  • Touch pen, mouse, keyboard and fingertip touch support

REASONS TO BUY

  • Great app to ease into vector art, not an overwhelming interface
  • Easy to use

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Quick action buttons not equipped with tooltips or quick tips on how to use the tools.
  • If you’re used to the Adobe programs, this software will look foreign at first based on placement and tools but once you get the layout down it’s good to go

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8. Adobe Illustrator – Best graphic design software for designing vector art

PRICING: $20.99/month

Adobe Illustrator is an industry leader in vector graphic design for many reasons. As a creative cloud application, you can work on files from anywhere at any time. Tools like vector brushes, integration with other applications, customization and more take your creativity to the next level.

KEY FEATURES

  • Natural drawing feeling
  • Supports templates from desktop application of Illustrator
  • Brush customization

REASONS TO BUY

  • Typography capabilities and design
  • Available to work offline from anywhere
  • Included if you purchase a Creative Cloud membership

REASONS TO AVOID

  • Costly program
  • Great for vector art, not the best at other styles so if you aren’t focused solely on vector art, that price point is high.

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References and Links

  • https://www.reviewgeek.com/44669/10-great-graphic-design-tools-for-your-ipad/
  • https://www.igeeksblog.com/best-iphone-ipad-apps-for-graphic-designer/
  • https://www.pcmag.com
  • https://www.adobe.com
  • https://www.vectornator.io
  • https://affinity.serif.com/en-us/
  • https://procreate.art/pocket
  • https://wetransfer.com/paper
  • https://www.sketchbook.com
  • https://www.canva.com